bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study on fiber sedimentation velocity in epoxy/steel fiber composites used for hybrid injection molds
Authors: Howarth JL Leite , Pouzada AS , Maia JM , Salmoria GV , Ahrens CH
Published: November 2013

Composites based on metallic fibers and thermosetting polymers are being increasingly used for molding blocks of hybrid injection molds, thereby improving the mechanical and thermal properties. However, an adequate study on the behavior of steel fibers in a reactive epoxy resin is necessary to understand how to maintain suitable mold properties. In this paper, the sedimentation velocity of short steel fiber suspensions in reactive epoxy resin was estimated using a model emerging from the Stokes equation and considering the resin rheology and correction factors for the fiber shape and concentration. DMP (2,4,6-tris (dimethylamino-methyl) phenol) was the accelerator more suitable for this type of composites because it increases the rate of cure and reduces the gel time more pronouncedly than any of the other common accelerators. Samples were manufactured with epoxy resin, short steel fiber and DMP as accelerator, and using anti-sedimentation equipment. The distribution of the fibers was observed in all composites. The viscosity data were used to predict the time in the anti-sedimentation equipment necessary to reach a minimum sedimentation velocity using the mathematical model. Results showed that this velocity is recommended to be below 3.28 × 10−8 m/s to avoid sedimentation of the steel fibers.
Can the Hydrophilicity of Functional Monomers Affect Chemical Interaction?
Authors: Feitosa V.P. , Ogliari F.A. , Van Meerbeek B. , Watson T.F. , Yoshihara K. , Ogliari A.O. , Sinhoreti M.A. , Correr A.B. , Cama G. , Sauro S.
Published: November 2013

The number of carbon atoms and/or ester/polyether groups in spacer chains may influence the interaction of functional monomers with calcium and dentin. The present study assessed the chemical interaction and bond strength of 5 standard-synthesized phosphoric-acid ester functional monomers with different spacer chain characteristics, by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), ATR-FTIR, thin-film x-ray diffraction (TF-XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and microtensile bond strength (μTBS). The tested functional monomers were 2-MEP (two-carbon spacer chain), 10-MDP (10-carbon), 12-MDDP (12-carbon), MTEP (more hydrophilic polyether spacer chain), and CAP-P (intermediate hydrophilicity ester spacer). The intensity of monomer-calcium salt formation measured by AAS differed in the order of 12-MDDP=10-MDP>CAP-P>MTEP>2-MEP. FTIR and SEM analyses of monomer-treated dentin surfaces showed resistance to rinsing for all monomer-dentin bonds, except with 2-MEP. TF-XRD confirmed the weaker interaction of 2-MEP. Highest µTBS was observed for 12-MDDP and 10-MDP. A shorter spacer chain (2-MEP) of phosphate functional monomers induced formation of unstable monomer-calcium salts, and lower chemical interaction and dentin bond strength. The presence of ester or ether groups within longer spacer carbon chains (CAP-P and MTEP) may affect the hydrophilicity, μTBS, and also the formation of monomer-calcium salts.
Aging Out of Crime
Authors: Adorjan Michael , Chui Wing Hong
Published: November 2013

Research on desistance from crime has focused largely on Western regions. While culture has been identified as an important factor to consider, desistance studies largely hold cultural context constant. In this exploratory article, we offer one of the first qualitative examinations of ex-convict resettlement in East Asia. We focus on three aspects salient to the narratives of former prisoners in Hong Kong: their views regarding aging and aging out of crime, their felt sense of agency or willpower to “go straight,” and challenges to expressions of agency related to employment and facing family members. The pivotal importance and mediating effects of social support is underscored. Implications for research on desistance focused outside of occidental regions are explored.
Telangana: History and Political Sociology of a Movement
Authors: Janardhan V. , Raghavendra P.
Published: November 2013

As the union government moves towards creation of a separate state of Telangana in India, this article attempts to present the history and political sociology of the movement that has raised and registered this demand on the national consciousness. The focus here is on the manner in which the issue has been articulated by the concerned intelligentsia. The article critically evaluates the various positions taken by the intelligentsia on the matter. It underlines the predominant role being played by intellectuals in demanding a separate state of Telangana within the Indian federal set-up. It also highlights the socio-political and intellectual contours of vision that have been envisaged for ultimate creation of the state.
Book Review: The Ocean in a Drop: Inside-out Youth Leadership
Authors: Sharma Chandan Kumar
Published: November 2013

Ashraf Patel, Meenu Venkateswaran, Kamini Prakash and Arjun Shekhar (Eds), The Ocean in a Drop: Inside-out Youth Leadership, New Delhi: SAGE Publications, 2013, pp. 227, ₹375.
Book Review: Nine Degrees of Justice: New Perspectives on Violence against Women in India
Authors: P. M. Arathi
Published: November 2013

Bishakha Datta (Ed.), Nine Degrees of Justice: New Perspectives on Violence against Women in India, New Delhi: Zubban, 2010, pp. 358, ₹695.
Building tight – ventilating right? How are new air tightness standards affecting indoor air quality in dwellings?
Authors: Howieson SG , Sharpe T , Farren P
Published: November 2013

