bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poéticas nômades: processos de criação em agenciamentos do eu no (com o) outro
Authors: Fonseca Jose Flávio Gonçalves da
Published: May 2018

Este artigo se propõe a discutir o processo de pesquisa Poéticas nômades realizada a partir da criação artística por meio da relação entre artistas de espaços geográficos diferentes em meio a sua condição de nômade. A pesquisa apontou para a realização de uma obra que ocorra em espaços diversos, simultaneamente, por meio de ambientes virtuais de transmissões on-line. Assim, será discutida a ideia de realização artística em espaços cíbridos (hibridização dos espaços físicos reais e do ciberespaço), bem como a condição ubíqua da arte em meio à tecnologia, capaz de proporcionar aos corpos habitarem espaços diversos em um mesmo tempo presente.
Acompanhamento de processos de criação: algumas reflexões
Authors: Salles Cecília Almeida
Published: May 2018

O objetivo deste artigo é propor algumas reflexões sobre a metodologia de pesquisa no acompanhamento de processos cênicos, no âmbito dos estudos sobre processo de criação. É apresentado um histórico do desenvolvimento de tais pesquisas, no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Comunicação e Semiótica da Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, que passaram a oferecer uma abordagem crítica de processo para a produção artística. De modo mais específico, são apresentados alguns possíveis propósitos, contextos de acompanhamentos e formas de registros das observações, a partir de alguns exemplos. E por fim são propostos alguns caminhos, diante dos questionamentos relativos à fundamentação teórica.
Stimulus Familiarity and Expectation Jointly Modulate Neural Activity in the Visual Ventral Stream
Authors: Manahova Mariya E. , Mostert Pim , Kok Peter , Schoffelen Jan-Mathijs , de Lange Floris P.
Published: May 2018

Prior knowledge about the visual world can change how a visual stimulus is processed. Two forms of prior knowledge are often distinguished: stimulus familiarity (i.e., whether a stimulus has been seen before) and stimulus expectation (i.e., whether a stimulus is expected to occur, based on the context). Neurophysiological studies in monkeys have shown suppression of spiking activity both for expected and for familiar items in object-selective inferotemporal cortex. It is an open question, however, if and how these types of knowledge interact in their modulatory effects on the sensory response. To address this issue and to examine whether previous findings generalize to noninvasively measured neural activity in humans, we separately manipulated stimulus familiarity and expectation while noninvasively recording human brain activity using magnetoencephalography. We observed independent suppression of neural activity by familiarity and expectation, specifically in the lateral occipital complex, the putative human homologue of monkey inferotemporal cortex. Familiarity also led to sharpened response dynamics, which was predominantly observed in early visual cortex. Together, these results show that distinct types of sensory knowledge jointly determine the amount of neural resources dedicated to object processing in the visual ventral stream.
Community Government for Cultural Minorities – Thinking beyond “Territory” as a Prerequisite for Self-government
Authors: De Villiers Bertus
Published: May 2018

Decentralisation in its different forms is often associated with territorial governments, be it regional or local governments. There is a close correlation between decentralisation to territorial entities and the protection of minorities that live concentrated in those areas. This article challenges the presumption that decentralisation must by necessity require a territorial element. It is argued that if minorities establish corporate legal entities, various forms of decentralisation could be used to empower language, cultural and religious communities to look after their own affairs. Several case studies are referred to in order to illustrate how in practice non-territorial forms of self-government have been developed. Finally, recommendations are made for establishment of community government in different forms.
Two new species from the Ile des Pins (New Caledonia), and a not so new species from Grande Terre (New Caledonia)
Authors: MEVE ULRICH , GÂTEBLÉ GILDAS , LIEDE-SCHUMANN SIGRID
Published: May 2018

Two New Caledonian endemics of Apocynaceae-Asclepiadoideae, predominantly natives of the Ile des Pins, an island south of New Caledonia known for its high microendemism, are here described as new to science. One new species, Heterostemma bicanthaceum (Ceropegieae), is related to H. acuminatum Decne. but differs remarkably in a number of floral characters such as a raised central corolla tube, and a dull purple-brown and wrinkled corona with expanded lateral appendages forming coronal rail-like structures. The other species described and illustrated, Marsdenia kuniensis (Marsdenieae), is sister to Marsdenia dognyensis from the Grande Terre. Its fleshy whitish to rose corolla with the tube closely encircling the corona as well as protruding and deltoid corona lobes broader than long distinguish the new species. These two species are restricted to calcareous forests and a preliminary IUCN red list assessment is proposed. Additionally, the name Marsdenia neomicrostoma is proposed for a species whose members have hitherto mostly been listed under the name Marsdenia microstoma, a name that has to be considered as nomen dubium after its type has been lost. The species is a typical element of ultramafic soil vegetation, and therefore widespread on Grande Terre but missing on the Ile des Pins.
Goniolimon africanum (Plumbaginaceae), a new endemic species from North Africa
Authors: BUZUROVIĆ UROŠ , BOGDANOVIĆ SANDRO , BRULLO SALVATORE , NIKETIĆ MARJAN , TOMOVIĆ GORDANA
Published: May 2018

