bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of urban form in sustainability of community: The case of Amsterdam
Authors: Arundel Rowan , Ronald Richard
Published: October 2015

Urban policy has increasingly emphasized the compact city and higher density urban forms in reaching sustainability goals. Although environmental and economic advantages of densification have been empirically supported, the relation between higher density environments and social sustainability has been more contentious. Concerns have been raised regarding the social outcomes of high-density urban contexts; however, these connections have neither been well explored nor understood. Using the city of Amsterdam, considered a case of high-quality compact city form, our study looks at how specific neighbourhood built form relates to key measures of sustainability of community. Despite previous concerns regarding the effects of density, the study reveals that higher densities have no significant impact on local social capital, sense of community or resident satisfaction. Rather, other built-form measures such as scale, existence of local stores, degree of automobile dominance and construction period were of greater importance. The study of high-quality urban environments in Amsterdam challenges notions that higher densities are detrimental to social and community experience and proposes that the specific urban form of higher density neighbourhoods is of greater importance than absolute density.
Intraoperative bronchoscopic visualization of left ventricular assist device thrombus
Authors: Yost Gardner , Bhat Geetha , Modi Sejal , Pappas Pat , Tatooles Antone
Published: October 2015

Despite advancements in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) design and clinical management, device thrombosis remains a pertinent complication. Limited imaging makes precise visualization of clot location and shape very challenging. We report the usage of videobronchoscopic exploration of explanted LVADs for direct visualization of clot in two patients. This technique is a rapid and inexpensive means of improving our understanding of LVAD clot formation and may be useful in surgical exploration of inflow and outflow tracts during LVAD exchange.
The impact of 2013 UK NICE guidelines on the management of varicose veins at the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
Authors: Davies Huw OB , Popplewell Matthew , Bate Gareth , Kelly Lisa , Darvall Katy , Bradbury Andrew W
Published: October 2015

Objective

Although varicose veins are a common cause of morbidity, the UK National Health Service and private medical insurers have previously sought to ration their treatment in a non-evidence based manner in order to limit health-care expenditure and reimbursement. In July 2013, the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence published new national Clinical Guidelines (CG168) to promote evidence-based commissioning and management of varicose veins. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of CG168 on the referral and management of varicose veins at the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.

Methods

Interrogation of a prospectively gathered database, provided by the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust Performance Unit, of patients undergoing interventions for varicose veins since 1 January 2012. Patients treated before (group 1) and after (group 2) publication of CG168 were compared.

Results

There were 253 patients, 286 legs (48% male, mean (range) age 54 (20–91) years) treated in group 1, and 417 patients, 452 legs, (46% male, mean (range) age 54 (14–90) years) treated in group 2, an increase of 65%. CG168 was associated with a significant reduction in the use of surgery (131 patients (52%) group 1 vs. 127 patients (30%) group 2, p = 0.0003, χ2), no change in endothermal ablation (30 patients (12%) group 1 vs. 45 patients (11%) group 2), a significant increase in ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (92 patients (36%) group 1 and 245 patients (59%) group 2, p = 0.0001, χ2) and an increase in treatment for C2/3 disease (53% group 1 and 65.2% group 2, p = 0.0022, χ2).

Conclusions

Publication of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence CG168 has been associated with a significant increase (65%) in the number of patients treated, referral at an earlier (CEAP C) stage and increased use of endovenous treatment. CG 168 has been highly effective in improving access to, and quality of care, for varicose veins at Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust.
Levels of segregation, lines of closure: The spatiality of immigrants’ social exclusion in Athens
Authors: Kandylis George
Published: October 2015

This paper is about ethnic residential segregation and its relationship with social exclusion in the metropolitan region of Athens. Both exclusion and segregation may be either unplanned outcomes of market processes or intended products of specific policies. Drawing on work presented elsewhere and census data, I argue that the spatial pattern of immigrants’ social exclusion in Athens is not so much about different socio-ethnic groups residing apart from each other, but to a larger extent about people of different ethnic background and living conditions living in close proximity. Looking at the treatment of specific immigrant groups by state authorities, one discovers policies of purposed spatial isolation in marginal environments of closure, where ethnic difference is transformed to severe exclusion.
A collaborative approach to event-led regeneration: The governance of legacy from the 2014 Commonwealth Games
Authors: Christie Linda , Gibb Kenneth
Published: October 2015

This paper stresses the role of collaborative working within the new urban governance literature. The legacy approach for the 2014 Commonwealth Games has thus far been well received as an example of successful partnership working. Glasgow’s approach to legacy is discussed within the wider context of an increasing strategic focus on event-led regeneration. High-level political support for legacy led to the early development of Glasgow’s Legacy Plan in 2009, followed by the development of a legacy partnership: the Glasgow Legacy Board. The paper contributes to the literature by exploring a conceptual understanding of inter-governmental working for regeneration, through close examination of Glasgow’s legacy approach, development, structure and governance. To what extent does Glasgow’s collaborative approach to legacy represent a new institutional form of network governance for the delivery of urban regeneration in Scotland? The paper also reflects on the long-term transferability of this collaborative approach to legacy for the delivery of urban regeneration in Scotland beyond 2014.
Ex Post Contract Market Structure: Implications for Performance Over Time
Authors: Carboni Julia L.
Published: October 2015

