bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Fusion Rule for Medical Image Fusion in Complex Wavelet Transform Domain
Authors: Gambhir Deepak , Manchanda Meenu
Published: November 2016

Medical image fusion is being used at large by clinical professionals for improved diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The main aim of image fusion process is to combine complete information from all input images into a single fused image. Therefore, a novel fusion rule is proposed for fusing medical images based on Daubechies complex wavelet transform (DCxWT). Input images are first decomposed using DCxWT. The complex coefficients so obtained are then fused using normalized correlation based fusion rule. Finally, the fused image is obtained by inverse DCxWT with all combined complex coefficients. The performance of the proposed method has been evaluated and compared both visually and objectively with DCxWT based fusion methods using state-of art fusion rules as well as with existing fusion techniques. Experimental results and comparative study demonstrate that the proposed fusion technique generates better results than existing fusion rules as well as with other fusion techniques.
Effect of Solvent Diffusion on Reactive Chromotropic Polyelectrolyte Gel
Authors: Li Bo , Chen Hualing , Li Dichen
Published: November 2016

Soft active camouflage has been developed in different routes. The current study introduces an updated method by using metal complex within a polyelectrolyte film. Ions of [Ni Tmeda Hacac][Formula: see text] were synthesized and incorporated into Nafion film, forming a solvatochromic responsive polyelectrolyte material. Under solvent environment, this polyelectrolyte gel changed its color from red to green, and was then bleached by heating. The mechanism is explained via the molecular coordination theory. Effect of solvent diffusion was studied experimentally by recording the progress and theoretically by establishing a multi-physics model. Two swelling processes were identified, coloration swelling (C-swelling) and dilution swelling (D-swelling). Wavelength and absorbance in light intensity are characterized by considering the material property and mechanical configuration. The results demonstrate the capability of flexible active camouflage using the Nafion-metal complex composites.
Modal Analyses of Deployable Truss Structures Based on Shape Memory Polymer Composites
Authors: Li Fengfeng , Liu Liwu , Lan Xin , Wang Tong , Li Xiangyu , Chen Fanlong , Bian Wenfeng , Liu Yanju , Leng Jinsong
Published: November 2016

With large spatial deployable antennas used more widely, the stability of deployable antennas is attracting more attention. The form of the support structure is an important factor of the antenna’s natural frequency, which is essential to study to prevent the resonance. The deployable truss structures based on shape memory polymer composites (SMPCs) have made themselves feasible for their unique properties such as highly reliable, low-cost, light weight, and self-deployment without complex mechanical devices compared with conventional deployable masts. This study offers deliverables as follows: an establishment of three-longeron beam and three-longeron truss finite element models by using ABAQUS; calculation of natural frequencies and vibration modes; parameter studies for influence on their dynamic properties; manufacture of a three-longeron truss based on SMPC, and modal test of the three-longeron truss. The results show that modal test and finite element simulation fit well.
Equivariant exponentially harmonic maps between manifolds with metrics of signatures
Authors: Chiang Yuan-Jen
Published: November 2016

Harmonic maps and exponentially harmonic maps are different. We study equivariant exponentially harmonic maps between warped product manifolds. We then investigate equivariant exponentially harmonic maps from manifolds with metrics of [Formula: see text]-signatures into manifolds with metrics of [Formula: see text]-signatures, obtain the reduction theorem, and provide a few examples.
Homological invariants of the Stanley–Reisner ring of a k-decomposable simplicial complex
Authors: Moradi Somayeh
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we study the regularity and the projective dimension of the Stanley–Reisner ring of a [Formula: see text]-decomposable simplicial complex and explain these invariants with a recursive formula. To this aim, the graded Betti numbers of decomposable monomial ideals which is the dual concept for [Formula: see text]-decomposable simplicial complexes are studied and an inductive formula for the Betti numbers is given. As a corollary, for a shellable simplicial complex [Formula: see text], a formula for the regularity of the Stanley–Reisner ring of [Formula: see text] is presented. Finally, for a chordal clutter [Formula: see text], an upper bound for [Formula: see text] is given in terms of the regularities of edge ideals of some chordal clutters which are minors of [Formula: see text].
HIPSR: A Digital Signal Processor for the Parkes 21-cm Multibeam Receiver
Authors: Price D. C. , Staveley-Smith L. , Bailes M. , Carretti E. , Jameson A. , Jones M. E. , van Straten W. , Schediwy S. W.
Published: November 2016

HIPSR (HI-Pulsar) is a digital signal processing system for the Parkes 21-cm Multibeam Receiver that provides larger instantaneous bandwidth, increased dynamic range, and more signal processing power than the previous systems in use at Parkes. The additional computational capacity enables finer spectral resolution in wideband HI observations and real-time detection of Fast Radio Bursts during pulsar surveys. HIPSR uses a heterogeneous architecture, consisting of FPGA-based signal processing boards connected via high-speed Ethernet to high performance compute nodes. Low-level signal processing is conducted on the FPGA-based boards, and more complex signal processing routines are conducted on the GPU-based compute nodes. The development of HIPSR was driven by two main science goals: to provide large bandwidth, high-resolution spectra suitable for 21-cm stacking and intensity mapping experiments; and to upgrade the Berkeley–Parkes–Swinburne Recorder (BPSR), the signal processing system used for the High Time Resolution Universe (HTRU) Survey and the Survey for Pulsars and Extragalactic Radio Bursts (SUPERB).
Analysis of Current Interregional Industry Transfer and Its Features in China Based on Three Dimensions
Authors: XU Deyou
Published: November 2016

