bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneity and Asymmetry in Speed of Leverage Adjustment: The Indian Experience
Authors: Komera Surenderrao , Jijo Lukose P. J.
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we examine firms' capital structure adjustment behavior and estimate their “speed of adjustment” toward optimal leverage ratios by employing a dynamic, partial adjustment model. We find that sample firms on an average offset half of the deviation from their target leverage ratios in less than one and half (1.41) years. Such evidence suggests optimal capital structure behavior among sample firms. Further, we report cross sectional heterogeneity and asymmetry in speed of adjustment estimates, resulting from varied leverage adjustment costs across the sample firms. We find higher speed of adjustment estimates among larger sample firms suggesting higher leverage adjustment costs for smaller firms. Business group affiliation does not seem to influence the costs of sample firms' leverage adjustment. Over-levered firms report higher speed of adjustment estimates, suggesting that sample firms do not consider debt financing as a “disciplining mechanism” for managers. Further, we find lower speed of adjustment estimates for sample firms with higher cash flow, implying that Indian markets do not actively accommodate firms' cash flow needs. Thus, our findings reveal complex asymmetric information problems and consequent varied leverage adjustment costs among emerging market firms.
Relativistic thermodynamics, a Lagrangian field theory for general flows including rotation
Authors: Frønsdal Christian
Published: September 2016

Any theory that is based on an action principle has a much greater predictive power than one that does not have such a formulation. The formulation of a dynamical theory of General Relativity, including matter, is here viewed as a problem of coupling Einstein’s theory of pure gravity to an independently chosen and well-defined field theory of matter. It is well known that this is accomplished in a most natural way when both theories are formulated as relativistic, Lagrangian field theories, as is the case with Einstein–Maxwell theory. Special matter models of this type have been available; here a more general thermodynamical model that allows for vortex flows is presented. In a wider context, the problem of subjecting hydrodynamics and thermodynamics to an action principle is one that has been pursued for at least 150 years. A solution to this problem has been known for some time, but only under the strong restriction to potential flows. A variational principle for general flows has become available. It represents a development of the Navier–Stokes–Fourier approach to fluid dynamics. The principal innovation is the recognition that two kinds of flow velocity fields are needed, one the gradient of a scalar field and the other the time derivative of a vector field, the latter closely associated with vorticity. In the relativistic theory that is presented here, the latter is the Hodge dual of an exact 3-form, well known as the notoph field of Ogievetskij and Palubarinov, the [Formula: see text]-field of Kalb and Ramond and the vorticity field of Lund and Regge. The total number of degrees of freedom of a unary system, including the density and the two velocity fields is 4, as expected — as in classical hydrodynamics. In this paper, we do not reduce Einstein’s dynamical equation for the metric to phenomenology, which would have denied the relevance of any intrinsic dynamics for the matter sector, nor do we abandon the equation of continuity - the very soul of hydrodynamics.
Noetherian symmetries of noncentral forces with drag term
Authors: Ghose-Choudhury A. , Guha Partha , Paliathanasis Andronikos , Leach P. G. L.
Published: September 2016

We consider the Noetherian symmetries of second-order ODEs subjected to forces with nonzero curl. Both position and velocity dependent forces are considered. In the former case, the first integrals are shown to follow from the symmetries of the celebrated Emden–Fowler equation.
Palatini formulation of non-local gravity
Authors: Briscese F. , Pucheu M. L.
Published: September 2016

We derive the dynamical equations for a non-local gravity model in the Palatini formalism and we discuss some of the properties of this model. We have show that, in some specific case, the vacuum solutions of general relativity are also vacuum solutions of the non-local model, so we conclude that, at least in this case, the singularities of Einstein’s gravity are not removed.
Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrates with advanced spectral sensitivity prepared from five years old silver nanoplatelets
Authors: Semenova Anna A. , Goodilin Eugene A.
Published: September 2016

A new simple approach is suggested to prepare surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates with high effectiveness for various laser excitation wavelengths and analytes with different light absorption features by impregnation of porous cellulose materials by a mixture of silver nanoplatelets with a wide range of sizes and anisotropy. The suggested route provides a much better spectral sensitivity and flexible applications since SERS as a phenomenon is essential on the nanometer scale only. The mixing provides always a proper fraction of silver nanoparticles deposited onto the substrate thus guaranteeing the enhancement of Raman signals under given excitation conditions for a wider set of given analytes. The substrates were successfully prepared for the first time from silver nanoplatelets aged for five years. This confirms high chemical and morphological stability of stabilized silver nanoparticles and the ability to use them as precursors for application - ready materials.
Loulé: the anatomy of a squeezed diapir, Algarve Basin, southern Portugal
Authors: Davison Ian , Barreto Pedro , Andrade Alexandre J. M.
Published: September 2016

