bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decentralized Control for Scalable Quadcopter Formations
Authors: Ali Qasim , Montenegro Sergio
Published: August 2016

An innovative framework has been developed for teamwork of two quadcopter formations, each having its specified formation geometry, assigned task, and matching control scheme. Position control for quadcopters in one of the formations has been implemented through a Linear Quadratic Regulator Proportional Integral (LQR PI) control scheme based on explicit model following scheme. Quadcopters in the other formation are controlled through LQR PI servomechanism control scheme. These two control schemes are compared in terms of their performance and control effort. Both formations are commanded by respective ground stations through virtual leaders. Quadcopters in formations are able to track desired trajectories as well as hovering at desired points for selected time duration. In case of communication loss between ground station and any of the quadcopters, the neighboring quadcopter provides the command data, received from the ground station, to the affected unit. Proposed control schemes have been validated through extensive simulations using MATLAB®/Simulink® that provided favorable results.
Study on Acoustic Emission Characteristics of a Semirigid Base of Dense Skeleton Type during Complete Uniaxial Compression Tests
Authors: Li Shengli , Wu Guangming , Wu Hao
Published: August 2016

Acoustic emission testing of semirigid base specimens subjected to uniaxial compression was performed by a mechanical testing machine and AE system to find the AE criterion of the uniaxial compressive failure process of the semirigid base of dense skeleton types. AE counts, cumulative AE energy, andb-value were discussed. Results indicated that the AE parameters could reflect the failure process of semirigid bases of dense skeleton types. The failure process mainly underwent three stages that were divided based on AE parameters into initial stage of development, stable growth stage, and unstable stage. The knees of the AE parameter curve were at 25% and 85% of the ultimate load. The variation of theb-value could indicate the stress and be a precursor to the failure of the specimens. In general terms, ab-value greater than 3.5 indicates that specimens are at the initial stage of development. Ab-value between 1 and 2 indicates that the specimens are at the stable growth stage. If theb-value seems to fluctuate and increase, the specimens are at the unstable stage. Moreover, the AE parameters indicated that attaching sensors to the waist of specimens was superior to that at other locations of a specimen.
Preliminary Evaluation of Clinical and Angiographic Outcomes with Biodegradable Polymer Coated Sirolimus-Eluting Stent inDe NovoCoronary Artery Disease: Results of the MANIPAL-FLEX Study
Authors: Shetty Ranjan , Prajapati Jayesh , Pai Umesh , Shetty Kiran
Published: August 2016

Objective. The objective of the MANIPAL-FLEX study was to evaluate the feasibility, preliminary safety, and efficacy of the Supraflex sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) implantation, inde novocoronary artery disease, using clinical and quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) follow-ups.Methods. This was a prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter, single-arm study that enrolled 189 patients withde novocoronary artery disease who were treated with the Supraflex SES. Of 189 patients enrolled, the first 61 consecutive patients who consented to a 9-month follow-up evaluation by QCA, irrespective of presence of symptoms, were to be followed up with angiography at 9 months. The primary endpoint of the study was target lesion failure (TLF), including cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization during 12-month follow-up after the index procedure.Results. The mean age of the study population was58±11years, with 51.3% (97/189) of hypertensive patients. Total of 66 lesions, analyzed by offline QCA, showed good scaffolding of the target vessel with in-stent late lumen loss at 9 months of0.18±0.23 mm. The observed TLF at 30-day, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up were 2 (1.1%), 6 (3.2%), and 10 (5.3%), respectively.Conclusion. This study provides preliminary evidence for the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the Supraflex sirolimus-eluting stent.
Enhancement of Light Localization in Hybrid Thue-Morse/Periodic Photonic Crystals
Authors: Asmi Rihab , Ben Ali Naim , Kanzari Mounir
Published: August 2016

The electric field intensity in one-dimensional (1D) quasiperiodic and hybrid photonics band-gap structures is studied in the present paper. The photonic structures are ordered according to Fibonacci, Thue-Morse, Cantor, Rudin-Shapiro, Period-Doubling, Paper-Folding, and Baum-Sweet sequences. The study shows that the electric field intensity is higher for the Thue-Morse multilayer systems. After that the Thue-Morse structure will be combined with a periodic structure to form a hybrid photonic structure. It is shown that this hybrid system is the best for a strong localization of light. The proposed structures have been modeled using the Transfer Matrix Method.
Diagnosis of High Voltage Insulators Made of Ceramic Using Spectrophotometry
Authors: Frącz Paweł , Urbaniec Ireneusz , Turba Tomasz , Krzewiński Sławomir
Published: August 2016

The paper presents results of comparative analysis of optical signals emitted by partial discharges occurring on three types of high voltage insulators made of porcelain. The research work consisted of diagnosis of the following devices: a long rod insulator, a cap insulator, and an insulating cylinder. For optical signal registration a spectrophotometer was applied. All measurements were performed under laboratory conditions by changing the value of partial discharges generation voltage. For the cylindrical insulator also the distance between high voltage and ground electrodes was subjected for investigation as a factor having influence on partial discharges. The main contribution which resulted from the studies is statement that application of spectrophotometer enables faster recognition of partial discharges, as compared to standard methods.
Effects of Short-Day and Gibberellic Acid Treatments on Summer Vegetative Propagation of Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureumSchumach)
Authors: Ishii Yasuyuki , Yamano Asuka , Idota Sachiko
Published: August 2016

