bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘EIN EINZIGES MAL WAR DIE WELT IN ROT’: FUTURITY, FAILURE, AND THE MATRIXIAL IN INGEBORG BACHMANN'S ‘EIN SCHRITT NACH GOMORRHA’
Authors: Jeremiah Emily
Published: June 2015

This article reads Ingeborg Bachmann's short story ‘Ein Schritt nach Gomorrha’ (1961), about the encounter between two women, in the light of recent theory concerning temporality, futurity, and failure, especially the work of Lee Edelman and Judith Halberstam. Such a queer reading supplements and extends existing readings of the story as documenting a failed attempt to break free of patriarchal power relations. Seeing the text as either ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ in its depiction of lesbian desire and in its assessment of the possibilities of escape or transformation means overlooking the significance of the failure itself, and the ways in which such failure might be instructively perverse. The very failure of the text to lend itself to easy or unproblematic readings is also noteworthy. This analysis suggests that the text is not only ‘literary’ but itself ‘theoretical’. Bachmann's story charts the ambivalences and oscillations inherent in a female subject's negotiation with the Symbolic Order, and bears comparison with Bracha L. Ettinger's theorisation of the ‘matrixial’. In particular, the text highlights the failure of the matrixial to emerge, combining a queer challenge to ideals of success and normality with a materialist‐feminist emphasis on the female body.

Mit Hilfe von neuen Theorien über Zeitlichkeit, Zukünftigkeit, und Misserfolg, insbesondere von Lee Edelman und Judith Halberstam, untersucht dieser Aufsatz Ingeborg Bachmanns Kurzgeschichte ‘Ein Schritt nach Gomorrha’ (1961), die die Begegnung zweier Frauen darstellt. Diese queere Lesart ergänzt und erweitert existierende Deutungen der Kurzgeschichte als die eines misslungenen Versuchs, sich von patriarchalischen Machtverhältnissen zu befreien. Indem der Text entweder als ‘positiv’ oder ‘negativ’ in Hinsicht auf die Darstellung lesbischen Begehrens und der möglichen Auswege oder Transformationen angesehen wird, wird die Signifikanz des Misserfolgs selbst, und auch die womöglich aufschlussreich perversen Qualitäten solch eines Misserfolgs, übersehen. Zudem ist es bemerkenswert, dass der Text keine einfache oder unproblematische Lesart zulässt. Die vorliegende Analyse deutet darauf hin, dass der Text nicht nur ‘literarische’, sondern auch ‘theoretische’ Merkmale aufweist. Bachmanns Kurzgeschichte verfolgt die Ambivalenzen und Schwankungen des mit der symbolischen Ordnung verhandelnden weiblichen Subjekts, und kann mit Bracha L. Ettingers Theorie des ‘Matrixial’ verglichen werden. Insbesondere wird im Text die Tatsache, dass das ‘Matrixial’ sich nicht entwickelt, hervorgehoben, was nicht nur eine queere Infragestellung der Ideale von Erfolg und Normalität, sondern auch eine materialistisch‐feministische Betonung des weiblichen Körpers darstellt.
VLADIMIR VERTLIB ON ‘JEWISH IDENTITY IN PARTICULAR AND IDENTITY AND BELONGING IN GENERAL’
Authors: Matveev Julia
Published: June 2015

The contemporary Austrian‐Jewish writer Vladimir Vertlib (b. 1966) is often regarded as either a Jewish author or as a cosmopolite. The following article will examine his novel Letzter Wunsch from both perspectives against the background of the author's reflections on Jewish national identity after the Holocaust and the problem of identity in a very broad sense. It will emphasise Vertlib's attempt – as a secular Jew denying religion as an identity‐forming factor – to question the relevance of the traditional definition of Jewish identity and to revise it in terms of the general and the universal. Special attention will be given to an identity clash between the secular self‐understanding and the religious‐Orthodox concept of Jewish identity within Judaism.

Der zeitgenössische österreichisch‐jüdische Schriftsteller Vladimir Vertlib (geb. 1966) wird oft entweder als jüdischer Autor oder als Kosmopolit gesehen. Der folgende Artikel untersucht seinen Roman Letzter Wunsch aus beiden Perspektiven, hinsichtlich der Reflektionen des Autors zu jüdischer Identität nach dem Holocaust und dem allgemeinen Problem von Identität und Zugehörigkeit. Der Schwerpunkt wird auf Vertlibs Versuch liegen, als säkularer Jude, der die Religion als identitätsstiftenden Faktor ablehnt, die Relevanz der traditionellen Definition von jüdischer Identität in Frage zu stellen und sie im Rahmen des Allgemeinen und des Universellen zu revidieren. Besondere Aufmerksamkeit wird dabei auf das Aufeinanderprallen von säkularem Selbstverständnis und religiös‐orthodoxer Auffassung von jüdischer Identität innerhalb des Judentums gerichtet.
News/Interview/Editorial
Authors: Tarran Brian , Wicklin Rick
Published: June 2015

Data-crunching earthquakes. Review of FBI hair-matching analysis finds widespread errors. Ants march in step with statistics. Will “false” stats lead to harsh punishment in Tanzania? In praise of simple graphics. Causes of death in London boroughs. Statistics and the central dogma
Modern Slavery in the UK: How Many Victims?
Authors: Bales Kevin , Hesketh Olivia , Silverman Bernard
Published: June 2015