The Loulé salt diapir grew through the Jurassic and Early Cretaceous, when tight subvertical curtain folds were developed. It was then squeezed during the Alpine orogeny in the Oligocene and Miocene. This produced an intense array of brittle faults, veins and brittle–ductile shear zones through most of the diapir. The diapir exhibits more localized shear and brittle structures than any other previously described diapir. The most unusual deformation structures are ‘streaky shear vein’ zones (a new term), with an average spacing of 1 – 5 m, and usually less than 30 cm wide. They consist of a central coarse-grained halite vein surrounded by parallel zones of wispy discontinuous shale streaks and recrystallized halite. A new mechanism is proposed for the development of these zones, where repeated pulses of fluid flow have caused extensive halite recrystallization and streaking-out of unlithified mud intercalated with crystalline halite. This explains the formation of wide zones of well-aligned mud streaks (now lithified to shale), but with only small amounts of simple shear offset observed across these zones (<0.2 m). The lower tips of the streaky shear vein zones exhibit splaying mud injection veins, which indicate that fluid overpressures preserved liquid mud from salt deposition at 200 Ma to the Alpine collision at 20 Ma.
Echinoids (Mississippian, Visean) of the Peak District, Derbyshire and Staffordshire, UK
Authors: Donovan Stephen. K. , Lewis David N.
Published: September 2016

Three echinoid genera are identified from Visean (Mississippian, Lower Carboniferous) rocks of the Peak District, namely
Melonechinus
Meek & Worthen,
Archaeocidaris
M'Coy and
Lepidocidaris
Meek & Worthen. Even the best preserved specimens from this area only occur as a jumble of plates.
Melonechinus etheridgei
(Keeping) (Chadian? to Brigantian?) has thick test plates; interambulacral plates are commonly hexagonal; ambulacra include multiple columns of pore pairs; and plate surfaces bear many small secondary tubercles.
Archaeocidaris
sp. or spp. (Chadian? to Brigantian) has long, robust radioles with a smooth shaft and prominent spinules; associated test plates (mainly interambulacra) are considered coeval. Rare
Lepidocidaris
sp. (Asbian? to Brigantian), including
Archaeocidaris glabrispina
(Phillips), is only recognized from rare, smooth radioles; test plates resemble those of
Archaeocidaris
.
Lepidocidaris
is only known from the platform carbonate shelf of Derbyshire; other echinoid taxa occur on both the shelf succession and the deeper water carbonate succession deposited adjacent to the shelf.
A novel transgenic mouse model of lysosomal storage disorder
Authors: Ortiz-Miranda Sonia , Ji Rui , Jurczyk Agata , Aryee Ken-Edwin , Mo Shunyan , Fletcher Terry , Shaffer Scott A. , Greiner Dale L. , Bortell Rita , Gregg Ronald G. , Cheng Alan , Hennings Leah J. , Rittenhouse Ann R.
Published: September 2016

Knockout technology has proven useful for delineating functional roles of specific genes. Here we describe and provide an explanation for striking pathology that occurs in a subset of genetically engineered mice expressing a rat CaVβ2a transgene under control of the cardiac α-myosin heavy chain promoter. Lesions were limited to mice homozygous for transgene and independent of native Cacnb2 genomic copy number. Gross findings included an atrophied pancreas; decreased adipose tissue; thickened, orange intestines; and enlarged liver, spleen, and abdominal lymph nodes. Immune cell infiltration and cell engulfment by macrophages were associated with loss of pancreatic acinar cells. Foamy macrophages diffusely infiltrated the small intestine's lamina propria, while similar macrophage aggregates packed liver and splenic red pulp sinusoids. Periodic acid-Schiff-positive, diastase-resistant, iron-negative, Oil Red O-positive, and autofluorescent cytoplasm was indicative of a lipid storage disorder. Electron microscopic analysis revealed liver sinusoids distended by clusters of macrophages containing intracellular myelin “swirls” and hepatocytes with enlarged lysosomes. Additionally, build up of cholesterol, cholesterol esters, and triglycerides, along with changes in liver metabolic enzyme levels, were consistent with a lipid processing defect. Because of this complex pathology, we examined the transgene insertion site. Multiple transgene copies inserted into chromosome 19; at this same site, an approximate 180,000 base pair deletion occurred, ablating cholesterol 25-hydroxylase and partially deleting lysosomal acid lipase and CD95. Loss of gene function can account for the altered lipid processing, along with hypertrophy of the immune system, which define this phenotype, and serendipitously provides a novel mouse model of lysosomal storage disorder.
Generation of active expiration by serotoninergic mechanisms of the ventral medulla of rats
Authors: Lemes Eduardo V. , Colombari Eduardo , Zoccal Daniel B.
Published: September 2016