Building more air-tight dwellings is having a deleterious impact on indoor air quality. In a range of recently completed dwellings CO2 concentrations were measured in occupied bedrooms at unacceptable concentrations (occupied mean peak of 2317 ppm and a time weighted average of 1834 ppm, range 480–4800 ppm). Such high levels confirm that air-tight dwellings with only trickle ventilators as the ‘planned’ ventilation strategy do not meet the standards demanded by the Building Regulations. Reducing ventilation rates to improve energy efficiency and lower carbon emissions, without providing a planned and effective ventilation strategy is likely to result in a more toxic and hazardous indoor environment, with concurrent and significant negative long-term and insidious impacts on public health. Furthermore, the methodology underpinning the current regulations cannot be considered as creditable. While the complexity around numerical modeling often leads to conclusions based upon simplistic and unrealistic assumptions around all doors in a dwelling being open and trickle ventilators being unobstructed, this paper demonstrates that in ‘real life’ situations, this is not the case and could lead to significant risks of under ventilation. This is particularly the case when standards and guidance are based upon theoretically modeled scenarios that are not representative of real-life operation. The consequences of this are important in terms of the likely negative impacts on occupant health.
Epidemiology of Interruptions to Nutrition Support in Critically Ill Children in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Keehn Alysha , O'Brien Christina , Mazurak Vera , Brunet‐Wood Kim , Joffe Ari , de Caen Allan , Larsen Bodil
Published: November 2013

Background: Nutrition support is often delayed or interrupted. The aim of this study is to identify reasons for and quantify time spent without nutrition in a mixed medical‐surgical‐cardiac pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Methods: Data were prospectively collected to describe the patient cohort (anthropometrics and diagnostic category) and nutrition practices (time to nutrition initiation; frequency, duration, and causes of interruptions; and overall caloric intake). Descriptive statistics were used; comparisons of groups were performed using an independent t test and P < .05 as significance. Results: The mean (standard deviation) time to nutrition initiation was 22.8 (16.6) hours following admission; 35% of patients were initiated after >24 hours. Nutrition was interrupted 1.2 (2.0) times per patient. Time spent without nutrition due to interruptions was 11.6 (23.0) hours, up to 102 hours. Patients spent 42.4% (28.2%) of their median (range) PICU admission of 2.9 days (0.25–39 days) without any form of nutrition. Patients aged 0–6 months had a significantly higher mean number and duration of interruptions (P = .001 and P < .001, respectively) compared with children >6 months. Interruptions due to surgery and planned extubation lasted significantly longer than all other interruptions (P < .001 and P = .001, respectively). Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) III scores were not correlated with percentage of length of stay spent without nutrition (r = 0.137). Conclusions: Prolonged time to nutrition initiation and interruptions in delivery caused pediatric patients to spend a high proportion of admission without nutrition support, preventing most from meeting energy requirements. Further research addressing specific patient outcomes is required to define optimal initiation times and appropriate procedural‐specific fasting times.
Decades after Resettlement
Authors: Das Mitra , Dubus Nicole , Silka Linda
Published: November 2013

This study proposes that the experiences of refugees vary across the life course, creating new challenges as refugees grow into old age decades after resettlement. Past posttraumatic stress symptoms may emerge as different symptoms years later, with social role changes within the family and stressors triggered by the social environment surrounding the refugees. After their initial entry into the country decades ago as survivors of political violence, they were provided some material and financial assistance from the federal and state government in the region they relocated. Years later, however, aging population of refugees face new issues that were not present when they first arrived in this country. Scars of earlier traumatic experiences embedded in their psyche resurface requiring therapeutic attention. Social service providers and health care clinicians need to be aware of these changes, as they strive to provide relevant care and services to such groups. Only then can they effectively help refugees and contribute toward their resettlement.
Gut Microbiota, Low-grade Inflammation, and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Chassaing Benoit , Gewirtz Andrew T.
Published: November 2013

The intestinal tract is inhabited by a large diverse community of bacteria collectively referred to as the gut microbiota. Alterations in gut microbiota composition are associated with a variety of disease states including obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Transplant of microbiota from diseased persons (or mice) to germfree mice transfers some aspects of disease phenotype, indicating that altered microbiota plays a role in disease establishment and manifestation. There are myriad potential mechanisms by which alterations in gut microbiota might promote disease, including increasing energy harvest, production of toxic metabolites, and molecular mimicry of host proteins. However, our research indicates that an overarching mechanism by which an aberrant microbiota negatively impacts health is by driving chronic inflammation. More specifically, we hypothesize that the histopathologically evident gut inflammation that defines IBD is a severe but relatively rare outcome of an altered host–microbiota relationship, while a much more common consequence of such disturbances is “low-grade” inflammation characterized by elevated proinflammatory gene expression that associates with, and may promote, metabolic syndrome. In this context, a variety of chronic inflammatory diseases may stem from inability of the mucosal immune system to properly manage a stable healthy relationship with the gut microbiota. While one’s ability to manage their gut microbiota is dictated in part by genetics, it can be markedly influenced by the composition of the microbiota one inherits from their early environment. Moreover, the host–microbiota relationship can be perturbed by instigator bacteria or dietary components, which may prove to play a role in promoting chronic inflammatory disease states.
Osteoporosis—Bone Remodeling and Animal Models
Authors: Bonucci Ermanno , Ballanti Paola
Published: November 2013