The effects of short-day (SD) and gibberellic acid (GA3) treatments on promoting vegetative propagation during the summer were examined in Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureumSchumach). A dwarf variety of late heading type (DL) Napier grass was exposed to three SD treatments (5, 10, and 20 short days plus a spray of 400 ppm GA3solution following each SD treatment, GASD) or no treatment (control). Additionally, then, a dwarf variety of early heading (DE) and the normal variety of Merkeron (ME) were exposed to 10 days of GA-SD treatment together with nontreated controls. For DL and DE, GA-SD treatments showed the following effects: 10-day GA-SD treatment increased significantly (P<0.05) the length of lateral tiller buds, maintained a high rooting percentage, and increased the diameter of the tiller buds. This resulted in a taller plant, one with enhanced tiller numbers, and thus a greater number of established nursery plants for the two dwarf varieties. In contrast, there was only a limited positive effect of the GA-SD treatments on the normal variety, ME. Thus, 10 days of GA-SD treatment was judged to be the most effective treatment for promoting lateral tiller bud elongation and early maturation in tiller buds for the two dwarf varieties of Napier grass.
Sulfur Fixation by Chemically Modified Red Mud Samples Containing Inorganic Additives: A Parametric Study
Authors: Liu Yang , Li Yang , Zhou Feng-shan , Hu Ying-mo , Zhang Yi-he
Published: August 2016

Sulfur retention ability of Bayer red mud from alumina plant was investigated. Bayer red mud modified by fusel salt and waste mother liquor of sodium ferrocyanide as the main sulfur fixation agent and the calcium based natural mineral materials as servicing additives; the experimental results showed the following: (1) Through 10 wt% waste mother liquor of sodium ferrocyanide modifying Bayer red mud, sulfur fixation rate can increase by 13 wt%. (2) Magnesium oxide can obviously improve the sulfur fixation performance of Bayer red mud and up to a maximum sulfur fixation rate of 47 wt% at adding 1 wt% magnesium oxide. (3) Dolomite enhanced the sulfur fixation performances with the sulfur fixation rate of 68 wt% in optimized condition. (4) Vermiculite dust reduced sulfur dioxide during the fixed-sulfur process of modified Bayer red mud, and the desulphurization ration could reach up to a maximum 76 wt% at 950°C. (5) An advanced three-component sulfur fixation agent was investigated, in which the optimized mass ratio of modified Bayer red mud, dolomite, and vermiculite dust was 70 : 28 : 2 in order, and its sulfur fixation efficiency has reached to a maximum 87 wt% under its 20 wt% dosage in the coal.
Targeting Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 for Treatment of Soft-Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Chudasama Priya , Renner Marcus , Straub Melanie , Mughal Sadaf S. , Hutter Barbara , Kosaloglu Zeynep , Schweßinger Ron , Scheffler Matthias , Alldinger Ingo , Schimmack Simon , Persigehl Thorsten , Kobe Carsten , Jäger Dirk , von Kalle Christof , Schirmacher Peter , Beckhaus Marie-Kristin , Wolf Stephan , Heining Christoph , Gröschel Stefan , Wolf Jürgen , Brors Benedikt , Weichert Wilko , Glimm Hanno , Scholl Claudia , Mechtersheimer Gunhild , Specht Katja , Fröhling Stefan
Published: August 2016

Purpose: Altered FGFR1 signaling has emerged as a therapeutic target in epithelial malignancies. In contrast, the role of FGFR1 in soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) has not been established. Prompted by the detection and subsequent therapeutic inhibition of amplified FGFR1 in a patient with metastatic leiomyosarcoma, we investigated the oncogenic properties of FGFR1 and its potential as a drug target in patients with STS.

Experimental Design: The frequency of FGFR1 amplification and overexpression, as assessed by FISH, microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization and mRNA expression profiling, SNP array profiling, and RNA sequencing, was determined in three patient cohorts. The sensitivity of STS cell lines with or without FGFR1 alterations to genetic and pharmacologic FGFR1 inhibition and the signaling pathways engaged by FGFR1 were investigated using viability assays, colony formation assays, and biochemical analysis.

Results: Increased FGFR1 copy number was detected in 74 of 190 (38.9%; cohort 1), 13 of 79 (16.5%; cohort 2), and 80 of 254 (31.5%; cohort 3) patients. FGFR1 overexpression occurred in 16 of 79 (20.2%, cohort 2) and 39 of 254 (15.4%; cohort 3) patients. Targeting of FGFR1 by RNA interference and small-molecule inhibitors (PD173074, AZD4547, BGJ398) revealed that the requirement for FGFR1 signaling in STS cells is dictated by FGFR1 expression levels, and identified the MAPK–ERK1/2 axis as critical FGFR1 effector pathway.