Abdominal expiratory activity is absent at rest and is evoked during metabolic challenges, such as hypercapnia and hypoxia, or after the exposure to intermittent hypoxia (IH). The mechanisms engaged during this process are not completely understood. In this study, we hypothesized that serotonin (5-HT), acting in the retrotrapezoid nucleus/parafacial respiratory group (RTN/pFRG), is able to generate active expiration. In anesthetized (urethane, ip), tracheostomized, spontaneously-breathing adult male Holtzman rats we microinjected a serotoninergic agonist and antagonist bilaterally in the RTN/pFRG and recorded diaphragm and abdominal muscle activities. We found that episodic (3 times, 5 min apart), but not single microinjections of 5-HT (1 mM) in the RTN/pFRG elicited an enduring (>30 min) increase in abdominal activity. This response was amplified in vagotomized rats and blocked by previous 5-HT receptor antagonism with ketanserin (10 µM). Episodic 5-HT microinjections in the RTN/pFRG also potentiated the inspiratory and expiratory reflex responses to hypercapnia. The antagonism of 5-HT receptors in the RTN/pFRG also prevented the long-term facilitation (>30 min) of abdominal activity in response to acute IH exposure (10 × 6–7% O for 45 s every 5 min). Our findings indicate the activation of serotoninergic mechanisms in the RTN/pFRG is sufficient to increase abdominal expiratory activity at resting conditions and required for the emergence of active expiration after IH in anesthetized animals.
Multiple Moving Targets Detection and Parameters Estimation in Strong Reverberation Environments
Authors: Yu Ge , Piao Shengchun
Published: September 2016

This paper considers the problem of multiple moving targets detection and parameters estimation (direction of arrival and range) in strong reverberation environments. As reverberation has a strong correlation with target echo, the performance of target detection and parameters estimation is significantly degraded in practical underwater environments. In this paper, we utilize two uniform circular arrays to receive plane wave of the linear frequency modulation signal reflected from far-field targets. On the basis of received signal, we build a variance matrix of multiple beams by using modal decomposition, conventional beamforming, and fractional Fourier transform (FrFT). We then propose a novel detection method and an estimation method of parameters based on the constructed image. A significant feature of the proposed methods is that our design does not involve any a priori knowledge about targets number and parameters of marine environments. Finally, we demonstrate via numerical simulation examples that the detection probability and the accuracy of estimated parameters of the proposed method are higher than the existing methods in both low signal-to-reverberation ratio and signal-to-noise ratio environment.
The Safety and Tolerability of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Phosphate with Sodium Ferrous Citrate in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Bahrain
Authors: Al-Saber Feryal , Aldosari Waleed , Alselaiti Mariam , Khalfan Hesham , Kaladari Ahmed , Khan Ghulam , Harb George , Rehani Riyadh , Kudo Sizuka , Koda Aya , Tanaka Tohru , Nakajima Motowo , Darwish Abdulla
Published: September 2016

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is prevalent especially in Gulf countries and poses serious long-term risks to patients. A multifaceted treatment approach can include nutritional supplements with antioxidant properties such as 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) with sodium ferrous citrate (SFC). This prospective, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, dose escalating pilot clinical trial assessed the safety of 5-ALA with SFC at doses up to 200 mg 5-ALA/229.42 mg SFC per day in patients living in Bahrain with type 2 diabetes mellitus that was uncontrolled despite the use of one or more antidiabetic drugs. Fifty-three patients (n=53) from 3 sites at one center were enrolled by Dr. Feryal (Site #01), Dr. Hesham (Site #02), and Dr. Waleed (Site #03) (n=35, 5-ALA-SFC;n=18, placebo). There was no significant difference in incidence of adverse events reported, and the most frequent events reported were gastrointestinal in nature, consistent with the known safety profile of 5-ALA in patients with diabetes. No significant changes in laboratory values and no difference in hypoglycemia between patients receiving 5-ALA and placebo were noted. Overall, the current results support that use of 5-ALA-SFC up to 200 mg per day taken as 2 divided doses is safe in patients taking concomitant oral antidiabetic medications and may offer benefits in the diabetic population. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.govNCT02481141.
Image Montaging for Creating a Virtual Pathology Slide: An Innovative and Economical Tool to Obtain a Whole Slide Image
Authors: Banavar Spoorthi Ravi , Chippagiri Prashanthi , Pandurangappa Rohit , Annavajjula Saileela , Rajashekaraiah Premalatha Bidadi
Published: September 2016

Background. Microscopes are omnipresent throughout the field of biological research. With microscopes one can see in detail what is going on at the cellular level in tissues. Though it is a ubiquitous tool, the limitation is that with high magnification there is a small field of view. It is often advantageous to see an entire sample at high magnification. Over the years technological advancements in optics have helped to provide solutions to this limitation of microscopes by creating the so-called dedicated “slide scanners” which can provide a “whole slide digital image.” These scanners can provide seamless, large-field-of-view, high resolution image of entire tissue section. The only disadvantage of such complete slide imaging system is its outrageous cost, thereby hindering their practical use by most laboratories, especially in developing and low resource countries.Methods. In a quest for their substitute, we tried commonly used image editing software Adobe Photoshop along with a basic image capturing device attached to a trinocular microscope to create a digital pathology slide.Results. The seamless image created using Adobe Photoshop maintained its diagnostic quality.Conclusion. With time and effort photomicrographs obtained from a basic camera-microscope set up can be combined and merged in Adobe Photoshop to create a whole slide digital image of practically usable quality at a negligible cost.
Evaluation of PD-L1 Expression in Tumor Tissue of Patients with Lung Carcinoma and Correlation with Clinical and Demographic Data
Authors: Dix Junqueira Pinto Gustavo , de Souza Viana Luciano , Scapulatempo Neto Cristovam , Vicente Serrano Sérgio
Published: September 2016

