bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wadithamnus, a new monotypic genus in Amaranthaceae
Authors: HAMMER TIMOTHY A. , DAVIS ROBERT W. , THIELE KEVIN R.
Published: February 2017

A new monotypic genus from near-coastal areas of Oman and Yemen is here described and named Wadithamnus. The generitype is Wadithamnus artemisioides comb. nov. (basionym Aerva artemisioides). On the basis of morphology, W. artemisioides can be separated from Aerva on the basis of its 3(–7)-flowered cymes and flowers with two outer and four inner tepals, and four stamens alternating with the inner tepals. Molecular data (nuclear ITS and chloroplast trnK–matK sequences) confirm Wadithamnus as a distinct genus outside Aerva, the latter marker placing it at a basal position to the achyranthoid clade. The name Aerva artemisioides is lectotypified on a specimen preserved at WU.
Carpinus langaoensis (Betulaceae), a new hornbeam species from the Daba Mountains in Shaanxi, China
Authors: LU ZHIQIANG , LIU SIYU , YANG XIAOYUE , LIANG QIANLONG , YANG YONGZHI , ZHANG DAN , MILNE RICHARD , LIU JIANQUAN
Published: February 2017

Carpinus langaoensis Z. Qiang Lu & J. Quan Liu, a new hornbeam species from the Daba Mountains in the Shanxi province of China, is described and illustrated in this study. Morphological comparisons show that this species is similar to C. tientaiensis W. C. Cheng and C. mianningensis Yi, with which it shares the presence of the long bract with lobes at bases of both inner and outer margins and large glabrescent nutlet.  However, it is distinct from both in the dense pubescence on the abaxial leaf, and the long infructescence bract. Phylogenetic analyses of ITS sequence variation indicates that these three species form a well-supported monophyletic group, but all examined individuals of the new species are separated from all others by three fixed nucleotide mutations. The new species is also geographically isolated from these two closely related ones. Therefore, all available evidence suggests that a new species (C. langaoensis) should be established for this evolutionarily independent lineage. The new species is known from only a single small population, and so should be treated as a critically endangered species according to the IUCN categories and criteria.
Dendrolycopodium verticale comb. nov. (Lycopodiopsida: Lycopodiaceae) from China
Authors: ZHOU XIN-MAO , ZHANG LI-BING
Published: February 2017

A new combination in the lycophyte genus Dendrolycopodium (Lycopodiacae) from Lycopodium, D. verticale (Li Bing Zhang) Li Bing Zhang & X.M.Zhou, for a Chinese species is made.
Gender Disparities in Speech-evoked Auditory Brainstem Response in Healthy Adults
Authors: Jalaei Bahram , Zakaria Mohd Normani , Mohd Azmi Mohd Hafiz Afifi , Nik Othman Nik Adilah , Sidek Dinsuhaimi
Published: February 2017

Objectives:

Gender disparities in speech-evoked auditory brainstem response (speech-ABR) outcomes have been reported, but the literature is limited. The present study was performed to further verify this issue and determine the influence of head size on speech-ABR results between genders.

Methods:

Twenty-nine healthy Malaysian subjects (14 males and 15 females) aged 19 to 30 years participated in this study. After measuring the head circumference, speech-ABR was recorded by using synthesized syllable /da/ from the right ear of each participant. Speech-ABR peaks amplitudes, peaks latencies, and composite onset measures were computed and analyzed.

Results:

Significant gender disparities were noted in the transient component but not in the sustained component of speech-ABR. Statistically higher V/A amplitudes and less steeper V/A slopes were found in females. These gender differences were partially affected after controlling for the head size.

Conclusions:

Head size is not the main contributing factor for gender disparities in speech-ABR outcomes. Gender-specific normative data can be useful when recording speech-ABR for clinical purposes.
“Out of Sight, Out of Mind?”: The Role of Physical Stressors, Cognitive Appraisal, and Positive Emotions in Employees’ Health
Authors: Kożusznik Małgorzata W. , Peiró José M. , Soriano Aida , Navarro Escudero Miriam
Published: February 2017

This study analyzes the mediating role of the appraisal of environmental stressors in the relationship between physical characteristics in the offices and health symptoms. It also studies the moderating role of positive emotions in the relationship between physical characteristics and the appraisal of environmental stressors using a diary study on 59 office workers ( n = 432 time points) and sensor data. The results show that the appraisal of environmental stressors mediates the relationship between physical office characteristics and health symptoms, emphasizing the important link of stress appraisal in the stressors–strain relationship. The results also show that positive emotions moderate the relationship between the sound level and the appraisal of noise, supporting the fact that emotions can have an impact on people’s appraisals. The contributions of this study are the objective measurement of physical stressors in offices, along with their appraisals by the office users, using the diary study design.
Marketization, inequality, and institutional change: Toward a new framework for comparative employment relations
Authors: Greer Ian , Doellgast Virginia
Published: February 2017