Conclusions: These data identify FGFR1 as a driver gene in multiple STS subtypes and support FGFR1 inhibition, guided by patient selection according to the FGFR1 expression and monitoring of MAPK–ERK1/2 signaling, as a therapeutic option in this challenging group of diseases. Clin Cancer Res; 23(4); 962–73. ©2016 AACR.
ADCT-301, a Pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) Dimer–Containing Antibody–Drug Conjugate (ADC) Targeting CD25-Expressing Hematological Malignancies
Authors: Flynn Michael J. , Zammarchi Francesca , Tyrer Peter C. , Akarca Ayse U. , Janghra Narinder , Britten Charles E. , Havenith Carin E.G. , Levy Jean-Noel , Tiberghien Arnaud , Masterson Luke A. , Barry Conor , D'Hooge Francois , Marafioti Teresa , Parren Paul W.H.I. , Williams David G. , Howard Philip W. , van Berkel Patrick H. , Hartley John A.
Published: August 2016

Despite the many advances in the treatment of hematologic malignancies over the past decade, outcomes in refractory lymphomas remain poor. One potential strategy in this patient population is the specific targeting of IL2R-α (CD25), which is overexpressed on many lymphoma and leukemic cells, using antibody–drug conjugates (ADC). ADCT-301 is an ADC composed of human IgG1 HuMax-TAC against CD25, stochastically conjugated through a dipeptide cleavable linker to a pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) dimer warhead with a drug–antibody ratio (DAR) of 2.3. ADCT-301 binds human CD25 with picomolar affinity. ADCT-301 has highly potent and selective cytotoxicity against a panel of CD25-expressing human lymphoma cell lines. Once internalized, the released warhead binds in the DNA minor groove and exerts its potent cytotoxic action via the formation of DNA interstrand cross-links. A strong correlation between loss of viability and DNA cross-link formation is demonstrated. DNA damage persists, resulting in phosphorylation of histone H2AX, cell-cycle arrest in G2–M, and apoptosis. Bystander killing of CD25-negative cells by ADCT-301 is also observed. In vivo, a single dose of ADCT-301 results in dose-dependent and targeted antitumor activity against both subcutaneous and disseminated CD25-positive lymphoma models. In xenografts of Karpas 299, which expressed both CD25 and CD30, marked superiority over brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris) is observed. Dose-dependent increases in DNA cross-linking, γ-H2AX, and PBD payload staining were observed in tumors in vivo indicating a role as relevant pharmacodynamic assays. Together, these data support the clinical testing of this novel ADC in patients with CD25-expressing tumors. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(11); 2709–21. ©2016 AACR.
Expression of Genes Involved in Vascular Morphogenesis and Maturation Predicts Efficacy of Bevacizumab-Based Chemotherapy in Patients Undergoing Liver Resection
Authors: Stremitzer Stefan , Zhang Wu , Yang Dongyun , Ning Yan , Sunakawa Yu , Matsusaka Satoshi , Parekh Anish , Okazaki Satoshi , Hanna Diana , Astrow Stephanie H. , Moran Miriana , Hernandez Jose , Stephens Craig , Scherer Stefan J. , Stift Judith , Wrba Friedrich , Gruenberger Thomas , Lenz Heinz-Josef
Published: August 2016

Angiogenesis-related gene expression is associated with the efficacy of anti-VEGF therapy. We tested whether intratumoral mRNA expression levels of genes involved in vascular morphogenesis and early vessel maturation predict response, recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) in a unique cohort of patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM) treated with bevacizumab-based chemotherapy followed by curative liver resection. Intratumoral mRNA was isolated from resected bevacizumab-pretreated CLM from 125 patients. In 42 patients, a matching primary tumor sample collected before bevacizumab treatment was available. Relative mRNA levels of 9 genes (ACVRL1, EGFL7, EPHB4, HIF1A, VEGFA, VEGFB, VEGFC, FLT1, and KDR) were analyzed by RT-PCR and evaluated for associations with response, RFS, and OS. P values for the associations between the individual dichotomized expression level and RFS were adjusted for choosing the optimal cut-off value. In CLM, high expression of VEGFB, VEGFC, HIF1A, and KDR and low expression of EGFL7 were associated with favorable RFS in multivariable analysis (P < 0.05). High ACVRL1 levels predicted favorable 3-year OS (P = 0.041) and radiologic response (PR = 1.093, SD = 0.539, P = 0.002). In primary tumors, low VEGFA and high EGFL7 were associated with radiologic and histologic response (P < 0.05). High VEGFA expression predicted shorter RFS (10.1 vs. 22.6 months; HR = 2.83, P = 0.038). High VEGFB (46% vs. 85%; HR = 5.75, P = 0.009) and low FLT1 (55% vs. 100%; P = 0.031) predicted lower 3-year OS rates. Our data suggest that intratumoral mRNA expression of genes involved in vascular morphogenesis and early vessel maturation may be promising predictive and/or prognostic biomarkers. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(11); 2814–21. ©2016 AACR.
Esophagus-Related Symptoms in First-Degree Relatives of Patients with Achalasia: Is Screening Necessary?
Authors: Gockel Henning R. , Lesse Moritz , Schumacher Johannes , Müller Michaela , Gockel Ines
Published: August 2016