A new species, Goniolimon africanum is described and illustrated from Algeria and Tunisia (North Africa). This study, based on investigations of herbarium specimens and data from literature, highlights the fact that this species was collected for the first time by Ernest Cosson and provisionally named ‘Goniolimon luteolus’ nom. nud., while it was later attributed to G. tataricum. A detailed morphological study, carried out on some related European species of Goniolimon, has emphasized that African populations are taxonomically well differentiated from European ones. Its distribution, ecology and relationships are also examined. A table comparing the new species with the closest allied European species of Goniolimon is provided.
One new Gomphonema (Bacillariophyta) species from Yunnan Province, China
Authors: JIANG ZIYI , LIU YAN , KOCIOLEK JOHN PATRICK , FAN YAWEN
Published: May 2018

During an investigation of the diatom biodiversity of Yunnan Province, one new Gomphonema species was observed from a plateau wetland / nature reserve area associated with Lashi Lake. The new species resembles members of the Gomphonema acuminatum complex, possessing a distinctive outline where the tumid center of the valve is as wide or wider than the headpole. The swollen middle portion of the valve extends more towards both poles than in other taxa in this species group. We describe the morphological features of the new taxon based on LM and SEM observations. This is another report of a new Gomphonema species from Yunnan Province, China; recently a new taxon in this species complex was also described from this Province.
A new rare species of Agalinis (Orobanchaceae) from the coast of Veracruz, México
Authors: FRANCISCO-GUTIÉRREZ ANTONIO , CASTILLO-CAMPOS GONZALO , GARCÍA-FRANCO JOSÉ GUADALUPE
Published: May 2018

A new species of Agalinis from the state of Veracruz is herein described, illustrated and compared with A. flexicaulis, A. harperi, A. maritima var. grandiflora, and A. peduncularis. This new taxon was found in a single locality in the northern coast of Veracruz, Mexico, near to a mangrove-swamp. Given its highly restricted distribution, this species is considered as endemic, being critically endangered as a consequence of local urbanization.
Two new species of crickets Adelosgryllus Mesa & Zefa, 2004 (Orthoptera, Grylloidea, Phalangopsidae) from the Araripe-Apodi National Forest, State of Ceará, Brazil
Authors: CORRÊA ROBSON CREPES , PEREIRA MARCELO RIBEIRO , DA COSTA MARIA KÁTIA MATIOTTI , SZINWELSKI NEUCIR , MARTINS LUCIANO DE PINHO , ZEFA EDISON
Published: May 2018

In this paper we describe two new sympatric species of phalangopsid crickets Adelosgryllus from the Araripe-Apodi National Forest, State of Ceará, Brazil, highlighting morphological characters, mainly from male genitalia, tegmina and copulatory papilla. We also present a geographical map for the valid species of the genus, as well as photographs of holotypes and paratypes. The type-material is deposited in the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo (MZUSP).
Gymnothorax odishi sp. nov. (Muraenidae: Muraeninae), a short brown unpatterned moray eel from Bay of Bengal, India
Authors: MOHAPATRA ANIL , MOHANTY SWARUP RANJAN , SMITH DAVID G. , MISHRA SUBHRENDU SEKHAR , ROY SANMITRA
Published: May 2018

Gymnothorax odishi sp. nov., a new short brown moray eel, is described here on the basis of eleven specimens collected from Gopalpur, Odisha, along the east coast of India, Bay of Bengal. The species is characterized with dorsal-fin origin before gill opening, jaw pores with dark rim, small black patch just behind the eye of about eye size or more, gill opening with dark rim, two branchial pores, predorsal vertebrae 4, preanal vertebrae 55–58 and total vertebrae 133–138, three large fang like median intermaxillary teeth, uniserial maxillary and vomerine teeth. The new species is compared with all short brown unpatterned moray eels known from the world.
First record and a new species of Sericosura Fry & Hedgpeth, 1969 (Arthropoda: Pycnogonida: Ammotheidae) from a hydrothermal vent of Southwestern Indian Ridge
Authors: WANG JIANJIA , HUANG DINGYONG , SHI XIAOFENG , LIN RONGCHENG , NIU WENTAO
Published: May 2018

This is the first record of the genus Sericosura from the “Duanqiao” hydrothermal field on the Southwestern Indian Ridge. Collected material included two juvenile specimens temporarily assigned to S. bamberi and S. heteroscela respectively, and one male specimen with dimorphic legs here proposed as a new species, S. duanqiaoensis sp. nov. The discovery suggests potential connectivity among the hydrothermal vents of the Atlantic, Indian and Southern Oceans, expecting obtaining more specimens for further evolutionary studies to clarify the relationships of these hydrothermal vents.
A new species of Mexican parrot? Reasonable doubt on the status of Amazona gomezgarzai (Psittaciformes: Psittacidae)
Authors: ESCALANTE PATRICIA , ARTEAGA-ROJAS ABIGAIL EUNICE , GUTIÉRREZ-SÁNCHEZ-RÜED MAURICIO
Published: May 2018