Victims of modern slavery are often hidden from view, making it difficult to estimate how many there are. Multiple systems estimation helped Kevin Bales, Olivia Hesketh and Bernard Silverman provide an answer
Fighting Healthcare Fraud with Statistics
Authors: Woodard Bradford
Published: June 2015

Bradford Woodard explains how sampling and extrapolation is used by the US Medicaid programme to uncover and reclaim overpayments
Not Part of the Crowd
Authors: Gómez Grajales Carlos A.
Published: June 2015

“Wisdom of crowds” is a 100-year-old idea that underpins many of today's online services. But while the concept is widely understood, its statistical fundamentals are not. Carlos A. Gómez Grajales explains

The “wisdom of crowds” concept is widely understood, but its statistical fundamentals are not. Carlos A. Gómez Grajales explains
Effect of Different Ablation Settings on Acute Complications Using the Novel Irrigated Multipolar Radiofrequency Ablation Catheter (nMARQ)
Authors: DENEKE THOMAS , MÜLLER PATRICK , HALBFAß PHILIPP , SZÖLLÖSI ATILLA , ROOS MARKUS , KRUG JOACHIM , FOCHLER FRANZISKA , SCHADE ANJA , SCHMITT RAINER , CHRISTOPOULOS GEORGIOS , MÜGGE ANDREAS , NENTWICH KARIN
Published: June 2015

Effects of Different Energy Settings in nMARQ Ablation

Background

Single‐shot ablation devices for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) have been increasingly used in clinical practice.

Objective

A novel mapping‐system integrated irrigated multipolar circular ablation catheter (nMARQ) has been introduced for PVI but data on larger patient cohorts on acute safety and efficacy are lacking.

Methods

A total of 145 consecutive patients undergoing AF ablation treated with the nMARQ underwent endoscopic evaluation of esophageal thermal damage (EDEL) and brain MRI for detection of silent cerebral events (SCE). During the course of our experience different modifications of the ablation strategy, including energy delivery at the left atrial posterior wall, were evaluated.

Results

Effective PVI was achieved in 99% of all PVs during a mean procedure‐duration of 115 (±36) minutes and ablation‐duration of 18 (±8) minutes. Acute major complications occurred in 3 patients (2.1%) and asymptomatic complications like SCE in 26% and EDEL in 21%. There was a significant reduction in EDEL when not using a thermal esophageal probe (0% vs. 28%, P < 0.0001). Ablation under oral anticoagulation led to lower SCE incidences compared to interrupted anticoagulation regimen (15% vs. 31%, P = 0.7). Out of 65 patients with completed 12‐month follow‐up, 43 (66%) were in stable sinus rhythm.

Conclusions

PVI using the nMARQ is safe and effective in patients with symptomatic AF. Not using an esophageal temperature probe during ablation has relevantly reduced the incidence of EDEL. Ablations under continued oral anticoagulation have reduced incidence of SCE. Further studies on long‐term efficacy are needed.
Dimensional changes after immediate implant placement with or without simultaneous regenerative procedures: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Clementini Marco , Tiravia Luca , De Risi Valeria , Vittorini Orgeas Gianluca , Mannocci Alice , de Sanctis Massimo
Published: June 2015

Objective

To analyse alveolar ridge volume changes after immediate implant placement, with or without a regenerative technique.

Methods

Studies investigating the effect of immediate implant placement on ridge dimensional changes were identified through an electronic search conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE. Weighted mean changes (WMC) between baseline and follow‐up time were calculated and subgroup analysis was performed according to study design, evaluation method and regenerative strategies.

Results

After immediate implant placement alone WMC of RCTs showed a loss in width and height of 1.1 mm. After flapless immediate implant placement with immediate provisionalization and a graft WMC showed a loss in width and height of 1.02 mm and 0.79 mm, while after flapped immediate implant placement and a graft WMC showed a gain of 1.79 mm. After immediate implant placement plus a non‐resorbable membrane WMC showed a loss in height of 0.07 mm. After immediate implant placement plus a resorbable membrane and a graft WMC showed a gain in height of 1.09 mm.

Conclusions

Immediate implant placement does not seem to counteract alveolar ridge modelling after tooth extraction. Furthermore, the currently available evidence does not allow for any conclusive statements regarding the efficacy of a concomitant regenerative technique in preventing the amount of alveolar reduction.
Management of periodontal disease in patients using calcium channel blockers – gingival overgrowth, prescribed medications, treatment responses and added treatment costs
Authors: Fardal Øystein , Lygre Henning
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Gingival overgrowth (GO) is an adverse drug reaction in patients using calcium channel blockers (CCBs). Little is known about the effects of CCBs on the management of periodontal diseases. The aim of this study was to assess how the use of CCBs affects the long‐term supportive treatment and outcomes in patients undergoing periodontal therapy.

Methods

All patients using CCBs during the initial treatment and/or the supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) were selected from a periodontal practice. Patients were scored using a Gingival Overgrowth Index (GOI). The effects of CCB types and dosages were assessed in terms of the frequency and the severity of GO, treatment responses, substitutions and extra treatment costs. Mean values, Standard Deviation (SD) and range were calculated. The Mann–Whitney test was used to assess statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) for GO between patients with good and poor oral hygiene, differences between before and after terminating or replacing the CCBs, possible differences between drug dosages (Dihydropyridine 5 mg and 10 mg) and differences between three drug combinations (CCB and inhibitors of the renin–angiotensin system (IRAS), CCB and non‐IRAS, CCB and statins).

