bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and Thermal Studies of ZnS and CdS Nanoparticles in Polymer Matrices
Authors: Osuntokun Jejenija , Ajibade Peter A.
Published: January 2016

We report the synthesis and structural studies of ZnS and CdS nanoparticles in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrices. The metal sulfides/polymer nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, electronic spectroscopy (UV-Vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The particle sizes as calculated from the absorption spectra were in agreement with the results obtained from TEM and XRD data. They showed metal sulfides nanoparticles in the polymers matrices with average crystallite sizes of 1.5–6.9 nm. The TGA results indicate that incorporation of the nanoparticles significantly altered the thermal properties of the respective polymers with ZnS/PVA and CdS/PVA nanocomposites displaying higher thermal stability than the other polymer nanocomposites.
Intravenous Immunoglobulins: Mode of Action and Indications in Autoimmune and Inflammatory Dermatoses
Authors: Dourmishev Lyubomir A. , Guleva Dimitrina V. , Miteva Ljubka G.
Published: January 2016

Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs), a mixture of variable amounts of proteins (albumin, IgG, IgM, IgA, and IgE antibodies), as well as salt, sugar, solvents, and detergents, are successfully used to treat a variety of dermatological disorders. For decades, IVIGs have been administered for treatment of infectious diseases and immune deficiencies, since they contain natural antibodies that represent a first-line defense against pathogens. Today their indication has expanded, including the off-label therapy for a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In dermatology, IVIGs are administered for treatment of different disorders at different therapeutic regimens, mostly with higher doses then those administered for treatment of infectious diseases. The aim of this prospective review is to highlight the indications, effectiveness, side effects, and perspectives of the systemic treatment with IVIGs for patients with severe, life-threatening, and resistant to conventional therapies autoimmune or inflammatory dermatoses.
Stabilization of the Fractional-Order Chua Chaotic Circuit via the Caputo Derivative of a Single Input
Authors: Yang Chunde , Cai Hao , Zhou Ping
Published: January 2016

A modified fractional-order Chua chaotic circuit is proposed in this paper, and the chaotic attractor is obtained forq=0.98. Based on the Mittag-Leffler function in two parameters and Gronwall’s Lemma, two control schemes are proposed to stabilize the modified fractional-order Chua chaotic system via the Caputo derivative of a single input. The numerical simulation shows the validity and feasibility of the control scheme.
Facile Synthesis of High {001} Facets Dominated BiOCl Nanosheets and Their Selective Dye-Sensitized Photocatalytic Activity Induced by Visible Light
Authors: Zhang Da , Chen Liang , Xiao Chengjing , Feng Jing , Liao Lingmin , Wang Zaiqin , Wei Tao
Published: January 2016

Single-crystal BiOCl nanosheets, with high{001}facets exposed, were synthesized through a facile hydrolysis reaction under general atmospheric pressure, without adding any organic surfactant or agent. The thickness of the BiOCl nanosheets is about 20 nm, and the diameter is arranged from 200 to 400 nm. The structure of the BiOCl nanosheets was characterized by X-ray diffraction, energy disperse X-ray spectrum, transmission electron microscopy, and selective area electron diffraction. Moreover, three different dyes were used as model molecules to test the photocatalytic activity of BiOCl nanosheets under visible light. It was found that the BiOCl nanosheets possess selective photocatalytic behavior as their activity over RhB is much higher than that over MO or MB. Based on the analysis of the experimental results, the potential mechanism was discussed.
Time Dependent Influence of Rotating Magnetic Field on Bacterial Cellulose
Authors: Fijałkowski Karol , Rakoczy Rafał , Żywicka Anna , Drozd Radosław , Zielińska Beata , Wenelska Karolina , Cendrowski Krzysztof , Peitler Dorota , Kordas Marian , Konopacki Maciej , Mijowska Ewa
Published: January 2016

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of rotating magnetic field (RMF) on the morphology, physicochemical properties, and the water holding capacity of bacterial cellulose (BC) synthetized by Gluconacetobacter xylinus. The cultures of G. xylinus were exposed to RMF of frequency that equals 50 Hz and magnetic induction 34 mT for 3, 5, and 7 days during cultivation at 28°C in the customized RMF exposure system. It was revealed that BC exposed for 3 days to RMF exhibited the highest water retention capacity as compared to the samples exposed for 5 and 7 days. The observation was confirmed for both the control and RMF exposed BC. It was proved that the BC exposed samples showed up to 26% higher water retention capacity as compared to the control samples. These samples also required the highest temperature to release the water molecules. Such findings agreed with the observation via SEM examination which revealed that the structure of BC synthesized for 7 days was more compacted than the sample exposed to RMF for 3 days. Furthermore, the analysis of 2D correlation of Fourier transform infrared spectra demonstrated the impact of RMF exposure on the dynamics of BC microfibers crystallinity formation.
Spontaneous Retroperitoneal Haematoma due to Polyarteritis Nodosa: Report of a Case and Literature Review
Authors: Simsek Emrah , Yilmaz Hasan , Teke Kerem , Uslubas Ali Kemal , Yuksekkaya Mustafa
Published: January 2016

