bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic‐Quantitative Study of the First‐Service Pregnancy Probability of Murrah Heifers
Authors: Fernandes PB , Marques KO , de Araujo Neto FR , de Oliveira DP , Hurtado‐Lugo NA , Aspilcueta‐Borquis RR , Tonhati H
Published: April 2016

Contents

Because of the importance of reproduction in stock breeding systems, it is necessary to find selection criteria that increase reproductive efficiency. The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for the probability of conception on first service (PROB) in Murrah heifers, and its association with other traits of economic interest [age at first calving (AFC), service period, calving interval and milk yield at 270 days], with the purpose of evaluating their use as selection criteria. Reproductive information and first lactation records of 1200 Murrah heifers were used to perform two‐trait analyses betweenPROBand the other characteristics. Bayesian inference was used to estimate the variance components, consideringPROBas threshold and the other as linear factors. The results demonstrate that this trait has heritability of 0.15, indicating the possibility of a genetic gain by using it for selection. With respect to the genetic correlation estimates, the only high‐magnitude association was with AFC (−0.899), which is the current criterion indicating sexual precocity of females. In the light of the parameters estimated, the first‐service pregnancy rate is an alternative for indication of sexual precocity, although presenting a smaller genetic gain than the current standard AFC. Nevertheless, additional research should be conducted regarding this trait to assess the economic importance of its use in dairy buffalo production systems.
We Send Thrombosed AV Accesses to the Operating Room
Authors: Jorge Cabrera Valerie , Brewster Ursula C.
Published: April 2016

A thrombosed dialysis access can be declotted either through an open surgical procedure or a percutaneous one. In choosing how the access should be managed, a nephrologist should balance the experience and outcomes of local providers to ensure the efficient and safe salvage of the vascular access. Percutaneous procedures often offer less disruption to the schedule of the patient and dialysis clinic, give more information about the central vasculature, are less invasive, and ultimately are preferred. Nephrologist should encourage local vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists to become proficient in these procedures to avoid unnecessary open cases.
Governing Deviance in Public Space through Mayoral Orders: Fields Mismatch and Metropolitan Turbulence
Authors: Maggioni Alessandro
Published: April 2016

This article addresses the issue of policy change and its consequences on the organizational field and institutional context, looking at the role of an instrument transfer process. We adopt a political sociology approach to policy instruments to account for the impact that the introduction of a securitarian instrument, the mayoral order, had on the implementation process of a social policy. Through a genealogy of the instrument we identify a constitutive, normative and cognitive dimension. Our aim is to explain the interaction between these institutional dimensions, the re‐definition of the organizational field of the policy, and the dynamics of metropolitan politics. Following a synthesis of the policy process and the institutional arrangements where the policy is implemented, we show how the instrument transfer triggered a division within the organizational field, and the rise of institutional tensions amongst local authorities. In the conclusion, we identify the institutional dimensions of the instruments and the policy implementation scale as elements that are to interact with public‐private relationships and institutional arrangements, and that have an impact on implementation process and policy outcome.
How good is the evidence to support investment in soil protection?
Authors: Kibblewhite M. G. , Chambers B. J. , Goulding K. W. T.
Published: April 2016

We review options for assembling evidence to support investment in protection from soil degradation by erosion, decline in organic matter, compaction and contamination. Convincing rationales for investment in soil resources need evidence about the benefits of improved soil status and the efficacy of possible actions. Changes in the bulk properties of soil over large areas are difficult to measure within the timescales of policy reviews, so soil monitoring rarely supports timely policy assessment. In addition, there are gaps in our understanding of the impacts of changes in soil properties at landscape scales. There is adequate quantitative evidence about the effects of land use change on soil erosion and soil organic matter (SOM) but rather less for compaction. Quantitative predictions of the effects at above field‐scale on soil properties from altered land management within a given land use are quite limited, but can be described qualitatively. The effects of controls on soil contamination at regional scales are predictable from mass flows. There are accepted narratives about the benefits of reduced erosion and compaction, and enhanced SOM on levels of services and goods, including agricultural productivity and hydrology. However, quantitative models for estimating these benefits require more development. The impacts on greenhouse gas emissions of changes in soil organic carbon levels can be quantified and the impacts of contamination interpreted using threshold levels for protection of food and the environment. Overall, there is an urgent requirement for better quantitative models to predict soil‐based policy outcomes from altered land use and especially land management.
A bacterial oxidase like no other?
Authors: Cook Gregory M. , Poole Robert K.
Published: April 2016

The structure of an oxidase found in many pathogens will help in drug development
Proteomic Stable Isotope Probing Reveals Taxonomically Distinct Patterns in Amino Acid Assimilation by Coastal Marine Bacterioplankton
Authors: Bryson Samuel , Li Zhou , Pett-Ridge Jennifer , Hettich Robert L. , Mayali Xavier , Pan Chongle , Mueller Ryan S.
Published: April 2016