Results

One hundred and twenty‐four patients (58 females, 66 males, 4.6% of the patient population) were using CCBs. 103 patients were assessed. Average age was 66.53 years (SD. 9.89, range 42–88) and the observation time was 11.30 years (SD 8.06, range 1–27). Eighty‐nine patients had GO, 75 of these required treatment for GO. Terminating or replacing with alternatives to CCBs resulted in significant decreases in GO (p = 0.00016, p = 0.00068) respectively. No differences were found between good and poor oral hygiene (p = 0.074), drug dosages or the various drug combinations. Surgical treatment was more effective than non‐surgical treatment in controlling the GO. Long‐term tooth loss was 0.11 teeth per patient per year. Forty‐two patients needed re‐treatments for GO, resulting in an extra life cost per patient of €13471 (discounted €4177).

Conclusion

The majority of patients (86.4%) using CCBs experienced GO. 47.2% of these experienced recurrence(s) of GO during the SPT and needed re‐treatments with resulting added costs. The long‐term tooth loss was considerably higher for patients using CCBs than for other patients groups from the same practice setting.
Editorial Perspective: Pathological social withdrawal during adolescence: a culture‐specific or a global phenomenon?
Authors: Li Tim M. H. , Wong Paul W. C.
Published: June 2015

Impairing patterns of long‐term adolescent social withdrawal and self‐exclusion, including nonattendance at school or work, and minimal social contact, have been identified as a significant clinical and social problem in Japan since the late 1990s, where it is termed hikikomori. As well clinical impairment for the withdrawn youths and burden for the families, hikikomori has brought societal and health service costs in Japan. Since its first identification, similar cases have been reported in other countries. Socially withdrawn youths, unfortunately, are difficult to identify and their risks can be ‘invisible’ because of their withdrawn nature and the traditional perspective of what is perceived as at‐risk youth. Understanding of the issue including its causes, risks, and outcomes is very limited. In this editorial perspective, we highlight how youth social withdrawal is becoming a clinical and social concern in some parts of the world and respond to the lack of research on this issue by synthesizing some of the basic research findings, and suggesting future directions for research and practice relating to this emerging youth phenomenon in middle‐and‐high‐income countries in the hope of bringing more attention to this issue.
Big cat, small cat: reconstructing body size evolution in living and extinct Felidae
Authors: Cuff A. R. , Randau M. , Head J. , Hutchinson J. R. , Pierce S. E. , Goswami A.
Published: June 2015

The evolution of body mass is a fundamental topic in evolutionary biology, because it is closely linked to manifold life history and ecological traits and is readily estimable for many extinct taxa. In this study, we examine patterns of body mass evolution in Felidae (Placentalia, Carnivora) to assess the effects of phylogeny, mode of evolution, and the relationship between body mass and prey choice in this charismatic mammalian clade. Our data set includes 39 extant and 26 extinct taxa, with published body mass data supplemented by estimates based on condylobasal length. These data were run through ‘SURFACE’ and ‘bayou’ to test for patterns of body mass evolution and convergence between taxa. Body masses of felids are significantly different among prey choice groupings (small, mixed and large). We find that body mass evolution in cats is strongly influenced by phylogeny, but different patterns emerged depending on inclusion of extinct taxa and assumptions about branch lengths. A single Ornstein–Uhlenbeck optimum best explains the distribution of body masses when first‐occurrence data were used for the fossil taxa. However, when mean occurrence dates or last known occurrence dates were used, two selective optima for felid body mass were recovered in most analyses: a small optimum around 5 kg and a large one around 100 kg. Across living and extinct cats, we infer repeated evolutionary convergences towards both of these optima, but, likely due to biased extinction of large taxa, our results shift to supporting a Brownian motion model when only extant taxa are included in analyses.
Gender and Race Variations in the Intersection of Religious Involvement, Early Trauma, and Adult Health
Authors: Reinert Katia G. , Campbell Jacquelyn C. , Bandeen‐Roche Karen , Sharps Phyllis , Lee Jerry
Published: June 2015

Purpose

This study aimed to determine gender and race variations in regards to the influence of religious involvement (RI) as a moderator of the effects of early traumatic stress (ETS) on health‐related quality of life among adult survivors of child abuse.

Design

A cross‐sectional predictive design was used to study Seventh‐day Adventist adults in North America (N = 10,283).

Methods

A secondary analysis of data collected via questionnaires was done using multiple regression.

Results

Data revealed that women had a significantly higher prevalence of any or all ETS subtypes, except for physical abuse prevalence, which was the same for both genders. Blacks reported a significantly higher prevalence of at least one ETS subtype than did Whites, except for neglect, where Whites had a higher prevalence. Exposure to at least one ETS subtype was associated with worse negative effect on mental health (B = ‒2.08, p < .0001 vs. B = ‒1.54, p < .0001) and physical health (B = ‒2.01, p < .0001 vs. B = ‒1.11, p < .0001) for women compared to men. Among those exposed to all ETS subtypes (n = 447), Whites had significant worse physical health, with White women having almost two times the negative effect on physical health (B = ‒4.50, p < .0001) than White men (B = ‒2.87, p < .05). As for RI moderation, based on tests of three‐way interactions of race–RI–ETS, there were no associated differences. However, tests of three‐way interactions of gender–RI–ETS showed a significant buffering effect. Among those with high levels of negative religious coping (RC), women exposed to ETS had significantly worse physical health (B = ‒1.28) than men.