Background: Despite an increasing understanding of the pathophysiology of achalasia, the etiology of this esophageal motility disorder remains largely unknown. However, the occurrence of familial achalasia, its association with well-defined genetic syndromes, the candidate gene approach, and recent presentation of the first systematic genome-wide association study on achalasia suggest the involvement of genetic factors. Methods: In this study we analyzed the frequency with which symptoms associated with esophageal function (swallowing difficulties, regurgitations, retrosternal cramps/pain, heartburn) occur in first-degree relatives of patients with achalasia to determine if screening is useful and justified against the background of early diagnosis in a genetically predisposed population. The survey of data was carried out in 759 relatives of the 359 achalasia patients included in this study by means of structured interviews. Results: Swallowing difficulties as the principal symptom of achalasia were found to occur at least occasionally in 11.2% of first-degree relatives. In comparison with the prevalence of dysphagia in the general population of 7-10% up to 22%, as described in the literature, the frequency of swallowing difficulties does not seem to be increased in our population of relatives. Conclusion: Screening measures do not appear to be justified in spite of the potential genetic background of achalasia.
The Mini-Mental State Examination: Czech Norms and Cutoffs for Mild Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Bartos Ales , Raisova Miloslava
Published: August 2016

Background: There is a lack of normative studies of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for comparison with early Alzheimer's disease (AD) according to new diagnostic criteria. Participants and Methods: We administered the MMSE to normal elderly Czechs and to patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild dementia due to AD according to NIA-AA criteria. Results: We established percentile- and standard deviation-based norms for the MMSE from 650 normal seniors (age 69 ± 8 years, education 14 ± 3 years, MMSE score 28 ± 2 points) stratified by education and age. Dementia patients scored significantly lower than the MCI patients and both groups (110 early AD patients) had significantly lower MMSE scores than the normal seniors (22 ± 5 or 25 ± 3 vs. 28 ± 2 points) (p < 0.01). The optimal cutoff was ≤27 points with sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 79% for early detection of AD patients. Conclusion: We provided MMSE norms, several cutoffs, and higher cutoff scores for early AD using recent guidelines.
Transcranial Attenuation in Patients with Single-Sided Deafness
Authors: Snapp Hillary A. , Morgenstein Kari E. , Telischi Fred F. , Angeli Simon
Published: August 2016

Transcranial attenuation (TA) of bone-conducted sound has a high degree of variability by frequency and subject, which may play a role in the objective benefit of individuals with single-sided deafness (SSD) treated with a bone-anchored implant (BAI). This study sought to determine whether TA is predictive of benefit in individuals with SSD who receive a BAI. Adult, English-speaking patients with unilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss who underwent a BAI evaluation were included for study. Absolute TA values were consistent with previously published reports. Regression analysis indicated no correlation between TA values and aided speech-in-noise performance for any combined or individual frequencies. Measures of TA do not provide predictive value in determining behavioral outcomes in the SSD population. Specifically, low TA does not suggest improved outcomes with a BAI.
Temporal Patterns of Gene Expression Profiles in the Neonatal Mouse Lung after Hypoxia-Reoxygenation
Authors: Rognlien Anne Gro W. , Wollen Embjørg J. , Atneosen-Åsegg Monica , Saugstad Ola Didrik
Published: August 2016

Background: One out of four children with neonatal asphyxia has lung involvement. Still, there has been little research on injury mechanisms of hypoxia-reoxygenation in the neonatal lung. Objectives: To make a temporal profile of the gene expression changes of 44 a priori selected genes after hypoxia-reoxygenation in the newborn mouse lung, and to compare the changes after hyperoxic and normoxic reoxygenation. Methods: Postnatal day 7 mice were randomized to 2-hour hypoxia (8% O2) and 30-min reoxygenation in either 60% O2 or air. After 0-72 h of observation, gene expression changes and protein concentrations in whole lung homogenates were examined. Results: Immediately after completed reoxygenation, 7 genes of mediators of inflammation were downregulated, and there was an antiapoptotic gene expression pattern. Three DNA glycosylases were downregulated, while genes involved in cell cycle renewal indicated both increased and decreased cell cycle arrest. Sod1 (T2.5h median H60: 1.01, H21: 0.88, p = 0.005; T5h median H60: 1.04, H21: 0.85, p = 0.038) and Il1b (T0h median H60: 0.86, H21: 1.08, p = 0.021) were significantly differentially expressed when comparing hyperoxic and normoxic reoxygenation. Conclusion: In this newborn mouse lung hypoxia-reoxygenation model, we found downregulation of genes of mediators of inflammation, an antiapoptotic gene expression pattern, and downregulation of DNA glycosylases. Sod1 and Il1b were significantly differentially expressed when comparing reoxygenation using 60% O2 with air.
The Challenge of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Diagnosis in Asia
Authors: Li Yue , Qian Jia-ming
Published: August 2016

Background: The current major clinical challenge relates to the accurate diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Asian countries with a high background prevalence of infections. Summary: The diagnosis of Crohn's disease in geographical areas where tuberculosis is endemic poses a major diagnostic challenge. Key Messages: Infections can mimic IBD and complicate the course of existing IBD. Limited availability of diagnostic modalities and health service may delay diagnosis. A multidisciplinary approach, continuous medical education, and academic activities may warrant an accurate diagnosis of IBD.
Mbalax – Música Popular no Senegal: Uma tradição moderna entre herança colonial e World Music
Authors: Döring Katharina
Published: August 2016