Imbalanced spatial development of China's economy leads to the transfer of industries between different regions. Such interregional transfer of industries not only reflects the dynamic changes of factor endowments between regions, but also is an important way to promote the development of underdeveloped regions. After the global financial crisis in 2008, along with the deterioration in external demand and expansion of domestic market, as well as driven by market forces and regional policies, China's interregional industry transfer presents new features and trends. Based on the reflections on relevant literature and cases, the author discusses China's industry transfer from three perspectives: why, where, and how to transfer industries, referring to three aspects: the impetus and resistance, scope and direction, as well as patterns and policies of industry transfer, so as to make a comprehensive and in-depth elaboration of the status quo, features and causes of interregional industry transfer in China.
Web Content Classification Using Distributions of Subjective Quality Evaluations
Authors: Rafalak Maria , Deja Dominik , Wierzbicki Adam , Nielek Radosław , Kąkol Michał
Published: November 2016

Machine learning algorithms and recommender systems trained on human ratings are widely in use today. However, human ratings may be associated with a high level of uncertainty and are subjective, influenced by demographic or psychological factors. We propose a new approach to the design of object classes from human ratings: the use of entire distributions to construct classes. By avoiding aggregation for class definition, our approach loses no information and can deal with highly volatile or conflicting ratings. The approach is based the concept of the Earth Mover's Distance (EMD), a measure of distance for distributions. We evaluate the proposed approach based on four datasets obtained from diverse Web content or movie quality evaluation services or experiments. We show that clusters discovered in these datasets using the EMD measure are characterized by a consistent and simple interpretation. Quality classes defined using entire rating distributions can be fitted to clusters of distributions in the four datasets using two parameters, resulting in a good overall fit. We also consider the impact of the composition of small samples on the distributions that are the basis of our classification approach. We show that using distributions based on small samples of 10 evaluations is still robust to several demographic and psychological variables. This observation suggests that the proposed approach can be used in practice for quality evaluation, even for highly uncertain and subjective ratings.
Amino Acid Profiles, Total Nitrogen Contents, and Computed-Protein Efficiency Ratios of Manihot esculenta Root and Dioscorea rotundata Tuber Peels
Authors: Chikezie Paul Chidoka , Ibegbulem Chiedozie Onyejiaka , Monago Odinakachi Stella , Mbagwu Ferdinand Nkem , Nwachukwu Chibuike Udodi
Published: November 2016

Tuberous roots of cassava and yam are major sources of dietary carbohydrate to human, alternative sources of energy in livestock feeds, and sources of starch in small-scale industries. Investigations on amino acid profiles, total nitrogen contents, and computed-protein efficiency ratios (C-PER) of tuberous root peels of Manihot esculenta Crantz and Dioscorea rotundata Poir. were carried out. Amino acid analysis was carried out using ion-exchange chromatography methods. Total nitrogen content was measured using the micro-Kjeldahl methods. The C-PER was calculated using regression equation. The concentrations of amino acids detected in the cassava peels ranged from 0.54 to 6.54 g/100 g protein, whereas those of yam peels were between 0.37 and 6.25 g/100 g protein. The total amino acid concentration of the cassava peels was not significantly (p>0.05) higher than that of the yam peels. Essential amino acid scores showed that Phe + Tyr and Met + Cys were the most abundant and limiting amino acids, respectively, in cassava and yam peels. The percentage nitrogen content and C-PER of the cassava peels were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of the yam peels. The cassava and yam peels were not sources of good quality proteins. Therefore, the use of cassava or yam peels as livestock feeds should be supplemented with other sources rich in good quality proteins.
Retinal Fibre Layer Thickness Measurement in Normal Paediatric Population in Sweden Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Ayala Marcelo , Ntoula Evangelia
Published: November 2016

Purpose. To evaluate the correlation between peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness and both age and refraction error in healthy children using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Patients and Methods. 80 healthy children with a mean age of 9.1 years (range 3.8 to 16.7 years) undergoing routine ocular examination at the orthoptic section of the Ophthalmology Department were recruited for this cross-sectional study. After applying cycloplegia, the peripapillary RNFL thickness was measured in both eyes using the Topcon 3D OCT 2000 device. Results. 138 eyes were included in the analysis. The average refractive error (SE) was +1.7 D (range −5.25 to +7.25 D). The mean total RNFL thickness was 105 μm ± 10.3, the mean superior RNFL thickness was 112.7 μm ± 16.5, and the mean inferior RNFL thickness was 132.6 μm ± 18.3. We found no statistically significant effect of age on RNFL thickness (ANOVA, f=0.33, p=0.56). Refraction was proven to have a statistically significant effect (ANOVA, f=67.1, p<0.05) in RNFL measurements. Conclusions. Data obtained from this study may assist in establishing a normative database for a paediatric population. Refraction error should be taken into consideration due to its statistically significant correlation with RNFL thickness.
Examination of Calcium Silicate Cements with Low-Viscosity Methyl Cellulose or Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Additive
Authors: Baba Toshiaki , Tsujimoto Yasuhisa
Published: November 2016