We present arguments against the recognition of Amazona gomezgarzai Silva et al., 2017 as a valid species. This putative new species was stated to have been discovered in Becanchén town in the central Yucatan Peninsula by a veterinarian, who presented two live individuals to the authors for description. This description has numerous weaknesses, as follows: 1) the Yucatan Peninsula avifauna is well-known, having been extensively explored by collectors and other ornithologists; 2) the authors were never in the relevant field area, nor did they verify that the two individuals obtained for the description came from a natural population; 3) our field trip to the type locality and distribution area failed to verify the existence of the putative new species there; instead, inhabitants of these localities denied that such a person was there and denied having given anyone the birds, nor did they recognize that there were parrots matching the “new” species in the area; 4) the description was prepared without proper voucher specimens; 5) comparisons in existing museum collections were highly inadequate; 6) the characters on which the description is based fail to support that it represents a valid taxon, instead strongly supporting an hypothesis of hybrid origin, which was untested by nuclear DNA markers; and 7) no collecting permits were mentioned in the paper. Although earlier reviewers pointed out weaknesses of the original manuscript, the authors failed to rigorously address these questions and the paper was nevertheless published.
Variability and Confidence Intervals for the Mean of Climate Data with Short- and Long-Range Dependence
Authors: Bowers Matthew C. , Tung Wen-wen
Published: May 2018

This paper presents an adaptive procedure for estimating the variability and determining error bars as confidence intervals for climate mean states by accounting for both short- and long-range dependence. While the prevailing methods for quantifying the variability of climate means account for short-range dependence, they ignore long memory, which is demonstrated to lead to underestimated variability and hence artificially narrow confidence intervals. To capture both short- and long-range correlation structures, climate data are modeled as fractionally integrated autoregressive moving-average processes. The preferred model can be selected adaptively via an information criterion and a diagnostic visualization, and the estimated variability of the climate mean state can be computed directly from the chosen model. The procedure was demonstrated by determining error bars for four 30-yr means of surface temperatures observed at Potsdam, Germany, from 1896 to 2015. These error bars are roughly twice the width as those obtained using prevailing methods, which disregard long memory, leading to a substantive reinterpretation of differences among mean states of this particular dataset. Despite their increased width, the new error bars still suggest that a significant increase occurred in the mean temperature state of Potsdam from the 1896–1925 period to the most recent period, 1986–2015. The new wider error bars, therefore, communicate greater uncertainty in the mean state yet present even stronger evidence of a significant temperature increase. These results corroborate a need for more meticulous consideration of the correlation structures of climate data—especially of their long-memory properties—in assessing the variability and determining confidence intervals for their mean states.
Lower In-Hospital Ventricular Tachyarrhythmia in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction Receiving Prior Statin Therapy
Authors: Park Jin Sup , Kim Bo Won , Hong Taek Jong , Choe Jeong Cheon , Lee Hye Won , Oh Jun-Hyok , Choi Jung Hyun , Lee Han Cheol , Cha Kwang Soo , Jeong Myung Ho ,   The Korean Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry-National Institutes of Health Investigators
Published: May 2018

We evaluated whether prior statin therapy reduces in-hospital ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). Among the 1177 patients from the Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry-National Institutes of Health (KAMIR-NIH), 823 (70%) patients received prior statin therapy. Prior statin therapy was associated with a reduced risk of VT/VF events in both adjusted propensity score analysis (odds ratio [OR] 0.414, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.198-0.865, P = .019) and adjusted inverse probability of treatment weight analysis (OR 0.463, 95% CI, 0.216-0.994, P = .048). The risk of in-hospital death did not differ significantly between those with or without prior statin therapy (hazard ratio [HR] 0.416, 95% CI, 0.112-1.548, P = .191). Major adverse cardiac events occurred in 116 (8.9%) patients during follow-up. Prior statin therapy was associated with a lower risk of major adverse cardiac events during the follow-up period (HR 0.486, 95% CI, 0.243-0.974, P = .042); however, this was mainly driven by reduced noncardiac death. Prior statin therapy might reduce the incidence of serious cardiac tachyarrhythmia, such as VT/VF, in patients with MI undergoing PCI. However, the reduction in VT/VF due to prior statin therapy did not improve short- and long-term clinical outcomes.
Taking Close Others’ Environmental Behavior Into Account When Striking the Moral Balance? Evidence for Vicarious Licensing, Not for Vicarious Cleansing
Authors: Meijers Marijn H. C. , Noordewier Marret K. , Verlegh Peeter W. J. , Zebregs Simon , Smit Edith G.
Published: May 2018