Retroperitoneal haematoma is a rare clinical entity with variable etiology. It can happen spontaneously, without any obvious precipitating factors, the so-called spontaneous retroperitoneal haematoma. There is no general consensus as to the best management plan for patients with retroperitoneal haematoma. Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a rare cause of retroperitoneal haematoma. Here we report relationship between PAN and retroperitoneal haematoma and treatment approaches. However, an accepted and clearly defined treatment has not been established due to its rarity.
Risk Factors and Adverse Events Poorly Predict Infections and Hypogammaglobulinemia in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Patients Receiving Rituximab
Authors: Besada Emilio
Published: January 2016

Background. 29 GPA patients from the Northern Norway vasculitis disease registry received rituximab (RTX) induction and maintenance. 24% and 31% had, respectively, severe and chronic infections while 45% had hypogammaglobulinemia and 28% discontinued RTX due to hypogammaglobulinemia. The aim of the study was to examine how known predictors and adverse events interacted with adverse events using structural statistical methods.Methods. Five predictors (age, cyclophosphamide, total Ig and CD4/CD8 ratio prior RTX, and type of RTX maintenance regimen) and 4 adverse events (severe and chronic infections, hypogammaglobulinemia, and RTX discontinuation) were modeled in principal component and redundancy analyses.Results. The 5 predictors explained 51% of the variance of the GPA cohort. Models including cyclophosphamide exposure and total Ig level predicted best adverse events. However total Ig level has lowRsquared. The 2 best combinations of adverse events explained 13% of the variance of the predictors and adverse events. Only chronic infections were associated with combination of all adverse events (P=0.014). Hypogammaglobulinemia did not seem associated with the other adverse events.Conclusions. Traditional risk factors for infections and hypogammaglobulinemia seemed to poorly predict adverse events in our GPA cohort.
Poor Sleep in Multiple Sclerosis Correlates with Beck Depression Inventory Values, but Not with Polysomnographic Data
Authors: Veauthier Christian , Gaede Gunnar , Radbruch Helena , Wernecke Klaus-Dieter , Paul Friedemann
Published: January 2016

Objectives. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) values correlate with depression, but studies investigating the relationship between PSQI values and polysomnographic (PSG) data showed inconsistent findings.Methods. Sixty-five consecutive patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) were retrospectively classified as “good sleepers” (GS) (PSQI ≤ 5) and “poor sleepers” (PS) (PSQI > 5). The PSG data and the values of the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) of fatigue, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were compared.Results. No significant differences were found either for PSG data or for ESS, MFIS, and FSS values; but PS showed significantly increased BDI and VAS values.Conclusions. Poor sleep is associated with increased depression and fatigue scale values.
Background Noise Contributes to Organic Solvent Induced Brain Dysfunction
Authors: Guthrie O’neil W. , Wong Brian A. , McInturf Shawn M. , Reboulet James E. , Ortiz Pedro A. , Mattie David R.
Published: January 2016

Occupational exposure to complex blends of organic solvents is believed to alter brain functions among workers. However, work environments that contain organic solvents are also polluted with background noise which raises the issue of whether or not the noise contributed to brain alterations. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether or not repeated exposure to low intensity noise with and without exposure to a complex blend of organic solvents would alter brain activity. Female Fischer344 rats served as subjects in these experiments. Asynchronous volume conductance between the midbrain and cortex was evaluated with a slow vertex recording technique. Subtoxic solvent exposure, by itself, had no statistically significant effects. However, background noise significantly suppressed brain activity and this suppression was exacerbated with solvent exposure. Furthermore, combined exposure produced significantly slow neurotransmission. These abnormal neurophysiologic findings occurred in the absence of hearing loss and detectable damage to sensory cells. The observations from the current experiment raise concern for all occupations where workers are repeatedly exposed to background noise or noise combined with organic solvents. Noise levels and solvent concentrations that are currently considered safe may not actually be safe and existing safety regulations have failed to recognize the neurotoxic potential of combined exposures.
Target Identification in Small Cell Lung Cancer via Integrated Phenotypic Screening and Activity-Based Protein Profiling
Authors: Li Jiannong , Fang Bin , Kinose Fumi , Bai Yun , Kim Jae-Young , Chen Yian A. , Rix Uwe , Koomen John M. , Haura Eric B.
Published: January 2016