Lung cancer is the leading world cause of cancer-related death, in both genders, and smoking is the main etiological factor. The discovery of immune checkpoints corroborates the hypothesis that ligands presented in tumors modulate the mechanisms of carcinogenesis and the immune activity of tumor microenvironment. Among the most studied coregulatory molecules, PD-1(programmed cell death 1)and its ligand PD-L1(programmed cell death 1 ligand 1)are noteworthy. The present study aims to enhance the understanding of the tumor microenvironment of lung cancer patients who underwent surgery, by means of analysis of PD-L1 expression in tumor cells and in intratumoral immune cells (IICs). It was found that PD-L1 expression was more frequent in tumor cells than in IICs. Collective analysis by Tissue Microarray Assay (TMA) for PD-L1 expression in tumor cells and IICs did not reproduce the findings for separate individual analysis of tumor tissues. Patients with past history of smoking were more likely to express PD-L1 in tumor cells than those who never smoked. Patients with past history of smoking were less likely to have PD-L1 positive IICs compared to those who had never smoked. The immunohistochemical expression of PD-L1 in tumor cells and IICs did not correlate with survival.
High-Order Drug Combinations Are Required to Effectively Kill Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Horn Thomas , Ferretti Stéphane , Ebel Nicolas , Tam Angela , Ho Samuel , Harbinski Fred , Farsidjani Ali , Zubrowski Matthew , Sellers William R. , Schlegel Robert , Porter Dale , Morris Erick , Wuerthner Jens , Jeay Sébastien , Greshock Joel , Halilovic Ensar , Garraway Levi A. , Caponigro Giordano , Lehár Joseph
Published: September 2016

Like classical chemotherapy regimens used to treat cancer, targeted therapies will also rely upon polypharmacology, but tools are still lacking to predict which combinations of molecularly targeted drugs may be most efficacious. In this study, we used image-based proliferation and apoptosis assays in colorectal cancer cell lines to systematically investigate the efficacy of combinations of two to six drugs that target critical oncogenic pathways. Drug pairs targeting key signaling pathways resulted in synergies across a broad spectrum of genetic backgrounds but often yielded only cytostatic responses. Enhanced cytotoxicity was observed when additional processes including apoptosis and cell cycle were targeted as part of the combination. In some cases, where cell lines were resistant to paired and tripled drugs, increased expression of antiapoptotic proteins was observed, requiring a fourth-order combination to induce cytotoxicity. Our results illustrate how high-order drug combinations are needed to kill drug-resistant cancer cells, and they also show how systematic drug combination screening together with a molecular understanding of drug responses may help define optimal cocktails to overcome aggressive cancers. Cancer Res; 76(23); 6950–63. ©2016 AACR.
MUC1-C Represses the Crumbs Complex Polarity Factor CRB3 and Downregulates the Hippo Pathway
Authors: Alam Maroof , Bouillez Audrey , Tagde Ashujit , Ahmad Rehan , Rajabi Hasan , Maeda Takahiro , Hiraki Masayuki , Suzuki Yozo , Kufe Donald
Published: September 2016

Apical–basal polarity and epithelial integrity are maintained in part by the Crumbs (CRB) complex. The C--terminal subunit of MUC1 (MUC1-C) is a transmembrane protein that is expressed at the apical border of normal epithelial cells and aberrantly at high levels over the entire surface of their transformed counterparts. However, it is not known whether MUC1-C contributes to this loss of polarity that is characteristic of carcinoma cells. Here it is demonstrated that MUC1-C downregulates expression of the Crumbs complex CRB3 protein in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. MUC1-C associates with ZEB1 on the CRB3 promoter and represses CRB3 transcription. Notably, CRB3 activates the core kinase cassette of the Hippo pathway, which includes LATS1 and LATS2. In this context, targeting MUC1-C was associated with increased phosphorylation of LATS1, consistent with activation of the Hippo pathway, which is critical for regulating cell contact, tissue repair, proliferation, and apoptosis. Also shown is that MUC1-C--mediated suppression of CRB3 and the Hippo pathway is associated with dephosphorylation and activation of the oncogenic YAP protein. In turn, MUC1-C interacts with YAP, promotes formation of YAP/β-catenin complexes, and induces the WNT target gene MYC. These data support a previously unrecognized pathway in which targeting MUC1-C in TNBC cells (i) induces CRB3 expression, (ii) activates the CRB3-driven Hippo pathway, (iii) inactivates YAP, and thereby (iv) suppresses YAP/β-catenin–mediated induction of MYC expression.