Osteoporosis is a very common skeletal disorder characterized by reduced bone mass and altered trabecular microarchitecture that leads to bone fragility and fractures. Such disease is due to alterations of the remodeling process that occurs in the basic multicellular units that are transitory cellular complexes including an osteoclastic phase (osteoclast activation and resorption of microscopic portions of bone), a reversion phase (osteoclast replacement by so-called postosteoclastic cells), and an osteoblastic phase (osteoblastic reconstruction of the resorbed bone matrix till the initial volume is regained). Bone remodeling is regulated by a number of systemic and local factors; among the former, besides physical activity and mechanical stresses, a primary role is played by hormones such as parathyroid hormone, vitamin D metabolites, estrogens, calcitonin, and glucocorticoids; among the latter, several growth factors (macrophage colony-stimulating factor, transforming growth factor β, platelet-derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factor 1, bone morphogenetic protein, and insulin-like growth factor 1), as well as the osteoprotegerin-receptor activator of nuclear factor-κ B ligand system and the sclerostin, play a primary function. The remodeling phases can be evaluated by static and dynamic histomorphometry. Their abnormalities may lead to several osteopathies, the most common of which is osteoporosis (above all senile and postmenopausal), a rather elusive disease chiefly due to its slow development. The use of animal models in its study is emphasized.
Work-Arounds Observed by Fourth-Year Nursing Students
Authors: Westphal Judith , Lancaster Rachelle , Park Diane
Published: November 2013

Much has been written about the need for health care professionals to consistently promote policies and best practices that create safe, high-quality care environments. At times, nurses deviate from established policies and procedures to create work-arounds or changes in work patterns to accomplish patient care goals. The purpose of this study was to identify common work-arounds and describe what influenced the nurse to engage in the work-around as observed by fourth-year baccalaureate students in clinical settings. A descriptive qualitative approach was used to describe the findings from a Quality and Safety Education for Nurses–based assignment. Ninety-six individual student assignments were included in this analysis; the themes of infection prevention and control and medication management emerged. The theme of workload emerged as the reason why students believed nurses engaged in work-arounds. Further studies are needed to determine how work-arounds influence short- and long-term patient outcomes.
The flavonoid apigenin delays forgetting of passive avoidance conditioning in rats
Authors: Popović Miroljub , Caballero-Bleda María , Benavente-García Obdulio , Castillo Julián
Published: November 2013

The present experiments were performed to study the effect of the flavonoid apigenin (20 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.), 1 h before acquisition), on 24 h retention performance and forgetting of a step-through passive avoidance task, in young male Wistar rats. There were no differences between saline- and apigenin-treated groups in the 24 h retention trial. Furthermore, apigenin did not prevent the amnesia induced by scopolamine (1mg/kg, i.p., 30 min before the acquisition). The saline- and apigenin-treated rats that did not step through into the dark compartment during the cut-off time (540 s) were retested weekly for up to eight weeks. In the saline treated group, the first significant decline in passive avoidance response was observed at four weeks, and complete memory loss was found five weeks after the acquisition of the passive avoidance task. At the end of the experimental period, 60% of the animals treated with apigenin still did not step through. These data suggest that 1) apigenin delays the long-term forgetting but did not modulate the 24 h retention of fear memory and 2) the obtained beneficial effect of apigenin on the passive avoidance conditioning is mediated by mechanisms that do not implicate its action on the muscarinic cholinergic system.
Dimethyltryptamine (DMT): Prevalence, user characteristics and abuse liability in a large global sample
Authors: Winstock Adam R , Kaar Stephen , Borschmann Rohan
Published: November 2013

This paper presents original research on prevalence, user characteristics and effect profile of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a potent hallucinogenic which acts primarily through the serotonergic system. Data were obtained from the Global Drug Survey (an anonymous online survey of people, many of whom have used drugs) conducted between November and December 2012 with 22,289 responses. Lifetime prevalence of DMT use was 8.9% ( n=1980) and past year prevalence use was 5.0% ( n=1123). We explored the effect profile of DMT in 472 participants who identified DMT as the last new drug they had tried for the first time and compared it with ratings provided by other respondents on psilocybin (magic mushrooms), LSD and ketamine. DMT was most often smoked and offered a strong, intense, short-lived psychedelic high with relatively few negative effects or “come down”. It had a larger proportion of new users compared with the other substances (24%), suggesting its popularity may increase. Overall, DMT seems to have a very desirable effect profile indicating a high abuse liability that maybe offset by a low urge to use more.
Verrucous Hemangioma With Pseudoepitheliomatous Epidermal Hyperplasia in an Adult Horse
Authors: Pérez-Écija A. , Estepa J. C. , Barranco I. , Rodríguez-Gómez I. M. , Mendoza F. J. , Gómez-Laguna J.
Published: November 2013