The purpose of this study was to improve the operability of calcium silicate cements (CSCs) such as mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) cement. The flow, working time, and setting time of CSCs with different compositions containing low-viscosity methyl cellulose (MC) or hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) additive were examined according to ISO 6876-2012; calcium ion release analysis was also conducted. MTA and low-heat Portland cement (LPC) including 20% fine particle zirconium oxide (ZO group), LPC including zirconium oxide and 2 wt% low-viscosity MC (MC group), and HPC (HPC group) were tested. MC and HPC groups exhibited significantly higher flow values and setting times than other groups (p<0.05). Additionally, flow values of these groups were higher than the ISO 6876-2012 reference values; furthermore, working times were over 10 min. Calcium ion release was retarded with ZO, MC, and HPC groups compared with MTA. The concentration of calcium ions was decreased by the addition of the MC or HPC group compared with the ZO group. When low-viscosity MC or HPC was added, the composition of CSCs changed, thus fulfilling the requirements for use as root canal sealer. Calcium ion release by CSCs was affected by changing the CSC composition via the addition of MC or HPC.
Adjunct Intravitreous Triamcinolone Acetonide in the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema with Anti-VEGF Agents
Authors: Garoon Robert B. , Coffee Robert E. , Jiang Lai , Weng Christina Y. , Carvounis Petros E.
Published: November 2016

Aims.To compare visual and anatomic outcomes of adjunct intravitreous (IVT) triamcinolone acetonide to antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections to IVT anti-VEGF injections alone for center-involving diabetic macular edema (DME) in treatment-naïve eyes.Methods.Retrospective study of treatment-naïve eyes with center-involving DME. The primary outcome was the change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in eyes receiving only IVT anti-VEGF (group 1) and eyes receiving IVT anti-VEGF and adjunct IVT-TA (group 2).Results.Included were 192 eyes. The mean change in BCVA was +3.5 letters in group 1 compared to −3.5 letters in group 2 (p=0.048). Final macular thickness improved by −94 μm in group 1 versus −68 μm in group 2 (p=0.26). In group 1, 5/150 eyes compared to 9/42 eyes in group 2 (3.3% versus 21%,p=0.0005) had a IOP >10 mmHg increase. Six of 126 phakic eyes in group 1 versus 12/33 phakic eyes in group 2 underwent cataract surgery (4.7% versus 36.3%,p=0.00009).Conclusions.IVT-TA results in no additional benefit in eyes treated with anti-VEGF agents for DME.
Influence of Concrete Properties on Molten Core-Concrete Interaction: A Simulation Study
Authors: Jiang Jin-yang , Yu Ying-jun , Chu Hong-yan , Sun Wei , Gao Yun
Published: November 2016

In a severe nuclear power plant accident, the molten core can be released into the reactor pit and interact with sacrificial concrete. In this paper, a simulation study is presented that aims to address the influence of sacrificial concrete properties on molten core-concrete interaction (MCCI). In particular, based on the MELCOR Code, the ferrosiliceous concrete used in European Pressurized Water Reactor (EPR) is taken into account with respect to the different ablation enthalpy and Fe2O3 and H2O contents. Results indicate that the concrete ablation rate as well as the hydrogen generation rate depends much on the concrete ablation enthalpy and Fe2O3 and H2O contents. In practice, the ablation enthalpy of sacrificial concrete is the higher the better, while the Fe2O3 and H2O content of sacrificial concrete is the lower the better.
Feature Extraction of Underwater Target Signal Using Mel Frequency Cepstrum Coefficients Based on Acoustic Vector Sensor
Authors: Zhang Lanyue , Wu Di , Han Xue , Zhu Zhongrui
Published: November 2016

Feature extraction method using Mel frequency cepstrum coefficients (MFCC) based on acoustic vector sensor is researched in the paper. Signals of pressure are simulated as well as particle velocity of underwater target, and the features of underwater target using MFCC are extracted to verify the feasibility of the method. The experiment of feature extraction of two kinds of underwater targets is carried out, and these underwater targets are classified and recognized by Backpropagation (BP) neural network using fusion of multi-information. Results of the research show that MFCC, first-order differential MFCC, and second-order differential MFCC features could be used as effective features to recognize those underwater targets and the recognition rate, which using the particle velocity signal is higher than that using the pressure signal, could be improved by using fusion features.
Adhärenz zur Imatinib-Therapie bei CML
Authors: Crysandt Martina
Published: November 2016

Ziel: Bei der Behandlung mit Tyrosinkinase-Inhibitoren ist die Adhärenz ein signifikanter Faktor für die Erreichung eines guten klinischen Ansprechens bei chronischer myeloischer Leukämie (CML). Das Ziel dieser retrospektiven Studie ist es, die Adhärenz zu einer Imatinib-Therapie über ein und 2 Jahre zu untersuchen und gemäß den Empfehlungen des European LeukemiaNet zum Management der CML den Zusammenhang zwischen Adhärenzrate und klinischem Verlauf auszuwerten. Wir versuchten, einen Cut-off-Wert für die Adhärenz zu finden, der für ein gutes klinisches Outcome steht. Methoden: Als Maß für die Adhärenz zu der medikamentösen Behandlung galt das berechnete Verhältnis zwischen tatsächlich verabreichter und verschriebener täglicher Dosis. Ergebnisse: Wir werteten die mittlere Adhärenz für die folgenden nach Ansprechen unterteilten Gruppen aus (jeweils einmal nach einem Jahr und nach 2 Jahren): Vollremission (0,96, 0,95), MR4,5 (1,00, -), MR4 (0,93, 0,91), gute molekulare Remission (0,96, 0.97), Warnsignal (0,91, 0,89) und Versagen (0,79, 0,84). Schlussfolgerung: Die Ergebnisse belegen, dass der BCR-ABL1-Wert umso niedriger ist, je höher die Adhärenz ist. Außerdem waren bei Anwendung eines Cut-off-Werts von ≥ 0,9 die Outcomes signifikant besser als unterhalb dieses Cut-off-Werts. Dieses Adhärenzniveau deckt sich mit dem in früheren Veröffentlichungen. Übersetzung aus Acta Haematol 2016;136:45-51 (DOI: 10.1159/000444626)
Erhaltungstherapie bei metastasiertem Pankreaskarzinom
Authors: Stahl Michael
Published: November 2016