This article develops a framework for analyzing the social effects of marketization, defined as the imposition or intensification of price-based competition. The conceptual background is debates in comparative employment relations over the liberalization of markets and its consequences across Europe. Our central proposition is that marketization in its diverse forms leads to increased economic and social inequality via its effects on non-market institutions. We outline two mechanisms through which this happens. First, the means used by managers and investors to seek influence shifts from voice to exit, leading to the disorganization of industrial relations and welfare institutions. Second, economic activity shifts from productive toward non-productive activities, leading to changes in market regulation that are insulated from public scrutiny.
Emergency Department redirection to primary care: a prospective evaluation of practice
Authors: Bentley James A , Thakore Shobhan , Morrison William , Wang Weijie
Published: February 2017

Background and aim

Non-urgent Emergency Department presentations contribute to overcrowding, which can adversely affect patient care. Redirecting patients to a more appropriate service is an option to help address this. We conducted a prospective evaluation of a major Scottish hospital’s Emergency Department redirection policy to assess its safety.

Methods and results

Over two months, 620 patients triggered senior assessment for redirection with 444 (72%) redirected to primary care. Information on presentation was collected with subsequent management and outcome of redirection provided by the patient’s general practitioner. Those who required admission within seven days of redirection triggered review. This was carried out independently by an Emergency Department Consultant and a GP Principal to assess the incidence of sub-optimal care or harm as a consequence of redirection. Most patients presented during daytime hours with no significant variation between days. ‘Patient factors’ accounted for 74% of presentations with ‘convenience’ (20%) cited as the most common reason. Twenty-two patients were subsequently admitted, with one case of sub-optimal care (incidence 0.23%) and no cases of harm.

Conclusions

Our redirection policy provides a safe and effective means of directing patients to more appropriate care. The authors believe this to be in the patient s best interest as Emergency Department clinicians are not specifically trained to manage primary care issues.
Epidemic model formulation and analysis for diarrheal infections caused by salmonella
Authors: Chaturvedi Ojaswita , Jeffrey Mandu , Lungu Edward , Masupe Shedden
Published: February 2017

Epidemic modeling can be used to gain better understanding of infectious diseases, such as diarrhea. In the presented research, a continuous mathematical model has been formulated for diarrhea caused by salmonella. This model has been analyzed and simulated to be established in a functioning form.

Elementary model analysis, such as working out the disease-free state and basic reproduction number, has been done for this model. The basic reproduction number has been calculated using the next generation matrix method. Stability analysis of the model has been done using the Routh–Hurwitz method. Sensitivity analysis and parameter estimation have been completed for the system too using MATLAB packages that work on the Latin Hypercube Sampling and Partial Rank Correlation Coefficient methods.

It was established that as long as R0 < 1, there will be no epidemic. Upon simulation using assumed parameter values, the results produced comprehended the epidemic theory and practical situations. The system was proven stable using the Routh–Hurwitz criterion and parameter estimation was successfully completed.

Salmonella diarrhea has been successfully modeled and analyzed in this research. This model has been flexibly built and it can be integrated onto certain platforms to be used as a predictive system to prevent further infections of salmonella diarrhea.
Épilogue : Vers une reconfiguration techno-scientifique des narrations religieuses ?
Authors: Servais Olivier , Liogier Raphaël
Published: February 2017

In this Afterword, we propose lines of convergence between all the articles of this double special issue and, beyond this, hermeneutic keys to read these techno-scientific mutations and their impact on religious narratives.
Multivariate analysis of curve parameters to predict fabric stiffness handle from a pulling-out test
Authors: Sun Fengxin , Sun Cao , Chen Chaoyu , Du Zhaoqun , Yu Weidong
Published: February 2017

The Comprehensive Handle Evaluation System for Fabrics and Yarns (CHES-FY) is capable of measuring multiple physical and mechanical properties of fabrics, which are related to fabric handle. In this study, ten curve parameters were defined from the pulling-out force–displacement curve of the CHES-FY. Factor analysis was used to remove the co linearity of the curve parameters in order to better characterize the stiffness handle of fabrics. Three principal factors were established using the factor analysis, and the first principal factor was termed the stiffness index based on loadings of the curve parameters to the rotated factors. Comparisons between the evaluation results of the CHES-FY, cantilever test, and newly-developed dual subjective/objective assessments showed that the CHES-FY, together with the stiffness index resulting from the factor analysis, provided a fast and effective method to characterize a fabric’s stiffness handle, and the evaluation process of the CHES-FY appears to closely simulate the tactile response to stiffness when a person touches or pinches a fabric.
Experimental study on an effective method for the friction property of fabrics by the comprehensive handle evaluation system for fabrics and yarns system
Authors: Sun Fengxin , Gao Ruiqiang , Hu Xiaorui , Du Zhaoqun , Yu Weidong
Published: February 2017