Conclusions

Results give evidence of gender and racial differences on the magnitude of the ETS–health effect, as well as gender differences in ETS–health buffering by RC.

Clinical Relevance

Findings suggest gender and racial differences must be considered when devising holistic nursing interventions for improving health outcomes of early trauma survivors.
Rural Families’ Process of Re‐Forming Environmental Health Risk Messages
Authors: Oneal Gail A. , Eide Phyllis , Hamilton Rebekah , Butterfield Patricia , Vandermause Roxanne
Published: June 2015

Purpose

This study was undertaken to explore how rural low‐income families with children process health information following a nurse‐delivered intervention designed to reduce environmental risks in their homes.

Design and Method

Grounded theory methodology with a constructivist approach was used to conduct the study. Semistructured interviews of 10 primary child caregivers in rural low‐income families who had participated in an environmental risk reduction intervention were completed from 2009 to 2011. Data were categorized using comparative analysis, theoretical sampling, and coding techniques.

Findings

The three phases—(a) visiting my perception, (b) weighing the evidence, and (c) making a new meaning—explained the core process of the grounded theory of Re‐Forming the Risk Message.

Conclusions

Rural low‐income families at risk for environmental hazards in their homes determined what health information and needed subsequent actions regarding their risks were important by changing the meanings of nurse‐delivered messages.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing interventions designed to improve health behaviors and reduce risks are often based on stage theories that explain how change occurs through steps leading to positive actions through delivery of risk messages. However, the risk message delivered in an intervention designed to engage action is not always the risk message people decide to use. To understand whether people are ready to engage in positive behaviors through interventions, or if needed changes to the information must be made, nurses need to discover and explore reasons for the re‐formed risk messages.
Prosecution and Leniency Programs: The Role of Bluffing in Opening Investigations
Authors: Sauvagnat Julien
Published: June 2015

This paper characterizes the optimal investigation and leniency policies when the Competition Authority is privately informed about the strength of a cartel case. I show that the Competition Authority can then exploit firms’ uncertainty about the risk of conviction to obtain confessions even when the case is weak. More generally, I show that offering full leniency allows the Competition Authority to open more successful investigations (what I refer to as the ‘activism effect’ of leniency), which overall raises both cartel desistance and cartel deterrence. Finally, I discuss the policy implications of the model.
Does Energy Consumption Respond to Price Shocks? Evidence from a Regression‐Discontinuity Design
Authors: Bastos Paulo , Castro Lucio , Cristia Julian , Scartascini Carlos
Published: June 2015

We exploit unique features of a recently introduced tariff schedule for natural gas in Buenos Aires to estimate the short‐run impact of price shocks on residential energy utilization. The schedule induces a non‐linear and non‐monotonic relationship between households' accumulated consumption and unit prices, thus generating exogenous price variation, which we exploit in a regression‐discontinuity design. We find that a price increase causes a prompt and significant decline in gas consumption. The results also indicate that consumers respond more to recent past bills than to expected prices, which argues against an assumption of perfect awareness of complex price schedules by consumers.
The Relationship between Delegation and Incentives Across Occupations: Evidence and Theory
Authors: De Varo Jed , Prasad Suraj
Published: June 2015

A large literature suggests that incentive pay and delegation of worker authority are positively related. Using data from a large cross section of British establishments, we show that the positive relationship found in the empirical literature masks a stark difference across jobs. Classifying jobs into two categories (complex jobs, including professional, technical and scientific occupations, and simple jobs, consisting of all other non‐managerial occupations) we find a positive relationship for simple jobs and a negative relationship for complex jobs. To explain this negative relationship, we develop a model where stronger incentives distort a worker's decisions towards low risk‐return tasks.
Genome Characteristics, Phylogeny and Varying Host Specificity of Polish Kra and Ros Isolates of Tomato torrado virus
Authors: Marta Budziszewska , Henryk Pospieszny , Aleksandra Obrępalska‐Stęplowska
Published: June 2015

The genome sequences of two Polish Kra and Ros isolates of Tomato torrado virus (ToTV) were determined and compared with data of previously described ToTV isolates and other Torradovirus members. Whole‐genome sequence comparisons revealed 97.0–99.6% nucleotide sequence identities and close relatedness, with other known ToTV isolates. The high homology between Kra, Ros and Wal'03 ToTVs is likely responsible for the similar symptoms observed on infected plants. However, the symptoms differed in intensity and various host specificity. We report that Kra ToTV caused a milder expression of symptoms on Solanum tuberosum than Wal'03. We hypothesize this may be a result of the significant variability observed within the 3′‐UTR of RNA1 of Kra as well as of Ros ToTV isolates. In the light of this fact, potato may be considered an indicator plant for distinguishing Kra and Wal'03 ToTV isolates.
T‐ and B‐cell responses and previous exposure to hepatitis B virus in ‘anti‐HBc alone’ patients
Authors: Wang Q. , Sachse P. , Semmo M. , Lokhande M. , Montani M. , Dufour J.‐F. , Zoulim F. , Klenerman P. , Semmo N.
Published: June 2015