Implications: These findings demonstrate a previously unrecognized role for the MUC1-C oncoprotein in the regulation of polarity and the Hippo pathway in breast cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 14(12); 1266–76. ©2016 AACR.
Safety of Factor XIII Concentrate: Analysis of More than 20 Years of Pharmacovigilance Data
Authors: Solomon Cristina , Korte Wolfgang , Fries Dietmar , Pendrak Inna , Joch Christine , Gröner Albrecht , Birschmann Ingvild
Published: September 2016

Background: Plasma-derived factor XIII (FXIII) concentrate is an effective treatment for FXIII deficiency. We describe adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported during pharmacovigilance monitoring of Fibrogammin®/Corifact® and review published safety data. Methods: Postmarketing safety reports recorded by CSL Behring from June 1993 to September 2013 were analyzed. Clinical studies published during the same period were also reviewed. Results: Commercial data indicated that 1,653,450,333 IU FXIII concentrate were distributed over the review period, equivalent to 1,181,036 doses for a 70 kg patient. 75 cases were reported (one/15,700 standard doses or 22,046,000 IU). Reports of special interest included 12 cases of possible hypersensitivity reactions (one/98,400 doses or 137,787,500 IU), 7 with possible thromboembolic events (one/168,700 doses or 236,207,200 IU), 5 of possible inhibitor development (one/236,200 doses or 330,690,100 IU), and 20 of possible pathogen transmission (one/59,100 doses or 82,672,500 IU). 19 pathogen transmission cases involved viral infection; 4 could not be analyzed due to insufficient data, but for all others a causal relationship to the product was assessed as unlikely. A review of published literature revealed a similar safety profile. Conclusion: Assessment of ADRs demonstrated that FXIII concentrate carries a low risk of ADRs across various clinical situations, suggesting a favorable safety profile.
Clinical picture of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and its differentiation from non-HIT thrombocytopenia
Authors: Warkentin Theodore E.
Published: September 2016

HIT is an acquired antibody-mediated disorder strongly associated with thrombosis, including microthrombosis secondary to disseminated intravascular dissemination (DIC). The clinical features of HIT are reviewed from the perspective of the 4Ts scoring system for HIT, which emphasises its characteristic timing of onset of thrombocytopenia. HIT antibodies recognize multimolecular complexes of platelet factor 4 (PF4)/heparin. However, a subset of HIT sera recognise PF4 bound to platelet chondroitin sulfate; these antibodies activate platelets in vitro and in vivo even in the absence of heparin, thus explaining: delayed-onset HIT (where HIT begins or worsens after stopping heparin); persisting HIT (where HIT takes several weeks to recover); spontaneous HIT syndrome (a disorder clinically and serologically resembling HIT but without proximate heparin exposure); and fondaparinux-associated HIT (four distinct syndromes featuring thrombocytopenia that begins or worsens during treatment with fondaparinux), with a new patient case presented with ongoing thrombocytopenia (and fatal haemorrhage) during treatment of HIT with fondaparinux, with fondaparinux-dependent platelet activation induced by patient serum (“fondaparinux cross-reactivity”). Ironically, despite existence of fondaparinux-associated HIT, this pentasaccharide anticoagulant is a frequent treatment for HIT (including one used by the author). HIT can be confused with other disorders, including those with a) timing similar to HIT (e. g. abciximab-associated thrombocytopenia of delayed-onset); b) combined thrombocytopenia/thrombosis (e. g. symmetrical peripheral gangrene secondary to acute DIC and shock liver); and c) both timing of onset and thrombosis (e. g. warfarin-associated venous limb gangrene complicating cancer-associated DIC). By understanding clinical and pathophysiological similarities and differences between HIT and non-HIT mimicking disorders, the clinician is better able to make the correct diagnosis.
Just & Unjust Targeted Killing & Drone Warfare
Authors: Walzer Michael
Published: September 2016

Targeted killing in the “war on terror” and in war generally is subject to familiar and severe moral constraints. The constraints hold across the board; they don't change when drones are the weapon of choice. But the ease with which drones can be used, the relative absence of military risks and political costs, makes it especially tempting not only to use drones more and more, but also to relax the constraining rules under which they are used. It seems clear that the rules have, in fact, been relaxed in the course of the American experience with drone warfare – by presidential decision and without public debate. This essay is an argument for the opening up of the decision process to democratic scrutiny and in defense of the familiar constraints.
Phasmarhabditis apuliae n. sp. (Nematoda: Rhabditidae), a new rhabditid nematode from milacid slugs
Authors: Nermuť Jiří , Půža Vladimír , Mráček Zdeněk
Published: September 2016

A new nematode species belonging to the family Rhabditidae, genus Phasmarhabditis, was isolated in the city of Bari (strain BAR) and near the village Gravina (strain GRA) in Apulia, Italy, and is described herein as Phasmarhabditis apuliae n. sp. The original hosts were Milax sowerbyi and M. gagates. Females are 2623 (2262-2848) μm long with a long tapering tail. Prominent papilla-like phasmids are present. Males are 2096 (1898-2363) μm long. They have a peloderan bursa with nine pairs of rays arranged as 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 3. Each ray bears a single papilla. A non-paired papilla is located near the ventral appendage anterior to the cloacal aperture. Prominent papilla-like phasmids are situated close to the tail tip. Dauer juveniles have lateral fields formed from two prominent wide ridges and have three incisures. Phasmarhabditis apuliae n. sp. seems to be a facultative mollusc-parasitic nematode that is capable, in a similar manner to P. hermaphrodita, of long-term survival in the saprophytic phase on decaying organic matter. Ecology, morphology and phylogenetic relationships of Phasmarhabditis nematodes are discussed.
The African Union’s Role in the Governance of Offshore Freshwater Aquifers
Authors: Kimani Nicholas N.
Published: September 2016