The main topic investigated in this paper is the effective measurement of the fabric friction property by the comprehensive handle evaluation system for fabrics and yarns (CHES-FY). The optimal system parameters of the CHES-FY were determined using an orthogonal experiment design based on the correlations between four curve parameters from the pulling-out force – the displacement curve of the CHES-FY and the friction coefficient tested by the Kawabata evaluation system for fabric surface tester. The repeatability and stability of the CHES-FY under settings of optimal system parameters were also analyzed. Moreover, the four curve parameters were used to cluster the smoothness/roughness handle of fabrics objectively by the k-means cluster method, and the clustering results of the k-means cluster method were compared with those of the subjective cluster method. Analysis of the results showed that the selected optimal system parameters were a good combination, and the CHES-FY with the optimal system parameters provided an effective and reliable evaluation to the friction coefficient and smoothness/roughness handle of fabrics.
Study of the vibration transmission property of warp-knitted spacer fabrics under forced sinusoidal excitation vibration
Authors: Chen Chaoyu , Chen Junli , Sun Fengxin , Yang Huijuan , Lv Zhijun , Zhou Qihong , Du Zhaoqun , Yu Weidong
Published: February 2017

The main content dealt with in this paper was to make a theoretical analysis of the vibration transmission property of spacer fabric as cushion materials. A forced vibration test with sinusoidal excitation was conducted, and the corresponding model of the vibration transmission coefficient was established based on a single-degree-of-freedom system. Experimental and theoretical vibration indexes, including natural frequency and the vibration transmission coefficient, were obtained from experimental and theoretical vibration transmission coefficient–frequency curves, respectively. After comparing theoretical parameters with experimental parameters, we were pleased to find out that their maximum vibration transmission coefficient and natural frequency showed good accordance with each other. Moreover, the effect of different parameters of spacer fabric on vibration transmission properties, including thickness, filament diameter, area density and inclination angle and arrangement of spacer filaments, were investigated, which is helpful to better design spacer fabrics with good vibration transmission.
The burden of trauma at a district hospital in Malawi
Authors: Jaffry Zahra , Chokotho Linda C , Harrison William J , Mkandawire Nyengo C
Published: February 2017

Trauma disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, many of which do not have the surveillance systems required to design effective prevention and treatment strategies. The aim of this study was to establish such a system at a district hospital in Malawi. Data on all trauma patients presenting to Mulanje District Hospital from 14 April 2013 to 30 December 2014 were collected using a form based on the core minimum data points for injuries recommended by the World Health Organization and an injury severity assessment. A total of 9073 trauma cases were recorded, accounting for 3.4% of patients that presented at the hospital during this period. Of them, 56.6% were boys/men, with the average age being 22.4 (range, 0.6–98 years). Falls (53.2%), animal bites (16.6%), road traffic injuries (11.1%) and assaults (10.2%) were the most prevalent causes, the majority of the former two taking place at home. Of the patients, 94.8% were treated and sent home, 5.0% were admitted and the remaining were either referred elsewhere or died.
Sampled intermittent control for consensus of multi-agent systems with variable activated intervals
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhou Hong , Liu Zhi-Wei , Hu Wenshan , Wang Wei
Published: February 2017

In this paper, a new kind of intermittent control is proposed to study consensus problems of multi-agent systems with second-order dynamics. In particular, we consider the case that the information transmission occurs at sampling instants and the velocity information is not available for feedback. The proposed control only regulates the velocity of agents in a given sequence of disconnected time intervals, called activated intervals, after sampling instants. Remarkably, both the sampling and activated intervals are not required to be identical. By adopting algebraic graph theory and nonnegative matrix, some sufficient conditions are obtained for guaranteeing the consensus of the multi-agent systems under the switching topology. Finally, the numerical examples are included to illustrate the theoretical results.
Artificial bee colony algorithm for inverter complex wave reduction under line-load variations
Authors: Singh NM Spencer Prathap , Nair N Kesavan
Published: February 2017

This paper describes the minimization of total harmonics in a single-phase sine wave voltage source inverter using a proportional–integral (PI) controller by estimating the optimized values of PI constants using an artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm under line-load variations. The single-phase inverter is a non-linear load using power electronic components causing distortions in the load voltage and current wave patterns from the sinusoidal waveforms due to harmonics. A state variable analysis for the single-input–single-output (SISO) model of an inverter was developed by considering the switching sequence of a voltage source full bridge sine wave inverter. The ABC algorithm calculates the optimized values of the constants for the PI controller, thereby tuning the controller for reducing the total harmonics of an inverter. The MATLAB/Simulink tool and an experimental set-up were implemented, and their total harmonic distortion (THD) values were estimated. The outcomes of the proposed ABC scheme were compared with the previous results such as the PI algorithm, fuzzy logic controller, neuro-fuzzy controller, particle swarm optimization (PSO) and the bat algorithm. A practical example of the ABC algorithm is considered in the present harmonic reduction problem. From the simulation and experimental results using the ABC algorithm, it was observed that its harmonics levels were reduced considerably compared with IEEE and IEC standards.
Linear matrix inequality-based model matching H2 output feedback control of a new leak tightness machine working based on hydrostatic pressure aging method
Authors: Yalçın Barış Can , Koyun Ahmet
Published: February 2017