An estimated 50 gigatons of carbon is annually fixed within marine systems, of which heterotrophic microbial populations process nearly half. These communities vary in composition and activity across spatial and temporal scales, so understanding how these changes affect global processes requires the delineation of functional roles for individual members. In a step toward ascertaining these roles, we applied proteomic stable isotope probing to quantify the assimilation of organic carbon from DFAAs into microbial protein biomass, since the turnover of DFAAs accounts for a substantial fraction of marine microbial carbon metabolism that is directed into biomass production. We conducted experiments at two coastal North Pacific locations and found taxonomically distinct responses. This approach allowed us to compare amino acid assimilation by specific bacterioplankton populations and characterize their allocation of this substrate among cellular functions.
Prostate cancer: endogenous chemical castration
Authors: McCoy Olugbemisola Oredein , Prasad Michaella M , Singer Natalie
Published: April 2016

We report treatment of intermediate risk prostate cancer in a patient with a brief period of androgen deprivation secondary to a pituitary adenoma. This was a patient with intermediate risk prostate cancer diagnosed in the setting of an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The patient subsequently demonstrated a decline in PSA along with symptoms of hypogonadism and visual disturbance, and was consequently found to have a pituitary tumour. Trans-sphenoidal resection of the sellar mass was performed with normalisation of hormone profiles. The patient subsequently completed a course of radiation therapy for prostate cancer with PSA nadir to undetectable levels without evidence of biochemical recurrence at 7 months follow-up.
Primary thyroid lymphoma presenting as dermatomyositis: a first case and review of the literature
Authors: Nan Xinyu , Adike Abimbola , Rice Lawrence , Bunin Viviane
Published: April 2016

A 55-year-old woman presented with a 3-week history of weakness. On examination, she had a heliotrope rash, V-neck and shawl signs. There was symmetric proximal muscle weakness, and 2/5 strength in upper and lower extremities. Laboratory values showed CK 5836, CRP 14.9, erythrocyte sedimentation rate 49, lactate dehydrogenase 633, negative antinuclear antibodies and anti-Jo1 antibodies. Muscle biopsy and immunohistochemistry findings were consistent with dermatomyositis. Treatment with high-dose steroids, cyclophosphamide and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was started, without improvement of symptoms. She was found to have cold agglutinins with a cold screen titre of 1:256,256. Work up for malignancy ensued. Positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) showed increased uptake in the thyroid. Fine-needle thyroid biopsy with flow cytometry studies revealed atypical lymphocytes consistent with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The patient underwent R-CHOP therapy, with remarkable improvement of her symptoms. Dermatomyositis associated with primary thyroid lymphoma has not been previously reported. This case reinforces the importance of cancer screening in dermatomyositis patients.
Association between alcohol drinking behaviour and cognitive function: results from a nationwide longitudinal study of South Korea
Authors: Kim Sujin , Kim Yongjoo , Park Sang Min
Published: April 2016

Objectives

This research intends to determine how drinking behaviour, such as episodic heavy drinking, is related to cognitive performance in middle-aged and old-aged people in South Korea.

Methods

A cohort data of 5157 adults, age 45 years or older, with normal cognitive function (the Korean version of the Mini-mental state examination (K-MMSE) ≥24) at baseline (2006), was derived from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging. Alcohol drinking behaviour was assessed using the CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener) questionnaire. The relationships between baseline drinking behaviour (in 2006) to the extent of cognitive decline (between 2006 and 2012) and development of cognitive impairment (in 2012) were assessed.

Results

Individuals with problematic drinking behaviour at baseline experienced a faster decline in cognitive function than those with non-problematic drinking (p<0.05) during 6 years of follow-up, especially among those with relatively lownormal K-MMSE score (24–26) at baseline (p<0.05). Problematic alcohol drinking behaviour was also significantly associated with onset of severe cognitive impairment (SCI) (K-MMSE score ≤17) among those with relatively low-normal K-MMSE score (adjusted OR (aOR)=3.76, 95% CI 1.46 to 9.67). In addition, abstinence, compared with non-problematic drinking, was related to higher risk for developing SCI among men (aOR=1.62, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.39).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that those with problematic alcohol drinking behaviour could be at an increased risk of cognitive impairment/decline. While further research will provide stronger evidence, intervention targeting alcohol abuse may play a role in prevention of cognitive impairment.
Interventions to delay functional decline in people with dementia: a systematic review of systematic reviews
Authors: Laver Kate , Dyer Suzanne , Whitehead Craig , Clemson Lindy , Crotty Maria
Published: April 2016

Objective

To summarise existing systematic reviews that assess the effects of non-pharmacological, pharmacological and alternative therapies on activities of daily living (ADL) function in people with dementia.

Design

Overview of systematic reviews.

Methods

A systematic search in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, DARE, Medline, EMBASE and PsycInfo in April 2015. Systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials conducted in people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia measuring the impact on ADL function were included. Methodological quality of the systematic reviews was independently assessed by two authors using the AMSTAR tool. The quality of evidence of the primary studies for each intervention was assessed using GRADE.