O presente artigo descreve aspectos da música popular da África ocidental, focando no gênero música Mbalax do Senegal que surgiu a partir dos anos 60/70, e que continua vivo até hoje na região com vários subgêneros. Tal gênero musical foi protagonizado entre outros pelo cantor e compositor senegalês Youssou N’ Dour, que propagou esse movimento internacionalmente. Procura-se ampliar a visão sobre a música popular e tradicional africana no cenário acadêmico brasileiro, comparando alguns aspectos e posições sobre as fronteiras flutuantes entre o que seria música tradicional e música popular.
O consumo moderno como experiência romântica e estética, da imaginação à imagem
Authors: Mauro Rosana
Published: August 2016

Resenha do livro A ética romantica e o espírito do consumismo moderno de Colin Campbell
A cultura da memória e suas interfaces com a comunicação e o consumo: um estudo sobre a marca Granado
Authors: Assmar Correia Maia Lobato Mayara Luma
Published: August 2016

Neste artigo, pretende-se fazer uma análise da presença da cultura da memória nas sociedades capitalistas do século XXI, por meio de sua ressonância no universo do consumo da perfumaria Granado. Por meio das reflexões de Huyssen, Nora, Nunes, Kopytoff e outros, estuda-se a priorização do estilo retrô na ambientação das lojas, nos rótulos e embalagens e nas fórmulas dos produtos da marca brasileira, constatando a valorização da memória e seus componentes simbólico-afetivos para a venda de produtos.
Gadolinium Enhancement in Intracranial Atherosclerotic Plaque and Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Gupta Ajay , Baradaran Hediyeh , Al‐Dasuqi Khalid , Knight‐Greenfield Ashley , Giambrone Ashley E. , Delgado Diana , Wright Drew , Teng Zhongzhao , Min James K. , Navi Babak B. , Iadecola Costantino , Kamel Hooman
Published: August 2016

Background

Gadolinium enhancement on high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging (
MRI
) has been proposed as a marker of inflammation and instability in intracranial atherosclerotic plaque. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to summarize the association between intracranial atherosclerotic plaque enhancement and acute ischemic stroke.

Methods and Results

We searched the medical literature to identify studies of patients undergoing intracranial vessel wall
MRI
for evaluation of intracranial atherosclerotic plaque. We recorded study data and assessed study quality, with disagreements in data extraction resolved by a third reader. A random‐effects odds ratio was used to assess whether, in any given patient, cerebral infarction was more likely in the vascular territory supplied by an artery with
MRI
‐detected plaque enhancement as compared to territory supplied by an artery without enhancement. We calculated between‐study heterogeneity using the Cochrane Q test and publication bias using the Begg‐Mazumdar test. Eight articles published between 2011 and 2015 met inclusion criteria. These studies provided information about plaque enhancement characteristics from 295 arteries in 330 patients. We found a significant positive relationship between
MRI
enhancement and cerebral infarction in the same vascular territory, with a random effects odds ratio of 10.8 (95%
CI
4.1–28.1,
P
<0.001). No significant heterogeneity (Q=11.08,
P
=0.14) or publication bias (
P
=0.80) was present.

Conclusions

Intracranial plaque enhancement on high‐resolution vessel wall
MRI
is strongly associated with ischemic stroke. Evaluation for plaque enhancement on
MRI
may be a useful test to improve diagnostic yield in patients with ischemic strokes of undetermined etiology.
Doubting Conventional Reality: Interactive Mind Works
Authors: Stone Lynden
Published: August 2016

Quantum mechanics sits uncomfortably with “conventional reality,” defined as knowable, objective and mind-independent. There seems to be no consensus among physicists as to what the findings of quantum mechanics mean for conventional reality. Drawing on concepts of quantum mechanics, the author makes artworks that provoke viewers to doubt conventional reality. Here, she discusses two of her interactive “mind works,” which provide not only artistic metaphorical representations of quantum concepts but also quantum random events that allow viewers to test their beliefs, or otherwise, in a reality that is objective and mind-independent.
When the male determines his provisioning effort: does the timing of handicapping affect the negotiation between parents in Nicrophorus quadripunctatus?
Authors: Suzuki Seizi
Published: August 2016

Negotiation models of biparental care predict that when one parent reduces its care, the mate should adjust its care facultatively to compensate partially. Because the importance of negotiation is likely to change over the course of a breeding attempt, the timing of handicapping (decreasing mate effort) might affect the degree to which the other parent adjust their level of care. I examined how male burying beetles (Nicrophorus quadripunctatus) parents adjust their level of provisioning when their mates are handicapped at different times. Provisioning times of males increased when a handicap was attached before hatching compared to that after hatching. However, when the handicap was removed from the female, male provisioning remained high even though female provisioning recovered. It is possible that adjusting care inN. quadripunctatusinvolves a time lag.
Selling Short as Ijarāh with Istiḥsān and Its Ethical Implication
Authors: Sifat Imtiaz Mohammad , Mohamad Azhar
Published: August 2016

For most scholars, the concept of selling short, where financial assets are sold without prior possession or ownership, transgresses Islamic principles. However, the Sharīʿah Advisory Council of the Securities Commission of Malaysia (sac) went against the majority by permitting short selling in 2006. Conventional finance points out that short selling increases liquidity, facilitates price discovery, and enables informational efficiency. Muslim scholars are facing a dilemma: on the one hand, Sharīʿah principles dictate that Islamic capital market transactions and instruments should remain devoid of elements of ambiguity and prohibited characteristics, but on the other hand, the Sharīʿah also demands that the transactions be of social utility to the participating parties. It appears that the sac allows regulated short selling on the basis of ijārah with istiḥsān. This article strives to highlight the jurisprudential issues regarding short selling and contribute to an Islamic angle on the ethical implications affecting this phenomenon.
Killing Two Birds with One Deceit
Authors: Dynel Marta
Published: August 2016