Fluid leaks owing to broken pipes can be a serious problem for any hydraulic system. The main reasons for pipe breakage are spontaneously changing hydrostatic and hydrodynamic pressure values inside the pipe or faults occurring during the pipe manufacturing process. Therefore, different kinds of leak tightness tests are required in many standards for approval of the pipes used in both academic researches and industrial applications. Hydrostatic pressure aging is the most common method among leak tightness test procedures. However, conventional test machines cannot reach above 700 bar owing to their mechanical specifications. In this study, the design of a new leak tightness test machine that can reach above 1200 bar and its Linear matrix inequality-based model matching H2 output feedback control have been achieved. The efficacy of the test machine and proposed controller have been shown with both simulation and experimental results.
Merleau-Ponty and the Measuring Body
Authors: Hoel Aud Sissel , Carusi Annamaria
Published: February 2017

In recent years a growing number of scholars in science studies and related fields are developing new ontologies to displace entrenched dualisms. These efforts often go together with a renewed interest in the roles played by symbolisms and tools in knowledge and being. This article brings Maurice Merleau-Ponty into these conversations, positioning him as a precursor of today’s innovative recastings of technoscience. While Merleau-Ponty is often invoked in relation to his early work on the body and embodiment, this article focuses on his later work, where the investigation of perception is integrated with an ontological exploration. The resulting approach revolves around the highly original idea of the body as a standard of measurement. We further develop this idea by coining the term ‘the measuring body’, which to a greater extent than did Merleau-Ponty accentuates the relative autonomy of symbolisms and tools and their capacity to decentre the perceiving body.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound using sulfur hexafluoride is safe in the pediatric setting
Authors: Torres Alvaro , Koskinen Seppo K , Gjertsen Henrik , Fischler Björn
Published: February 2017

Background

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) by using sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles is not licensed for use in children, but its off-label use is widespread.

Purpose

To outline our experience with the off-label use of CEUS in children, specifically with regards to safety.

Material and Methods

We retrieved all records of 10681 patients aged under 18 years who underwent abdominal ultrasound (US) January 2004 to December 2014. We then identified those who underwent an abdominal CEUS using sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles. Electronic patient charts were used to verify the indication for contrast agent, dose, possible adverse effects as well as information on patient height, weight, and age.

Results

We identified 173 patients (mean age, 11 years; range, 0.1–18 years) who underwent a total of 287 CEUS exams. Of all exams, 46% were performed on the native liver, 31% on a transplanted liver, and 23% on other organs. The indications were “circulatory status?” (40%), “characterization of lesion?” (40%), and miscellaneous (20%). Mean contrast dose was 2.3 mL (range, 0.1–8.1 mL). No immediate adverse effects were recorded. One patient experienced itching the day after, but this was considered to be a reaction to concomitantly administered fentanyl.

Conclusion

The use of intravenous ultrasound contrast seems safe in patients aged under 18 years and our results do not support the current practice to restrict the use of CEUS in children.
The impact of complications on prolonged length of hospital stay after resection in colorectal cancer: A retrospective study of Taiwanese patients
Authors: Chiu Herng-Chia , Lin Yi-Chieh , Hsieh Hui-Min , Chen Hsin-Pao , Wang Hui-Li , Wang Jaw-Yuan
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To assess the impact of minor, major and individual complications on prolonged length of hospital stay in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) after surgery using multivariate models.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of data from patients who underwent surgery for stage I–III CRC at two medical centres in southern Taiwan between 2005–2010. Information was derived from four databases. Multivariate logistic regression methods were used to assess the impact of complications on prolonged length of stay (PLOS) and prolonged postoperative length of stay (PPOLOS).

Results

Of 1658 study patients, 251 (15.1%) experienced minor or major postsurgical complications during hospitalizations. Minor and major complications were significantly associated with PLOS (minor, odds ratio [OR] 3.59; major, OR 8.82) and with PPOLOS (minor, OR 5.55; major, OR 10.00). Intestinal obstruction, anastomosis leakage, abdominal abscess and bleeding produced the greatest impact.