Results

A total of 23 systematic reviews were included in the overview. The quality of the reviews varied; however most (65%) scored 8/11 or more on the AMSTAR tool, indicating high quality. Interventions that were reported to be effective in minimising decline in ADL function were: exercise (6 studies, 289 participants, standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.68, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.27; GRADE: low), dyadic interventions (8 studies, 988 participants, SMD 0.37, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.69; GRADE: low) acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine (12 studies, 4661 participants, donepezil 10 mg SMD 0.18, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.32; GRADE: moderate), selegiline (7 studies, 810 participants, SMD 0.27, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.41; GRADE: low), huperzine A (2 studies, 70 participants, SMD 1.48, 95% CI 0.95 to 2.02; GRADE: very low) andGinkgo biloba(7 studies, 2530 participants, SMD 0.36, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.44; GRADE: very low).

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals should ensure that people with dementia are encouraged to exercise and that primary carers are trained and supported to provide safe and effective care for the person with dementia. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors or memantine should be trialled unless contraindicated.

Trial registration number

CRD42015020179.
Investigations of argon and neon abnormal glow discharges in the presence of metastable atom density with fluid model
Authors: Alili Tahar , Bouchikhi Abdelaziz , Rizouga Mohamed
Published: April 2016

In this manuscript an investigation of a DC argon and neon abnormal glow discharges with metastable atom density is presented. The values of pressure lie between 133.32 and 330 Pa, and the voltage ranges from 250 to 400 V in the case of argon gas. In the case of neon gas, the pressure has a value of 399.92 Pa (3 Torr) and the voltage ranges from 300 to 500 V. In this framework, an analysis of abnormal glow discharge characteristics is carried out in the case of input data taken from the Boltzmann equation in the multi-term approximation, and in the case of input data obtained from BOLISG+ code. With these differences of input data in the same gas, the output results are different; it appears in the cathodic region. The spatio-temporal distributions of electron and ion densities, the potential and electric field, the mean electron energy and the metastable atom density are shown. A 1D fluid model is used to solve self-consistently the first three moments of the Boltzmann’s equation coupled with the Poisson’s equation. The role of the presence of metastable atom density in the fluid model is clearly because of the domination of ionization processes by both stepwise and penning ionizations. Our results are validated with those obtained by both recent paper and experimental results.
Relativistic covariance of Ohm's law
Authors: Starke R. , Schober G. A. H.
Published: April 2016

The derivation of Lorentz-covariant generalizations of Ohm's law has been a long-term issue in theoretical physics with deep implications for the study of relativistic effects in optical and atomic physics. In this article, we propose an alternative route to this problem, which is motivated by the tremendous progress in first-principles materials physics in general and ab initio electronic structure theory in particular. We start from the most general, Lorentz-covariant first-order response law, which is written in terms of the fundamental response tensor [Formula: see text] relating induced four-currents to external four-potentials. By showing the equivalence of this description to Ohm's law, we prove the validity of Ohm's law in every inertial frame. We further use the universal relation between [Formula: see text] and the microscopic conductivity tensor [Formula: see text] to derive a fully relativistic transformation law for the latter, which includes all effects of anisotropy and relativistic retardation. In the special case of a constant, scalar conductivity, this transformation law can be used to rederive a standard textbook generalization of Ohm's law.
Central tetrads and quantum spacetimes
Authors: Borowiec Andrzej , Jurić Tajron , Meljanac Stjepan , Pachoł Anna
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we perform a parallel analysis to the model proposed in [E. J. Beggs and S. Majid, Gravity induced from quantum spacetime, Class. Quantum Grav. 31 (2014) 035020, arXiv: 1305.2403 [gr-qc]]. By considering the central co-tetrad (instead of the central metric), we investigate the modifications in the gravitational metrics coming from the noncommutative spacetime of the [Formula: see text]-Minkowski type in four dimensions. The differential calculus corresponding to a class of Jordanian [Formula: see text]-deformations provides metrics, which lead either to cosmological constant or spatial curvature type solutions of nonvacuum Einstein equations. Among vacuum solutions, we find pp-wave type.
The g – 2 muon anomaly in di-muon production with the torsion in LHC
Authors: Syromyatnikov A. G.
Published: April 2016