Research shows that people search for balance in their moral (e.g., environmentally friendly) behaviors such that they feel licensed to behave less morally after a previous moral act (licensing) and cleanse previous morally questionable behaviors by subsequently behaving more morally (cleansing). This article investigates whether this balancing may extend to close others, but not to nonclose others, and tests vicarious licensing and cleansing in the environmental domain. Study 1 showed that vicarious licensing effects are more likely when a close other displayed environmentally friendly (vs. neutral) behavior. Study 2 showed that environmental vicarious licensing effects are more likely for close than nonclose others. Studies 3 and 4 suggested that vicarious licensing effects, but not vicarious cleansing effects are more likely for close (vs. nonclose) others. Finally, a meta-analysis showed that overall these studies provide evidence for vicarious licensing effects, but not for vicarious cleansing effects in the environmental domain.
Evaluating the Effects of Supplemental Reading Intervention Within an MTSS or RTI Reading Reform Initiative Using a Regression Discontinuity Design
Authors: Coyne Michael D. , Oldham Ashley , Dougherty Shaun M. , Leonard Kaitlin , Koriakin Taylor , Gage Nicholas A. , Burns Darci , Gillis Margie
Published: May 2018

A large body of research supports the efficacy of small group reading interventions for students in Grades K through 3. However, there are few studies evaluating the effects of supplemental Tier-2 intervention implemented within a response to intervention (RTI) or multitiered systems of support (MTSS) framework. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of providing Tier-2 supplemental intervention to students in Grades 1 through 3 identified as experiencing reading difficulties ( n = 318) in four elementary schools across four different school districts that were selected to participate in a state MTSS initiative. The supplemental intervention was evaluated using a regression discontinuity design, and results indicated statistically significant overall effects on measures of phonemic awareness and word decoding and no discernable effects on reading fluency and comprehension. Results suggest that supplemental reading intervention implemented within MTSS frameworks can impact key reading outcomes when intervention significantly increases instructional intensity.
Thermomechanical behavior of adhesively bonded joints under out-of-plane dynamic compression loading at high strain rate
Authors: Sassi Sonia , Tarfaoui M , Yahia Hamza B
Published: May 2018

In this study, a new experimental approach in which the deformation, the damage kinetic, and the temperature are measured simultaneously during a high strain rate on adhesively bonded composite joints. Especially, our goal is to quantify the amount heat dissipation during impact and to identify the mechanisms that induce this dissipation. Out of plane dynamic compression tests were conducted on assembled specimens over a range of strain rate from 372 s−1 to 1030 s−1 using the Split hopkinson Pressure Bars technique. The specimen surface temperatures were monitored using an infrared camera. The increase in the strain rate has a dramatic effect on the stress–strain behavior producing a significant heat dissipation in the material. The infrared monitoring provides the spatial distribution of temperature that increase near the adhesive/adherent interfaces of the specimen. The observed temperature increase profiles clearly show that the stress concentration appears in the adhesive area and provide valuable information regarding the damage mechanisms and their role in the heat dissipation during dynamic loading conditions. The dependence of these results on strain rate indicates that there exists a correlation between the thermo-mechanical behavior and the strain rate effect, which might be useful when developping damage models taking into account the energy balance for adhesively bonded joints under impact loading conditions.
The Memorable Travel Experience and Its Reminiscence Functions
Authors: Kim Hyangmi , Chen Joseph S.
Published: May 2018

This research intends to augment the current literature on travel experience by examining the relationships between memorable travel experience and its reminiscence functions. It deploys a mixed method to achieve the study aim, using in-depth interviews and questionnaire surveys. By analyzing 318 study samples with confirmatory factory analyses, this research reveals four dimensions that could best explicate the memorable travel experience (i.e., novelty, social interaction, destination enthusiasm, and learning). Furthermore, memorable travel experience influences the three dimensions of the functions of memorable travel reminiscence (i.e., social, self, and direct). It is noted that memorable travel experience tends to affect social function the most. Relevant implications and suggestions for future study are furnished in the conclusion section.
The Qualitative Stage of Building Bayesian Belief Networks in a Focus Group Setting: Decision-Making under Uncertainty among Vietnamese Rice Farmers
Authors: Založnik Maja , Bonsall Michael B. , Harper Sarah
Published: May 2018

An innovative mixed-methods approach to exploratory focus group design is presented using a case study conducted with smallholder rice farmers in Vietnam. Understanding human decision-making under the uncertainties of a complex and changing social and environmental context requires a flexible yet structured and theoretically grounded approach. Using Bayesian belief networks as the architecture of our model allows the study to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative data, the former gathered at this stage in a participatory focus group setting and the latter to be collected in a subsequent survey. This framework further lends itself well to incorporating systematic behavioral approaches to decision-making analysis using Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior framework, a symbiosis that remains underexplored in the literature. The visual nature of the networks makes them easily accessible to participants, and the proposed technical solutions to field implementation are flexible, inexpensive, and shown in practice to mitigate issues of co-moderating discussion across language barriers. The tools and methods described are transparent, reproducible in comparative contexts, and transferable to a range of research topics and questions.
Deep head and neck infections: outcome following empirical therapy with early generation antibiotics
Authors: Varghese Lalee , Mathews Suma Susan , Antony Jude Prakash John , Rupa V
Published: May 2018