To overcome hurdles in identifying key kinases in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), we integrated a target-agnostic phenotypic screen of kinase inhibitors with target identification using activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) in which a desthiobiotin-ATP probe was used. We screened 21 SCLC cell lines with known c-MYC amplification status for alterations in viability using a chemical library of 235 small-molecule kinase inhibitors. One screen hit compound was interrogated with ABPP, and, through this approach, we reidentified Aurora kinase B as a critical kinase in MYC-amplified SCLC cells. We next extended the platform to a second compound that had activity in SCLC cell lines lacking c-MYC amplification and identified TANK-binding kinase 1, a kinase that affects cell viability, polo-like kinase-1 signaling, G2–M arrest, and apoptosis in SCLC cells lacking MYC amplification. These results demonstrate that phenotypic screening combined with ABPP can identify key disease drivers, suggesting that this approach, which combines new chemical probes and disease cell screens, has the potential to identify other important targets in other cancer types. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(2); 334–42. ©2016 AACR.
The Prognosis of Nail Apparatus Melanoma: 20 Years of Experience from a Single Institute
Authors: Dika Emi , Patrizi Annalisa , Fanti Pier Alessandro , Chessa Marco Adriano , Reggiani Camilla , Barisani Alessia , Piraccini Bianca Maria
Published: January 2016

Introduction and Objectives: Nail apparatus melanoma (NAM) is an uncommon tumor, especially in Caucasians. The prognosis of patients affected by NAM was analyzed and correlated with the histopathological criteria and the surgical management of the tumors. Materials and Methods: We collected data regarding NAM referred to the Skin Cancer Unit of the Dermatology Department of the University of Bologna, from 1992 to January 2012. Results: Out of 1,327 melanoma cases diagnosed between 1992 and 2012, 42 patients were affected by NAM (2.93%). All the patients were Caucasian. Two deceased patients with insufficient medical records and 1 woman with a personal history of breast cancer were excluded. Thirty-nine cases entered this study: 24 were women (67%) and 15 men (33%). The mean age at diagnosis of NAM was 57.3 years (range 29-88 years). Statistical analyses showed that prognosis was significantly correlated with the Breslow thickness (≥/<2 mm; p = 0.02), regression (p < 0.0001) and ulceration (p = 0.04). Regarding surgical management, Kaplan-Meier's test pointed out that performing functional surgery compared to disarticulation did not correlate with a better prognosis of patients (p = 0.08). Conclusions: In our experience, the surgical management (disarticulation with respect to functional surgical excision) did not influence the prognosis of NAM patients. The latter was affected by the histopathological characteristics (Breslow thickness, regression and mitoses) and location (fingers vs. foot).
Memory Test Performance on Analogous Verbal and Nonverbal Memory Tests in Patients with Frontotemporal Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Baldock Deanna , Miller Justin B. , Leger Gabriel C. , Banks Sarah Jane
Published: January 2016

Background: Patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) typically have initial deficits in language or changes in personality, while the defining characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is memory impairment. Neuropsychological findings in the two diseases tend to differ, but can be confounded by verbal impairment in FTD impacting performance on memory tests in these patients. Methods: Twenty-seven patients with FTD and 102 patients with AD underwent a neuropsychological assessment before diagnosis. By utilizing analogous versions of a verbal and nonverbal memory test, we demonstrated differences in these two modalities between AD and FTD. Discussion: Better differentiation between AD and FTD is found in a nonverbal memory test, possibly because it eliminates the confounding variable of language deficits found in patients with FTD. These results highlight the importance of nonverbal learning tests with multiple learning trials in diagnostic testing.
Down Syndrome: Gestational Age-Related Neonatal Anthropometrics for Germany
Authors: Hoffmann Paul F. , Jung Anna-Maria , Stierkorb Eva , Monz Dominik , Gortner Ludwig , Rohrer Tilman R.
Published: January 2016

Background: Neonates with Down syndrome (DS) weigh less, are smaller and have increased first-year mortality, especially if born small for gestational age (GA). DS-specific GA-related neonatal anthropometrics for Germany are lacking. Objectives: To construct reference tables and centile curves for birth weight (g), crown-heel length (cm) and head circumference (cm) by sex and GA for German DS neonates. Methods: Retrospective anthropometric data from live-born singleton DS neonates born in Germany from January 1966 to June 2010 were collected using standardized questionnaires and patient records. Reference tables were created based on means and standard deviations. The 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 97th centile curves were constructed and smoothed using running medians and Cole's LMS method. Results: Anthropometric measurements were obtained for 1,304 DS neonates [males/females: 713/591 (54.7%/45.3%)]. Reference tables and centile charts were constructed from 3,542 (males/females: 1,932/1,610) observations for GA 32-41 weeks. Compared with general-population newborns, prematurity was increased (21.1 vs. 6.3%) at GA 32-36 weeks. Term-born (GA 40 weeks) male and female DS neonates were 352.5 and 223.5 g lighter and 1.5 and 1.4 cm smaller than general-population neonates, and head circumference was also 1.4 and 1.5 cm smaller, respectively. Conclusion: This is the first study to report GA-related, sex-specific reference tables and centile charts of birth weight, length and head circumference for DS neonates born in Germany. Compared with the general German population, DS newborns are more frequently born prematurely, weigh less, are smaller and have a smaller head circumference at birth.
Paraoxnase1 Gene Polymorphism in Childhood Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Al-Eisa Amal A. , Sukumaran Vazhappilly J. , Haider Mohammad Z.
Published: January 2016