Verrucous hemangiomas are a rare specific variant of equine skin tumors not well described in the literature. An 8-year-old gelding presented a unilateral lesion on the pastern. Macroscopically, the mass showed a warty and verrucous surface with focal ulcerations. The histology showed a dermal proliferation of endothelial-layered capillaries and venules separated by a delicate stroma of scant fibroblasts and collagen deposition, with pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia (exuberant reactive irregular epithelial hyperplasia with tongue-like projections extending into the dermis, mimicking downgrowth of squamous cell carcinoma) and orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis of the overlying epidermis. The immunohistochemical study confirmed the endothelial origin of the tumor, and a final diagnosis of verrucous hemangioma with pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia was confirmed. To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first detailed description of this entity in adult horses. Moreover, the clinical progression and epidermal changes have not been previously reported, emphasizing the importance of a pathological study of any epithelial preneoplastic lesion to rule out an underlying dermal neoplasia.
Dual Diagnosis in Prisoners: Childhood Sexual and Physical Abuse as Predictors in Men and Women
Authors: Villagrá Patricia , Fernández Paula , García-Vega Elena , González-Menéndez Ana
Published: November 2013

The study aims to determine the rate of dual diagnosis (DD), examine the most common mental disorders, and determine whether a history of childhood sexual/physical abuse (CSA/CPA) is associated with this phenomenon. One-hundred and eighty inmates from a Spanish prison were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and the Addiction Severity Index–6. The data showed that 46.8% of the males and 65.1% of the females had a substance use disorder. With regard to CPA, similar percentages were found in both genders. Nevertheless, rates of CSA were highest in females. Logistic regression analysis was performed by gender. CPA was predictor of DD for males, and CSA was predictor of DD for females, showing the greatest weight. In addition, in both cases, the number of drugs of abuse was an adequate predictor. We can state that these forms of maltreatment are risk factors for the development of a broad range of psychopathological problems.
Geography and ethics III
Authors: Barnett Clive
Published: November 2013

Geographers’ discussions of normative issues oscillate between two poles: the exhortation of ‘moral geography’ and the descriptive detail of ‘moral geographies’. Neither approach gives enough room for ordinarily normative dimensions of action. Recent philosophical discussions of the implicit normativity of practices, and ethnographic discussions of the ordinary, provide resources for developing more modest accounts of normativity and practical reasoning. The relevance to geography of recent re-evaluations of the place of reflection and thought in habitual action is illustrated with reference to the antinomies which shape debates about the ethics and efficacy of behaviour change initiatives. The potential for further developing these insights is explored with reference to the normative turn in contemporary social theory, which includes discussions of conventions, practices of justification, lay normativity, phronesis, recognition and orders of worth. The potential contribution of philosophies of action and intentionality and social theories of the normative for moving geography beyond the impasses of moral geography versus moral geographies depends on suspending an inherited wariness about the normative, which might be helped by thinking of this topic in more ordinary ways. The outlines of a programme for geographies of worth are considered.
Long Survival in Patients With Leigh Syndrome and the m.10191T>C Mutation in MT-ND3
Authors: Levy Rebecca J. , Ríos Purificación Gutierrez , Akman Hasan O. , Sciacco Monica , Vivo Darryl C. De , DiMauro Salvatore
Published: November 2013

We report an unusual case of Leigh syndrome due to the m.10191T>C mutation in the complex I gene MT-ND3. This mutation has been associated with a spectrum of clinical phenotypes ranging from infant lethality to adult onset. Despite infantile onset and severe symptoms, our patient has survived to early adulthood because of a strict dietary regimen and parental care. This patient is an extreme example of the frequently prolonged course of Leigh syndrome due to this particular mutation.
Primary Diffuse Leptomeningeal Gliomatosis Mimicking Tuberculous Meningitis
Authors: Kosker Muhammet , Sener Dicle , Kilic Omer , Hasiloglu Zehra Isik , Islak Civan , Kafadar Ali , Batur Sebnem , Oz Buge , Cokugras Haluk , Akcakaya Necla , Camcioglu Yildiz
Published: November 2013

Primary diffuse leptomeningeal gliomatosis is a disease with an aggressive course that can result in death. To date, 82 cases have been reported. Here, the case of a 3-year-old male patient presenting with strabismus, headache, and restlessness is reported. Physical examination revealed paralysis of the left abducens nerve, neck stiffness, and bilateral papilledema. Tuberculous meningitis was tentatively diagnosed, and antituberculosis treatment was initiated when cranial imaging revealed contrast enhancement around the basal cistern. Craniocervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed when there was no response to treatment, and it revealed diffuse leptomeningeal contrast enhancement around the basilar cistern, in the supratentorial and infratentorial compartments, and in the spinal region. Primary diffuse leptomeningeal gliomatosis was diagnosed by a meningeal biopsy.
An integrated capacity evaluation method for CBTC- system-equipped urban rail lines
Authors: Wang Haifeng , Zhao Ning , Chen Lei
Published: November 2013