Conclusions

Minor and major complications were stronger predictors of prolonged hospital stay than preoperative demographic and disease parameters. Compared with the PLOS model, the PPOLOS model better predicted risk of prolonged hospital stay. Optimal surgical and medical care have major roles in surgical CRC patients.
Investigating the influence of music training on verbal memory
Authors: Taylor Alexandra C. , Dewhurst Stephen A.
Published: February 2017

Previous research has shown that musical training is associated with enhanced verbal memory. The current study investigated the generality of this association by presenting undergraduates who had received musical training ( n = 20) and undergraduates with no formal music training ( n = 20) with four types of word list; high visual imagery, high auditory imagery, high tactile imagery, and abstract. Those who had received music training showed enhanced memory for all word lists, suggesting that music training leads to a general enhancement in verbal memory that is not restricted to specific types of words (e.g., those invoking auditory imagery). The findings support previous research in showing that music training enhances cognitive skills beyond those that are specific to the domain of music. The possible cognitive and neural factors underpinning this effect are discussed.
“I’m Not Gonna Fake It”
Authors: Lafrance Michelle N. , Stelzl Monika , Bullock Kristen
Published: February 2017

Women faking orgasm has been identified as a common and widespread practice, particularly in the context of heterosexual sex. While feigning pleasure has been the subject of extensive scholarly inquiry, almost no research attention has been applied to women’s experiences of resisting this normative practice. We adopted a discourse analytic approach to explore the question: If faking orgasm is often compulsory, how do women resist this practice and what does it mean when they do? Participants were 15 undergraduate students who ranged in age from 19 to 28. We identified the mobilization of several discursive patterns in their accounts. First, participants mobilized a “future pleasures” discourse to highlight the importance of resisting faking orgasm in order to increase their chances of experiencing genuine pleasure. Second, they positioned sexual satisfaction as an “equal right” to which they were entitled. In some instances, this was discussed in terms of reciprocity, in which pleasure is given and received. In others, it was positioned as a feminist issue of gender and power. Third, participants highlighted the importance of deflecting blame for absent orgasm in order to avoid hurting one’s partner. Fourth, participants described the role of pain as either a factor that prevented them from faking pleasure or that motivated them to fake orgasm in order to end painful sex. We conclude that an equal rights discourse, framed as a feminist issue, holds the most promise as a means of discursive resistance. At the same time, we highlight the significant risks for women of both faking orgasm and not faking orgasm and the delicate discursive work required when an expected orgasm is not experienced. We suggest that efforts to support women’s sexual health and equality are enhanced by better understanding the emancipatory potential of various discursive constructions as well as their limitations and risks. The merits and challenges of each pattern of accounting are discussed in the context of broader scholarship in the area of discursive resistance.
Conventional Radiographs and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Analysis of Trochlear Dysplasia: The Influence of Selected Levels on Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Tscholl Philippe Matthias , Wanivenhaus Florian , Fucentese Sandro F.
Published: February 2017

Background:

Trochlear dysplasia is one of the most important risk factors for recurrent patellar instability. It is defined on true lateral conventional radiographs (CR) and axial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The type of trochlear dysplasia is decisive for surgical treatment; however, low agreement between CR and MRI has been reported.

Purpose:

To compare the Dejour classification of trochlear dysplasia on CR and axial MRI using differing levels defined in the literature.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

The 4-type classification of trochlear dysplasia by Dejour was used to analyze 228 knees with recurrent patellar dislocations on true lateral CR and axial MRI. The 2-type modification of the Dejour classification was also similarly analyzed. Measurements on axial MRI were performed at 3 different levels: MR1, the most proximal level where the intercondylar notch forms a “Roman arch”; MR2, 3 cm above the joint line; and MR3, the midpatellar height.

Results:

MR1 was measured at a mean distance of 29 ± 3.5 mm and MR3 at a mean of 38 ± 5.8 mm above the joint line. MR1 and MR2 were always measured on the cartilaginous trochlea, whereas 52% of MR3 was found more proximally. Overall agreement was fair between CR and MR1/MR2 (31.1%/25.4%, respectively) and highest for MR3 (45.2%; P < .01). The highest agreement (81.8%) was found for MR3 with the 2-type trochlear dysplasia classification (low-grade trochlear dysplasia: type A vs high-grade trochlear dysplasia: types B, C, and D) and lower for MR1 (67.5%) and MR2 (62.0%).

Conclusion:

Trochlear dysplasia measured on CR and MRI shows only fair agreement, especially when the supratrochlear region of the distal femur is not analyzed on axial MRI. MRI analysis that considers the cartilaginous trochlea only tends to underestimate the severity of dysplasia according to Dejour. For a more precise evaluation of trochlear dysplasia, the entire distal femur should be analyzed on axial MRI.
An Analysis of Preoperative and Postoperative Photography Available on the Internet for Facial Aesthetic Surgery
Authors: Meekins Landon C. , Godin Morgan R. , Khan Tanya , Colon-Acevedo Betsy , Woodward Julie A.
Published: February 2017