It was considered within the framework of the conformal gauge gravitational theory CGTG coupling of the standard model fermions to the axial torsion and preliminary discusses the impact of extra dimensions, in particular, in a five-dimensional space-time with Randall–Sundrum metric, where the fifth dimension is compactified on an [Formula: see text] orbifold, which as it turns out is conformally to the fifth dimension flat Euclidean space with permanent trace of torsion, with a compactification radius [Formula: see text] in terms of the radius of a CGTG gravitational screening, through torsion in a process [Formula: see text] and LHC data. In general, have come to the correct set of the conformal calibration curvature the Faddeev–Popov diagram technique type, that follows directly from dynamics. This leads to the effect of restrictions on neutral spin currents of gauge fields by helicity and the Regge’s form theory. The diagrams reveals the fact of opening of the fine spacetime structure in a process [Formula: see text] with a center-of-mass energy of 14[Formula: see text]TeV, indicated by dotted lines and texture columns, as a result of p–p collision on [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm scales from geometric shell gauge bosons of the SM continued by the heavy axial torsion resonance, and even by emerging from the inside into the outside of the ultra-light (freely-frozen in muon’s spin) axial torsion. We then evaluate the contribution of the torsion to the muon anomaly to derive new constraints on the torsion parameters. It was obtained that on the [Formula: see text] scattering through the exchange of axial torsion accounting, the nucleon anomalous magnetic moment in the eikonal phase leads to additive additives which is responsible for the spin-flip in the scattering process, the scattering amplitude is classical and characterized by a strong the torsion coupling [Formula: see text]. So the scattering of particles, occurs as on the Coulomb center with the charge [Formula: see text] This is the base model which is the g[Formula: see text]2 muon anomaly. The muon anomaly contribution due to the heavy axial vector torsion arises from coupling the muon with torsion as external field. This leads to negative energy additive to mass of muons which makes the missing part of the g[Formula: see text]2 muon anomaly. It takes place at reasonable values of the transverse front size of the exact solution CGTG equations types of torsion waves with the spin-flip close to the size of the Compton length muon.
Collaborative Autonomy for Mapping, Search, and Pursuit
Authors: Mooney John G. , Haviland Stephen , Johnson Eric N.
Published: April 2016

This paper describes the development and flight tests of a multi-aircraft collaborative architecture, focused on decentralized autonomous decision making to solve a scenario-driven challenge problem. The architecture includes two search coverage algorithms, a hide location detection technique, behavior estimation, and a target manipulation algorithm. The architecture was implemented on a pair of Yamaha RMAX helicopters outfitted with modular avionics, as well as an associated set of simulation tools. Simulation and flight test results for single- and multiple aircraft scenarios are presented. Further work suggested includes identification and development of more sophisticated evader models and pursuit algorithms.
A sustainable HCI knowledge base in progress
Authors: Knowles Bran , Håkansson Maria
Published: April 2016

In this forum we highlight innovative thought, design, and research in the area of interaction design and sustainability, illustrating the diversity of approaches across HCI communities.
--- Lisa Nathan and Samuel Mann, Editors
Z-Distance Based IF-THEN Rules
Authors: Aliev R. A. , Huseynov O. H. , Zulfugarova R. X.
Published: April 2016

Decision making, reasoning, and analysis in real-world problems are complicated by imperfect information. Real-world imperfect information is mainly characterized by two features. In view of this, Professor Zadeh suggested the concept of aZ-number as an ordered pairZ=(A,B)of fuzzy numbersAandB, the first of which is a linguistic value of a variable of interest, and the second one is a linguistic value of probability measure of the first one, playing a role of its reliability. The concept of distance is one of the important concepts for handling imperfect information in decision making and reasoning. In this paper, we, for the first time, apply the concept of distance ofZ-numbers to the approximate reasoning withZ-number based IF-THEN rules. We provide an example on solving problem related to psychological issues naturally characterized by imperfect information, which shows applicability and validity of the suggested approach.
Effects of Temperature and Precipitation on Breeding Migrations of Amphibian Species in Southeastern Norway
Authors: Dervo Børre K. , Bærum Kim Magnus , Skurdal Jostein , Museth Jon
Published: April 2016

To reveal the effects of climate, a generalized linear mixed model was used to explore the variation in onset of spawning migration for the two newt speciesT. cristatusandL. vulgarisin southern Norway. Amphibians are highly influenced by the physical environment, such as temperature and rainfall. The first migrating newts were observed subsequently to the three first consecutive days with mean temperature close to or above 4°C. Further, migration ofL. vulgariswas facilitated at lower temperatures compared toT. cristatus, but the migration was dependent on higher precipitation levels. Northern populations ofT. cristatusandL. vulgarismay already benefit from a warmer climate due to increased recruitment and juvenile survival. However, an offset in the migration phenology due to climate change might further alter the recruitment and survival rates with either positive or negative outcome. Thus, variations in migration phenology for newts due to climate change may have implications for management and protection status in many systems. In a general context, we should increase emphasis on protecting newts and support increased populations and distribution.
Neurological Complications of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus: A Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Algahtani Hussein , Subahi Ahmad , Shirah Bader
Published: April 2016