Communications-based train control (CBTC) is an emerging technology for urban rail transit systems. An integrated method for assessing the capacity of CBTC-system-installed urban rail lines is proposed in this paper. Based on the UIC Code 406 method, the new integrated method includes train movement simulation, timetable construction, test and optimisation. In order to achieve an accurate blocking time, this paper introduces three operational scenarios, namely: consecutive running of trains, entering a station and turn-back at a terminal station. A practical timetable is implemented and optimised by simulating and evaluating the capacity with UIC Code 406. This paper considers Beijing’s Yizhuang metro line in a case study. It is found that a speed limit on the line produces a greater impact on the capacity compared with dwell time and switch speed restrictions. Furthermore, it is noted that a capacity bottleneck can easily occur during the process of entering a station and also during a turn-back operation at a terminal station.
A biased proportional navigation guidance law with large impact angle constraint and the time-to-go estimation
Authors: Zhang You-An , Ma Guo-Xin , Wu Hua-Li
Published: November 2013

For large impact angle control problem (here, the “large impact angle” means the impact angle in the closed interval from −180° to 180°), estimating the time-to-go accurately is the key of impact time and impact angle control guidance (ITIACG). The objectives of this paper are to construct a new impact angle control guidance (IACG) law suitable for large impact angle control and present a time-to-go estimation procedure for the new IACG law suitable for designing ITIACG law. The constructed IACG law is a biased proportional navigation guidance law with large impact angle constraint, the rule of the cosine of the lead angle in the biased term is to guarantee that the lead angle remains in the open interval from −90° to 90°, which is required in the development of time-to-go estimation procedure. To estimate the time-to-go, by introducing a self-convergent angle named as alfa, the closed equations of motion are transformed to a different form, which can be solved conveniently under the assumption of small lead angle. For the case of large lead angle, the time interval of time-to-go is partitioned into n segments, the maximum increment of lead angle is supposed to be a small angle in each segment, the transformed closed equations of motion can be expressed as function of alfa angle and solved analytically. A geometric approach is proposed to determine conservatively a suitable alfa angle to guarantee that the maximum increment of lead angle is a small angle in each segment. The time-to-go estimation procedure for the new IACG law are illustrated. Simulations are performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed IACG law and the accuracy of the time-to-go estimation procedure.
Functionally distinct tendon fascicles exhibit different creep and stress relaxation behaviour
Authors: Shepherd Jennifer H , Legerlotz Kirsten , Demirci Taylan , Klemt Christian , Riley Graham P , Screen Hazel RC
Published: November 2013

Most overuse tendinopathies are thought to be associated with repeated microstrain below the failure threshold, analogous to the fatigue failure that affects materials placed under repetitive loading. Investigating the progression of fatigue damage within tendons is therefore of critical importance. There are obvious challenges associated with the sourcing of human tendon samples for in vitro analysis so animal models are regularly adopted. However, data indicates that fatigue life varies significantly between tendons of different species and with different stresses in life. Positional tendons such as rat tail tendon or the bovine digital extensor are commonly applied in in vitro studies of tendon overuse, but there is no evidence to suggest their behaviour is indicative of the types of human tendon particularly prone to overuse injuries. In this study, the fatigue response of the largely positional digital extensor and the more energy storing deep digital flexor tendon of the bovine hoof were compared to the semitendinosus tendon of the human hamstring. Fascicles from each tendon type were subjected to either stress or strain controlled fatigue loading (cyclic creep or cyclic stress relaxation respectively). Gross fascicle mechanics were monitored after cyclic stress relaxation and the mean number of cycles to failure investigated with creep loading. Bovine extensor fascicles demonstrated the poorest fatigue response, while the energy storing human semitendinosus was the most fatigue resistant. Despite the superior fatigue response of the energy storing tendons, confocal imaging suggested a similar degree of damage in all three tendon types; it appears the more energy storing tendons are better able to withstand damage without detriment to mechanics.
The Eye Pupil Adjusts to Imaginary Light
Authors: Laeng Bruno , Sulutvedt Unni
Published: November 2013

If a mental image is a rerepresentation of a perception, then properties such as luminance or brightness should also be conjured up in the image. We monitored pupil diameters with an infrared eye tracker while participants first saw and then generated mental images of shapes that varied in luminance or complexity, while looking at an empty gray background. Participants also imagined familiar scenarios (e.g., a “sunny sky” or a “dark room”) while looking at the same neutral screen. In all experiments, participants’ eye pupils dilated or constricted, respectively, in response to dark and bright imagined objects and scenarios. Shape complexity increased mental effort and pupillary sizes independently of shapes’ luminance. Because the participants were unable to voluntarily constrict their eyes’ pupils, the observed pupillary adjustments to imaginary light present a strong case for accounts of mental imagery as a process based on brain states similar to those that arise during perception.
Ancient origin of a rainforest in Gabon as revealed by carbon isotope data of vegetation and soil
Authors: Pietsch Stephan A , Gautam Sishir
Published: November 2013