Government increasingly relies on complex arrangements of providers to deliver public services. There is burgeoning public administration literature on contract management and performance. This literature emphasizes contract management strategies such as contract design and ex post monitoring and relationship building to promote contractor performance. The literature does not examine effects of structural variables on contract performance in ex post contract markets, though work on interorganizational networks has long established that structural factors influence individual performance. This study examines the influence of structural variables on publicly funded contract performance in networked structures of exchange using 5 years of state-level contract data. Network concepts are used to develop contracts as networked exchange structures and develop measures of structural embeddedness for individual programs. Findings include that the structural embeddedness of individual programs influences individual contract performance on quality and cost dimensions over time.
Near Point of Convergence After a Sport-Related Concussion
Authors: Pearce Kelly L. , Sufrinko Alicia , Lau Brian C. , Henry Luke , Collins Michael W. , Kontos Anthony P.
Published: October 2015

Background:

Convergence insufficiency (CI) is a common binocular vision deficit after a sport-related concussion (SRC). CI may result in visual discomfort and vision-mediated functional difficulties such as slowed reading and compromised attention, leading to impaired academic, work, and sport performance.

Purpose:

To test the reliability of repeated near point of convergence (NPC) measurements in a sample of athletes after an SRC; compare the symptoms and cognitive impairment of athletes with normal NPC to those with CI after an SRC; and explore the relationship among age, sex, learning disability, migraine history, and CI.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 78 athletes (mean age, 14.31 ± 2.77 years) who were seen a mean 5.79 ± 5.63 days after an SRC were administered 3 trials of an NPC assessment, along with neurocognitive (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing [ImPACT]) and symptom assessments. Patients were divided into normal NPC (NPC ≤5 cm; n = 45) and CI (NPC >5 cm; n = 33) groups. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and repeated-measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) assessed the consistency of NPC across the 3 trials. The ANOVAs were employed to examine differences on neurocognitive composites and symptoms between the normal NPC and CI groups. Stepwise regressions (controlling for age and symptom scores on the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale [PCSS]) were conducted to evaluate the predictive utility of the NPC distance for neurocognitive impairment.

Results:

Groups did not differ on demographic or injury characteristics. NPC differed between trial 1 and trials 2 ( P = .02) and 3 ( P = .01) for the CI group but not the normal NPC group. Internal consistency was high across NPC measurements (ICC range, 0.95-0.98). Patients with CI performed worse on verbal memory ( P = .02), visual motor speed ( P = .02), and reaction time ( P = .001, η2 = .13) and had greater total symptom scores ( P = .02) after the injury. Results of hierarchical regression revealed that the NPC distance contributed significantly to the model for reaction time ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

CI was common (~42%) in athletes evaluated within 1 month after an SRC. Athletes with CI had worse neurocognitive impairment and higher symptom scores than did those with normal NPC. Clinicians should consider routinely screening for NPC as part of a comprehensive concussion evaluation to help inform treatment recommendations, academic accommodations, and referrals for vision therapy.
The Utility of the Family Empowerment Scale With Custodial Grandmothers
Authors: Hayslip Bert , Smith Gregory C. , Montoro-Rodriguez Julian , Streider Frederick H. , Merchant William
Published: October 2015

The Family Empowerment Scale (FES) was developed specifically to assess empowerment in families with emotional disorders. Its relevance to custodial grandfamilies is reflected in the difficulties in grandchildren’s social, emotional, and behavioral functioning, wherein such difficulties may be explained via either reactions to changes in their family structure or in their responses to the newly formed family unit. Utilizing 27 items derived from the 34-item version of the FES, which had represented differential levels of empowerment (family, service system, community) as indexed by one’s attitudes, knowledge, and behavior, we explored the factor structure, internal consistency, construct, and convergent validity of the FES with grandparent caregivers. Three-hundred forty-three ( M age = 58.45, SD = 8.22, n Caucasian = 152, n African American = 149, n Hispanic = 38) custodial grandmothers caring for grandchildren between ages 4 and 12 years completed the 27 FES items and various measures of their psychological well-being, grandchild psychological difficulties, emotional support, and parenting practices. Factor analysis revealed three factors that differed slightly from the originally proposed FES subscales: Parental Self-Efficacy/Self-Confidence, Service Activism, and Service Knowledge. Each of the factors was internally consistent, and derived factor scores were moderately interrelated, speaking to the question of convergent validity. The construct validity of these three factors was evidenced by meaningful patterns of statistically significant correlations with grandmothers’ psychological well-being, grandchild psychological difficulties, emotional support, and parenting practices. These factor scores were independent of grandmother age, health, and education. These findings suggest the newly identified FES factors to be valuable in understanding empowerment among grandmother caregivers.
Microbiota in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Pathogenesis and Therapy
Authors: Serban Daniela Elena
Published: October 2015