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was first discovered in September 2012 in Saudi Arabia. Since then, it caused more than 1600 laboratory-confirmed cases and more than 580 deaths among them. The clinical course of the disease ranges from asymptomatic infection to severe lower respiratory tract illness with multiorgan involvement and death. The disease can cause pulmonary, renal, hematological, and gastrointestinal complications. In this paper, we report neurological complications of MERS-CoV in two adult patients, and we hypothesize the pathophysiology. The first patient had an intracerebral hemorrhage as a result of thrombocytopenia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and platelet dysfunction. The second case was a case of critical illness polyneuropathy complicating a long ICU stay. In these cases, the neurological complications were secondary to systemic complications and long ICU stay. Autopsy studies are needed to further understand the pathological mechanism.
Highlights of the Fourth Canadian Symposium on Hepatitis C: Moving towards a National Action Plan
Authors: Sagan Selena M. , Dupont Benoit , Grebely Jason , Krajden Mel , MacParland Sonya A. , Raven Jennifer F. , Saeed Sahar , Feld Jordan J. , Tyrrell D. Lorne , Wilson Joyce A.
Published: April 2016

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects at least 268,000 Canadians and causes greater disease burden than any other infectious disease in the country. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) have identified HCV-related liver disease as a priority. In 2015, the release of well-tolerated, short course treatments (~12 weeks) able to cure the majority of treated HCV patients revolutionized HCV therapy. However, treatment is extremely costly and puts a significant burden on the Canadian healthcare system. Thus, managing treatment costs and improving treatment engagement in those most in need will be a key challenge. Diagnosis and treatment uptake are currently poor in Canada due to financial, geographical, cultural, and social barriers. The United States, Australia, and Scotland all have National Action Plans to prevent, diagnose, and treat HCV in order to efficiently reduce the burden and costs associated with HCV-related liver disease. The theme of the 4th annual symposium held on Feb 27, 2015, “Strategies to Manage HCV Infection in Canada: Moving towards a National Action Plan,” was aimed at identifying strategies to maximize the impact of highly effective therapies to reduce HCV disease burden and ultimately eliminate HCV in Canada.
Geometric Algebra Techniques in Flux Compactifications
Authors: Lazaroiu Calin Iuliu , Babalic Elena Mirela , Coman Ioana Alexandra
Published: April 2016

We study “constrained generalized Killing (s)pinors,” which characterize supersymmetric flux compactifications of supergravity theories. Using geometric algebra techniques, we give conceptually clear and computationally effective methods for translating supersymmetry conditions into differential and algebraic constraints on collections of differential forms. In particular, we give a synthetic description of Fierz identities, which are an important ingredient of such problems. As an application, we show how our approach can be used to efficiently treatN=1compactification ofM-theory on eight manifolds and prove that we recover results previously obtained in the literature.
(+)-CSA Catalyzed Multicomponent Synthesis of 1-[(1,3-Thiazol-2-ylamino)methyl]-2-naphthols and Their Ring-Closure Reaction under Ultrasonic Irradiation
Authors: Pelit Emel , Turgut Zuhal
Published: April 2016

New 1-[(1,3-thiazol-2-ylamino)methyl]-2-naphthols were obtained by condensation of 2-aminothiazole, aromatic aldehydes, and 2-naphthol in the presence of (+)-camphor-10-sulfonic acid ((+)-CSA) as an effective catalyst under ultrasound-promoted solvent-free conditions. The 1-[(1,3-thiazol-2-ylamino)methyl]-2-naphthol derivatives were converted in ring-closure reaction with formaldehyde to the corresponding naphthoxazine derivatives.
Platelet-Mediated Thrombosis
Authors: Gurbel Paul A. , Jeong Young-Hoon , Navarese Eliano P. , Tantry Udaya S.
Published: April 2016

The pivotal role that platelets play in thrombosis and resultant ischemic event occurrences in patients with high-risk coronary artery disease is well established. This role provides the fundamental basis for the current wide implementation of dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and a P2Y
12
receptor inhibitor. The development of user friendly point-of-care methods to assess platelet reactivity to adenosine diphosphate has increased the frequency of platelet function testing in clinical practice. Recent large observational studies have established an independent relation between the results of point-of-care platelet function testing and clinical event occurrence in patients undergoing coronary artery stenting. However, prospective, randomized trials have failed to demonstrate that personalized antiplatelet therapy based on point-of-care assessment of platelet function is effective in reducing ischemic event occurrences. Important limitations were associated with these trials. In addition, the concept of a therapeutic window of P2Y
12
receptor reactivity with an upper threshold associated with ischemic event occurrence and a lower threshold associated with bleeding has also been proposed. In the absence of strong prospective evidence to support personalized antiplatelet therapy, clinical decision making about antiplatelet therapy rests on the large body of observational data and the fundamental importance of platelet physiology in catastrophic event occurrence in patients with high-risk coronary artery disease.
Modeling Structure and Content: Socio-Semantic Network Analysis of the Mahābhārata
Authors: Elwert Frederik , Sellmer Sven
Published: April 2016