This paper explores the workings of deception performed in multi-party interactions, a topic hitherto hardly ever examined by deception philosophers. Deception is here discussed in the light of a neo-Goffmanian classification of (un)ratified hearers and a neo-Gricean version of speaker meaning, anchored in non-reflexive intentionality and accountability, which is shown to operate beyond the speaker-hearer dyad. An utterance, it is argued, may carry different meanings, judged according to their (lack of) intentionality and (non)deceptiveness, towards the individuals performing different hearer roles. The complex mechanisms of deception with regard to different hearers are illustrated with examples culled from the American television series “House.” Deception in fictional interactions is illustrative of real-life manifestations of deception, yet it brings into focus also those rare ones, which are in the centre of philosophical attention.
Evaluation of the AMPS Boundary Layer Simulations on the Ross Ice Shelf with Tower Observations
Authors: Wille Jonathan D. , Bromwich David H. , Nigro Melissa A. , Cassano John J. , Mateling Marian , Lazzara Matthew A. , Wang Sheng-Hung
Published: August 2016

Flight operations in Antarctica rely on accurate weather forecasts aided by the numerical predictions primarily produced by the Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System (AMPS) that employs the polar version of the Weather Research and Forecasting (Polar WRF) Model. To improve the performance of the model’s Mellor–Yamada–Janjić (MYJ) planetary boundary layer (PBL) scheme, this study examines 1.5 yr of meteorological data provided by the 30-m Alexander Tall Tower! (ATT) automatic weather station on the western Ross Ice Shelf from March 2011 to July 2012. Processed ATT observations at 10-min intervals from the multiple observational levels are compared with the 5-km-resolution AMPS forecasts run daily at 0000 and 1200 UTC. The ATT comparison shows that AMPS has fundamental issues with moisture and handling stability as a function of wind speed. AMPS has a 10-percentage-point (i.e., RH unit) relative humidity dry bias year-round that is highest when katabatic winds from the Byrd and Mulock Glaciers exceed 15 m s−1. This is likely due to nonlocal effects such as errors in the moisture content of the katabatic flow and AMPS not parameterizing the sublimation from blowing snow. AMPS consistently overestimates the wind speed at the ATT by 1–2 m s−1, in agreement with previous studies that attribute the high wind speed bias to the MYJ scheme. This leads to reduced stability in the simulated PBL, thus affecting the model’s ability to properly simulate the transfer of heat and momentum throughout the PBL.
New Tools for Comparing Beliefs about the Timing of Recurrent Events with Climate Time Series Datasets
Authors: Stiller-Reeve Mathew Alexander , Stephenson David B. , Spengler Thomas
Published: August 2016

For climate services to be relevant and informative for users, scientific data definitions need to match users’ perceptions or beliefs. This study proposes and tests novel yet simple methods to compare beliefs of timing of recurrent climatic events with empirical evidence from multiple historical time series. The methods are tested by applying them to the onset date of the monsoon in Bangladesh, where several scientific monsoon definitions can be applied, yielding different results for monsoon onset dates. It is a challenge to know which monsoon definition compares best with people’s beliefs. Time series from eight different scientific monsoon definitions in six regions are compared with respondent beliefs from a previously completed survey concerning the monsoon onset.

Beliefs about the timing of the monsoon onset are represented probabilistically for each respondent by constructing a probability mass function (PMF) from elicited responses about the earliest, normal, and latest dates for the event. A three-parameter circular modified triangular distribution (CMTD) is used to allow for the possibility (albeit small) of the onset at any time of the year. These distributions are then compared to the historical time series using two approaches: likelihood scores, and the mean and standard deviation of time series of dates simulated from each belief distribution.

The methods proposed give the basis for further iterative discussion with decision-makers in the development of eventual climate services. This study uses Jessore, Bangladesh, as an example and finds that a rainfall definition, applying a 10 mm day−1 threshold to NCEP–NCAR reanalysis (Reanalyis-1) data, best matches the survey respondents’ beliefs about monsoon onset.
Change Leader Behavior Inventory
Authors: Stilwell Rebecca A. , Pasmore William A. , Shon DaHee
Published: August 2016

While the pace and complexity of change is increasing, the rate of failed change attempts continues to be unacceptably high. Leaders at every level play a central role in change, yet few receive formal training on how to lead change and to date, a validated assessment to provide feedback on their performance has been lacking. The current study is intended to help close this gap. This article describes an effort to develop and validate an instrument to measure change leadership behaviors, the Change Leader Behavior Inventory.
A Dominance Variant Under the Multi-Unidimensional Pairwise-Preference Framework
Authors: Morillo Daniel , Leenen Iwin , Abad Francisco J. , Hontangas Pedro , de la Torre Jimmy , Ponsoda Vicente
Published: August 2016