Scientific insights have revealed the existence of undersea freshwater aquifers off the coasts of some African States and elsewhere, which present possibilities for exploitation. The question arises as to whether, or to what extent, the formal governance structures of the African Union (au) and its relevant maritime strategic frameworks adequately provide for their regulatory oversight. The study highlights relevant provisions of the Constitutive Act of the African Union and its related protocols, as well as the 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy. While the au could facilitate the development of pan-African governing arrangements, important legal issues remain outstanding in relation to the applicable judicial mechanism, operationalizing agreed courses of action, facilitating access to technology, implementing appropriate environmental safeguards and clarifying landlocked States’ rights. Suggestions are also made for further study. Addressing these issues could greatly facilitate efforts to design and optimise governing arrangements for the benefit of future generations.
EU Citizenship and Migration Law: Reshaping the Balance of Multi-National Communities? The Case of Ceuta and Melilla
Authors: Iglesias Sánchez Sara
Published: September 2016

The impact of eu law on the situation of the third country nationals in Ceuta and Melilla has been twofold. The first phase of the construction of an European identity through free movement law had an important impact on the population of the autonomous cities, since the accession of Spain to the eu, which entailed the introduction of several modifications in field of immigration law, led to the emergence of differentiated legal regimes which were previously inexistent, strengthening the differences of status based on nationality. In more recent times, the introduction of the eu migration law has partially overcome this situation. Taking this scenario into account, this article addresses the way in which free movement law—including the Schengen acquis—and eu citizenship have affected the traditional division between citizens and third country nationals in the autonomous cities and the impact of eu immigration policy.
Regional Integration in Eurasia: The Legal and Political Framework
Authors: Kembayev Zhenis
Published: September 2016

This article examines the legal and political aspects of regional integration processes in Eurasia since the end of the Soviet era. It contends that both political and economic factors are driving these processes, including the desire of a number of post-Soviet countries to consolidate regional peace and security and, also, to create a larger and more effective economic space, thus increasing these countries’ power and international influence. It also argues that the formation of a united Eurasia is being conducted in the framework of two separate but closely connected—with almost identical membership—international organizations: the Collective Security Treaty Organization (csto) and the Eurasian Economic Union (eaeu). This article provides some background to the csto and the eaeu and explains their consolidating factors. It also examines the institutional framework of these groupings and expounds on their purposes, principles, and major areas of cooperation. It argues that these two organizations, in combination, constitute a single de facto structure that, for discussion purposes in this article, is referred to as the Eurasian alliance. Finally, the article attempts to illustrate problems and to assess prospects related to integration processes in Eurasia.
Prangos multicostata (Apiaceae), a new species from eastern Kazakhstan
Authors: LYSKOV DMITRY F. , KLJUYKOV EUGENE V. , SAMIGULLIN TAHIR H. , UKRAINSKAJA ULIANA A. , KHRUSTALEVA IRINA A.
Published: September 2016

Prangos multicostata (Apiaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species from the Western Tarbagatai Mts. in Eastern Kazakhstan. The species is related to P. ledebourii, P. dzhungarica and P. herderi, but differs from the aforementioned taxa in the length of its leaflets, the absence of bracts and bracteoles, and the appearance of secondary ribs on the mericarps.
Two new species of Caenis Stephens, 1835 (Ephemeroptera: Caenidae) from South America
Authors: LIMA LUCAS R. C. , MOLINERI CARLOS , PINHEIRO ULISSES , SALLES FREDERICO F.
Published: September 2016

Caenis Stephens, 1835 is a relatively diverse South American genus of Caenidae (Ephemeroptera), with 22 recorded species, but much of its diversity remains poorly explored in this region. In the present study, two new species of Caenis with apically pointed forceps are described: Caenis amacayacu sp. nov., based on male adults from Colombia; and C. elidioi sp. nov, based on all life stages from several localities in Brazil.
Sensitivity of Supercell Simulations to Initial-Condition Resolution
Authors: Potvin Corey K. , Murillo Elisa M. , Flora Montgomery L. , Wheatley Dustan M.
Published: September 2016

Observational and model resolution limitations currently preclude analysis of the smallest scales important to numerical prediction of convective storms. These missing scales can be recovered if the forecast model is integrated on a sufficiently fine grid, but not before errors are introduced that subsequently grow in scale and magnitude. This study is the first to systematically evaluate the impact of these initial-condition (IC) resolution errors on high-resolution forecasts of organized convection. This is done by comparing high-resolution supercell simulations generated using identical model settings but successively coarsened ICs. Consistent with the Warn-on-Forecast paradigm, the simulations are initialized with ongoing storms and integrated for 2 h. Both idealized and full-physics experiments are performed in order to examine how more realistic model settings modulate the error evolution.