Background: Paraoxonase1 (PON1) is a serum enzyme bound to high-density lipoproteins with antioxidant properties. Molecular studies of PON1 revealed 2 polymorphic sites at amino acids 55 and 192 resulting in 2 different allozymes, the L and M-genotype at residue 55 and A and B at site 192, respectively. We have studied the association between PON1 gene polymorphisms and the minimal change nephrotic syndrome/focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (MCNS/FSGS) types of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) in Kuwaiti Arab children. Methods: The PON1 gene, 55 and 192 polymorphisms were analyzed in 50 children with INS (32 MSCN, 18 FSGS) and compared to 50 controls. Serum creatinine, albumin and lipids were measured in all subjects. Results: The LL genotype was detected in 50% of the INS patients compared to 48% of controls (p = 0.84). The heterozygous LM genotype was detected in 42% of INS patients compared 36% of controls (p = 0.68). The MM-genotype was detected in 8% of INS patients and 16% of controls (p = 0.35). The L-allele frequency in its homozygous and heterozygous forms was found in 71% of INS patients compared to 66% controls (p = 0.54). The L-allele frequency (LM and LL) was significantly higher in FSGS compared to MCNS patients (p = 0.0001) and when compared to controls (p = 0.0007). All patients and controls had the AA form of the 192 PON1 gene polymorphism. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate a strong association between the L-allele of PON1 gene 55 polymorphism with FSGS in Kuwaiti Arab children with INS. PON1 genotyping can help in the early prediction of FSGS, which might guide clinicians to a better therapeutic approach.
37,X/38,XY Mosaicism in a Cryptorchid Bengal Cat with Müllerian Duct Remnants
Authors: Balogh Orsolya , Berger Alice , Pieńkowska-Schelling Aldona , Willmitzer Florian , Grest Paula , Janett Fredi , Schelling Claude , Reichler Iris M.
Published: January 2016

A 23-month-old tomcat was referred to our clinic because of male behavioral problems, cryptorchidism, and an undefined intra-abdominal organ resembling a uterus. Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed 2 fluid-filled tubular structures dorsolaterally to the bladder and connected to the pelvic urethra. The cat was castrated, and the tubular structures were surgically removed. Histology identified them as Müllerian duct remnants. The testes were hypoplastic, the epididymes and deferent ducts were normal. Cytogenetic analyses revealed the presence of a mosaic 37,X/38,XY karyotype which explains the clinical findings.
Complete and Durable Remission of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Positive Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma Following Third-Line Treatment with Trastuzumab and Gemcitabine
Authors: Wezel Felix , Erben Philipp , Gaiser Timo , Budjan Johannes , von Hardenberg Jost , Michel Maurice Stephan , Bolenz Christian
Published: January 2016

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is one of the most common cancers and survival rates are low in metastatic disease with currently established first-line platinum-based chemotherapies. Unlike in many other cancers, no clinically established molecular targeted therapies exist for the treatment of this malignancy. Here we present a case of complete tumor remission following third-line treatment with trastuzumab and gemcitabine in a patient with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive UC after progression under cisplatin and vinflunine chemotherapies. This case shows the potential significance of anti-HER2 therapy in selected patients with molecularly characterized UC. Clinical trials so far show inconclusive outcomes of anti-HER2 therapies in UC, indicating further need for both basic research and clinical studies for the identification of resistance factors and improved patient selection.
The Role of Surgery in Local Recurrences after Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer
Authors: Vilaseca Antoni , Huguet Jorge , Pérez Meritxell , Camacho Daniel , García-Cruz Eduardo , José Ribal Maria , Alcaraz Antonio
Published: January 2016

Introduction: Local recurrence (LR) after radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer has a bad prognosis. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgical excision, but few data is available on the advantages of surgery for these patients. Patients and Methods: We evaluated our series of 8 selected patients who underwent surgery for locally recurrent bladder cancer after RC. Results: The median time to recurrence after cystectomy was 20.8 months. The complications rate and severity were not negligible. Pathology report confirmed urothelial carcinoma with negative margins in all patients. After LR treatment, 4 patients recurred locally for a second time and 3 developed distant metastasis. They all died after a median follow-up of 10.4 months. One patient remained disease free after 14 months. Conclusions: The prognosis of patients with LR is poor regardless of surgical treatment and reflects the aggressive biological nature of urothelial tumors.
Impact of Endocrine Disruptors on the Thyroid Hormone System
Authors: Gutleb Arno C. , Cambier Sébastien , Serchi Tommaso
Published: January 2016