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and unclassified IBD, continues to cause significant morbidity. While its incidence is increasing, no clear etiology and no cure have yet been discovered. Recent findings suggest that IBD may have a multifactorial etiology, where complex interactions between genetics, epigenetics, environmental factors (including diet but also infections, antibiotics, and sanitation), and host immune system lead to abnormal immune responses and chronic inflammation. Over the past years, the role of altered gut microbiota (in both composition and function) in IBD pathogenesis has emerged as an outstanding area of interest. According to new findings, gut dysbiosis may appear as a key element in initiation of inflammation in IBD and its complications. Moreover, complex metagenomic studies provide possibilities to distinguish between IBD types and appreciate severity and prognosis of the disease, as well as response to therapy. This review provides an updated knowledge of recent findings linking altered bacterial composition and functions, viruses, and fungi to IBD pathogenesis. It also highlights the complex genetic, epigenetic, immune, and microbial interactions in relation to environmental factors (including diet). We overview the actual options to manipulate the altered microbiota, such as modified diet, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, antibiotics, and fecal transplantation. Future possible therapies are also included. Targeting altered microbiota could be the next therapeutic personalized approach, but more research and well‐designed comparative prospective studies are required to formulate adequate directions for prevention and therapy.
Role of the Gut Microbiome in Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Barlow Gillian M. , Yu Allen , Mathur Ruchi
Published: October 2015

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity represent two of the biggest global health challenges of this century and are associated with significant comorbidities and healthcare costs. Although multiple factors undoubtedly contribute to the development and progression of DM and obesity, research over the last decade has demonstrated that the microbes that colonize the human gut may play key contributory roles. Gut microbes are now known to codevelop with the human host and are strongly influenced by mode of birth and early diet and nutrition, as well as environmental and other factors including antibiotic exposure. Gut microbes contribute to human health through roles in polysaccharide breakdown, nutrient absorption, inflammatory responses, gut permeability, and bile acid modification. Numerous studies have suggested that disruptions in the relative proportions of gut microbial populations may contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance, including alterations in Gammaproteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia and the ratios of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes in weight gain and possible alterations in butyrate‐producing bacteria such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in DM. In addition, it has been shown that the methanogenic Archaea may contribute to altered metabolism and weight gain in the host. However, the majority of studies are performed with stool or colonic samples and may not be representative of the metabolically active small intestine. Studies predominantly in rodent models are beginning to elucidate the mechanisms by which gut microbes contribute to DM and obesity, but much remains to be learned before we can begin to approach targeted treatments.
Thermal Manikin Evaluation of Gender Sweat Differences While Wearing a Ballistic Vest
Authors: Domina Tanya , An Su Kyoung , Kinnicutt Patrick George
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this research was to determine if gender-related thermoregulatory differences impacted relative humidity levels in the microclimate while wearing a unisex ballistic vest. Data was collected using a sweating thermal manikin customized to simulate high-intensity sweat rates. Sensors were used to collect microclimate data between the uniform layers. The male and female thermal manikin exhibited no significant differences in microclimate data in the layers of the back of the uniform while wearing the ballistic vest. There was a significant statistical difference between the male and female manikin for the frontal region with women exhibiting lower RH values. Without the ballistic vest, the female manikin exhibited significantly lower RH values in the microclimate region, both front and back. There were no significant differences in RH values for the male thermal manikin with versus without the ballistic vest.
Stop, Question, and Frisk in New York City: A Study of Public Opinions
Authors: Evans Douglas N. , Williams Cynthia-Lee
Published: October 2015

New York City’s Stop-and-Frisk program has been a contentious police practice for more than 40 years. There is extensive research that examines attitudes toward the police; however, empirical research has yet to analyze citizens’ perceptions of stop-and-frisk. This study uses data from pedestrians to uncover their opinions of stop-and-frisk. Results demonstrate that several demographic characteristics predicted attitudes toward stop-and-frisk; minorities and younger citizens had less positive views, and unfavorable opinions were linked to living in New York City; having less education; being unemployed; having lower income; not married; no children; having been previously frisked by police; and vicarious experiences of others with stop-and-frisk. The results provide insights into demographic and experiential factors that influence attitudes toward stop-and-frisk. As perceived unfairness often undermines police authority, identifying factors that predict unfavorable attitudes toward police practices can aide in allocating resources to further efforts to improve police–community relations.
Transfer of Methamphetamine (MA) into Breast Milk and Urine of Postpartum Women who Smoked MA Tablets during Pregnancy
Authors: Chomchai Chulathida , Chomchai Summon , Kitsommart Ratchada
Published: October 2015

Background:

Methamphetamine (MA) use by pregnant women remains a growing problem in South East Asia. After delivery, a negative maternal urine MA assay is assumed to reflect the absence of MA in breast milk and marks breastfeeding initiation. To date, no data exist that describe the relationship between the peripartum and postpartum transfer of MA into breast milk and its urinary excretion in women, following recreational use by smoking.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the pharmacokinetic of smoked MA in breast milk and its relationship to urinary MA excretion in postpartum women who tested positive for MA before delivery.