There is a demand to incorporate content information into social networks. The authors constructed and visualized a network of the most important gods and heroes in the Sanskrit epic Mahābhārata. The network includes semantic information about the actors and their relationships. These two types of information were collected automatically with the help of the Nubbi topic modeling algorithm, which assigns separate sets of topics to both persons and their relations. The visualization of such a network provides intuitive access to a high density of information, like the topic distribution for each actor and the predominant topic for each relation.
Stylometric Networks and Fake Authorships
Authors: Ochab Jeremi K.
Published: April 2016

This paper addresses two problems: (a) whether and how tools developed to analyze network structures can be applied to the stylometric analysis of texts or text corpora and specifically to authorship attribution problems; and (b) whether it is possible to sample text fragments of an author A so as to imitate the style of an author B. The sample corpora in this study comprise 10–500 English novels from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Towards a natural classification of Sordariomycetes: The genera Frondisphaeria, Immersisphaeria, Lasiobertia, Pulmosphaeria and Yuea (Sordariomycetes incertae sedis)
Authors: DARANAGAMA DINUSHANI A. , LIU XINGZHONG , CHAMYUANG SUNITA , STADLER MARC , BAHKALI ALI , HYDE KEVIN
Published: April 2016

The type specimens of Frondisphaeria, Immersisphaeria and Pulmosphaeria were re-examined in order to determine their familial placements according to modern taxonomic concepts. Type specimens of Lasiobertia and Yuea were redrawn from the original descriptions. Based on morphological evidences, Frondisphaeria palmicola is placed in Diatrypaceae. Immersisphaeria eichleriana, Lasiobertia africana and Pulmosphaeria archontophoenicis are placed in Xylariales incertae sedis as they are not typical of any existing families of Xylariales. A possible relationship with Xylariaceae is suggested for Yuea chusqueicola based on the previously described morphological characters. Recollection of fresh materials, epitypification and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses are essential for all type species of these genera to clarify their familial status.
Prologue: Tropical Meteorology 1960–2010—Personal Recollections
Authors: Matsuno Taroh
Published: April 2016

This volume consists of some papers presented at the AMS Symposium held to honor the memory of the late Professor Michio Yanai as well as additional works inspired by his research. By the nature of this volume, many of the contributed papers describe the development of tropical meteorology over the past half-century or so in connection with Professor Yanai’s influence on it. While most of the chapters address specific areas and discuss timely issues, in this prologue I will describe some of Professor Yanai’s contributions during the early period of his career from my own point of view. As this is a personal reminiscence, I would like to emphasize how Professor Yanai influenced me.

Both Professor Yanai and I became graduate students at the University of Tokyo to begin our career as meteorologists in 1956 and 1957, respectively. Since we studied and worked together so closely for a long time, in this article I will call him Yanai-san as I have done in our personal interactions.
Cross–Time Scale Interactions and Rainfall Extreme Events in Southeastern South America for the Austral Summer. Part II: Predictive Skill
Authors: Muñoz Á. G. , Goddard L. , Mason S. J. , Robertson A. W.
Published: April 2016

Potential and real predictive skill of the frequency of extreme rainfall in southeastern South America for the December–February season are evaluated in this paper, finding evidence indicating that mechanisms of climate variability at one time scale contribute to the predictability at another scale; that is, taking into account the interference of different potential sources of predictability at different time scales increases the predictive skill. Part I of this study suggested that a set of daily atmospheric circulation regimes, or weather types, was sensitive to these cross–time scale interferences, conducive to the occurrence of extreme rainfall events in the region, and could be used as a potential predictor. At seasonal scale, a combination of those weather types indeed tends to outperform all the other candidate predictors explored (i.e., sea surface temperature patterns, phases of the Madden–Julian oscillation, and combinations of both). Spatially averaged Kendall’s τ improvements of 43% for the potential predictability and 23% for real-time predictions are attained with respect to standard models considering sea surface temperature fields alone. A new subseasonal-to-seasonal predictive methodology for extreme rainfall events is proposed based on probability forecasts of seasonal sequences of these weather types. The cross-validated real-time skill of the new probabilistic approach, as measured by the hit score and the Heidke skill score, is on the order of twice that associated with climatological values. The approach is designed to offer useful subseasonal-to-seasonal climate information to decision-makers interested not only in how many extreme events will happen in the season but also in how, when, and where those events will probably occur.
Social Disadvantage and Crime
Authors: Wikström Per-Olof H. , Treiber Kyle
Published: April 2016

In this article, we analyze the relationship between social disadvantage and crime, starting from the paradox that most persistent offenders come from disadvantaged backgrounds, but most people from disadvantaged backgrounds do not become persistent offenders. We argue that despite the fact that social disadvantage has been a key criminological topic for some time, the mechanisms which link it to offending remain poorly specified. Drawing on situational action theory, we suggest social disadvantage is linked to crime because more people from disadvantaged versus affluent backgrounds develop a high crime propensity and are exposed to criminogenic contexts, and the reason for this is that processes of social and self-selection place the former more frequently in (developmental and action) contexts conducive to the development and expression of high crime propensities. This article will explore this hypothesis through a series of analyses using data from the Peterborough Adolescent and Young Adult Development Study (PADS+), a longitudinal study which uses a range of data collection methods to study the interaction between personal characteristics and social environments. It pays particular attention to the macro-to-micro processes behind the intersection of people with certain characteristics and environments with certain features – i.e., their exposure – which leads to their interaction.
Inequality in Children’s Contexts
Authors: Owens Ann
Published: April 2016