The thyroid hormone (TH) system plays a central role in central physiological processes of many species, including mammals and humans, ranging from growth and cell differentiation, energy metabolism, thermoregulation and phasing of hibernation or annual movements of migratory species, metamorphosis from larvae to adult forms, brain development, reproduction, or the cardiovascular system. Several chemicals are known to be TH-disrupting compounds (THDCs) and have been shown to interact with virtually all elements of TH homeostasis such as feedback mechanisms with the hypothalamus-pituitary axis, TH synthesis, TH storage and release from the thyroid gland, transport protein binding and TH distribution in tissues and organs, cellular TH uptake, intracellular TH metabolism, and TH receptor binding. Therefore, chemicals interfering with the TH homeostasis have the potential to interact with many of these important processes, and especially early-life stage exposure results in permanent alterations of tissue organization and homeostatic regulation of adaptive processes. This is not only of theoretical importance as the reported plasma concentrations of THDCs in human plasma fall well within the range of reported in vitro effect concentrations, and this is of even higher importance as the developing fetus and young children are in a sensitive developmental stage.
Obstacles and catalysts to peaceful coexistence in chimpanzees and bonobos
Authors: Clay Zanna , Furuichi Takeshi , de Waal Frans B.M.
Published: January 2016

As our closest living relatives, comparisons of the social lives and behavioural ecologies of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and bonobos (Pan paniscus) provide relevant insights into the evolutionary constraints of peaceful coexistence in Hominid societies. In this review, we compare and contrast findings from the twoPanspecies in order to examine some of the obstacles and catalysts for peaceful behaviour in our ape relatives. Through comparing the social structures, behavioural mechanisms and ecological drivers for peaceful behaviours inPan, we develop hypotheses regarding the evolutionary constraints of peaceful co-existence in hominid societies.
International Rules Governing Foreign Direct Investment in Services: Investment Treaties versus the GATS
Authors: Adlung Rudolf
Published: January 2016

The obligations that governments assume under investment treaties tend to overlap and interact in various ways with their obligations and commitments under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). Though the overlap is potentially significant, given that investments in services account for close to two-thirds of the world investment stock, it has drawn relatively little attention in both the literature and government circles. This article seeks to trace commonalities as well as specificities and mutual inconsistencies of the two systems, identify scope for conflict-preventing initiatives, and define issues for further exploration. One critical question remains open, nevertheless: Who would initiate the discussion, provide a forum for interested governments, and generate sufficient tailwind for conceptual clarification or, even more ambitiously, for negotiations to overcome the current divide?
Disambiguating the Stream/Bounce Illusion With Inference
Authors: Grove Philip M. , Robertson Caitlin , Harris Laurence R.
Published: January 2016

The ‘stream/bounce’ illusion refers to the perception of an ambiguous visual display in which two discs approach each other on a collision course. The display can be seen as two discs streaming through each other or bouncing off each other. Which perception dominates, may be influenced by a brief transient, usually a sound, presented around the time of simulated contact. Several theories have been proposed to account for the switching in dominance based on sensory processing, attention and cognitive inference, but a universally applicable, parsimonious explanation has not emerged. We hypothesized that only cognitive inference would be influenced by the perceptual history of the display. We rendered the display technically unambiguous by vertically offsetting the targets’ trajectories and manipulated their history by allowing the objects to switch from one trajectory to the other up to four times before the potential collision point. As the number of switches increased, the number of ‘bounce’ responses also increased. These observations show that expectancy is a critical factor in determining whether a bounce or streaming is perceived and may form the basis for a universal explanation of instances of the stream/bounce illusion.
Taxonomic notes on the shrublet species of Acanthopsis (Acanthaceae, tribe Acantheae), with two new species from South Africa
Authors: Steyn Hester Maria , Van Wyk Abraham E
Published: January 2016

The taxonomy of Acanthopsis is poorly understood, resulting in great difficulties in distinguishing and identifying infrageneric taxa. In this contribution a taxonomic account of the shrublet members of Acanthopsis is provided. Four species are recognized, two of which are newly described, namely A. dregeana and A. erosa (both confined to the Northern Cape Province, South Africa). Acanthopsis trispina, hitherto only known from the orginal collection, is considered a synonym of A. horrida. Acanthopsis spathularis has been recollected after more than 180 years and its status as a distinct species is confirmed. The names A. spathularis and A. horrida are lectotypified here. An identification key to the species of the shrublet group in Acanthopsis is provided.
Modelling of Polarity Change in a Nonlinear Internal Wave Train in Laoshan Bay
Authors: Grimshaw Roger , Wang Caixia , Li Lan
Published: January 2016