A serologic response to hepatitis B virus (HBV) defined as ‘anti‐HBc alone’ is commonly observed, but its significance remains unclear. This study aimed to define the relationship between ‘anti‐HBc alone’ serostatus and HBV infection, including HBV‐specific T‐ and B‐cell memory responses. We enrolled 31 ‘anti‐HBc alone’ patients. Total HBV DNA and cccDNA were tested by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis in liver samples from 22 ‘anti‐HBc alone’ patients vs controls (chronic or resolved HBV infection), followed by HBsAg/HBcAg immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. IFN‐γ secretion by HBV‐specific T cells was compared in individuals who were ‘anti‐HBc alone’ (n = 27), resolved HBV (n = 21), chronic HBV (n = 24) and 12 healthy controls using enzyme‐linked immunospot (ELISpot) assays. An HBsAg‐IgG B‐cell ELISpot assay was performed in ‘anti‐HBc alone’ patients before and after one dose of recombinant HBsAg vaccine. The majority (23/31, 74.2%) of the ‘anti‐HBc alone’ individuals were co‐infected with HCV. Infrequent intrahepatic total HBV DNA (2/22, 9.1%) and cccDNA (1/22, 4.5%) were detected in biopsies; HBsAg and HBcAg IHC staining was negative. HBV‐specific T‐cell responses were similar between ‘anti‐HBc alone’ individuals and HBV resolvers. Circulating HBV‐memory B‐cell responses were detected in all ‘anti‐HBc alone’ individuals, consistent with an HBsAg‐specific memory pool. After one HBV vaccine dose, increased anti‐HBs antibody levels were observed, accompanied by an expansion of HBsAg‐specific memory B cells (P = 0.0226). ‘Anti‐HBc alone’ individuals showed HBV‐specific T‐cell and memory B‐cell responses typical of previous viral exposure and protective memory, suggesting a resolved infection.
Three‐dimensional post‐glacial expansion and diversification of an exploited oceanic fish
Authors: Shum Peter , Pampoulie Christophe , Kristinsson Kristján , Mariani Stefano
Published: June 2015

Vertical divergence in marine organisms is being increasingly documented, yet much remains to be carried out to understand the role of depth in the context of phylogeographic reconstruction and the identification of management units. An ideal study system to address this issue is the beaked redfish, Sebastes mentella – one of four species of ‘redfish’ occurring in the North Atlantic – which is known for a widely distributed ‘shallow‐pelagic’ oceanic type inhabiting waters between 250 and 550 m, and a more localized ‘deep‐pelagic’ population dwelling between 550 and 800 m, in the oceanic habitat of the Irminger Sea. Here, we investigate the extent of population structure in relation to both depth and geographic spread of oceanic beaked redfish throughout most of its distribution range. By sequencing the mitochondrial control region of 261 redfish collected over a decadal interval, and combining 160 rhodopsin coding nuclear sequences and previously genotyped microsatellite data, we map the existence of two strongly divergent evolutionary lineages with significantly different distribution patterns and historical demography, and whose genetic variance is mostly explained by depth. Combined genetic data, analysed via independent approaches, are consistent with a Late Pleistocene lineage split, where segregation by depth probably resulted from the interplay of climatic and oceanographic processes with life history and behavioural traits. The ongoing process of diversification in North Atlantic S. mentella may serve as an ‘hourglass’ to understand speciation and adaptive radiation in Sebastes and in other marine taxa distributed across a depth gradient.
Real‐Time System Identification: An Algorithm for Simultaneous Model Class Selection and Parametric Identification
Authors: Yuen Ka‐Veng , Mu He‐Qing
Published: June 2015

In this article, a novel Bayesian real‐time system identification algorithm using response measurement is proposed for dynamical systems. In contrast to most existing structural identification methods which focus solely on parametric identification, the proposed algorithm emphasizes also model class selection. By embedding the novel model class selection component into the extended Kalman filter, the proposed algorithm is applicable to simultaneous model class selection and parametric identification in the real‐time manner. Furthermore, parametric identification using the proposed algorithm is based on multiple model classes. Examples are presented with application to damage detection for degrading structures using noisy dynamic response measurement.
An Advanced Stochastic Time‐Cost Tradeoff Analysis Based on a CPM‐Guided Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Lee Hyung‐Guk , Yi Chang‐Yong , Lee Dong‐Eun , Arditi David
Published: June 2015

This article presents an advanced stochastic time‐cost tradeoff (ASTCT) method that performs time‐cost tradeoff analysis by identifying optimal set(s) of construction methods for activities, hence reducing the project completion time and cost simultaneously. ASTCT involves a stochastic time‐cost tradeoff analysis method based on a critical path method (CPM)‐guided genetic algorithm (GA). It makes use of CPM schedule data exported from a project management software, and alternative construction methods obtained from estimators (i.e., normal and accelerated durations and costs) for each activity. It simulates schedule networks, identifies an optimal set of GA parameters (i.e., population size, crossover rate, mutation rate, and stopping rule), implements several GA cycles, and computes near‐optimal solution(s) exhaustively. This study is of value to practitioners because ASTCT improves the computation time, reliability, and usability of existing GA‐based time‐cost tradeoff methods. The study is also of relevance to researchers because it facilitates experiments using different GA parameters expeditiously. Two test cases verify the usability and validity of the computational methods.
Forward‐Backward Approach for 3D Event Localization Using Commodity Smartphones for Ubiquitous Context‐Aware Applications in Civil and Infrastructure Engineering
Authors: Yoon Hyungchul , Ham Youngjib , Golparvar‐Fard Mani , Spencer Billie F.
Published: June 2015