Forced-choice questionnaires have been proposed as a way to control some response biases associated with traditional questionnaire formats (e.g., Likert-type scales). Whereas classical scoring methods have issues of ipsativity, item response theory (IRT) methods have been claimed to accurately account for the latent trait structure of these instruments. In this article, the authors propose the multi-unidimensional pairwise preference two-parameter logistic (MUPP-2PL) model, a variant within Stark, Chernyshenko, and Drasgow’s MUPP framework for items that are assumed to fit a dominance model. They also introduce a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) procedure for estimating the model’s parameters. The authors present the results of a simulation study, which shows appropriate goodness of recovery in all studied conditions. A comparison of the newly proposed model with a Brown and Maydeu’s Thurstonian IRT model led us to the conclusion that both models are theoretically very similar and that the Bayesian estimation procedure of the MUPP-2PL may provide a slightly better recovery of the latent space correlations and a more reliable assessment of the latent trait estimation errors. An application of the model to a real data set shows convergence between the two estimation procedures. However, there is also evidence that the MCMC may be advantageous regarding the item parameters and the latent trait correlations.
Transcendence through Rhetorical Practices: Responding to Paradox in the Science Sector
Authors: Bednarek Rebecca , Paroutis Sotirios , Sillince John
Published: August 2016

Organizations are often required to meet contradictory but interrelated objectives. An important response to such paradoxes is transcendence: the ability to view both poles of the paradox as necessary and complementary. Despite the centrality of transcendence to existing frameworks within the paradox literature, we still know little about its practice. We address this gap by surfacing and analysing rhetorical practices across three science organizations. We outline four rhetorical practices that constitute transcendence (Ordering, Aspiring, Signifying, and Embodying) as well as the underlying features of these practices that explain how they construct a response to paradox. In particular, we show that transcendence entailed balancing the enabling features of focus (paradoxical content/context), time (stability/change) and distance (maintaining/reducing). Finally, we develop a dynamic view of transcendence as a process of oscillation, showing how these practices are bundled together and interrelate to construct moments of transcendence.
Shifts in Higher-Order Unions and Stepfamilies Among Currently Cohabiting and Married Women of Childbearing Age
Authors: Guzzo Karen Benjamin
Published: August 2016

Shifts in union formation and childbearing have undoubtedly altered the prevalence and structure of higher-order unions and stepfamilies, but no study has examined trends over time. Comparing the 1988 and 2011-2013 cycles of the National Survey of Family Growth, I produce estimates of repartnering and stepfamily formation among currently partnered women aged 15 to 44 years. The percentage of intact unions that are remarriages stayed stable (around 27% to 28%), but a growing proportion of currently married and cohabiting women had another cohabiting partner in the past. The percentage of intact unions that are stepfamilies increased from 24% to 31%, with an increase in cohabiting stepfamilies from 19% to 39% of all stepfamilies. Furthermore, while the majority of remarriages are stepfamilies, the majority of women’s stepfamilies are no longer remarriages due to union formation among never-married parents. Cohabiting (but not marital) stepfamilies also exhibited changes in which partner had children and in shared childbearing.
Associations Among Adolescents’ Cyber-Specific Beliefs and Information Management Strategies
Authors: Babskie Elizabeth , Metzger Aaron
Published: August 2016

The current study investigated associations among adolescents’ reports of harmfulness and family decision-making beliefs regarding potentially problematic cyber behaviors (e.g., talking to strangers online), cyber-specific information management strategies (disclosure, secrecy, concealment), and family rules regarding adolescents’ use of information and communication technology (ICT). The sample consisted of 159 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years ( M = 14.45, SD = 1.72, 59% female, 80% Caucasian). Youth were more likely to disclose their ICT behavior when they recognized the harm associated with cyber risks and viewed their family as less restrictive about ICT activities. Age differences indicated that older adolescents’ ICT beliefs were more strongly related to their information management strategies, whereas families’ ICT rules were more predictive of cyber disclosure for younger adolescents. Results demonstrate that both adolescents’ conceptualization of ICT risks and families’ ICT-specific rules contribute to adolescents’ choice of information management strategies regarding ICT behaviors.
‘The Dream of a Minimal Sociality’: Roland Barthes' Skeptic Intensity
Authors: Teeuwen Rudolphus
Published: August 2016

The notion of épochè, ‘suspension’, as developed by the Greek Skeptics, refers to the suspension of judgment that makes one neither affirm nor deny anything. In The Neutral, Roland Barthes takes this suspension as an ethical principle. Whereas discursive logic fosters the making of clear choices between alternative positions on something formulated as an issue, Barthes' suspension of judgment counteracts this push toward taking up positions. Barthes' term for this refusal to judge is ‘the Neutral’, which manifests itself in an array of techniques and attitudes that defer, frustrate, or subtilize judgment and thus create room for drifting, relaxation, nuance, and tact. Barthes comes to think of the Neutral as a matter of intensity, of gradient degrees, rather than of the ‘zero degree’. Such gradients allow one to minimize one's interface with the world's arrogance. Barthes' ideas, for his time as much as ours, form a utopian desideratum: that of waylaying the assertiveness that language perversely encourages in its users.
Sympathy, empathy, and compassion: A grounded theory study of palliative care patients’ understandings, experiences, and preferences
Authors: Sinclair Shane , Beamer Kate , Hack Thomas F , McClement Susan , Raffin Bouchal Shelley , Chochinov Harvey M , Hagen Neil A.
Published: August 2016

Background:

Compassion is considered an essential element in quality patient care. One of the conceptual challenges in healthcare literature is that compassion is often confused with sympathy and empathy. Studies comparing and contrasting patients’ perspectives of sympathy, empathy, and compassion are largely absent.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to investigate advanced cancer patients’ understandings, experiences, and preferences of “sympathy,” “empathy,” and “compassion” in order to develop conceptual clarity for future research and to inform clinical practice.