Holocene climate change caused disturbances of the Central African rainforest belt, with decrease in forest area during drier conditions followed by expansion during wetter periods. Today, human impact is a driver for forest degradation in the Congo Basin. For assessing the quality and quantity of forest degradation, information on biodiversity and carbon stocks from reference ecosystems is needed which (1) were not affected by Holocene climate change and (2) lack direct human impacts like logging or shifting cultivation. The Birougou Mountains in Gabon, which were devoid of direct human impact over the last centuries, may resemble such a reference ecosystem. This paper tests the hypothesis that the Birougou Mountains served as refugium for rainforest vegetation during periods of Holocene climate change. For 34 forest plots within the Birougou Mountains and 27 savannah plots within an adjacent forest savannah mosaic, we present stable carbon isotope data from current vegetation cover, organic inputs to soil organic carbon (SOC), bulk SOC and the humic acid fraction of SOC. Additionally, we estimated the mean age of the SOC humic acid fraction by 14C dating. The data indicated a continuous forest cover in the Birougou Mountains since – at least – the Holocene climate optimum, but a change from forest to savannah vegetation in the forest savannah mosaic. Results confirm the forest of the Birougou Mountains as a refugium of rainforest vegetation and suitable reference for the natural potential regarding biodiversity and ecosystem carbon stocks.
Changes in large rainstorm magnitude–frequency over the last century in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo and their geomorphological implications
Authors: Walsh Rory PD , Ellison Stephen , Los Sietse O , Bidin Kawi , Sayer Aimée M , Tussin Abdul M
Published: November 2013

Increases in the frequency of large to extreme rainfall events are widely predicted with global warming, but evidence from the humid tropics is hampered by a paucity of long-term data. This paper assesses changes in daily rainfall magnitude–frequency and their geomorphological consequences in the equatorial environment of northern Borneo using (1) rare daily rainfall data series for 1906–2012 assembled from archival and current sources and (2) geomorphological process data from the Danum Valley area of eastern Sabah. Rainstorm changes are explored using (1) analysis of frequencies of daily falls above threshold values, (2) extreme-value analysis comparing differences in locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOESS) best-fit curves for successive 20-year periods and (3) a novel approach constructing graphs of long-term change in daily falls of 1- to 10-year return period derived from overlapping 20-year LOESS curves. Substantial increases, some statistically significant, since 1980 (intensifying since 1999) are detected at most stations in (1) the frequency of daily falls ≥50, 100 and 200 mm and (2) the magnitudes of daily falls with return periods of 0.2–5.0 years. The scale and temporal patterns of historical change vary with (1) coastal aspect and (2) different parts of the return period spectrum. The period 1921–1940 exhibited higher rainstorm magnitude–frequency than 1952–1979 and demonstrates the dangers of simple deductions derived from post-1960 data comparisons. Geomorphological responses indicated by long-term monitoring at Danum (eastern Sabah), where there has been a marked upswing in heavy rainfalls since 1999, include a threefold increase in slopewash rates, more frequent high flows and higher sediment loads. The very high soil pipe sediment yields, rates of pipe roof collapse and stream channel extension recorded from 2002 to 2012 in pipe systems at Danum may be a consequence of this upswing. Increased landsliding is also a likely consequence, exacerbated in logged, agricultural and urban terrain.
Towards quantitative reconstruction of peatland nutrient status from fens
Authors: Lamentowicz Mariusz , Lamentowicz Łukasz , Payne Richard J
Published: November 2013

In rich fens, unlike bogs, the key drivers structuring testate amoeba communities are related to nutrient status, suggesting the potential for transfer functions to quantitatively reconstruct changing nutrient status from palaeoecological records. Such records could be useful tools to investigate the long-term impacts of pollution and landscape change. Here, we derive and test transfer functions for pH, water-table depth, conductivity and Ca and Mg concentrations using a data set from Polish fens. Results show that transfer functions for Ca and conductivity have apparent predictive power for surface samples; these models will require further validation and testing with palaeoecological data. Testate amoeba transfer functions for fen nutrient status may be a valuable addition to the peatland palaeoecologist’s tool-kit, although further work will be required to demonstrate their usefulness in practice.
Lymphocyte sensitivity assay as a marker for glucocorticoid resistance in lupus: report of two sisters with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Fajardo-Hermosillo LD , Rodríguez-Navedo Y , Nadal AJ , Vilá LM
Published: November 2013