Preoperative and postoperative photography is a powerful tool that remains integral to the practice of cosmetic surgery. The purpose of this study is 2-fold. The first is to evaluate the standardization of surgical photography used on physician Web sites for 3 specific facial cosmetic procedures, including preoperative and postoperative blepharoplasty, face-lift, and laser resurfacing. The second part of the study evaluates the standardization of photography presented by industry to promote their lasers and energy-based devices. Internet images were judged by 3 independent physicians on 2 qualities: (1) standardization of lighting/flash and (2) standardization of camera positioning/angle/zoom. Each set of images received a “pass” or “fail” based on 2 of 3 physician ratings. A total of 51.3% of images (blepharoplasty 51%, face-lift 56%, laser 47%) collected from physician Web sites failed at least 1 component (either lighting or position) of analysis. Images from industry Web sites showed only a 35% fail rate for at least 1 component of the image analysis and had a higher pass/pass percentage compared with physician Web sites. Manipulation of the camera by the photographers may result in images that are not helpful to patients or to the profession.
pH-Responsive 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate/citraconic anhydride–modified collagen hydrogels as ciprofloxacin carriers for wound dressings
Authors: Pamfil Daniela , Vasile Cornelia , Tarţău Liliana , Vereştiuc Liliana , Poiată Antoniea
Published: February 2017

pH-Sensitive hydrogels of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate/citraconic anhydride–modified collagen were obtained by free radical copolymerization/crosslinking in the presence of ammonium persulfate/ N,N,N′, N′-tetramethylethylenediamine redox initiator system. Their pH-responsiveness was demonstrated by swelling behavior and ciprofloxacin release tests. Both unloaded and loaded hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, and biocompatibility tests. The enzymatic degradation in the presence of Clostridium histolyticum mainly depends on initiator content. In vivo biocompatibility tests involving intraperitoneal hydrogels’ implantation in rats following the analysis by the granuloma test, leukocyte formula, immune parameters, and hepatic transaminases demonstrated their non-toxicity and biocompatibility with living tissues. The in vitro antimicrobial activity, in vivo biocompatibility, and in vitro biodegradability tests attest the possibility to use these new polymeric hydrogels with tailored properties as matrices for bioactive products in medical and pharmaceutical applications as wound care and targeting drug delivery systems. The ciprofloxacin release studies proved their potential as materials for wound dressings.
The liberal playground
Authors: Bar-Haim Shaul
Published: February 2017

The Cambridge Malting House, an experimental school, serves here as a case study for investigating the tensions within 1920s liberal elites between their desire to abandon some Victorian and Edwardian sets of values in favour of more democratic ones, and at the same time their insistence on preserving themselves as an integral part of the English upper class. Susan Isaacs, the manager of the Malting House, provided the parents – some of whom were the most famous scientists and intellectuals of their age – with an opportunity to fulfil their ‘fantasy’ of bringing up children in total freedom. In retrospect, however, she deeply criticized those from their milieu for not fully understanding the real socio-cultural implications of their ideological decision to make independence and freedom the core values in their children’s education. Thus, 1920s progressive education is a paradigmatic case study of the cultural and ideological inner contradictions within liberal thought in the interwar era. The article also shows how psychoanalysis – which attracted many progressive educators – played a crucial role in providing liberals of all sorts with a new language to articulate their political visions, but, at the same time, explored the limits of the liberal discourse as a whole.
Visuospatial Bootstrapping
Authors: Darling Stephen , Allen Richard J. , Havelka Jelena
Published: February 2017

Visuospatial bootstrapping is the name given to a phenomenon whereby performance on visually presented verbal serial-recall tasks is better when stimuli are presented in a spatial array rather than a single location. However, the display used has to be a familiar one. This phenomenon implies communication between cognitive systems involved in storing short-term memory for verbal and visual information, alongside connections to and from knowledge held in long-term memory. Bootstrapping is a robust, replicable phenomenon that should be incorporated in theories of working memory and its interaction with long-term memory. This article provides an overview of bootstrapping, contextualizes it within research on links between long-term knowledge and short-term memory, and addresses how it can help inform current working memory theory.
Remembering the Living
Authors: Nairne James S. , VanArsdall Joshua E. , Cogdill Mindi
Published: February 2017

Human cognition is sensitive to the distinction between living and nonliving things. Animacy plays a role in language comprehension, reasoning, the organization of knowledge, and perception. Although ignored until recently, animacy significantly influences basic memory processes as well. Recent research has indicated that people remember animate targets better than matched inanimate targets; in fact, an item’s animacy status is one of the best predictors of its later recall. Animate processing of inanimate stimuli can produce retention advantages, as can animate touching—inanimate objects are remembered better when they are simply touched by animate things. We discuss these recent findings and their implications for the evolution of cognition, the methodology of memory experiments, and educational practice.
Directing the Wandering Mind
Authors: Szpunar Karl K.
Published: February 2017

Mind wandering—a mental phenomenon characterized by the spontaneous shift of attention away from external stimulation toward self-generated thought—has been consistently shown to have a negative impact on learning, yet little is known about how to reduce or redirect the experience in educational settings. In this article, I distinguish between approaches to directing mind wandering that focus on either the detection of lapses of attention (reactive) or restructuring of the learning environment (proactive) and argue that proactive approaches avoid issues of implementation that currently limit reactive approaches. I then review emerging research on a proactive approach to reducing and redirecting mind wandering that involves interpolating lecture-based content with brief memory tests, and further elaborate on the benefits of interpolated testing in other educationally relevant contexts. I conclude by highlighting that proactive approaches to creating attentive learning environments will also need to take into account characteristics of the individual learner.
Plateaus and Asymptotes
Authors: Gray Wayne D.
Published: February 2017