Design:

Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and then independently analyzed by the research team using the three stages and principles of Straussian grounded theory.

Setting/participants:

Data were collected from 53 advanced cancer inpatients in a large urban hospital.

Results:

Constructs of sympathy, empathy, and compassion contain distinct themes and sub-themes. Sympathy was described as an unwanted, pity-based response to a distressing situation, characterized by a lack of understanding and self-preservation of the observer. Empathy was experienced as an affective response that acknowledges and attempts to understand individual’s suffering through emotional resonance. Compassion enhanced the key facets of empathy while adding distinct features of being motivated by love, the altruistic role of the responder, action, and small, supererogatory acts of kindness. Patients reported that unlike sympathy, empathy and compassion were beneficial, with compassion being the most preferred and impactful.

Conclusion:

Although sympathy, empathy, and compassion are used interchangeably and frequently conflated in healthcare literature, patients distinguish and experience them uniquely. Understanding patients’ perspectives is important and can guide practice, policy reform, and future research.
Examining Paraprofessional Interventions to Increase Social Communication for Young Children With ASD
Authors: Mrachko Alicia A. , Kaczmarek Louise A.
Published: August 2016

Social communication skills are considered a core deficit in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Evidence-based practices that have emerged to address these critical skills in children with ASD have largely been implemented by researchers, teachers, and parents. Only recently have researchers studied paraprofessionals as implementers of these interventions. The following review examines studies in which paraprofessionals were taught to implement social communication interventions with young children with ASD. The seven articles that met inclusion criteria were evaluated with respect to (a) type of social communication intervention, (b) evidence of effectiveness, (c) training methods and components, (d) child outcomes. The primary intervention studies included pivotal response training (PRT), natural language paradigm (NLP), and incidental teaching strategies as well as mand training and general antecedent/consequent interventions. All studies reported improvements in paraprofessional implementation fidelity for the chosen intervention, five of which also reported corresponding improvements in child outcomes. Four studies provided definitive evidence of effectiveness for paraprofessional training. Feedback was the only training component used in all seven studies, in conjunction with at least one other component.
Spot fluoroscopy: a novel innovative approach to reduce radiation dose in neurointerventional procedures
Authors: Borota Ljubisa , Jangland Lars , Åslund Per-Erik , Ronne-Engström Elisabeth , Nyberg Christoffer , Mahmoud Ehab , Sakaguchi Takuya , Patz Andreas
Published: August 2016

Background

Increased interest in radiation dose reduction in neurointerventional procedures has led to the development of a method called “spot fluoroscopy” (SF), which enables the operator to collimate a rectangular or square region of interest anywhere within the general field of view. This has potential advantages over conventional collimation, which is limited to symmetric collimation centered over the field of view.

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of SF on the radiation dose.

Material and Methods

Thirty-five patients with intracranial aneurysms were treated with endovascular coiling. SF was used in 16 patients and conventional fluoroscopy in 19. The following parameters were analyzed: the total fluoroscopic time, the total air kerma, the total fluoroscopic dose-area product, and the fluoroscopic dose-area product rate. Statistical differences were determined using the Welch’s t-test.

Results

The use of SF led to a reduction of 50% of the total fluoroscopic dose-area product (CF = 106.21 Gycm2, SD = 99.06 Gycm2 versus SF = 51.80 Gycm2, SD = 21.03 Gycm2, p = 0.003884) and significant reduction of the total fluoroscopic dose-area product rate (CF = 1.42 Gycm2/min, SD = 0.57 Gycm2/s versus SF = 0.83 Gycm2/min, SD = 0.37 Gycm2/min, p = 0.00106). The use of SF did not lead to an increase in fluoroscopy time or an increase in total fluoroscopic cumulative air kerma, regardless of collimation.

Conclusion

The SF function is a new and promising tool for reduction of the radiation dose during neurointerventional procedures.
Regional financialisation and financial systems convergence: Evidence from Italy
Authors: Arestis Philip , Fontana Giuseppe , Phelps Peter
Published: August 2016

The term ‘financialisation’ has now entered the lexicon of academics and policy makers, though there is still no agreement on its meaning and significance. One of the earlier definitions was in relation to the growing weight of financial motives, financial actors and markets in the operation of modern economies, both at the national and international level, from the early 1980s until today. Building on this definition, this paper sheds further light on the implications of spatial financialisation, which has been associated with the over and under-extension of credit across and within countries and evolving financial instability. The paper’s primary contribution is to extend in a robust manner a powerful panel data convergence testing methodology to analyse the spatial scale and temporal evolution of Italian regional lending conditions. The paper concludes that financial divergence has broadly increased in Italian regions. Furthermore, we are able to link regional financialisation to the growing north–south divide in a significant and meaningful way. As a result, the ability of southern regions in Italy to absorb adverse macroeconomic and financial shocks has been weakened. Relevant regional financial policies have thereby become very important.