In all experiments, scales removed from the IC (wavelengths < 2, 4, 8, or 16 km) regenerate within 10–20 min of model integration. While the forecast errors arising from the initial absence of these scales become quantitatively large in many instances, the qualitative storm evolution is relatively insensitive to the IC resolution. It therefore appears that adopting much finer forecast (e.g., 250 m) than analysis (e.g., 3 km) grids for data assimilation and prediction would improve supercell forecasts given limited computational resources. This motivates continued development of mixed-resolution systems. The relative insensitivity to IC resolution further suggests that convective forecasting can be more readily advanced by improving model physics and numerics and expanding extrastorm observational coverage than by increasing intrastorm observational density.
A Teleconnection between the West Siberian Plain and the ENSO Region
Authors: Liess Stefan , Agrawal Saurabh , Chatterjee Snigdhansu , Kumar Vipin
Published: September 2016

The Walker circulation is linked to extratropical waves that are deflected from the Northern Hemisphere polar regions and travel southeastward over central Asia toward the western Pacific warm pool during northern winter. The wave pattern resembles the east Atlantic–west Russia pattern and influences the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) region. A tripole pattern between the West Siberian Plain and the two centers of action of ENSO indicates that the background state of ENSO with respect to global sea level pressure (SLP) has a significant negative correlation to the West Siberian Plain. The correlation with the background state, which is defined by the sum of the two centers of action of ENSO, is higher than each of the pairwise correlations with either of the ENSO centers alone. The centers are defined with a clustering algorithm that detects regions with similar characteristics. The normalized monthly SLP time series for the two centers of ENSO (around Darwin, Australia, and Tahiti) are area averaged, and the sum of both regions is considered as the background state of ENSO. This wave train can be detected throughout the troposphere and the lower stratosphere. Its origins can be traced back to Rossby wave activity triggered by convection over the subtropical North Atlantic that emanates wave activity toward the West Siberian Plain. The same wave train also propagates to the central Pacific Ocean around Tahiti and can be used to predict the background state over the ENSO region. This background state also modifies the subtropical bridge between tropical eastern Pacific and subtropical North Atlantic leading to a circumglobal wave train.
Naissance et chute d’un sauveur
Authors: Pigeon Geneviève
Published: September 2016

Grizzly Man dresse le portrait de Timothy Treadwell. Passionné par les ours dont il partageait l’habitat, il a péri en 2003, dévoré par l’animal qu’il prétendait protéger. Le film se construit à partir de vidéos laissées par Treadwell qui n’hésitait pas à se mettre en scène pour construire son univers. Autofiction, idéalisation et mégalomanie teintent le discours de cet homme, discours que Herzog montre et respecte tout en invoquant les témoignages des spécialistes, parents, amis et collègues du défunt. En se posant comme un axis mundi, seul sauveur d’un monde en péril, Treadwell se construit au fil des ans une persona sacrée, figure centrale d’un paradis perdu que lui seul est à même de comprendre et d’ordonner.
Why Vote for a Co-Opted Party? Endogenous Government Power Increases and Control of Opposition Politicians in Authoritarian Regimes
Authors: Kosterina Svetlana
Published: September 2016

Why do voters in electoral autocracies vote for opposition parties that are co-opted by the government? The logic of electoral accountability should lead constituents to vote such parties out, and parties, knowing this, should never agree to be co-opted. Yet there is evidence that constituents often do not sanction opposition parties for failing to prevent the government from consolidating power. Standard accountability models suggest that this accountability failure is due to the parties having developed good reputations. This article develops a formal theory that offers a novel explanation for accountability failures specific to electoral autocracies. The theory shows how a consolidation of power by an authoritarian regime, increasing its ability to punish opposition politicians, can lead citizens not to vote opposition parties out of office even after seeing them fail to prevent a consolidation of power.
Novel cellular perlite-epoxy foams: Effects of particle size
Authors: Allameh-Haery Haleh , Wensrich Christopher M , Fiedler Thomas , Kisi Erich
Published: September 2016

The micro-structure and mechanical properties of lightweight porous foams synthesized by dispersing expanded perlite particles (expanded siliceous volcanic glass) in a matrix of epoxy resin were examined. Foams were fabricated with three distinct particle size ranges and, within each size, samples covered a density range of 0.15–0.45 g/cm3. The effects of particle size variation on compressive strength, effective elastic modulus, and modulus of toughness were investigated. An upper and a lower bound were estimated for the elastic modulus of particles in EP/epoxy foams. EP/epoxy foams showed Reuss-like behaviour similar to metals but atypical of non-plastic materials. In addition, results illustrated the significant contribution of the expanded perlite particles in the effective elastic modulus of the foams. Micro-structure of expanded perlite particles was examined and related to their macroscopic properties via two geometrical relationships. Post-test microscopic observations coupled with macroscopic observations taken during the test were used to understand the effect of particle size on the behaviour of the foams under compressive load. Observations revealed the presence of three different failure modes for all foams regardless of their particle size and density; however, the strain to activate each mode was different for each foam type.
Morphological, mechanical, and thermal properties of injection molded polylactic acid foams/composites based on wood flour
Authors: Teymoorzadeh Hedieh , Rodrigue Denis
Published: September 2016