Past research shows that income segregation between neighborhoods increased over the past several decades. In this article, I reexamine income segregation from 1990 to 2010 in the 100 largest metropolitan areas, and I find that income segregation increased only among families with children. Among childless households—two-thirds of the population—income segregation changed little and is half as large as among households with children. I examine two factors that may account for these differences by household composition. First, I find that increasing income inequality, identified by past research as a driver of income segregation, was a much more powerful predictor of income segregation among families with children, among whom income inequality has risen more. Second, I find that local school options, delineated by school district boundaries, contribute to higher segregation among households with children compared to households without. Rising income inequality provided high-income households more resources, and parents used these resources to purchase housing in particular neighborhoods, with residential decisions structured, in part, by school district boundaries. Overall, results indicate that children face greater and increasing stratification in neighborhood contexts than do all residents, and this has implications for growing inequalities in their future outcomes.
Views of the workplace as a health promotion arena among managers of small companies
Authors: Wiman Virginia , Lydell Marie , Nyholm Maria
Published: April 2016

Introduction:

Several studies have shown that workplace health promotion leads to better health, increased productivity, as well as reduced absenteeism and presenteeism among employees. The objective of this study was to describe how managers in small companies (10–19 employees) perceive their company as an arena for promoting employees’ health.

Method:

A sample of 10 managers (four women) was strategically selected. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with each person. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using qualitative content analysis. The analysis focused on both manifest and latent content.

Results:

Three main categories emerged from the analysis: the potential to promote employees’ health, responsibility as an employer and the need for external support. An arena for workplace health promotion is created when managers prioritise health at the workplace.

Conclusion:

Small companies often lack the knowledge and resources to manage health and safety problems and also have less access to occupational health services. This paper highlights the importance of the views of small company managers as resources for the development of health promotion.
Investigation of the influence of various factors on the dielectric, piezoelectric, and magnetoelectric properties of 1-3, 3-1, and 1-1 multiferroic composites
Authors: Lisnevskaya I V , Lupeiko TG , Myagkaya KV
Published: April 2016

Technique to fabricate magnetoelectric piezoelectric/magnetostrictive ferrite composites with 1-3, 3-1, 1-1 connectivities through binding uniformed by size and package ceramic elements was developed. Advantage of this technique is the use of piezoceramic which was previously poled under optimal conditions; this is important, because piezoelectric phase embedded in magnetoelectric composite is difficult to pole due to the high electrical conductivity of adjacent ferrite phase. The effect of piezoelectric material type, volume ratio of phases, and linear size of repeating fragment on the dielectric, piezoelectric, and magnetoelectric properties of ν PZT + (1−ν) NiCo0.02Cu0.02Mn0.1Fe1.8O4−δ ( v – volume fraction of piezoelectric, PZT – commercial grades of lead–zirconate–titanate such as PZT-36, PZTNB-1, PZTST-2, PZTTBS-2, PZT-19) composites is studied. It is shown that, with an equal volume ratio of phases, composites based on piezoceramics with high piezoelectric voltage coefficient gij (PZT-36, PZTNB-1) exhibit the most prominent magnetoelectric coupling efficiency. Decrease in the linear size of repeating fragment lΣ also contributes to an increase in Δ E/Δ H coefficient. Given other conditions being equal, 1-1 type composites commonly exhibit the highest values of magnetoelectric coefficient. Maximal values of magnetoelectric coefficient Δ E/Δ H for 0.5 PZT-36 + 0.5 NiCo0.02Cu0.02Mn0.1Fe1.8O4−δ magnetoelectric heterostructures reach ∼500 mV/(cm·Oe) at a frequency of 1 kHz.
Understanding change with(in) law
Authors: Chandra Rajshree
Published: April 2016

This article seeks to understand the contrarian impulses embedded in the historic Supreme Court judgement in the ‘battle for Niyamgiri’ that resulted in tribal gram sabhas rejecting the bauxite mining proposal of the Odisha state government and transnational corporation, Vedanta. It proposes that the importance of the Niyamgiri case lies in the legal representation of indigeneity that emerges as a counterpoint to automatic assumptions of developmentalism and cultural homogeneity. However, rather than seeing this as an epistemic or discursive break in the practice of law, it proposes that we see the case ‘jurisdictionally’, as a practice of representation that is enacted through technologies and devices of law. It is important to understand that constitutive actors—lawyers, judges, ministers, experts, tribals—within specific jurisdictional spaces can change the prudence and diction in law, beyond the internal necessity of rules underwritten by tradition or dominant discourse. It is through this lens that the article sees the Niyamgiri story as inaugurating a particular form of lawful relations for indigeneity—one that becomes a part of case law history and precedent. No matter how tenuous, precedents such as Niyamgiri underwrite the prospect of future iterations of indigeneity.
Position control of a servo-pneumatic actuator with mis-matched uncertainty using multiple-surface sliding mode controller and high-gain observer
Authors: Soleymani Farzan , Rezaei S Mehdi , Zareinejad Mohammad , Baghestan Keivan , Rahimi Abdolreza
Published: April 2016