Ziel: Die Behandlung des metastasierten Pankreaskarzinoms (mPC) ist nach wie vor eine schwierige Herausforderung. Die Erhaltungstherapie ist ein Ansatz, der bei unterschiedlichen Krebsarten zunehmend an Bedeutung gewinnt. Ziel unserer retrospektiven Analyse war die Beurteilung der Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit einer frühzeitigen Erhaltungstherapie mit Capecitabin bei Patienten mit mPC nach Erstlinientherapie mit FOLFIRINOX. Methoden: Wir identifizierten in unserer Institution retrospektiv 103 Patienten, die zwischen November 2009 und Juli 2014 wegen mPC behandelt worden waren. 30 von ihnen erhielten initial mindestens 4 und höchstens 8 Zyklen FOLFIRINOX, ohne Anzeichen einer Progression (alle 14 Tage) und anschließend Capecitabin als Erhaltungstherapie bis zur Progression. Bei der ersten Progression (nach Ablauf von PFS1) wurden die Patienten bis zur zweiten Progression (Ende des zweiten progressionsfreien Überlebenszeitraums PFS2) erneut mit FOLFIRINOX oder einem anderen Therapieschema behandelt. Ergebnisse: Das mediane Gesamtüberleben (OS) betrug 17 Monate. Die Überlebensraten betrugen 73% nach einem Jahr (95%-KI 0,59-0,91) und 25% nach 2 Jahren (95%-KI 0,13-0,50). Das mediane PFS1 betrug 5 Monate. Bei 29 Patienten (96,7%) trat während der Capecitabin-Behandlung eine Progression ein. Nach Eintritt der Progression betrug das PFS2 im Median 10 Monate. Bei Betrachtung des Zeitraums von Beginn der FOLFIRINOX-Therapie bis zur zweiten Progression ergibt sich eine mediane Dauer bis zum Therapieversagen von 17 Monaten. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Erhaltungstherapie mit Capecitabin scheint Wirkung zu zeigen, ohne die Wirksamkeit von FOLFIRINOX zu beeinträchtigen, und ermöglicht außerordentlich vielversprechende OS- und PFS-Zeiten. Übersetzung aus Oncology 2016;90:261-266 (DOI:10.1159/000444854)
Immuntherapie bei Lungenkrebs
Authors: Reinmuth Niels , Reck Martin
Published: November 2016

Die Immunevasion ist als Schlüsselstrategie für das Überleben und die Progression von Tumoren anerkannt. Darum werden derzeit verschiedene Ansätze untersucht, die darauf abzielen, die antitumorale Immunantwort wiederherzustellen. Insbesondere Wirkstoffe, die gezielt gegen Immun-Checkpoints wie CTLA-4 oder PD-1 gerichtet sind, zeigen Potenzial für eine Verbesserung der Tumoransprechraten und Überlebensraten bei Lungenkrebspatienten. Nachdem die ersten immunmodulatorischen Substanzen die Zulassung zur Behandlung ausgewählter Lungenkrebspatienten erhalten haben, sind die Erwartungen groß, dass die Behandlungsergebnisse sich durch die Einbindung der Immuntherapien in die verschiedenen Behandlungskaskaden verbessern lassen.
Inflammatory Properties and Adjuvant Potential of Synthetic Glycolipids Homologous to Mycolate Esters of the Cell Wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Tima Hermann Giresse , Al Dulayymi Juma''a Raheem , Denis Olivier , Lehebel Pauline , Baols Klarah Sherzad , Mohammed Mohsin Omar , L'Homme Laurent , Sahb Mohaned Mohammed , Potemberg Georges , Legrand Sylvie , Lang Roland , Beyaert Rudi , Piette Jacques , Baird Mark Stephen , Huygen Kris , Romano Marta
Published: November 2016

The cell wall of mycobacteria is characterised by glycolipids composed of different classes of mycolic acids (MAs; alpha-, keto-, and methoxy-) and sugars (trehalose, glucose, and arabinose). Studies using mutant Mtb strains have shown that the structure of MAs influences the inflammatory potential of these glycolipids. As mutant Mtb strains possess a complex mixture of glycolipids, we analysed the inflammatory potential of single classes of mycolate esters of the Mtb cell wall using 38 different synthetic analogues. Our results show that synthetic trehalose dimycolate (TDM) and trehalose, glucose, and arabinose monomycolates (TMM, GMM, and AraMM) activate bone marrow-derived dendritic cells in terms of the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and reactive oxygen species, upregulation of costimulatory molecules, and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome by a mechanism dependent on Mincle. These findings demonstrate that Mincle receptor can also recognise pentose esters and seem to contradict the hypothesis that production of GMM is an escape mechanism used by pathogenic mycobacteria to avoid recognition by the innate immune system. Finally, our experiments indicate that TMM and GMM, as well as TDM, can promote Th1 and Th17 responses in mice in an OVA immunisation model, and that further analysis of their potential as novel adjuvants for subunit vaccines is warranted.
Instrumented Trail-Making Task to Differentiate Persons with No Cognitive Impairment, Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Alzheimer Disease: A Proof of Concept Study
Authors: Zhou He , Sabbagh Marwan , Wyman Rachel , Liebsack Carolyn , Kunik Mark E. , Najafi Bijan
Published: November 2016