Methods:

Timed urine and breast milk samples of 33 women who had positive urine drug screens for MA prior to delivery were analyzed for MA using Acquity Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (Waters, Milford, Massachusetts, USA) with the ACQUITY UPLC Photodiode Array Detector (Waters). Those participants with 4 or more timed breast milk samples were included for pharmacokinetic calculation using log-linear trapezoidal rule.

Results:

Pharmacokinetic data from 2 women were analyzed. The half-life values for MA in the breast milk were 11.3 and 40.3 hours. The absolute infant doses were 21.3 and 51.7 µg/kg/day. Methamphetamine disappears from breast milk approximately 1 day before the maternal urine MA becomes negative.

Conclusion:

Smoked MA shows a similar breast milk pharmacokinetic pattern to previously reported intravenous MA. Breastfeeding can be safely initiated in mothers whose urine MA screen has turned negative for ≥ 24 hours. However, concurrent maternal substance use treatment and screening is necessary for continued promotion of lactation.
Processing and properties of poly(ester–urethane)/modified montmorillonite nanocomposite foams derived from novel diol and tolylene-2,4-diisocyanate
Authors: Kausar Ayesha
Published: October 2015

In this attempt, we have designed novel poly(ester–urethane) (PEU) using poly(di(ethylene glycol)/trimethylolpropane-alt-adipic acid), tolylene-2,4-diisocyanate, and novel diol. Later, PEU has been employed for the fabrication of nanocomposites and foams with hydroxyl-modified montmorillonite (MMT-OH) via in situ polymerization. Afterward, structure and physical properties of PEU/MMT-OH nanocomposites and foams have been explored using various techniques. Physical characteristics of nanocomposites and foams seemed to be dependent upon polyurethane structure, modification of layered silicate and physical interaction between matrix and organoclay platelets. Field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed distorted honeycomb morphology of PEU/MMT-OH 1–5 foams, while PEU/MMT-OH 1–5 nanocomposites depicted dispersed MMT-OH in the matrix. Increased cell density in nanocomposite foams was also observed relative to pure PEU foam. PEU/MMT-OH 5 (5 wt% MMT-OH) foam showed improved tensile strength of 58.1 MPa relative to PEU/MMT-OH 1 foam (56.8 MPa). The density of the foams was also increased (0.7–1.7 g cm−1) with clay loading. The 10% thermal decomposition temperature of PEU/MMT-OH 1–5 foams measured by thermogravimetric analysis was in the range of 431–465°C. Percentage of water absorption was also measured for the foam materials. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis of PEU/MMT-OH 5 foam with 5 wt% nanofiller showed higher glass transition temperature ( Tg) of 129°C relative to PEU/MMT-OH 1 ( Tg 116°C). UL 94 and limiting oxygen index results showed that PEU/MMT-OH 1–5 foam had increased nonflammability (V-0 rating) with the clay loading. Silicate layers of MMT-OH were well exfoliated in PEU matrix due to chemical reaction between the hydroxyl of MMT-OH and functional groups of PEU. The morphology, mechanical, thermal, and flame retardant properties of PEU/MMT-OH 1–5 foams were found to be superior to those of PEU/MMT-OH 1–5 nanocomposites.
Effects of Healing Touch on Postsurgical Adult Outpatients
Authors: Foley Mary Kay Hausladen , Anderson Joan , Mallea Laurie , Morrison Karen , Downey Marty
Published: October 2015

This prospective pilot study was implemented to determine whether a Healing Touch (HT) treatment postoperatively would have an effect on pain, anxiety, blood pressure, and pulse rate in adult postoperative outpatients. Using a randomized control trial design, participants were assigned to a control or intervention group. The control group received traditional nursing care (TNC), and the intervention group received a HT treatment in addition to TNC. Pre- and postdata collection included measurement of pain, anxiety, blood pressure, and pulse. HT treatment was at least as effective as TNC for reduction in pain and more effective in reducing anxiety. Posttreatment anxiety ratings in the intervention group had a significant decrease (0.55; p = .029), while the reduction in anxiety in the control group was not significant (0.25; p = .22). Neither group showed any difference pre- versus posttreatment in blood pressure or pulse. The intervention group had a decrease in pain rating of 1.0 ( p < .001), and the control group had a decrease of 0.64 ( p = .02). There was a trend toward a decrease in the use of narcotics with HT. HT is an appropriate modality to decrease anxiety, may be appropriate for pain reduction, and may decrease the amount of narcotics needed postoperatively. Patient comments reflected the relaxing effects of receiving HT. The findings support the use of HT as an effective complementary intervention for surgical outpatients, however additional research is recommended.
Parametric reduced-order model approach for simulation and optimization of aeroelastic systems with structural nonlinearities
Authors: Castellani Michele , Lemmens Yves , Cooper Jonathan E
Published: October 2015