Glucocorticoid sensitivity can be measured in vitro using the lymphocyte sensitivity assay (LSA). In this test, dexamethasone is used to inhibit the proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in response to mitogens. If the proliferation of PBMC is suppressed the subjects are considered to be GC sensitive; if not, they are considered to be resistant. The LSA has been used to test GC sensitivity in some inflammatory diseases but its clinical value in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has not been determined. Herein, we present the results of the LSA from two sisters with SLE who had different disease outcomes. Patient 1 presented with higher disease activity and damage accrual, and poorer response to corticosteroids than patient 2. In the LSA, patient 1 had a lower dexamethasone suppression of mitogen-stimulated PBMC than patient 2 and one control subject. The LSA could be helpful in identifying patients with GC resistance, thus allowing the consideration of alternative immunosuppressive drugs.
Correlation Between Oral Health and Child-OIDP Index in 12- and 15-Year-Old Children From Modinagar, India
Authors: Basavaraj Patthi , Sunil M. K. , Nagarajappa Ramesh , Ashish Singla , Ramesh Gayathri
Published: November 2013

To investigate the relationship between oral health measures and oral health–related quality of life using the Child-Oral Impact on Daily Performance index among school children of Modinagar. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 900 school children aged 12 and 15 years in Modinagar, India. Children were interviewed about sociodental impacts on quality of life and examined for their normative treatment need for dental caries, traumatic dental injuries, and dentofacial anomalies. Frequency distributions for bivariate analysis and logistic regression for multivariate analysis were used for statistical analysis. Prevalence of oral impacts was high (60%), with a mean score of 2.49 ± 3.92. A significant association ( P ≤ .05) was observed in oral impacts on daily performances with age, presence of dental caries, traumatic injuries, and dentofacial anomalies score. A strong association between clinical dental indicators and oral impacts in children showed eating followed by cleaning of teeth and smiling as the most commonly affected daily performances.
Estimation of Vietnam National Burden of Disease 2008
Authors: Nhung Nguyen Thi Trang , Long Tran Khanh , Linh Bui Ngoc , Vos Theo , Huong Nguyen Thanh , Anh Ngo Duc
Published: November 2013

Burden of disease has been used to assess population health status. This article presents the first estimations of burden of disease in Vietnam in 2008 using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). DALYs were calculated using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) methods. Incidence, prevalence of diseases, and causes of death was extracted from Vietnam data. Disability weights were borrowed from GBD and Dutch research. In 2008, the total burden of disease in Vietnam was 12.3 million DALYs. Noncommunicable diseases dominated the total burden of diseases in Vietnam, accounting for 71% of the total burden, and cardiovascular disease was the leading cause group of premature death. While pneumonia was an important cause of burden in Vietnamese children, stroke and depression were the main causes of disease burden among adults. The study provides a snapshot of Vietnamese health status and offers guidance for health policymaking in Vietnam.
Position control of industrial robotic manipulator using variable structure control system with single term Haar wavelet series method
Authors: Nandhakumar S , Muthukumaran V , Prakash K Soorya , Shunmughanaathan VK
Published: November 2013

Controlling an industrial robot is mainly a problem of dynamics. It includes nonlinearities, uncertainties and external perturbations, which should be considered in the design of control laws. In this paper, a variable structure control method with a mathematical tool is proposed and applied to nonlinear systems to solve the trajectory tracking problem for rigid robot manipulators. The aim is to implement a methodology to control errors in a controller that is robust to uncertainties in the model of the system. Variable structure theory provides the technique for the design of such a controller. The design steps are presented, first from a theoretical perspective and then applied to the control of a two degree-of-freedom manipulator. Simulation results that backed the implementation are presented followed by the experiments conducted, and then the results are presented. The conclusion is that the proposed mathematical tool with variable structure control is readily applicable to industrial robots for the robust control of positions.
Simplified non-linear dynamical equations of circular cylindrical shells
Authors: Andrianov Igor V , Markert Bernd
Published: November 2013

Simplified non-linear dynamical equations of circular cylindrical shells are obtained on the basis of asymptotic analysis. The original partial differential equations (PDEs), which have eighth order in the longitudinal coordinate, are replaced by two sets of equations that have fourth order on this coordinate. The first set contains non-linear and dynamic PDEs. They describe the oscillations in the inner region of the shell. For small non-linearities, they coincide with the well-known linear semi-membrane dynamical equations. Ordinary differential equations of the edge effect allow one to satisfy all the boundary conditions. They are linear and quasistatic. An important question about the boundary conditions for the simplified equations is considered. We also discuss the solution of the obtained boundary value problems.
Characterization of multilayered and composite edible films from chitosan and beeswax
Authors: Velickova Elena , Winkelhausen Eleonora , Kuzmanova Slobodanka , Moldão-Martins Margarida , Alves Vitor D
Published: November 2013