An inexpensive and robust 3D localization system for tracking the position of a user in GPS‐ or WLAN‐denied environments offers significant potential for improving decision‐making tasks for civil and infrastructure engineering applications. To this end, an infrastructure‐free approach for 3D event localization on commodity smartphones is presented. In the proposed method, the position of the user is continuously tracked based on the smartphone sensory data (the Forward approach) until the user reaches a certain event. Here, an event location refers to the 3D location of a user conducting value‐added activities such as tasks involved in emergency response and field reporting of operational issues. Once an event is observed, the motion trajectory of the user is backtracked from the postevent landmark to reestimate the location of the event (the Backward approach). By integrating probability distributions of the Forward and Backward approaches together, the proposed method derives the most‐likely location of the event. To validate the proposed approach, seven case studies are conducted in a multistory parking garage. The experimental results show that the probabilistic integration of the localization results from the Forward and Backward dead reckonings can produce more accurate 3D localization results when compared to a single best estimate from a one‐way dead reckoning process. Lessons learned from several real‐world case studies and open research challenges in improving localization accuracy are discussed in detail.
Association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and diabetic nephropathy in the Chinese population: An updated meta‐analysis and review
Authors: Xiong Xuan , Lin Xiao‐Kun , Xiao Xiao , Qin Dan‐Ping , Zhou Dao‐Yuan , Hu Jian‐Guang , Liu Yan , Zhong Xiao‐Shi
Published: June 2015

To clarify the effects of MTHFR C677T polymorphism on the risk of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in the Chinese population, an updated meta‐analysis was performed. Related studies were identified from PubMed, Springer Link, Ovid and Chinese Databases up to 24 February 2015. A total of 15 studies including 1227 DN cases, 586 healthy controls and 1277 diabetes mellitus (DM) controls were involved in this meta‐analysis. Overall, a significantly elevated risk of DN was associated with all variants of MTHFR C677T when compared with the healthy group (T vs C, odds ratio (OR) = 2.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.88–2.61; TT vs CC, OR = 4.22, 95% CI = 3.02–5.90; TT + CT vs CC, OR = 2.62, 95% CI = 2.07–3.31; TT vs CC + CT, OR = 2.81, 95% CI = 2.08–3.81) or DM (T vs C, OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.59–2.00; TT vs CC, OR = 2.95, 95% CI = 2.33–3.73; TT + CT vs CC, OR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.63–2.29; TT vs CC + CT, OR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.87–2.84). In subgroup analyses stratified by ethnicity and geographic areas, it revealed the significant results in Chinese Han, in North and South China. The risk conferred by MTHFR C677T polymorphism is higher in North China than in South China. This meta‐analysis showed that the MTHFR C677T variants may influence DN risk in Chinese, and further studies with gene–gene and gene–environment interactions are required for definite conclusions.
A novel association between COMT and BDNF gene polymorphisms and likelihood of symptomatic dysphagia in older people
Authors: Nimmons D. , Pendleton N. , Payton A. , Ollier W. , Horan M. , Wilkinson J. , Hamdy S.
Published: June 2015

Background

Catechol‐O‐methyl transferase (COMT) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are neuro‐modulatory proteins that have been demonstrated to affect cortical plasticity, which in turn has been shown to affect age‐related changes and neuronal functioning in humans. Here, we tested the hypothesis that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) within COMT and BDNF genes are associated with dysphagia in older adults.

Methods

A total of 800 community‐dwelling older individuals were sent the Sydney Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Questionnaire to identify swallowing difficulties. DNA from this population was available for study and used to genotype 18 COMT and 12 BDNF polymorphisms. Logistic regression statistical models were used to identify potential associations between dysphagia and the genotypes.

Key Results

A total of 638 individuals completed the questionnaire, giving an 80% response rate. Of these, 538 were genotyped for COMT and BDNF polymorphisms. Age was found to predict dysphagia (p = 0.018, OR = 1.08, CI = 1.01–1.14). The COMT polymorphism rs165599 and the BDNF polymorphism rs10835211 were found to predict dysphagia and have an interactive effect (p = 0.028), which varied according to the carrier status of the other. In the case of SNP rs10835211, the effect of heterozygosity was protective or harmful dependent on the respective status of rs165599.