A method based on parametric reduced-order models to efficiently predict the transient response of aeroelastic systems with concentrated structural nonlinearities is presented. The approach approximates the nonlinear response in a piecewise-linear manner through time integration of sub-linear reduced-order models; these are parameterized with respect to the nonlinearity and are efficiently obtained by balanced truncation and interpolation. The procedure is applied to the optimization of a wing tip device for passive loads alleviation which features a nonlinear stiffness, showing the effectiveness and efficiency of the methodology.
Association of the Northern Hemisphere circumglobal teleconnection with the Asian summer monsoon during the Holocene in a transient simulation
Authors: Zhang Xiaojian , Jin Liya
Published: October 2015

This paper provides another look at the response of the Asian summer monsoon (ASM) to insolation forcing and oceanic feedback during the Holocene, using a fully coupled general circulation ocean–atmosphere model forced by Earth’s orbital variations. The model results revealed a recurrent circumglobal teleconnection (CGT) pattern in the summertime (June–July–August) mid-latitude circulation of the Northern Hemisphere during the Holocene. The CGT index showed a decreasing trend before ~5 ka BP and a slight increasing trend afterwards, affected by the combined effects of summer insolation, Indian summer monsoon (ISM), North Atlantic and Indian Ocean–western Pacific Ocean sea surface temperature (SST). The CGT showed a close relationship with ASM precipitation and surface air temperature during the Holocene and, therefore, could act as a bridge linking the ASM to insolation, high-latitude forcing (North Atlantic SST), and low-latitude forcing (tropical Ocean SST). We emphasize that the mid-latitude atmospheric circulation has been a key factor for the evolution of the ASM during the Holocene. In addition, the CGT provides a viable explanation for the out-of-phase relationship in the moisture evolution but an in-phase relationship in the speleothem δ18O between arid central Asia and the ISM region during the Holocene.
Great Plains vegetation dynamics in response to fire and climatic fluctuations during the Holocene at Fox Lake, Minnesota (USA)
Authors: Commerford Julie L , Leys Bérangère , Mueller Joshua R , McLauchlan Kendra K
Published: October 2015

Vegetation composition and fire frequency are tightly linked in North American grasslands and have varied considerably throughout the Holocene in response to different drivers. Yet, detailed records of both long-term changes in grassland vegetation composition and diversity, coupled with fire history, are still relatively sparse. In this study, we examine a sediment core from Fox Lake, Minnesota, using pollen, charcoal, magnetic susceptibility, organic carbon (%C), and silica (%Si) records with the aim of understanding grassland structure and function during the Holocene, particularly in the context of vegetation composition and diversity, erosion, and fire activity. Nonarboreal pollen comprises between 37% and 86% of the assemblage throughout the record with the largest percentages occurring during the mid-Holocene (~8000–4000 yr BP). The pollen record also suggests that at 8200 yr BP, there was an abrupt shift from oak-elm woodland to a more open landscape of grassland or savanna, which remained throughout the mid-Holocene. Additionally, the pollen data suggest that vegetation composition exhibited little change in diversity through time despite recurring fire. Charcoal concentrations varied from 30 to nearly 1200 particles cm−3, indicating changes in relative amount of biomass burned, but the morphotypes of charcoal pieces indicate that woody fuels persisted during the mid-Holocene despite the apparent grassland-dominated landscape. Magnetic susceptibility in the sediment ranges from −0.9 to 22.4 (×10−5 SI) throughout the record, with the biggest increase occurring as the vegetation shifted from woodland to grassland entering the mid-Holocene. Organic carbon ranges from 4.6% to 20.0% and exhibits a slow but steady increase after the 8200 yr BP event. Silica decreases slightly but remains generally high between 20.4% and 22.5%.
A multi-proxy record of Holocene environmental change, peatland development and carbon accumulation from Staroselsky Moch peatland, Russia
Authors: Payne Richard J , Malysheva Elena , Tsyganov Andrey , Pampura Tatjana , Novenko Elena , Volkova Elena , Babeshko Kirill , Mazei Yuri
Published: October 2015