One hundred twenty years ago, the emergent field of experimental psychology debated whether plateaus of performance during training were real or not. Sixty years ago, the battle was over whether learning asymptoted or not. Thirty years ago, the research community was seized with concerns over stable plateaus at suboptimal performance levels among experts. Applied researchers viewed this as a systems problem and referred to it as the paradox of the active user. Basic researchers diagnosed this as a training problem and embraced deliberate practice. The concepts of plateaus and asymptotes and the distinction between the two are important as the questions asked and the means of overcoming one or the other differ. These questions have meaning as we inquire about the nature of performance limits in skilled behavior and the distinction between brain capacity and brain efficiency. This article brings phenomena that are hiding in the open to the attention of the research community in the hope that delineating the distinction between plateaus and asymptotes will help clarify the distinction between real versus “spurious limits” and advance theoretical debates regarding learning and performance.
The Developmental Origins of False-Belief Understanding
Authors: Scott Rose M.
Published: February 2017

Understanding that individuals can be mistaken, or hold false beliefs, about the world is an important human ability that plays a vital role in social interactions. When and how does this ability develop? Traditional investigations using elicited-response tasks suggested that false-belief understanding did not emerge until at least age 4. However, more recent studies have shown that children demonstrate false-belief understanding much earlier when tested via other means. In the present article, I summarize recent evidence that a robust, flexible understanding of false belief emerges in infancy and discuss why older children fail elicited-response tasks despite their ability to represent beliefs.
International Terrorism: The Changing Face of International Extradition and European Criminal Law
Authors: Knoops Geert-Jan A.
Published: February 2017

From 1996 onwards the international legal community has been trying to establish a general anti-terrorism treaty. Despite several attempts to reach agreement on such a general treaty within the framework of an ad hoc commission of the General Assembly of the UN, this goal has never been fulfilled, due to a lack of consensus on the definition of the concept of terrorism. For the very same reason, the offence of terrorism has not been incorporated in the ICC Statute. This raises the question of the extent to which international criminal law is sufficiently equipped to combat international terrorism, particularly considering the effects of the September 11 attacks on national and international criminal law, as well as the fact that an International Extradition Convention with respect to International Terrorism is still lacking. The additional need for such a uniform treaty recently became apparent following the terrorist attacks in Bali and Mombasa (Kenya). At the same time, the EU, with the advent of the European Arrest Warrant (EAW), is entering a new era with regard to combating terrorism. The purpose of this development is in principle to abolish the present extradition formalities and obstacles. However, the recent decision of 10 December 2002, issued by the Extradition Chamber of the District Court in Amsterdam, which rejected an extradition request concerning a person suspected of being a member of the Turkish PKK, an organization prohibited in Turkey, also emphasizes the importance of the ‘Rule of Law’ in the area of suppressing terrorism on both the global and European level.
The Mutual Recognition of Decisions in Civil and Commercial Matters in the European Union in the Light of the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution
Authors: Haibach Georg
Published: February 2017

In the conclusions of the European Council of Tampere and the Council Programme of Measures for Implementation of the Principle of Mutual Recognition of Decisions in Civil and Commercial Matters, the European Union approved the principle of mutual recognition of judicial decisions in order to remove barriers to the ‘free movement of judgments’. When the U.S. Constitution was drafted more than 200 years ago, the same problem had to be tackled. Article IV Section 1 of the Constitution was the solution found at the time. This article gives an overview over the state of play of the Community activities concerning the mutual recognition of decisions in civil and commercial matters, seen from the perspective of the U.S. Constitution.
The Overhaul of the European Legislation on GMOs, Genetically Modified Food and Feed: Mission Accomplished. What Now?
Authors: Poli Sara
Published: February 2017

This article examines the reform of the European legislation on genetically modified organisms (‘GMOs’). The aim is to evaluate whether Member States should be reassured by the completion of such a reform. After an overview of the reasons pushing the Commission to revise the first generation of GMOs legislation, the stages of the legislative reform are sketched out. Special emphasis is placed on Regulation 1829/2003 on genetically modified food and feed. The main problems addressed, in relation to this Regulation, are the following: the features of the authorization procedure, the Commission's discretion in this procedure, labelling obligations imposed on food producers and the impact of the Monsanto case on Regulation 1829/2003. In this first part of the article the conclusion is drawn that the reform of the European legislation on GMOs and derivatives makes the marketing of these products possible under very strict conditions; therefore, Member States should lift the moratorium. The second part of this article discusses Member States' powers to adopt unilateral measures, restricting the marketing of GMOs and derivatives. These powers are very narrowly defined as is shown by the safeguard clauses of the pieces of legislation described. Member States have limited power also under Art. 95(5) of the EC Treaty. This is confirmed by the Commission's negative decision on the request of the Province of Upper Austria to introduce a blanket ban on the use of genetically modified seeds and transgenic animals.
A European View on Enrichment by Performance
Authors: Scheltema M.W.
Published: February 2017

In this contribution the European legal systems on enrichment by performance are compared. The basis for this comparison is Johnston and Zimmerman (eds.), Unjustified Enrichment, Key Issues in Comparative Perspective.