There are now several observations of internal solitary waves passing through a critical point where the coefficient of the quadratic nonlinear term in the variable coefficient Korteweg–de Vries equation changes sign, typically from negative to positive as the wave propagates shoreward. This causes a solitary wave of depression to transform into a train of solitary waves of elevation riding on a negative pedestal. However, recently a polarity change of a different kind was observed in Laoshan Bay, China, where a periodic wave train of elevation waves converted to a periodic wave train of depression waves as the thermocline rose on a rising tide. This paper describes the application of a newly developed theory for this phenomenon. The theory is based on the variable coefficient Korteweg–de Vries equation for the case when the coefficient of the quadratic nonlinear term undergoes a change of sign and predicts that a periodic wave train will pass through this critical point as a linear wave, where a phase change occurs that induces a change in the polarity of the wave, as observed. A two-layer model of the density stratification and background current shear is developed to make the theoretical predictions specific and quantitative. Some numerical simulations of the variable coefficient Korteweg–de Vries equation, and also the extended variable coefficient Korteweg–de Vries equation, are reported that confirm the theoretical predictions and are in good agreement with the observations.
Use of Geostationary Super Rapid Scan Satellite Imagery by the Storm Prediction Center*
Authors: Line William E. , Schmit Timothy J. , Lindsey Daniel T. , Goodman Steven J.
Published: January 2016

The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-14 (GOES-14) Imager was operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in an experimental rapid scan 1-min mode during parts of 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. This scan mode, known as the Super Rapid Scan Operations for GOES-R (SRSOR), emulates the high-temporal-resolution sampling that will be provided by the Advanced Baseline Imager on the next-generation GOES-R series. NOAA/National Weather Service/Storm Prediction Center (SPC) forecasters utilized the 1-min imagery extensively in operations when available over convectively active regions. They found it provided them with unique insight into relevant features and processes before, during, and after convective initiation. This paper introduces how the SRSOR datasets from GOES-14 were used by SPC forecasters and how these data are likely to be applied when available operationally from GOES-R. Several animations, included as supplemental material, showcase the rapid change of severe weather–related phenomena observed during the 2014 and 2015 SRSOR campaigns from the GOES-14 Imager.
Enacting governance through strategy: A comparative study of governance configurations in Sydney and Vienna
Authors: Brandtner Christof , Höllerer Markus A , Meyer Renate E , Kornberger Martin
Published: January 2016

Over the past two decades, research has emphasised a shift from city government to urban governance. Such a shift brings about its very own challenges, namely governance gaps, uncertain configurations in governance and a limited capacity to act. In this paper, we argue that the concurrent rise of strategy documents in city administration addresses these challenges. Our central claim is that strategy documents can be understood as a distinct discursive device through which local governments enact aspired governance configurations. We illustrate our argument empirically using two prominent examples that, while showing similar features and characteristics, are anchored in different administrative traditions and institutional frameworks: the city administrations of Sydney, Australia, and Vienna, Austria. The contribution of the paper is to show how strategy documents enact governance configurations along four core dimensions: the setting in space and time, the definition of the public, the framing of the res publica and legitimacy issues. Moreover, our comparative analysis of Sydney and Vienna gives evidence of differences in governance configurations enacted through strategy documents.
What Do We Fear? Expected Sanctions for Expressing Minority Opinions in Offline and Online Communication
Authors: Neubaum German , Krämer Nicole C.
Published: January 2016

This work proposes the expectation of sanctions as a promising construct to advance spiral of silence research in face-to-face and computer-mediated contexts. We argue that situational factors influence people’s expectations about how their social environment would punish them should they express their viewpoint in a hostile opinion climate. These expected sanctions are suggested to explain the variance in people’s willingness to express a minority opinion across different social situations. An experiment showed that the expectation of being personally attacked can explain why people are more willing to voice a deviant opinion in offline rather than online environments. Findings also revealed that in contemporary social networking websites, wherein users commonly face a personally relevant audience, people are prone to hold back their opinion as they expect losing control over the reactions of their audience. This research extends previous knowledge by presenting a more differentiated theoretical view of the fear of isolation and specifying its role in different situations of public deliberation.
The crafting of an (un)enterprising community: Context and the social practice of talk
Authors: Parkinson Caroline , Howorth Carole , Southern Alan
Published: January 2016

This article examines a ‘deprived’ UK community to identify how (dis)connections between context and enterprise are produced within accounts of a particular locality. We used a discursive psychological approach to examine how the community depicted itself as a context for enterprise. Our analysis identified three discursive repertoires mobilised by a range of voices in the community which combined to portray an unenterprising community and create a conceptual deadlock for enterprise. We suggest it is too deterministic to assume context is fixed and controls the potential for entrepreneurial development. Instead, we should consider social practices, including talk, that help construct the contexts in which entrepreneurship is expected to occur.
How business angel groups work: Rejection criteria in investment evaluation
Authors: Croce Annalisa , Tenca Francesca , Ughetto Elisa
Published: January 2016

In this article, we study the decision-making criteria that business angels (BAs) adopt when screening business opportunities in the different assessment phases (pre-screening, screening and due diligence). We exploit an original dataset of 1942 ventures that sought angel investment from 2008 to 2014 from the members of Italian Angels for Growth (IAG). Results have shown that the emphasis that BAs place on rejection criteria and contact channels varies along the three considered stages of the investment process. In particular, we found that business proposals brought to the attention of BAs by venture capitalists are more likely to get through the pre-screening stage, suggesting an important quality certification role played by venture capitalists. Moreover, at the screening stage (in comparison with the pre-screening stage), proposals are rejected more often for reasons related to the characteristics of the entrepreneur and management team and less often for the lack of business innovativeness. Finally, business proposals showing lower levels of profitability are more likely to be rejected after the due diligence.
Antimicrobial Resistance in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: MacVane Shawn H.
Published: January 2016