Despite their huge extent, the peatlands of Russia are an under-exploited source of data on palaeoenvironmental change. We investigated the Holocene history of Staroselsky Moch, an ombrotrophic peatland in the Tver Region of European Russia by analysis of testate amoebae, peat physical properties, plant macrofossils and pollen. The peatland developed through a classic hydroseral succession in the early Holocene with a sharp decline in mineral input to 6200 cal. BC followed by an abrupt transition from fen to bog vegetation around 5500 cal. BC. Through the Holocene, the peatland has accumulated carbon at a mean apparent rate of 21.5 g C m−2 yr−1 suggesting that carbon accumulation rates in peatlands of European Russia lie close to the global average, and contrasting with a short sequence of eddy-covariance data which implies a net loss of carbon. The testate amoeba record shows considerable variability which may be driven by climate, but changes are not well replicated in the macrofossil or pollen data. We tentatively infer (1) a phase of early Holocene warming commencing around 7200 cal. BC, (2) dry peatland surface conditions c. 3700–3900 cal. BC, (3) a shift to wetter conditions from c. 3900 cal. BC, and (4) drier conditions from c. 400 cal. BC onwards. More robust and precise hydroclimatic reconstructions for this region will require the development of a regional transfer function and the replication of results between cores and sites.
Archaeology, baobabs and drought: Cultural proxies and environmental data from the Mapungubwe landscape, southern Africa
Authors: Huffman Thomas N , Woodborne Stephan
Published: October 2015

Ethnographic and archaeological data from the Mapungubwe landscape show that rainmaking deposits on hilltops, along with burnt grain bins in ordinary villages, represent cultural responses to severe drought by Iron Age agricultural communities. In ordinary villages, burnt granaries were the result of cleansing rituals, rather than violence or natural causes. A total of 13 episodes of severe droughts were previously documented in hilltop and village deposits. New climate proxy data from baobab trees provide a 1000-year-long regional record that helps to refine this drought sequence. Based on carbon isotope values, the baobab record documents additional episodes and confirms an early 14th-century drought associated with the abandonment of Mapungubwe. This abandonment, however, owed as much to cultural factors as to environmental pressures.
Late-Holocene climate dynamics recorded in the peat bogs of Tierra del Fuego, South America
Authors: van Bellen Simon , Mauquoy Dmitri , Hughes Paul DM , Roland Thomas P , Daley Tim J , Loader Neil J , Street-Perrott F Alayne , Rice Emma M , Pancotto Verónica A , Payne Richard J
Published: October 2015

The ombrotrophic peat bogs of Tierra del Fuego are located within the southern westerly wind belt (SWWB), which dominates climate variability in this region. We have reconstructed late-Holocene water-table depths from three peat bogs and aimed to relate these records to shifts in regional climate. Water-table depths were quantified by the analysis of testate amoeba assemblages, and a regional transfer function was used to infer past water-table depths. During the last 2000 years, testate amoeba assemblages have been relatively stable, with a dominance of Difflugia pulex and Difflugia pristis type, and an increase in Assulina muscorum and other Euglyphida at the top of each section. Multivariate analyses show that water-table depth remained the main environmental variable explaining assemblages along the TiA12 core, but reconstructions were not significant for the two other cores. In line with the low variability in assemblages, water tables were relatively stable during the last 2000 years. Slightly wetter conditions were found between ~1400 and 900 cal. BP and a pronounced recent dry shift was reconstructed in all of the three peat profiles. Considering the regional climatic context, this recent shift may have been forced by a decrease in precipitation and warmer conditions linked to an increase in the importance of the SWWB. Nevertheless, we cannot exclude the influence of higher UV-B radiation resulting from the local degradation of the ozone layer since the late 1970s, which may have had an additional effect on the relative presence of A. muscorum in the southern Patagonian region.
Prognostic implications of active discoid lupus erythematosus and malar rash at the time of diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus: Results from a prospective cohort study
Authors: Drucker A M , Su J , Mussani F , Siddha S K , Gladman D D , Urowitz M B
Published: October 2015

Objective

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) may have prognostic implications for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We aimed to determine the impact of discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and malar rash on SLE disease activity.

Methods

Data were analyzed from the Toronto Lupus Clinic prospective cohort study. We compared SLE patients with active DLE or malar rash at SLE diagnosis to SLE patients who never developed CLE. Outcomes were assessed at one and five years, including Adjusted Mean Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (AMS).

Results

A total of 524 SLE patients (284 without CLE, 65 with DLE, and 175 with malar rash) were included. Mean AMS scores in patients without CLE at one and five years were 5.96 ± 5.06 and 4.00 ± 3.52, which did not differ significantly from scores at one (6.93 ± 5.31, p = 0.17) and five years (4.29 ± 2.62, p = 0.63) in the DLE group. In patients with malar rash, AMS scores at one (8.30 ± 6.80, p < 0.001) and five years (5.23 ± 3.06, p = 0.004) were higher than controls without CLE.

Conclusions

Malar rash may be a marker of more severe systemic disease over time, while DLE has no significant impact on general SLE disease activity.
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance evaluation of paediatric patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and cardiac symptoms
Authors: Mavrogeni S , Smerla R , Grigoriadou G , Servos G , Koutsogeorgopoulou L , Karabela G , Stavropoulos E , Spiliotis G , Kolovou G , Papadopoulos G
Published: October 2015

Objectives

To evaluate the cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) findings in a paediatric population with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and cardiac symptoms.