In order to study the bacteriological profile, antibiotic sensitivity and outcome following empirical therapy with early generation antibiotics in patients with deep head and neck infection, a retrospective review of 42 patients admitted for drainage and intravenous antibiotic therapy was performed. Ludwig’s angina was the commonest infection, with the most common organisms isolated being Group F ß-haemolytic (15%) and non-haemolytic (12.5%) streptococcus. All streptococci and anaerobic gram-positive cocci were susceptible to penicillin. S. aureus isolates were oxacillin-sensitive and enterococcus isolates were ampicillin-sensitive. All 42 patients received empirical therapy with either intravenous penicillin or its derivatives. In only three patients was a change of antibiotic required based on culture and sensitivity results. Early generation antibiotics appear ideal as empirical therapy for deep head and neck infection.
Burnout in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery: A Single Academic Center Experience
Authors: Geelan‐Hansen Katie , Anne Samantha , Benninger Michael S.
Published: May 2018

Burnout in modern medicine is becoming more recognized and researched. The objective in this study is to evaluate burnout in a tertiary care academic institution and compare results among faculty, trainees, and advanced practice practitioners (APPs) in a cross‐sectional survey using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Fifty‐two surveys were distributed; 44 participants completed the survey (85%): 25 staff physicians (57%), 14 resident physicians (32%), and 5 nurse practitioners (11%). Staff physicians had low emotional exhaustion, moderate depersonalization, and low result for reduced personal accomplishments; trainees reported low emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization, and moderate reduced personal accomplishment; and nurse practitioners reported moderate on all 3 dimensions. There is overall low burnout in this tertiary care academic center of otolaryngologist providers and no difference in rates among the different groups (trainees, APPs, staff). Measures addressing specific deficiencies among dimensions of burnout would be helpful to prevent disintegration of physician satisfaction into burnout.
VLA-4 mediated adhesion of melanoma cells on the blood–brain barrier is the critical cue for melanoma cell intercalation and barrier disruption
Authors: García-Martín Ana B , Zwicky Pascale , Gruber Thomas , Matti Christoph , Moalli Federica , Stein Jens V , Francisco David , Enzmann Gaby , Levesque Mitchell P , Hewer Ekkehard , Lyck Ruth
Published: May 2018

Melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer in humans. One severe complication is the formation of brain metastasis, which requires extravasation of melanoma cells across the tight blood–brain barrier (BBB). Previously, VLA-4 has been assigned a role for the adhesive interaction of melanoma cells with non-BBB endothelial cells. However, the role of melanoma VLA-4 for breaching the BBB remained unknown. In this study, we used a mouse in vitro BBB model and imaged the shear resistant arrest of melanoma cells on the BBB. Similar to effector T cells, inflammatory conditions of the BBB increased the arrest of melanoma cells followed by a unique post-arrest behavior lacking immediate crawling. However, over time, melanoma cells intercalated into the BBB and compromised its barrier properties. Most importantly, antibody ablation of VLA-4 abrogated melanoma shear resistant arrest on and intercalation into the BBB and protected the BBB from barrier breakdown. A tissue microarray established from human brain metastasis revealed that indeed a majority of 92% of all human melanoma brain metastases stained VLA-4 positive. We propose VLA-4 as a target for the inhibition of brain metastasis formation in the context of personalized medicine identifying metastasizing VLA-4 positive melanoma.
Histopathologic and Immunohistochemistry Findings in Feline Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Matsumoto Isao , Chambers James K. , Nibe Kazumi , Kinoshita Ryohei , Nishimura Ryohei , Nakayama Hiroyuki , Uchida Kazuyuki
Published: May 2018

The biological behavior and immunohistochemical features of feline renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have not been well characterized. In the present study, immunohistochemical examinations were performed in 12 feline cases of RCC. The RCC consisted of solid ( n = 2), solid-tubular ( n = 2), tubular ( n = 3), papillary ( n = 2), tubulopapillary ( n = 2), and sarcomatoid ( n = 1) type lesions. Of the cases with RCC, 1 developed metastatic disease and 6 cases had no evidence of recurrence at 80 to 2292 days after surgery. One papillary-type tumor had cuboidal cells with scant cytoplasm and monomorphic nuclei, and the other had pseudostratified columnar cells with abundant cytoplasm. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the tumor cells in most cases were positive for cytokeratin (CK)7, CK20, KIT, and CD10, with the exception of cases of the solid type with clear cytoplasm (solid anaplastic), papillary type with columnar cells, and sarcomatoid types. A small number of tumor cells in the solid anaplastic and in the sarcomatoid types were positive for aquaporin-1. Increased expression of N-cadherin and Twist along with nuclear accumulation of β-catenin were observed in the sarcomatoid type. These results indicated that CK, KIT, and CD10 are relatively strongly expressed in most feline RCC. The solid anaplastic RCC exhibited CD10 expression with the absence of distal tubule marker expression. Although immunohistochemistry profiles were relatively consistent with those described in human RCC, the histopathologic features were different from those seen in humans. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker expression in the current cases may suggest the involvement of an EMT-like mechanism in the development of sarcomatoid RCC in cats.
Relationship Between Auditory Context and Visual Distance Perception: Effect of Musical Expertise in the Ability to Translate Reverberation Cues Into Room-Size Perception
Authors: Etchemendy Pablo E. , Spiousas Ignacio , Vergara Ramiro
Published: May 2018