Chitosan-based edible films were prepared and subjected to cross-linking reactions using sodium tripolyphosphate and/or to beeswax coating on both films interfaces. In addition, chitosan–beeswax emulsion-based films were produced. The goal of these modifications of the chitosan films was the improvement of their barrier to water vapor and to decrease their affinity to liquid water maintaining or improving the mechanical and optical properties of the original chitosan films. The cross-linking with tripolyphosphate decreased both the water vapor permeability and the water absorption capacity to about 55% and 50% of that of the original chitosan films, respectively. However, there was an increase in the films stiffness, revealed by the increased Young modulus from 42 kPa up to 336 kPa. The multilayered wax–chitosan–wax films exhibited a similar improvement of the barrier properties to water vapor, with the advantage of maintaining the mechanical properties of the original chitosan films. However, these wax-coated films showed a higher water absorption capacity, which is believed to be a consequence of water entry into small pores between the film and the wax layers. Regarding the film samples subjected to cross-linking and further coating with beeswax, a similar behavior as the uncoated cross-linked films was observed. The emulsion-based composite films were characterized by a substantial decrease of the water vapor permeability (40%), along with a decrease in their stiffness. Regarding the optical properties, all films presented a yellowish color with similar values of lightness, chroma, and hue.
Popular narratives versus Chinese history: Implications for understanding an emergent China
Authors: Chong Ja Ian
Published: November 2013

Closely associated with China’s growing prominence in international politics are discussions about how to understand Chinese history, and how such perspectives inform the way a stronger China may relate to the rest of the world. This article examines two narratives as cases, and considers how they fit against more careful historical scholarship. The first is the nationalist narrative dealing with Qing and Republican history, and the second is the narrative on the Chinese world order. Analyses of Chinese nationalism tend to see a more powerful China as being more assertive internationally, based in part on a belief in the need to address and overcome past wrongs. Studies of historical regional systems in Asia point to the role that a peaceful ‘Confucian’ ethos played in sustaining a stable Chinese-led order, and highlight the promise it holds for checking regional and international tensions. The two perspectives create an obvious tension when trying to understand China’s rise, which can suggest that using historical viewpoints to understand contemporary developments may be doomed to incoherence. This article argues that difficulties in applying knowledge of the past to analyses of China’s role in contemporary world politics indicate a relative inattentiveness to Chinese and Asian history. It illustrates how the nature of China’s rise may be more contingent on the external environment that it faces than popular received wisdom may indicate. The article suggests that a more extensive engagement with historical research and historiography can augment and enrich attempts to appreciate the context surrounding China’s rise.
Socially vulnerable young people in Flemish sports clubs
Authors: Haudenhuyse Reinhard , Theeboom Marc , Nols Zeno , Coussée Filip
Published: November 2013

Sport appears to present a powerful tool for engaging socially vulnerable youth in an organised context, which offers an opportunity to work with them. However, we have little understanding regarding participation of socially vulnerable young people in the ‘traditional’ sport sector (i.e. sports clubs). Nor do we have sufficient insights into how vulnerable young people experience their participation in sports clubs and how they best feel supported. In order to address this question, we interviewed 50 young people and 13 key witnesses (mostly coaches, but also board members and club coordinators) within 15 Flemish (northern Dutch-speaking region of Belgium) traditional sport settings, using semi-structured interviews. Throughout the interviews we noticed that the selected sports clubs offered young people an environment where they could find support, meaning, appreciation, security and caring. The coach played a key role but was not the only factor, since his/her guidance was influenced and steered by the broader organisational and cultural context of the club. From the perspectives and experiences of interviewed youngsters we have identified some aspects that are related to the organisational context, such as first impressions/feelings when joining the sports club, differences between other sports clubs, valued experiences, motives for (non-)participation and dropout. Interviewed young people were, however, rather reserved, perhaps realistic, about popular beliefs in the power of sport to change things for the better.
A gender critique of liberal feminism and its impact on Nigerian law
Authors: Chegwe Emeke
Published: November 2013

Any critique of Nigerian law must recognise that it is derived from several principles which do not accord equal weight to questions of rights. There are the common law principles which constitute the bulk of Nigerian law. Interwoven with these are concepts of customary or native law which incorporate Islamic principles and practices as part of the custom of the people. There are also emerging ideas of constitutionalism against which all of Nigerian law must be assessed. Feminist critiques of Nigerian law have invariably focused attention on the vestiges of customary law precepts in such areas as inheritance, women’s rights and widowhood rights. In several cases, Nigerian courts have declared that particular customs cannot stand in view of the position on equality expressed in the Constitution. But feminist arguments go beyond questions of marginalisation in problems of inheritance and address the same issues that one encounters in critiques by Western feminists. The need to be part of the global feminist discourse is emphasised while remaining conscious of the specific Nigerian issues which have arisen.
Evolution, Apple, iPad, and Education
Authors: Kien Grant
Published: November 2013

Experimenting with a new interpretive methodology, Memeography, this article constructs an account of media experiences that go toward the construction of a sophisticated understanding of one’s place as a participant within the vast, confusing, globally networked media apparatus. The author works with the premise of Dawkin’s famous theory of memes as agents of cultural reproduction, and Aunger’s theory that electronic memes exist independently within the cybersphere. The goal of Memeography is, then, to document and understand the experiences, ideas, and sense-making processes of human actors within this complex machinic life-form, from a qualitative perspective. The work turns McLuhan’s theory of media as extensions of human beings on its head, claiming instead that humans are now appendages of the apparatus. The popular movies Artificial Intelligence, Surrogates, Caprica, Battlestar Galactica, District 9, and Avatar are used to exemplify key ideas.