Methods

Twenty-five SLE children, aged 10.2 ± 2.6 years, with cardiac symptoms and normal routine non-invasive evaluation were examined by CMR, using a 1.5 T system and compared with sex–matched SLE adults. Left ventricular (LV) volumes, ejection fraction, T2 ratio, early (EGE) and late (LGE) gadolinium enhancement were assessed. Acute and chronic lesions were characterised as LGE-positive plus T2 > 2, EGE > 4 or T2 < 2, EGE < 4, respectively. According to LGE, lesions were characterized as: (a) diffuse subendocardial, (b) subepicardial and (c) subendocardial/transmural, due to vasculitis, myocarditis and myocardial infarction, respectively.

Results

LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was normal in all SLEs. T2 > 2, EGE > 4 and positive epicardial LGE wall was identified in 5/25 children. Diffuse subendocardial fibrosis was documented in 1/25. No evidence of myocardial infarction was identified in any children. In contrast, in SLE adults, LGE indicative of myocardial infarction was identified in 6/25, myocarditis in 3/25, Libman–Sacks endocarditis in 1/25 and diffuse subendocardial fibrosis in 2/25. The incidence of heart disease in SLE children was lower compared to SLE adults ( p < 0.05), with a predominance of myocarditis in children and myocardial infarction in adults. A significant correlation was documented between disease duration and CMR lesions ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion

CMR identifies a predominance of myocarditis in paediatric SLE with cardiac symptoms and normal routine non-invasive evaluation. However, the incidence of cardiac lesions is lower compared to SLE adults, probably due to shorter disease duration.

Significance and Innovation:

CMR identifies heart involvement in a significant percentage of SLE children with cardiac symptoms and normal routine noninvasive evaluation. The incidence of heart disease is lower in SLE children compared with SLE adults. Predominance of myocarditis and myocardial infarction is observed in SLE children and SLE adults, respectively.
The willingness-to-pay for Caplanian irrationality
Authors: Murphy Ryan H
Published: October 2015

Bryan Caplan’s The Myth of the Rational Voter popularizes the “near-neoclassical” demand curve for irrationality. This article attempts to show that there is a demand for irrationality at prices higher than zero. This may change policy implications. Many instances of consumer behavior, such as paying a premium for locally produced and “fair trade” goods, the use of local currencies, and the failure to vaccinate children, are other instances of the means-ends irrationality that Caplan observes in political markets.
The Impact of Wilderness Therapy
Authors: Tucker Anita , Norton Christine Lynn , DeMille Steven M. , Hobson Jessalyn
Published: October 2015

With roots in experiential education and Outward Bound, wilderness therapy (WT) is a growing field of mental health care for youth. WT uses outdoor modalities combined with therapeutic interventions to assist youth to promote clinical changes. Previous research has shown it to be effective in improving the mental health of clients; however, little research has looked at the impact of WT on physical outcomes as well. This study examined changes in the body composition and mental health outcomes of adolescents participating in one WT program. On average, youth in the sample moved to a more healthy weight and body mass index (BMI) or were able to maintain at a healthy level. Youth also experienced significant improvements in their mental health functioning. Given the adolescent obesity crisis along with adolescent female challenges with body image, these results show that WT could be a promising intervention for youth struggling with these issues.
Vibration analysis of a rotor supported on magnetorheological squeeze film damper with short bearing approximation: A contrast between short and long bearing approximations
Authors: Irannejad Mostafa , Ohadi Abdolreza
Published: October 2015

Squeeze film dampers are widely used to reduce the vibration of rotating systems. Using magnetorheological fluid in these dampers can lead to a variable-damping damper called Magnetorheological Squeeze Film Damper (MRSFD). Magnetorheological fluid viscosity alter under different values of magnetic field. The previous research have widely used long bearing approximation to derive the equations governing the hydrodynamic behavior of MRSFDs. In this paper, the behavior of MRSFDs has been studied using short bearing approximation. Next, the effects of MRSFDs on the dynamic behavior of a flexible rotor have been studied, using finite element method (FEM). Synchronous whirl motion has not been imposed on the system behavior, as an external assumption. Damper pressure distribution and forces, dynamic trajectories, eccentricity and the frequency response of the rotor are tools used to analyze the dynamic behavior of MRSFDs and rotor system. As the results show, it seems to be more precise to use short bearing approximation to analyze dampers with aspect ratios lower than a limit (especially L/D < 1). Furthermore, by controlling electrical current one can control the dynamic behavior of a rotor, to avoid failure and damage. Finally, the whirl motion of the rotor was observed to remain synchronous, even when fluid forces are present.
Earthquake structural modal estimates of multi-storey frames by a refined Frequency Domain Decomposition algorithm
Authors: Pioldi Fabio , Ferrari Rosalba , Rizzi Egidio
Published: October 2015