In a recently published work by our group [ Scientific Reports, 7, 7189 (2017)], we performed experiments of visual distance perception in two dark rooms with extremely different reverberation times: one anechoic ( T ∼ 0.12 s) and the other reverberant ( T ∼ 4 s). The perceived distance of the targets was systematically greater in the reverberant room when contrasted to the anechoic chamber. Participants also provided auditorily perceived room-size ratings which were greater for the reverberant room. Our hypothesis was that distance estimates are affected by room size, resulting in farther responses for the room perceived larger. Of much importance to the task was the subjects’ ability to infer room size from reverberation. In this article, we report a postanalysis showing that participants having musical expertise were better able to extract and translate reverberation cues into room-size information than nonmusicians. However, the degree to which musical expertise affects visual distance estimates remains unclear.
How the Big 4 got big: Audit culture and the metamorphosis of international accountancy firms
Authors: Shore Cris , Wright Susan
Published: May 2018

New calculative techniques of management and accountancy are having a transformative effect on organisations, individuals and society. These processes are often associated with contemporary neoliberal capitalism, but what exactly is driving the proliferation of these measurement systems and how is this change actually occurring? We address these questions by exploring the history of the Big 4 international accountancy firms and their role in spreading audit culture and the rationalities of financial accountancy. Since the 1990s, the expansion of their remit from traditional auditing to a growing emphasis on consultancy services has increasingly blurred the boundary between their public watchdog role and their commercial interests. Combined with the changing values, career trajectories and ‘habitus’ of audit company professionals, and the weaknesses of self-regulation, this has resulted in problems for ethics and corporate social responsibility. Using ethnographic examples, we examine the metamorphosis that occurs as accountants, originally trained in the disciplines of financial probity, become more entrepreneurially oriented when they ascend to senior positions as company managers and partners. If the calculative practices of accountancy are central to modern forms of audit, we argue they are also transforming accountancy firms themselves into evermore calculative and financialised entities. We conclude by showing how the post-1990s shift from auditing to advisory services leads these companies to tread an ever-finer line between entrepreneurship and fraud.
Extracting Useful Information from Basic Safety Message Data: An Empirical Study of Driving Volatility Measures and Crash Frequency at Intersections
Authors: Kamrani Mohsen , Arvin Ramin , Khattak Asad J.
Published: May 2018

With the emergence of high-frequency connected and automated vehicle data, analysts can extract useful information from them. To this end, the concept of “driving volatility” is defined and explored as deviation from the norm. Several measures of dispersion and variation can be computed in different ways using vehicles’ instantaneous speed, acceleration, and jerk observed at intersections. This study explores different measures of volatility, representing newly available surrogate measures of safety, by combining data from the Michigan Safety Pilot Deployment of connected vehicles with crash and inventory data at several intersections. For each intersection, 37 different measures of volatility were calculated. These volatilities were then used to explain crash frequencies at intersection by estimating fixed and random parameter Poisson regression models. Given that volatility reflects the degree to which vehicles move, erratic movements are expected to increase crash risk. Results show that an increase in three measures of driving volatility are positively associated with higher intersection crash frequency, controlling for exposure variables and geometric features. More intersection crashes were associated with higher percentages of vehicle data points (speed & acceleration) lying beyond threshold-bands. These bands were created using mean plus two standard deviations. Furthermore, a higher magnitude of time-varying stochastic volatility of vehicle speeds when they pass through the intersection is associated with higher crash frequencies. These measures can be used to locate intersections with high driving volatilities. A deeper analysis of these intersections can be undertaken, and proactive safety countermeasures considered to enhance safety.
The association between occupational lead exposure and serum levels of selected soluble receptors
Authors: Machoń-Grecka Anna , Dobrakowski Michał , Kasperczyk Aleksandra , Birkner Ewa , Korzonek-Szlacheta Ilona , Kasperczyk Sławomir
Published: May 2018

The present study was designed to evaluate soluble receptors as potential targets for lead (Pb). Analyses included the serum levels of soluble Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptors 2 (sVEGFR-2), soluble Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (sEGFR), soluble Human Epidermal Growth Factor 2 (sHER-2/neu), and soluble Interleukin 6 Receptors (sIL-6R) in the groups of chronically and subchronically occupationally exposed workers. The first group consisted of 56 male workers chronically exposed to Pb. The second group (control) comprised 24 male administrative workers. The third group included 36 male workers exposed to Pb for 40 ± 3 days. Examined subjects were employed in the Pb–zinc works to perform periodic maintenance of blast furnaces and production lines. The serum levels of sHER-2/neu and sIL-6R were significantly lower in the group of workers chronically exposed to Pb compared to control values by 45% ( p < 0.05) and 44% ( p < 0.05), respectively. The values of sVEGFR-2 and sEGFR decreased after a subchronic exposure to Pb compared to baseline by 14% ( p < 0.05) and 21% ( p < 0.05), respectively. At the same time, the levels of sIL-6R also decreased by 14% ( p < 0.05). Results of the present study indicated that both chronic and subchronic occupational Pb exposures resulted in decreased levels of several soluble receptors (sVEGFR-2, sEGFR, sHER-2/neu, and sIL-6R), probably due to Pb-induced modulations of the transcription factors and metalloprotease activities, that are necessary for soluble receptor synthesis.
Melatonin prevents and ameliorates lead-induced gonadotoxicity through antioxidative and hormonal mechanisms
Authors: Olayaki Luqman Aribidesi , Alagbonsi Isiaka Abdullateef , Abdulrahim Amin Halimat , Adeyemi Wale Johnson , Bakare Muftiat , Omeiza Noah
Published: May 2018