Bacterial infections are a frequent cause of hospitalization, and nosocomial infections are an increasingly common condition, particularly within the acute/critical care setting. Infection control practices and new antimicrobial development have primarily focused on gram-positive bacteria; however, in recent years, the incidence of infections caused by gram-negative bacteria has risen considerably in intensive care units. Infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative organisms are associated with high morbidity and mortality, with significant direct and indirect costs resulting from prolonged hospitalizations due to antibiotic treatment failures. Of particular concern is the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance to β-lactam antibiotics (including carbapenems) among Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii and, recently, among pathogens of the Enterobacteriaceae family. Treatment options for infections caused by these pathogens are limited. Antimicrobial stewardship programs focus on optimizing the appropriate use of currently available antimicrobial agents with the goals of improving outcomes for patients with infections caused by MDR gram-negative organisms, slowing the progression of antimicrobial resistance, and reducing hospital costs. Newly approved treatment options are available, such as β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations, which significantly extend the armamentarium against MDR gram-negative bacteria.
Neurogenic Fever
Authors: Meier Kevin , Lee Kiwon
Published: January 2016

Fever is a relatively common occurrence among patients in the intensive care setting. Although the most obvious and concerning etiology is sepsis, drug reactions, venous thromboembolism, and postsurgical fevers are all on the differential diagnosis. There is abundant evidence that fever is detrimental in acute neurologic injury. Worse outcomes are reported in acute stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and traumatic brain injury. In addition to the various etiologies of fever in the intensive care setting, neurologic illness is a risk factor for neurogenic fevers. This primarily occurs in subarachnoid hemorrhage and traumatic brain injury, with hypothalamic injury being the proposed mechanism. Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity is another source of hyperthermia commonly seen in the population with traumatic brain injury. This review focuses on the detrimental effects of fever on the neurologically injured as well as the risk factors and diagnosis of neurogenic fever.
The Implications of Summer Learning Loss for Value-Added Estimates of Teacher Effectiveness
Authors: Gershenson Seth , Hayes Michael S.
Published: January 2016

School districts across the United States increasingly use value-added models (VAMs) to evaluate teachers. In practice, VAMs typically rely on lagged test scores from the previous academic year, which necessarily conflate summer with school-year learning and potentially bias estimates of teacher effectiveness. We investigate the practical implications of this problem by comparing estimates from “cross-year” VAMs with those from arguably more valid “within-year” VAMs using fall and spring test scores from the nationally representative Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Kindergarten Cohort (ECLS-K). “Cross-year” and “within-year” VAMs frequently yield significant differences that remain even after conditioning on participation in summer activities.
Investigation of groove casing treatment in a transonic compressor at different speeds with control volume method
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyong , Zhao Qingjun , Xiang Xiaorong , Cui Weiwei
Published: January 2016

This article uses a control volume method to analyze the circumferential groove casing treatment in a transonic compressor. To analyze the axial momentum transport through the tip gap, the control volume near the casing is divided into two parts: the control volumes inside and outside the tip gap. Besides, the association between the forces acting on the control volume and flow structures is studied by analyzing the distributions of axial momentum flux and axial shear stress. With this method, the flow mechanisms of stall margin improvement due to casing grooves in Rotor 35 are quantitatively analyzed. The analysis is conducted at 100% and 60% design speed with supersonic and subsonic tip speed, respectively. At design speed, the casing grooves decrease the axial shear force and the axial force due to the transport of axial momentum induced by the tip leakage flow. Meanwhile, the bleeding and injecting effect of grooves contribute much to the axial force due to the transport of axial momentum. Based on the axial distribution of the axial forces, the contribution of each groove to the stall margin improvement is assessed. And the grooves that play a major role in stall margin improvement are ascertained. At 60% design speed, because the blade loading is reduced, the axial momentum transport caused by the grooves cannot suppress the boundary layer separation effectively. Consequently, the stall margin of the compressor is not significantly improved by the casing grooves.
Innovative hazard detection and avoidance guidance for safe lunar landing
Authors: Jiang Xiuqiang , Li Shuang , Tao Ting
Published: January 2016