This research develops a multiple-surface sliding mode control (MSSC) approach for position control of a servo-pneumatic system in the presence of mismatched uncertainties due to the friction force of the cylinder sealing. Servo-pneumatic actuators have many applications such as industrial automation, haptic interfaces, rehabilitation robots and non-invasive surgeries. Non-linearities due to internal and external disturbances, such as the friction force between the piston seal and cylinder wall, make it difficult to achieve adequate performance from these actuators. Thus, modelling and identification of friction parameters is an essential part of the controller design procedure. A simple model for friction such as the Stribeck model may be used in order to reduce the complexity of the identification procedure. In addition, a bounded uncertainty owing to the unmodelled dynamics of friction is considered. The lack of direct measurement for systems velocity necessitates finding a solution to estimate this parameter. One answer to this problem is to employ a high-gain observer. Whereas mismatched uncertainties appear in the state space equation of the system before control input, control input cannot apply directly to them. In the proposed framework, an MSSC scheme has been used to cope with these types of uncertainties. Asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system is proven by using the Lyapunov method; experimental results show that the proposed controller can deliver a good tracking performance and is robust to uncertainties. Experimental results validate the controller performance.
The emergence of the anti-Hallyu movement in China
Authors: Chen Lu
Published: April 2016

This research focuses on the newly emerged phenomenon of the anti-Hallyu movement in the Chinese online community and maps the dynamics of anti-Hallyu sentiment.
Effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Middle Ear Pressure and Acoustic Stapedial Reflex
Authors: Li Jinrang , Li Keliang
Published: April 2016

Objective

This study investigated the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on middle ear pressure and acoustic stapedial reflex and the correlation between CPAP and middle ear pressure.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary hospitals.

Subjects and Methods

Fifty patients with obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome were assigned to the study group, and 50 healthy volunteers were assigned to the control group. The subjects underwent standard tympanometry while wearing a CPAP device (ie, simulated CPAP treatment), which was set to 0, 5, 10, and 15 cm H2O, respectively. Tympanometry was performed before and after swallowing at each pressure of CPAP treatment.

Results

The mean middle ear pressures were 21.2, 22.6, 22.7, and 23.4 daPa (before swallowing) and 21.6, 42.6, 81.4, and 118.6 daPa (after swallowing) in the study group and 17.6, 18.7, 19.5, and 20.8 daPa (before swallowing) and 17.7, 44.2, 85.6, and 120.5 daPa (after swallowing) in the control group at the CPAPs of 0, 5, 10, and 15 cm H2O, respectively. While the CPAPs were at 0 and 15 cm H2O, the stapedial muscle reflex at 1.0 kHz did not have a significant difference between the 2 groups (χ2 = 0.521, P =. 470). The Pearson correlation coefficient of the CPAP pressure and the middle ear pressure after swallowing was 0.812 (P <. 001).

Conclusion

CPAP affected middle ear pressure and was directly proportional to the pressure of the CPAP. However, CPAP treatment had no significant effect on stapedial muscle reflex.
Beyond the Person: Roberto Esposito and the Body as ‘Common Good’
Authors: Serafini Luca
Published: April 2016

In this review of Persons and Things, recently translated into English and published by Polity Press, we discuss how this text investigates some of the most important themes of Roberto Esposito’s thought. Specifically, the book continues the process of constructing an idea of community intended as lack, gift and impropriety that the Italian philosopher has been developing since the publication of Communitas. In this case, it is the notion of body that demolishes the metaphysical apparatus that has conditioned the moulding of the philosophical-legal lexicon of the Western tradition. Doomed to constant submission to the rational sphere of the person, hence assimilated to the materiality of a mere thing, the body can win back its full dignity if it is considered as a ‘living body’. Only in this way, according to Esposito, is it possible to move past the ‘proprietary’ and subjectivistic notion that, in philosophy as well as in law, has determined a clear-cut separation between persons (intended as rational beings) and things (conceived as inert objects), as well as between ‘superior’ and ‘inferior’ persons. Thus, in Persons and Things, the body becomes an actual vector for a trans-individualization of the individual, for an opening to the common, public, and communitarian dimension. According to Esposito, this process is favoured by the changes brought about by biotechnologies and science in general, not only in medical practices, but also in the legal formulations that follow from them.