We investigated the effects of melatonin on sperm parameters and some biochemical markers in lead-exposed male Wistar rats. Lead (50 mg/kg bw/day) and/or melatonin (4 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg bw/day) was administered for 4 weeks, while 2-week lead exposure was preceded by or followed by 2-week treatment with both doses of melatonin in other groups. Lead reduced glutathione, catalase, adjusted testes weight, semen parameters but did not change malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity. Though independent of prolactin, lead-induced gonadotoxicity was both centrally and peripherally mediated, as it reduced gonadotropin-releasing hormone and testosterone levels, while gonadotropin levels did not change significantly probably due to negative feedback by elevated estradiol. However, pre-, simultaneous, or posttreatment of lead-exposed rats with melatonin reduced MDA, SOD, and estradiol but dose-dependently increased other parameters. Conclusively, lead causes male gonadotoxicity through oxidative stress and endocrine mechanisms, and these could be dose-dependently prevented and ameliorated by melatonin.
Career Locus of Control and School- and Career-Related Adjustment Among High-Need Youth With and Without Disabilities
Authors: Pham Yen K. , Murray Christopher
Published: May 2018

An internal locus of control has benefits to individuals across multiple life domains, but little is known about associations between career locus of control (CLOC) and adjustment outcomes for adolescents with disabilities or at risk of academic failure. This exploratory study used data from 252 high school students to examine associations between CLOC and indicators of school- and career-related adjustment for high-need youth. Findings indicated that an internal CLOC contributed significantly to explaining variances in school bonding, engagement, career self-efficacy, and outcome expectations. Results also showed that adolescent girls with disabilities scored higher on external CLOC compared to boys with disabilities and boys and girls without disabilities. However, there were no moderation effects of ability status or gender on the strengths of CLOC and adjustment associations. Implications for research and practice were discussed in the context of study limitations.
Design and calibration experiment of serial–parallel hybrid rotary platform with three degrees of freedom
Authors: Xu Yundou , Ni Suhuan , Wang Bei , Wang Zengzhao , Yao Jiantao , Zhao Yongsheng
Published: May 2018

A new hybrid rotary platform with three degrees of freedom that possesses both a large workspace and the ability to bear heavy loads is presented. The degrees of freedom and rotary characteristics of the hybrid rotary platform are analyzed, and its solution of inverse position is obtained. The dimensional optimization, structural design, and prototype development of the hybrid rotary platform were carried out, an electrical control system based on a multi-axis motion controller and a three-axis gyroscope was developed, and a calibration experiment on the hybrid rotary platform was performed. After the key kinematic parameters were calibrated, the overall accuracy of the hybrid rotary platform greatly improved.
Numerical and experimental nonlinear dynamic response reduction of smart composite curved structure using collocation and non-collocation configuration
Authors: Singh Vijay K , Hirwani Chetan K , Panda Subrata K , Mahapatra Trupti R , Mehar Kulmani
Published: May 2018

In this work, a generic geometrical nonlinear mathematical model of smart composite curved shell panels has been developed for the evaluation of the linear and nonlinear dynamic responses. Further, the dynamic deflections are reduced by employing the piezoelectric material with the parent composite using two different arrangements (sensor and actuator). The current layered structure model is developed based on the higher-order mid-plane kinematics including the stretching effect. The electric potential due to the piezoelectric material included via a quadratic function of thickness for the current combined electro-elastic modeling. The geometrical distortion of the smart shell panel structure accounted via Green-Lagrange strain field including all of the nonlinear higher-order terms. The desired responses are evaluated computationally using an original computer code (MATLAB environment) with the help of the current higher-order model and finite element steps. The nonlinear dynamic deflection values are obtained through the direct iterative method in conjunction with Newmark’s integration. Additionally, the accuracy of the proposed model is demonstrated via comparison study with the available published literature with and without electric field potential. The reduction of response frequencies is also compared with the in-house experimental data. Lastly, few more numerical examples are computed for the various geometrical parameter including the shell configuration and the comprehensive behaviour of the currently developed nonlinear numerical model for the analysis of smart layered structure discussed in details.
Attenuation of pulsations in the reciprocating compressor piping system with an elbow-shaped surge tank
Authors: Ma Quyang , Yang Guoan , Li Mengjun
Published: May 2018