Background: Objective and time-effective tools are needed to identify motor-cognitive impairment and facilitate early intervention. Objective: We examined the feasibility, accuracy, and reliability of an instrumented trail-making task (iTMT) using a wearable sensor to identify motor-cognitive impairment among older adults. Methods: Thirty subjects (age = 82.2 + 6.1 years, body mass index = 25.7 + 4.8, female = 43.3%) in 3 age-matched groups, 11 healthy, 10 with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), and 9 with Alzheimer disease (AD), were recruited. Subjects completed iTMT, using a wearable sensor attached to the leg, which translates the motion of the ankle into a human-machine interface. iTMT tests included reaching to 5 indexed circles on a computer screen by moving the ankle-joint while standing. iTMT was quantified by the time required to reach all circles in the correct sequence. Three iTMT tests were designed, including numbers (1-5) positioned in a fixed (iTMTfixed) or random (iTMTrandom) order, or numbers (1-3) and letters (A and B) positioned in random order (iTMTnumber-letter). Each test was repeated twice to examine test-retest reliability. In addition, the conventional trail-making task (TMT A and B), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and dual-task cost (DTC: gait-speed difference between walking alone and walking while counting backward) were used as references. Re sults: Good-to-excellent reliability was achieved for all iTMT tests (intraclass correlation [ICC] = 0.742-0.836). Between-group difference was more pronounced, when using iTMTnumber-letter, with average completion time of 26.3 ± 12.4, 37.8 ± 14.1, and 61.8 ± 34.1 s, respectively, for healthy, aMCI, and AD groups (p = 0.006). Pairwise comparison suggested strong effect sizes between AD and healthy (Cohen's d = 1.384, p = 0.001) and between aMCI and AD (d = 0.923, p = 0.028). Significant correlation was observed when comparing iTMTnumber-letter with MoCA (r = -0.598, p = 0.001), TMT A (r = 0.519, p = 0.006), TMT B (r = 0.666, p < 0.001), and DTC (r = 0.713, p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrated proof of concept of a simple, safe, and practical iTMT system with promising results to identify cognitive and dual-task ability impairment among older adults, including those with aMCI and AD. Future studies need to confirm these observations in larger samples, as well as iTMT's ability to track motor-cognitive decline over time.
Central Obesity and Liver Iron Content: A Noninvasive Assessment in General Population by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Radmard Amir Reza , Poustchi Hossein , Hashemi Taheri Amir Pejman , Gerami Seresht Marjan , Mohammadinejad Payam , Yoonessi Ali , Dadgostar Mehrdad , Rahmanian Mohammad Sadegh , Jafari Elham , Zeinoddini Atefeh , Malekzadeh Reza , Merat Shahin
Published: November 2016

Background/Aim: Existing evidence points to an altered status of iron metabolism in obesity. We aimed to investigate whether central obesity is independently associated with estimated liver iron content (liver T2* value) in general population that used the noninvasive assessment method by MRI. Methods: The study was carried out on 200 subjects randomly selected from the Golestan Cohort Study who underwent abdominal MRI. Quantitative T2* maps of entire cross-sectional area of liver were calculated using a semi-automated software for estimating the levels of iron content. Segmentation and calculation of visceral (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) were also performed. Results: There was no significant difference in mean liver T2* values between obese (body mass index, BMI >30 kg/m2) and non-obese (BMI ≤30 kg/m2) subjects. After controlling for other covariates, no statistically significant association was detected between liver T2* values and VFA, SFA and VFA/SFA ratio. The drop in the relative signal intensity as an indicator of steatosis and serum ferritin predicted liver T2* values that almost had the same strength (standardized β of -0.41 and -0.41, respectively). Conclusions: Central obesity indices are not correlated with estimated liver iron content by MRI. Hepatic steatosis and serum ferritin seem to be the best predictors of hepatic T2* value. Since central obesity indices were not direct predictors of hepatic T2* value after the adjustment for confounding factors, it is possible that lipid accumulation in the liver locally, but not systematically, influences hepatic iron metabolism.
The Effects of Subgroup-Specific Accountability on Teacher Turnover and Attrition
Authors: Shirrell Matthew
Published: November 2016

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 required states to set cutoffs to determine which schools were subject to accountability for their racial/ethnic subgroups. Using a regression discontinuity design and data from North Carolina, this study examines the effects of this policy on teacher turnover and attrition. Subgroup-specific accountability had no overall effects on teacher turnover or attrition, but the policy caused black teachers who taught in schools that were held accountable for the black student subgroup to leave teaching at significantly lower rates, compared with black teachers who taught in schools not accountable for the black subgroup's performance. The policy also caused shifts in the students assigned to black teachers, with schools that were held accountable for the black subgroup less likely to assign black students to black teachers the following year. These findings demonstrate that subgroup-focused policies—particularly those that use cutoffs to determine subgroup accountability—can shape the composition of the teacher labor force in unintended ways, and have implications for the design of future accountability systems that aim to close racial/ethnic gaps in achievement.
A City of Commerce and its Native Banks: Reviewing the History of Hankou Qianzhuang before 1952
Authors: Liu Yun
Published: November 2016