In this work, injection molding was used to produce polylactic acid foams using azodicarbonamide as a chemical foaming agent and to study the effect of wood flour concentration (15, 25, and 40% wt.) on morphology (scanning electron microscopy), density (gas pycnometry), as well as mechanical (tensile, flexural, and impact) and thermal (differential scanning calorimetry) properties. In particular, density reduction was controlled by the amount of material injected (shot size). The results showed that polylactic acid properties increased with wood content, but decreased with density reduction. Nevertheless, specific flexural modulus (per unit weight) always increased with foaming. Foaming was also shown to significantly increase polylactic acid crystallinity.
Toward an Entrepreneurial Public Sector
Authors: Clark Anna Fountain
Published: September 2016

An entrepreneurial public agency pursues the implementation of innovative programs that may broaden public service choices, increase service quality, and more effectively serve citizens. Such public entrepreneurship depends on risk taking and risk tolerance; however, public servants tend to be generally risk averse in their behaviors and personal preferences, and are therefore less likely to pursue entrepreneurial approaches to public problems. Using social exchange theory as a framework to understand the reciprocal relationship between agency and employee, this study examines whether agency behaviors might alter the risk aversion of those employees and make the agency environment more conducive to entrepreneurship. Findings suggest that managers’ demonstration of risk tolerance, reward for creativity and innovation, and agency solicitation of employee input are positively related to employee perceptions of higher risk tolerance among their peers.
Retrofitting building fire service water tanks as chilled water storage for power demand limiting
Authors: Yan Chengchu , Wang Shengwei , Fan Cheng , Xiao Fu
Published: September 2016

Peak demand cost usually contributes a large proportion of the total electricity bills in buildings. Using existing building facilities for power demand limiting has been verified as effective measures to reduce monthly peak demands and associated costs. Fire service water tanks exist in most commercial buildings. This paper presents a comprehensive study on how to effectively retrofit existing building fire service water tanks as chilled water storage for power demand limiting. Important technical and economic factors that may affect the implementation of the proposed retrofitting are addressed. Two retrofitting schemes, i.e. a small ΔT (storage temperature difference) scheme and a large ΔT scheme are proposed for integrating the chilled water storage system into an existing all-air system and an existing air-water air conditioning system, respectively. Two optimal demand limiting control strategies, i.e. time-based control and demand-based control, are proposed for maximizing the monthly peak demand reduction of buildings with regular and variable peak occurring time, respectively. The cost-effectiveness of different retrofitting schemes in three real buildings in Hong Kong is analysed. Results show that substantial cost savings can be achieved with short payback periods (0.7–2.6 years) for the retrofits in these three buildings.

Practical application: This paper presents a techno-economic analysis on retrofitting existing building fire service water tanks as chilled water storage for power demand limiting and operational cost saving. The proposed retrofitting schemes and demand limiting control strategies enable chilled water storage systems to be readily applied to most existing buildings. Building owners can benefit from the peak demand cost saving as the monthly peak demand can be significantly reduced by using chilled water storage. The extra costs involved in tank retrofits and system integrations can be paid back within three years.
Regulatory Forum Opinion Piece
Authors: Bartels Thomas , Wäse Kerstin , Heinrichs Martin , Stolte Manuela , Roome Nigel , Scherer Petra , Lindauer Klaus
Published: September 2016

The toxicological profile of insulins is exclusively due to exaggerated pharmacology resulting in hypoglycemic findings. Insulin analogues displaying modifications and aimed at improving pharmacokinetics do not induce different toxicity. The main target is the brain displaying neuronal necrosis. Wallerian degeneration of nerves occurs rarely after severe hypoglycemia. These findings are of potential human relevance; nevertheless, these changes are induced in normoglycemic animals whereas diabetic patients suffer from hyperglycemia. Therefore, it is usually not difficult to achieve a therapeutic window for subsequent use in patients. Based upon this and in the absence of classical toxicity, there has been no scientific need for diabetic animal models. A greater challenge is the mitogenicity already inherent with regular insulin. Thus, the focus for preclinical safety evaluation of analogues is to demonstrate that modifications in regular insulin do not result in enhanced mitogenicity. The approaches used to assess the mitogenic potential of insulin analogues have changed over time driven by scientific progression and changes within the regulatory environment. Therefore, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of cell proliferation has become common practice, and to date there has been no evidence that the mitogenic potential of insulin analogues may be increased compared to regular insulin.
A cross-cultural comparison of music education experiences and ambitions in two Spanish and English primary schools
Authors: Hardcastle Elinor , Pitts Stephanie , Aróstegui José Luis
Published: September 2016

A small-scale comparative study of music education provision in two Spanish and English primary schools was carried out in 2013–14, using questionnaires, interviews and observations. The study investigated the musical experiences of the children in the two schools, their ambitions for their musical futures, and the classroom practices and policy contexts that shaped these encounters with musical learning. Through thematic analysis and comparison of the data from the two schools, we examine music in children’s lives, music in the classroom, and musical ambitions and values, and consider how well the music curriculum serves the children in each setting.
The Upward Redistribution of Income
Authors: Baker Dean
Published: September 2016

This paper examines the extent to which the growth in rents can explain the upward redistribution in income since 1980. It examines and provides preliminary estimates for the growth of rents in four main areas: increased patent and copyright rents, the growth of the financial sector, the increase in CEO pay due to the failure of the corporate governance, and the increase in pay for the most highly paid professionals due to protectionist barriers.