Conclusions & Inferences

These results suggest that certain interactions between plasticity genes contribute to the development of dysphagia with increasing age. This highlights a possible role for genetic factors in future monitoring and treating individuals affected by dysphagia.
Meiosis evolves: adaptation to external and internal environments
Authors: Bomblies Kirsten , Higgins James D. , Yant Levi
Published: June 2015

Meiosis is essential for the fertility of most eukaryotes and its structures and progression are conserved across kingdoms. Yet many of its core proteins show evidence of rapid or adaptive evolution. What drives the evolution of meiosis proteins? How can constrained meiotic processes be modified in response to challenges without compromising their essential functions? In surveying the literature, we found evidence of two especially potent challenges to meiotic chromosome segregation that probably necessitate adaptive evolutionary responses: whole‐genome duplication and abiotic environment, especially temperature. Evolutionary solutions to both kinds of challenge are likely to involve modification of homologous recombination and synapsis, probably via adjustments of core structural components important in meiosis I. Synthesizing these findings with broader patterns of meiosis gene evolution suggests that the structural components of meiosis coevolve as adaptive modules that may change in primary sequence and function while maintaining three‐dimensional structures and protein interactions. The often sharp divergence of these genes among species probably reflects periodic modification of entire multiprotein complexes driven by genomic or environmental changes. We suggest that the pressures that cause meiosis to evolve to maintain fertility may cause pleiotropic alterations of global crossover rates. We highlight several important areas for future research.

Contents

Summary
306

I.
Introduction
306

II.
Whole‐genome duplication and the evolutionary adjustment of meiosis
307

III.
Environment as a driver of meiotic evolution
312

IV.
Broader evolutionary dynamics
317

V.
Summary and conclusions
318

Acknowledgements
319

References
319
Two‐Dimensional Modal Meinongianism
Authors: Barz Wolfgang
Published: June 2015

The aim of this paper is to show that Priest's (2005) modal Meinongianism might benefit from joining forces with two‐dimensionalism. For this purpose, I propose a two‐dimensional solution to a problem for modal Meinongianism that is posed by Beall (2006), Sauchelli (2012), and Milne (2013), and show that, by taking recourse to two‐dimensionalism, divergent intuitions about the question of whether fictional characters might exist can be reconciled. Moreover, two‐dimensionalism helps to rebut Kroon's (2012) argument to the conclusion that modal Meinongianism cannot rule out the odd claim that some non‐existent objects have existence‐entailing properties at the actual world.
The Welfare State and the Life Course: Examining the Interrelationship between Welfare Arrangements and Inequality Dynamics
Authors: de Graaf Willibrord , Maier Robert
Published: June 2015

The transformation of welfare state arrangements in European countries during the last two decades can not only be described as realizing an activating welfare state, but also as centred on specific life course transitions which are considered as critical. A number of new welfare arrangements have been set up or older ones have been modified taking into account the critical phases of the life course. These new welfare arrangements attribute new rights over resources to well‐specified groups in terms of their life course events. The article first presents a selective overview of new welfare arrangements which are (in explicit or implicit ways) linked to specific phases and transitions of the life course in the different European countries; and, second, it analyzes the consequences of these new welfare arrangements on inequality. These arrangements establish (mostly implicitly) norms, which appear to define a role of an active, responsible and ‘able’ employee and citizen for everybody. However, the general starting positions of various groups of the population (such as women) and the existing welfare provisions constitute an obstacle to providing equal starting positions and an equal opportunity for pursuing one's life course according to the established norms. Therefore, the effects of these new welfare arrangements can have significant impacts on outcomes, and can therefore transform substantially the existing picture of inequalities.
Minimum donation intervals should be reconsidered to decrease low hemoglobin deferral in whole blood donors: an observational study
Authors: Baart A. Mireille , van den Hurk Katja , de Kort Wim L.A.M.
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

Most donor deferrals are due to low hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Previously measured Hb levels and donation intervals are known to be associated with Hb deferral. However, this relationship has never been quantified. In this study, we related the prevalence of Hb deferral to previously measured Hb levels and donation intervals.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 220,946 whole blood donors were categorized into groups based on their Hb level at the previous donation and on the time interval since the previous donation. For each group, the prevalence of Hb deferral was assessed.

RESULTS

Hb deferral rates were higher when Hb levels at the previous donation were lower and donation intervals were shorter. With a donation interval shorter than 3 months, the prevalence of Hb deferral was below the 10% threshold only when the previous Hb level was at least 0.3 mmol/L above the cutoff level for donation.

CONCLUSION

To maintain appropriate Hb levels, the minimum donation interval of 56 days is only sufficient for donors with Hb levels far above the cutoff level for donation. Protocols for minimum donation intervals should be reconsidered and may be based on previously measured Hb levels. This may result in a decrease of low Hb deferral.
The effect of blood usage protocol on the age of packed red blood cell transfusions administered at 2 veterinary teaching hospitals
Authors: Holowaychuk Marie K. , Musulin Sarah E.
Published: June 2015

Background

Controversy exists regarding the optimal duration of storage of units of canine packed red blood cells (PRBC) prior to transfusion, resulting in different blood usage strategies between hospitals. Two hospitals were studied: At North Carolina State University (NCSU), usage protocol dictates that the oldest units of PRBC (stored the longest) are prioritized for transfusion; whereas, at Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), units of PRBC are sorted according to age (days after collection) and PRBC are selected for transfusion according to clinician or technician discretion, such that PRBC could be administered after any storage duration, with no preference given to older units.

Objective

To evaluate differences in the age of PRBC administered to dogs at 2 veterinary hospitals with different age‐related PRBC usage protocols during a 1‐year period (2010–2011).