An elbow-shaped surge tank is proposed to suppress the pressure pulsations. The transfer matrix method was developed and the mathematical model was established to predict the distribution of pressure pulsations in the piping system (on which a surge tank was already installed) with an elbow-shaped surge tank. Simulation work of the whole piping system was performed. The results show that the elbow-shaped surge tank has good performance to attenuate the pressure pulsations. The frequency analysis shows that the amplitude for the first pulsation frequency is attenuated to a low level. The impulse response was analyzed to examine the efficiency of suppressing pulsations by using the suppressor. The theoretical analysis showed that there exists the optimal suppression performance when setting the distance between the elbow-shaped surge tank and the existing one. Meanwhile, modifying the ratio of length to diameter with a fixed surge volume could also impact the pressure pulsations. The analysis results can be used as a reference in designing and installing the elbow-shaped surge tank.
Performing creativity: Design-thinking amongst Chinese industry employees
Authors: Liu Bingjian , Sterling Sara E
Published: May 2018

In China, the value placed on creativity and creative pursuits is not always rewarded in the context of business. Amongst Chinese industry employees in particular, creativity as an exercise and practice is not widely encouraged or practiced, as factors from the sheer number of workers in a single space to the structure and role of management of companies act as constraints. In a country that has achieved a high rate of economic growth, and is notable for its volume of industrial production, only one company is in the list of 2016 top 100 global innovators.1 Creativity and innovation have become key to the further development and future success of Chinese enterprises on the global stage and are developing as areas of significant attention at national and company levels. This paper will provide a case study of approximately 100 employees working in the transportation industry, and examine their perceptions, experiences, and performances of creative practices and the use of design-thinking principles. The difference between individual and team in creative design activities has been compared and analyzed. Limitations of the study are also discussed and conclusions are drawn at the end of the paper, with recommendations for future research.
Multi-shaped tool wear study during rotary ultrasonic drilling and conventional drilling for amorphous solid
Authors: Sharma A , Jain V , Gupta D
Published: May 2018

Float glass, which is a hard and brittle material, is generally machined and drilled using rotary ultrasonic machining and conventional drilling to create products such as solar panels, metrological instruments, etc. But researchers are facing serious issues with regard to tool wear and opting for best shape of tool for the drilling purpose. In this study, blind holes are made on float glass specimen using rotary ultrasonic drilling and CNC conventional drilling process with the aid of multi-shaped tools. The opted tools are namely hollow abrasive tool, pin-pointed conical tool, flat cylindrical tools, and concave circular tool. The entire experimental work is accomplished by considering industrial conditions. Multi-shaped tool’s weight is computed at three stages i.e. (a) fresh tool, (b) after rotary ultrasonic drilling, and (c) after conventional drilling to analyze the overall tool wear. Apparently, micro-studies are used to investigate the phenomena of lateral and end face tool wear while creating blind holes at these three stages. It is revealed that the concave circular tool achieved a minimum percentage of weight loss i.e. 4.92% after conventional drilling and 1.96% after rotary ultrasonic drilling process, which could be preferred for drilling purpose followed by the hollow abrasive tool.
Klinefelter’s syndrome with lupus encephalitis and retroperitoneal teratoma
Authors: WQ C Ng , Eide S E , J Huang , YM Khor
Published: May 2018

We report a case of a middle-aged male who presented with pyrexia of unknown origin, oral ulcers, rash and bicytopenia. His past medical history included unexplained proteinuria, infertility and joint pain. Initial workup showed a large retroperitoneal soft tissue mass, which has appeared stable for 10 years. He subsequently developed neuropsychiatric symptoms with imaging findings of meningoencephalitis. Concurrent investigations showed elevated ANA, anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and ESR levels, as well as low complement levels. Bone marrow aspirate samples revealed karyotype of chromosome 47, XXY. The unifying diagnosis was therefore Klinefelter’s syndrome (KS) with retroperitoneal teratoma and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with manifestations of cytopenias, myositis, serositis, cutaneous vasculitis, encephalitis and nephritis. Upon commencing immunosuppressive therapy, there was dramatic improvement in his mental state and resolution of imaging findings. This case illustrates that males with KS may develop severe SLE manifestations; hence, increased diagnostic vigilance of KS in males with SLE is important in order to recognize effects of hypogonadism and other associations with KS such as retroperitoneal teratoma.
Does Social Performance Drive Corporate Governance Mechanism In Case of Asian MFIs? An Issue of Endogeneity
Authors: Nawaz Ahmad , Iqbal Sana , Ehsan Sadaf
Published: May 2018

The current study contributes to the existing literature on the relationship between corporate governance (CG) and social performance (SP) of microfinance institutions (MFIs) by introducing CG index for the first time purely in the perspective of Asian MFIs. Moreover, this research also investigates the existence of endogeneity by checking the reverse causality between CG and SP as many previous studies highlighted the endogenous nature of many governance and performance variables. Using a panel of 173 MFIs in 18 Asian countries for the period of 5 years, a comprehensive CG index (CGI) based on seven internal governance mechanism variables is constructed as an indicator of the overall CG mechanism of MFIs. By employing generalized least squares (GLS) model, our results indicate insignificant impact of CG on many SP variables which are attributed to the endogenous nature of this relationship as the significance of results improved by studying relationship in reverse direction by employing ordered logit model. Our results indicate that SP is an important determinant of CG mechanism of MFIs even after controlling for MFI-related characteristics.