Hankou was once the host city of a large group of native banks or Qianzhuang in China. This case study examines the local archives to explore their urban origins, business customs and internal dynamics of Qianzhuang in Hankou from the mid-1800s. Despite all their struggles, Hankou Qianzhuang disappeared almost inconspicuously in 1952. The archival evidences from the local sources indicate that their formal dissolution had resulted more from political changes than from their inability to serve modern businesses or resistance against ruling orders. These new findings may contribute to China’s monetary history literature, particularly on the role of native-place ties and traditional features in structuring the conduct of business in China.
The Impact of Chinese Private odi in Africa
Authors: Tembe Paulo , Kangning XU
Published: November 2016

This paper measures the boom of Chinese private investments in Africa. In attempting to explain the engagement of Chinese odi in Africa, this study uses the Uppsala model to better understand the motives behind the shift to the African Market. The findings suggest that Chinese private companies are not guided by the Uppsala model in their internationalization process in Africa. The remarkable advantage of Chinese private companies compared to other companies when moving to Africa is explained by their strong entrepreneurial spirit, risk taking and price leadership strategy. We find that political instability in African countries is not a big concern for Chinese companies. From the Chinese point of view, psychic distance is no longer an issue to worry about, as globalization plays a significant role in market integration. Chinese knowledge and experience pertaining to the African market is achieved by their operations in Africa, allowing Chinese companies to design their own way of internationalization in the African market.
Writing African Christianity
Authors: Bongmba Elias Kifon
Published: November 2016

In this overview of the historiography of Christianity in Africa a number of desiderata and considerations for future research are reviewed. The first issue considered relates to the practice of historiography. The second issue relates to African identity/-ies and its relationship to global cultural movements. The third desideratum is the pursuit of new disciplinary practices in the study of African Christianity, especially interdisciplinarity as scholarly ethos. Finally, a number of themes that should become foci in historiography of African Christianity are explored, among these are: concentration on local and regional narratives, the gendered character of Christianity in Africa, attention to the material conditions and needs of African religious communities and the various cultural innovations adopted to cope with these conditions, as well as the role of Christian communities in development in Africa and the wider encompassing question of ethics and morality.
“Colonialism” and “Material Culture” in David Chidester’s Oeuvre
Authors: Strijdom Johan
Published: November 2016

Against the background of the recent proliferation of guides on key concepts for the analysis of issues across religious traditions, this article traces David Chidester’s theoretical elaboration of “colonialism” and “material culture” from an African and South African perspective and his application of these key terms to South African case studies. It is argued that within the current context of demands for a decolonisation of the curriculum these terms need to be foregrounded in rethinking Religious Studies programmes at South African universities. How this transformation of the curriculum may be effected, is illustrated with reference to two introductory courses in Religious Studies at the University of South Africa.
Religion as Culture and Text
Authors: Tayob Abdulkader
Published: November 2016

Professors David Chidester and Cornelia Roux support the new policy on religion education promulgated in 2003 that emphasises the value of exposing learners to the diversity of religious traditions in the country. In this essay, I identify the frameworks they adopt for the study of religions, and argue that they be further developed for the religion education classroom. I propose that both dynamic discursive traditions (Chidester) and texts (content) (Roux) provide key frameworks for religion education. Discursive traditions open the door to a critical and contextual appreciation of religions that is open to change, renewal and innovation. I do not support the hermeneutical preoccupation of Roux, but find her emphasis on the texts and content of religions useful for thinking about the semiotics of religious traditions on self, society and the world. I provide the justification for these frameworks from reflections in the study of religions.
Two new species of Adenocalymma (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae) from the Atlantic Forest of Brazil
Authors: FONSECA LUIZ HENRIQUE M. , ZUNTINI ALEXANDRE R. , LOHMANN LÚCIA G.
Published: November 2016

Adenocalymma, with approximately 75 species, is one of the largest genera from tribe Bignonieae (Bignoniaceae). The genus mostly includes yellow-flowered lianas and shrubs that are conspicuous components of the dry and wet Neotropical forests. As part of an ongoing taxonomic and phylogenetic study of this group, we found unusual materials that do not match any of the currently recognized taxa. These materials formed the basis of two new species described here, which are endemic from the Brazilian Atlantic forest: Adenocalymma lineare, and Adenocalymma apetiolatum. Adenocalymma lineare resembles Adenocalymma nervosum on the linear leaflets, but differs in the habit, prophyll morphology, leaflet venation, floral bracts, bracteole morphology and dimensions, corolla color and morphology, anther and stigma position. While Adenocalymma apetiolatum closely resembles Adenocalymma sessile and Adenocalymma subsessilifolium on the sessile leaf insertion and shrubby habit, it differs from both species by the corolla color, indument type and color. Apart from that, Adenocalymma apetiolatum differs from the former by the prophyll morphology, floral bract and bracteole morphology, and the latter by the corolla morphology. These two new taxa are illustrated, and distribution maps are provided here. Notes on the taxonomy, geographic distribution, habitat, and conservation status are also included.
Proceedings of the Joint Meeting of the XIV International Conference on Ephemeroptera and XVIII International Symposium on Plecoptera