Several issues of enrichment by performance are discussed. First the question when an enrichment by performance occurs is considered. Two main cases can be discerned: the intended discharge of an obligation which does not exist and void contracts or rescission. Subsequently the requirement of mistake is discussed. In most cases this requirement seems not to be of great importance, except in the case of the discharge of another's debt.

When an enrichment by performance has occurred, the defendant sometimes has a defence which can entail that only the enrichment surviving has to be compensated for. The valuation of the enrichment is taken into account also.

Resolving multi-party relationships is difficult. This is especially true in enrichment cases, but a starting point for resolving these relationships is sought.
Unjust Enrichment and Change of Position
Authors: Sagaert Vincent
Published: February 2017

Unjust enrichment is a highly debated and complex legal device, which gives rise to multiple legal problems. One of the difficulties arising within the law of unjust enrichment is that of the security of receipt of the debtor. Contrary to contractual obligations, the debtor of the legal obligation to make restitution is not always aware of the existence of that obligation. Consequently, the debtor may have acted to this detriment in reliance on his belief that he was entitled to keep the enrichment. This contribution analyzes whether the good faith of the recipient is protected in a restitutive relationship in some of the major legal systems in European private law. This analysis will conclude that all legal systems indeed protect the defendant who has changed his position in good faith that he was entitled to the enrichment, but that the manner in which the protection is provided differs between these legal systems. The second part of this contribution shall elaborate on the prevailing approach in European private law, which starts from the defence of change of position. It will show that all legal systems are struggling to find a just solution for the same problems.
The Functions of Approximation of Penal Legislation within the European Union
Authors: Weyembergh Anne
Published: February 2017

This contribution identifies the main sources of approximation of penal laws between the Member States of the European Union and underlines the serious limits affecting it. It then focuses on the different functions that the approximation of penal laws plays in the establishment of an area of freedom, security and justice, suggesting that these functions are currently undervalued and that this underplaying undermines the ability to achieve this general and fundamental objective the Treaty of Amsterdam has conferred upon the Union.
Patients' Free Movement Rights and Cross-Border Access to Healthcare
Authors: Van Nuffel Piet
Published: February 2017

As a result of the case-law of the Court of Justice, national systems of social security and health care can no longer neglect cross-border aspects as patients start behaving as consumers looking for the ‘best medical treatment’ at the ‘highest possible rate’ of reimbursement. A Member State cannot prevent its patients taking advantage of more advanced medical treatment or better organised care systems in another Member State unless it can justify such a limitation to patients' mobility rights on the basis of the need to maintain high-quality medical resources and a financially stable healthcare system. Authorisation for treatment abroad cannot be refused solely because there are waiting lists on the national territory. The Court's case law has prompted the Commission to include provisions on patient mobility in its proposed ‘Bolkestein’ Directive on services in the internal market. Whatever may be the fate of that Directive, a legislative codification of the principles outlined in the case law would certainly enhance transparency and legal certainty for all stakeholders.
The Amended Equal Treatment Directive (2002/73): An Expression of Constitutional Principles / Fundamental Rights
Authors: Koukoulis-Spiliotopoulos Sophia
Published: February 2017

This paper recalls the constitutional framework within which Directive 2002/73 was adopted, and attempts a first evaluation of some of its ‘new’ provisions in light of this framework. This illuminates a brief discussion of the proposal for a Recast Directive, which aims to ‘simplify, modernize and improve’ gender equality EC law by putting together three gender equality directives, including Directive 2002/73, and which should, therefore, incorporate the whole relevant legislative and jurisprudential acquis.

Gender equality enjoys a privileged status under the Treaties. It is an EC ‘task’ and ‘aim’ to ‘eliminate inequalities' and ‘promote’ gender equality in all fields. This ‘positive obligation’ is also incumbent on the EU, since (substantive) gender equality, as a fundamental right, is its cornerstone, and on Member States, via their duty of ‘loyal cooperation’. Gender equality – which is also a strategic Lisbon goal – is thus an essential element of European identity.

Directive 2002/73 is an expression of the constitutional principle of gender equality and other constitutional principles, such as those of the protection of family life and effective judicial protection. Its provisions on positive action and maternity/paternity rights, far from constituting derogations from gender equality, are necessary means for its substantive achievement. Therefore, this Directive – like the Recast Directive, once it is adopted – must be construed in a wide, teleological way, so that it can be an effective tool for the substantive implementation of these principles/fundamental rights and contribute to safeguarding and enhancing the human face of Europe.