This paper targets the frequency domain identification of current structural modal properties under earthquake excitation. A new refined Frequency Domain Decomposition (rFDD) algorithm is implemented towards the output-only modal dynamic identification of heavy-damped frame structures, which are subjected to a wide set of strong ground motions. In fact, both seismic excitation and/or high damping values shall not fulfil traditional FDD assumptions. Despite that, with the present rFDD implementation quite limited errors in the modal parameter estimates have been achieved, including for the modal damping ratios (ranging from 1% to 10%). At first, the identification technique is formulated and explored analytically, by proving its potential effectiveness with seismic response input. Then, all strong motion modal parameters are consistently identified. As a fundamental necessary condition, synthetic response signals are adopted. These have been generated prior to dynamic identification from computed numerical seismic responses of a set of shear-type frames. The efficiency of the present original implementation is highlighted, by proving that consistent rFDD modal dynamic identification of structures at seismic input and simultaneous heavy damping looks feasible. Thus, the paper delivers a robust method for inspecting current structural modal properties of frame buildings under earthquake excitation and for observing their possible variation along experienced seismic histories.
A novel fast model predictive control for large-scale structures
Authors: Chen Yuzhen , Zhang Sheng , Peng Haijun , Chen Biaosong , Zhang Hongwu
Published: October 2015

To protect the engineering structures from natural hazards, especially for large-scale structures, a novel fast model predictive control (NFMPC) method is presented in this paper. Based on the second-order dynamic equation, a novel explicit expression form of Newmark-β method is first derived, from which the future states can be easily predicted without computing matrix exponential. By applying this explicit expression form into the standard model predictive control (MPC) method, the NFMPC method is developed. Based on the explicit expression form, the optimal control input can be computed by two off-line transient analyses and one on-line transient analysis at every sampling instant on the structure. For no computation of matrix exponential, the off-line computation efficiency of NFMPC is several orders of magnitude higher than that of MPC. And the small amount of on-line computation guarantees the on-line computation efficiency. Furthermore, the use of the Newmark-β method also guarantees the computation accuracy. At last, several typical numerical examples are carried out to verify the validity and high efficiency of NFMPC by the comparison with MPC.
Free and forced transverse vibration of nanowires with surface effects
Authors: Wu Jing-Xiang , Li Xian-Fang , Tang An-Ye , Lee Kang Yong
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a theoretical analysis of free vibration and forced vibration of nanowires with surface effects. Using the Timoshenko beam theory incorporated with the surface effects, exact frequency equations are derived for various end supports. Natural frequencies and mode shapes are determined for simply supported, clamped-clamped, and clamped-free ends. Forced vibration of nanowires is also treated by superposing vibration modes of free vibration. An inverse problem is further investigated to determine the size-dependent effective Young's modulus of nanowires. Obtained results for a nanowire with residual stress and surface elasticity are confirmed by comparing them with the results using the finite element method. Theoretical natural frequencies and finite element method simulation have good agreement with the results from experimental data and molecular dynamics simulation. The effect of surface stress on forced vibration is analyzed. Residual surface tension has a more significant influence on the frequencies and a somewhat effect on the mode shapes.
Straight, No Chaser
Authors: Fortner Michael Javen
Published: October 2015

This article reviews dominant urban political theories and argues that pluralism, public choice theory, and regime theory do not pay sufficient attention to the urban state and history. By “bringing the state back [into]” urban political theory, this article reveals the extent to which each dominant theoretical perspective represents a similar theme played again and again in different historical periods and institutional contexts. I argue that city politics and urban government are shaped by economic and democratic forces, and whether, when, and how these forces influence city officials is contingent upon the design of those local organizations, their capacities, their position within broader political structures, and their position within broader economic systems. By bringing history and the urban state to the forefront of local political analysis, this essay reveals continuity across dominant urban political theories and identifies important theoretical and explanatory gaps.
Nonlinear bending-torsion model for curved rods with little regularity
Authors: Kosor Mate , Tambača Josip
Published: October 2015

In this paper we extend the formulation of the equilibrium problem for the nonlinear bending-torsion theory for curved rods on rods with rectifiable middle curve. We also prove the existence of solutions for the associated boundary value problem when the middle curve is piecewisely smooth.
Narrativizing Cities, Localizing Urban Memories
Authors: Espinosa Christian Spencer
Published: October 2015

This article describes the importance of the Chilean urban cueca as a source of Santiago de Chile’s urban memory. The main argument explains how cueca lyrics transmit a sense of place that brings back a memory of friendship and fraternity, and also how these friendship songs are narratives of urban landscapes strongly connected with old memories and “performed maps,” that is, musical performance pathways of the past 50 years in the city. Interviews and nonparticipant observations are taken from two periods of fieldwork in Santiago de Chile between 2008 and 2009. Theoretically based on the concept of music scene, Edward Soja’s idea of vivid space and José Bengoa’s analysis of the lost community, the article concludes that memories form a counterdiscourse that criticizes the notion of progress or the Chilean way to global capitalism, turning upside down the created imaginary of a modern and developed city.