Authors: MACADAM CRAIG R. , STOCKAN JENNI A.
Published: November 2016

Vol. inner cover
The current status of British mayflies and stoneflies
Authors: MACADAM CRAIG R.
Published: November 2016

It is more than 25 years since the last review of the status of mayflies (Ephemeroptera) and stoneflies (Plecoptera) in the United Kingdom (UK). The previous review used the British Red Data Book criteria to assign conservation status to five mayfly and seven stonefly species. The criteria used for assigning the threat status in these publications had the categories Endangered, Vulnerable and Rare, which were defined rather loosely and without quantitative thresholds. The application of these categories was largely a matter of judgment, and it was not easy to apply them consistently within a taxonomic group or to make comparisons between groups of different organisms. The present review has been undertaken to provide an up to date assessment of the status of mayfly and stonefly species in the UK. The IUCN Guidelines have been revised and subsequently updated, and new information on distribution and trends is now available, making it timely to revise the status of all mayfly and stonefly species. Over 275,000 distribution records covering 51 mayfly and 34 stonefly species were analysed and new status assessments provided for these species. This process resulted in one species of stonefly and two species of mayfly being listed as extinct in the UK and a further seven species listed as being at risk of extinction, compared with five species in the previous review. A further 10 species did not have sufficient information to confidently assess their status. Twentysix species were highlighted as being either Nationally Rare or Nationally Scarce. This represents a significant increase upon the previous review when only nine species were highlighted as being Nationally Rare/Scarce.
Kintrishi State Nature Reserve — a hotspot for mayfly (Insecta: Ephemeroptera) diversity in Adjara (Georgia)
Authors: MARTYNOV ALEXANDER V. , GODUNKO ROMAN J. , PALATOV DMITRY M.
Published: November 2016

The mayfly fauna of Kintrishi State Nature Reserve and its vicinities were investigated. For the present moment the mayfly species-list for the reserve and its vicinities comprises 34 species. This territory is the type locality of three described species and a further five undescribed species. Species elevational distribution and ecological preferences within the territory are briefly discussed. The role of the investigated territory for the mayflies' conservation is highlighted.
Preface: Proceedings of the Joint Meeting of the XIV International Conference on Ephemeroptera and XVIII International Symposium on Plecoptera

Authors: MACADAM CRAIG R. , STOCKAN JENNI A.
Published: November 2016

This volume comprises the proceedings of the Joint Meeting of the XIV International Conference on Ephemeroptera and XVIII International Symposium on Plecoptera, held between the 31st May and 5th June 2015 in Aberdeen, Scotland. The International Conferences on Ephemeroptera and Symposia on Plecoptera are held every three years and allow specialists on these orders to interact and present their work. The 2015 Joint Meeting was the first to be held in the United Kingdom and was hosted at the James Hutton Institute. Seventy five delegates from 29 countries attended the meeting and presented 35 oral presentations and 29 posters. The meeting consisted of sessions on phylogeny, taxonomy and systematics; general ecology; behavioural ecology; distribution and biogeography; adaptation and change; biodiversity and conservation; and morphology. The fifteen papers in this volume are representative of the papers and posters presented at the meeting, and were accepted after peer review by international specialists.
Deciphering genital anatomy of rare, delicate and precious specimens: first study of two type specimens of mayflies using micro-computed X-ray tomography (Ephemeroptera; Heptageniidae)
Authors: SARTORI MICHEL , KUBIAK MARTIN , MICHALIK PETER
Published: November 2016

The use of non-invasive techniques to study a wide array of zoological specimens has been increasing considerably during the 21st century. Among these techniques, micro-computed X-ray tomography (μ-CT) is gaining much attention. This method may allow access to hardly visible and internal structures of valuable specimens (e.g. type specimens) through virtual dissections. We studied two type specimens of Ephemeroptera belonging to the family Heptageniidae using μ-CT; the male lectotype of Epeorella borneonia Ulmer, 1939 (pinned specimen) and the male holotype of Rhithrogeniella ornata Ulmer, 1939 (specimen in ethanol). These specimens are the only male adults known in their respective genera; hence a detailed description of their genitalia could reveal important taxonomic and phylogenetic information. We present here the first-ever μ-CT study of mayfly type specimens, and confirm that male genitalia of R. ornata lack titillators, whereas those of E. borneonia possess a pair of titillators which were concealed within the penis lobes.
Revision of the types of male Sciaridae (Diptera) described from Australia by F.A.A. Skuse
Authors: BROADLEY ADAM , KAUSCHKE ELLEN , MOHRIG WERNER
Published: November 2016