Key Findings

The average age of units of PRBC administered at NCSU was older than that at OVC (P < 0.001). Additionally, a higher number of PRBC units older than 14 days old were transfused at NCSU (P < 0.001), and the age of the oldest administered PRBC unit was also older at NCSU (P < 0.001). NCSU discarded approximately 15 expired PRBC units, whereas OVC discarded 96 expired PRBC units during the study period.

Significance

A standardized protocol for the priority administration of the oldest stored PRBC resulted in the administration of significantly older PRBC, but fewer expired units of PRBC were discarded.
Effect of Mild Sway on the Interfacial Mass Transfer Rate of Stored Liquids
Authors: Rakshit Dibakar , Thiagarajan K. P. , Narayanaswamy R.
Published: June 2015

An exploratory study of two-phase physics was undertaken in a slow moving tank containing liquid. This study is under the regime of conjugate heat and mass transfer phenomena. An experiment was designed and performed to estimate the interfacial mass transfer characteristics of a slowly moving tank. The tank was swayed at varying frequencies and constant amplitude. The experiments were conducted for a range of liquid temperatures and filling levels. The experimental setup consisted of a tank partially filled with water at different temperatures, being swayed using a six degrees-of-freedom (DOF) motion actuator. The experiments were conducted for a frequency range of 0.7–1.6 Hz with constant amplitude of 0.025 m. The evaporation of liquid from the interface and the gaseous condensation was quantified by calculating the instantaneous interfacial mass transfer rate of the slow moving tank. The dependence of interfacial mass transfer rate on the liquid–vapor interfacial temperature, the fractional concentration of the evaporating liquid, the surface area of the liquid vapor interface and the filling level of the liquid was established. As sway frequency, filling levels, and liquid temperature increased, the interfacial mass transfer rate also increased. The interfacial mass transfer rate estimated for the swaying tank compared with the interfacial mass transfer rate of stationary tank shows that vibration increases the mass transfer.
Aerodynamic Effects of Inclined Portals on the Initial Compression Wave Generated by a High-Speed Train Entering a Tunnel
Authors: Xiang Xintao , Xue Leiping , Wang Benlong
Published: June 2015

The micropressure wave radiated from a tunnel exit is one of the environmental problems which can be investigated from the temporal pressure gradient of the compression wave. The effects of inclined portals on the initial compression wave, specifically the maximum temporal pressure gradient, are numerically studied by solving the flow field during a high-speed train nose entering a tunnel, using the unsteady three-dimensional (3D) Euler equations. After mesh independency and temporal sensitivity tests of the numerical method, validations are conducted by comparing the numerical results with experimental and numerical data. The temporal gradients of pressure wavefront are parametrically investigated for different combinations among the train speed, the blockage ratio of the train to tunnel, and inclination angle of the tunnel entrance. The numerical results show a negligible influence of train Mach number or blockage ratio on the normalized pressure gradient and noticeable effects of inclination angle, location of the train with respect to the median line of a double-tracked tunnel (DT), and the profile of train nose. Based on the numerical results, an empirical formula is proposed to predict the relationship between the maximum pressure gradient and the inclination angle of tunnel entrance.
The Temperature-Dependent Viscoelastic Behavior of Dielectric Elastomers
Authors: Guo Jingkai , Xiao Rui , Park Harold S. , Nguyen Thao D.
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we investigated the temperature-dependent viscoelastic behavior of dielectric elastomers (DEs) and the effects of viscoelasticity on the electro-actuation behavior. We performed dynamic thermomechanical analysis to measure the master curve of the stress relaxation function and the temperature dependence of the relaxation time of VHB 4905, a commonly used DE. The master curve was applied to calculate the viscoelastic spectrum for a discrete multiprocess finite deformation viscoelastic model. In addition, we performed uniaxial creep and stress relaxation experiments and electrical actuation experiments under different prestretch conditions. The measured spectrum was applied to predict the experimental results. Generally, the model produced good quantitative agreement with both the viscoelastic and electro-actuation experiments, which shows the necessity of using a multiprocess relaxation model to accurately capture the viscoelastic response for VHB. However, the model underpredicted the electro-actuated creep strain for high voltages near the pull-in instability. We attributed the discrepancies to the complex boundary conditions that were not taken into account in the simulation. We also investigated the failure of VHB membrane caused by viscoelastic creep when prestretched and subjected to constant voltage loading. The experimental time to failure for the specimens decreased exponentially with voltage, which agreed well with the predictions of the model.
Wingtip Vortex Control Via Tip-Mounted Half-Delta Wings of Different Geometric Configurations
Authors: Lee T. , Choi S.
Published: June 2015

The control of the tip vortex, generated by a rectangular NACA 0012 wing, via tip-mounted half-delta wings (HDWs), of different slendernesses Λ, root chords cr, and deflections δ, was investigated experimentally at Re = 2.45 × 105. The results show that regardless of Λ, cr, and δ, the addition of HDWs consistently led to a diffused tip vortex. The degree of diffusion was, however, found to increase with decreasing Λ and cr. HDWs with cr ≤ 50% of the baseline-wing chord c caused a rapid diffusion of vorticity and rendered a weak circulation flowlike tip vortex, suggesting an enhanced wake-vortex decay and alleviation. The cr = 0.5c HDW also produced an improved lift-to-drag ratio. A unique double-vortex pattern also exhibited downstream of the cr ≤ 50%c HDW wings. The interaction and merging of the double vortex were expedited by upward HDW deflection.