Safe planetary landing is considered a key technology for future robotic and manned planetary landing missions. The relay hazard detection and proportion–integration–differentiation avoidance guidance algorithms were used in Chang’e-3 mission, which not only increased the complexity of the guidance system, but also resulted in non-fuel-optimal avoidance guidance from the viewpoint of fuel consumption. To further develop and improve the hazard detection and avoidance scheme of Chang’e-3, novel autonomous hazard avoidance methodologies should be investigated. This paper addresses an innovative hazard detection and avoidance scheme for safe lunar landing from the following three aspects: imaging flash lidar based hazard detection, safe landing site selection strategy, and minimum-fuel hazard avoidance guidance. First, the three-dimensional imaging flash lidar, a developing three-dimensional imaging sensor, is utilized to rapidly and precisely detect three-dimensional terrain of the landing area. Second, the hazard detection and optimum landing site selection strategy inherited from Chang’e-3 are improved and enhanced to estimate the potential obstacles, and select an optimum landing site which is the guidance target of following hazard avoidance. Next, the fuel-optimal hazard avoidance guidance problem is transcribed into as a minimum-fuel consumption optimization problem using the Gauss pseudospectral method, which is easily solved by the open-source software GPOPS. Finally, the validity of the autonomous hazard detection and avoidance guidance scheme proposed in this paper is confirmed by computer simulation.
Coordinated control of fuel flow-rate for a high-temperature high-speed wind tunnel
Authors: Cai Chaozhi , Yang Yumin , Liu Tao
Published: January 2016

This paper introduces the working principle of a high-temperature high-speed wind tunnel and analyzes the necessity of coordinated control of fuel flow-rate for the fuel supply system. In order to achieve a coordinated control of fuel flow-rate, a proportional integral (PI) cross-coupled algorithm is designed. Because PI parameters in PI cross-coupled algorithm are invariant, a better control effect cannot be achieved when there are time-variant parameters in system, so a fuzzy PI adaptive cross-coupled algorithm with model reference is designed. The simulation and experimental results show that the fuzzy PI adaptive cross-coupled algorithm with model reference has better control quality compared with the PI cross-coupling control algorithm.
An improved maximum power point tracking control approach for photovoltaic systems based on model predictive control with a condition-triggered strategy
Authors: Zhao Xilin , Yin Lijuan , Fu Bo , Fang Na
Published: January 2016

This article proposes a novel maximum power point tracking control approach which is based on model predictive control theory with a condition-triggered strategy. First, because the matching of the external impedance and the internal impedance of the photovoltaic system can provide the maximum power output of solar cell, dynamic impedance matching method is used to adjust the external impedance of the system. Then, the model predictive control method is used to calculate the duty ratio of the boost circuit to force the external impedance to approach the internal impedance based on the definition of cost function. In order to deal with the problems on computational complexity of model predictive control for the online implementation demand, a condition-triggered strategy is proposed to reduce the burden of computation during control process. According to the requirement of control performance, the triggered condition is designed based on the difference between external impedance and internal impedance together with the difference of the state variable between the variable and its first derivative. Thereafter, the stability of model predictive control system with condition-triggered strategy is also discussed. The discussion shows that the implementation of triggered strategy cannot change the stability of original model predictive control system. Finally, an example of photovoltaic system is discussed. The simulation shows that the operation time will be reduced obviously with the guaranteed performance under the condition-triggered strategy, and the result also verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of the strategy proposed in this article.
Nonlinear speed and yaw control for wind turbine powered vessels
Authors: Stotsky Alexander
Published: January 2016

The application of conventional wind turbines on board a vessel creates a number of new challenges for turbine control systems. Thrust force is used in marine applications as an additional control variable for propulsion of the vessel. Variability of the wind speed and wind direction, together with the yaw rate and range constraints, impose strong requirements on the turbine control system. A new projection algorithm that projects the turbine thrust force on the heading direction of vessel is proposed in this paper for controlling propulsion. Variations in the wind direction and wind speed are counteracted via turbine yaw angle, making the turbine thrust force always aligned with the heading direction of the vessel. The conventional [Formula: see text] speed controller is modified for varying yaw offset and a combined algorithm for simultaneous control of the turbine speed and thrust force is proposed. Stability of the [Formula: see text] speed controller for varying yaw offset is proved via the Lyapunov method. The controller also takes into account the constraints on the yaw rate and minimizes the turbine gyroscopic effects via a proper choice of the virtual upper bound of the input voltage of the yaw motor. All of the results are illustrated by simulations using measurement data acquired from the Hönö turbine.
From consumer to construer: Travels in human subjectivity
Authors: Fırat A. Fuat , Dholakia Nikhilesh
Published: January 2016

A key component of how human beings organize their lives is how they perceive and make sense of what it means to be human, that is, their subjectivity. Human subjectivity has taken on different dominant forms across history, the consumer being one of the most dominant contemporary forms. Based on current and potential trends, we argue, with a deliberate tone of optimism about transformative potential of the human condition, that if the contemporary iconographic culture is transcended, there is the possibility of a subject that transcends the consumer, a construer subject. In contrast to what largely exists in extant literature – extrapolating from the consumer subjectivity to posthuman subjects – we envision the possibility of an epochal cultural change that will provide the ground for a construer subjectivity to emerge. We offer some preliminary insights into what such subjectivity may entail.