A total of 27 male sciarid types described by Skuse (1888 and 1890), held in the Australian National Insect Collection, Canberra, and the Australian Museum, Sydney, were remounted and examined microscopically. Of these, 25 species were described as Sciara Meigen, one as Zygoneura Meigen and one as Trichosia Winnertz. Revision of these species revealed the following: 13 species belong to the genus Bradysia Winnertz (B. amabilis, B. conjuncta, B. crassicornis, B. exsequialis, B. frequens, B. froggatti, B. luctifica, B. maesta, B. mastersi, B. ornatula, B. pernitida, B. pictipes, B. unica), 1 species to the genus Corynoptera Winnertz (C. minutela), 4 species to the genus Austrosciara Schmitz & Mjöberg (Aus. infrequens, Aus. montivaga, Aus. spectabilis, Aus. winnertzi), 2 species to the genus Pseudolycoriella Menzel & Mohrig (Psl. cavatica, Psl. ignobilis), 1 species to the genus Pseudozygomma Mohrig (Pseudoz. maculipennis), 1 species to the genus Sciara Meigen (Sc. tryoni), and 1 species to the genus Scythropochroa Enderlein (Scyth. macleayi). In total 26 species were new combinations. Eight species names were declared as new synonyms: Bradysia pictipes (Skuse, 1888) = Sciara notata Skuse, 1888 syn. n. and = Bradysia seticornis Vilkamaa, Hippa & Mohrig, 2012 (from New Caledonia) syn. n.; Bradysia conjuncta (Skuse, 1890) = Sciara serenipennis Skuse, 1890 syn. n.; Pseudolycoriella cavatica (Skuse, 1888) = Sciara familiaris Skuse, 1888 syn. n. and = Sciara festiva Skuse, 1888 syn. n.; Bradysia luctifica (Skuse, 1888) = Bradysia planistylata Vilkamaa, Hippa & Mohrig, 2012 syn. n.; Sciara tryoni Skuse, 1890 = Sciara insulana Vilkamaa, Hippa & Mohrig, 2015 syn. n. (both species are from New Caledonia); Austrosciara winnertzi (Skuse, 1888) = Sciara rufulenta Edwards, 1927 syn. n. (from New Zealand). Lectotype specimens were designated for 17 species in order to fix the names.
Probabilistic Forecasting of Surface Ozone with a Novel Statistical Approach
Authors: Balashov Nikolay V. , Thompson Anne M. , Young George S.
Published: November 2016

The recent change in the Environmental Protection Agency’s surface ozone regulation, lowering the surface ozone daily maximum 8-h average (MDA8) exceedance threshold from 75 to 70 ppbv, poses significant challenges to U.S. air quality (AQ) forecasters responsible for ozone MDA8 forecasts. The forecasters, supplied by only a few AQ model products, end up relying heavily on self-developed tools. To help U.S. AQ forecasters, this study explores a surface ozone MDA8 forecasting tool that is based solely on statistical methods and standard meteorological variables from the numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. The model combines the self-organizing map (SOM), which is a clustering technique, with a stepwise weighted quadratic regression using meteorological variables as predictors for ozone MDA8. The SOM method identifies different weather regimes, to distinguish between various modes of ozone variability, and groups them according to similarity. In this way, when a regression is developed for a specific regime, data from the other regimes are also used, with weights that are based on their similarity to this specific regime. This approach, regression in SOM (REGiS), yields a distinct model for each regime taking into account both the training cases for that regime and other similar training cases. To produce probabilistic MDA8 ozone forecasts, REGiS weighs and combines all of the developed regression models on the basis of the weather patterns predicted by an NWP model. REGiS is evaluated over the San Joaquin Valley in California and the northeastern plains of Colorado. The results suggest that the model performs best when trained and adjusted separately for an individual AQ station and its corresponding meteorological site.
Forecast Variability of the Blocking System over Russia in Summer 2010 and Its Impact on Surface Conditions
Authors: Quandt Lisa-Ann , Keller Julia H. , Martius Olivia , Jones Sarah C.
Published: November 2016

The Euro–Russian atmospheric blocking pattern in the summer of 2010 was related to high-impact weather, including a mega–heat wave in Russia. A set of scenarios for the synoptic evolution during the onset, mature stage, and decay of the block are extracted from the THORPEX Interactive Grand Global Ensemble multimodel ensemble forecast. These scenarios represent the key features of the forecast variability of the block and of the resulting surface impacts. Two heat indices and a fire index are computed to highlight the forecast variability in societal impacts. The study is a proof of concept, showing how information about surface impacts can be derived from available operational ensemble forecasts in an effective manner, and pointing to possible difficulties in this approach. Comparing the forecast for the heat wave’s impact on large spatial domains, and on a near-gridpoint scale, identifies challenges forecasters may face when predicting the development of a heat wave.

Although the block’s onset was highly predictable, the increase in temperature and the extension of the heat-affected area differed between the scenarios. During the mature stage of the block, the variability of its western flank had a considerable influence on the precipitation and heat distribution. Since the blocking was maintained after the analyzed decay in two of three scenarios, the predictability of the decay was low in this forecast. The heat wave ended independently from the block’s decay, as the surface temperature and the impact indices decreased in all scenarios.
Applying the Ecosystem Metaphor to Entrepreneurship
Authors: Isenberg Daniel J.
Published: November 2016

This article uses a comparison of the generic features of natural ecosystems and the popular use of the term “entrepreneurship ecosystems” and identifies five mistakes in the way the ecosystem metaphor is applied from the natural sciences: the creation mistake, the centralized control mistake, the geography mistake, the intention mistake, and the entrepreneur-centrality mistake.
View from the Shop—Antitrust and the Decline of the America’s Independent Small Business
Authors: Mehlum Ann Marie
Published: November 2016

Stacy Mitchell's “View from the Shop—Antitrust and the Decline of America's Independent Small Business” is the latest contribution in a string of recent articles and reports calling for a renewal in antitrust policy.