bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Race, Mineral Homeostasis and Mortality in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease on Dialysis
Authors: Scialla Julia J. , Parekh Rulan S. , Eustace Joseph A. , Astor Brad C. , Plantinga Laura , Jaar Bernard G. , Shafi Tariq , Coresh Josef , Powe Neil R. , Melamed Michal L.
Published: August 2015

Background: Abnormalities in mineral homeostasis are ubiquitous in patients on dialysis, and influenced by race. In this study, we determine the race-specific relationship between mineral parameters and mortality in patients initiating hemodialysis. Methods: We measured the levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 D) in 184 African American and 327 non-African American hemodialysis patients who enrolled between 1995 and 1998 in the Choices for Healthy Outcomes in Caring for ESRD Study. Serum calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and total alkaline phosphatase levels were averaged from clinical measurements during the first 4.5 months of dialysis. We evaluated the associated prospective risk of mortality using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models stratified by race. Results: PTH and total alkaline phosphatase levels were higher, whereas calcium, phosphorus, FGF23 and 25 D levels were lower in African Americans compared to those of non-African Americans. Higher serum phosphorus and FGF23 levels were associated with greater mortality risk overall; however, phosphorus was only associated with risk among African Americans (HR 5.38, 95% CI 2.14-13.55 for quartile 4 vs. 1), but not among non-African Americans (p-interaction = 0.04). FGF23 was associated with mortality in both groups, but more strongly in African Americans (HR 3.91, 95% CI 1.74-8.82 for quartiles 4 vs. 1; p-interaction = 0.09). Serum calcium, PTH, and 25 D levels were not consistently associated with mortality. The lowest and highest quartiles of total alkaline phosphatase were associated with higher mortality risk, but this did not differ by race (p-interaction = 0.97). Conclusions: Aberrant phosphorus homeostasis, reflected by higher phosphorus and FGF23, may be a risk factor for mortality in patients initiating hemodialysis, particularly among African Americans.
The Role of Fast Cell Cycle Analysis in Pediatric Brain Tumors
Authors: Alexiou George A. , Vartholomatos George , Stefanaki Kalliopi , Lykoudis Efstathios G. , Patereli Amalia , Tseka Georgia , Tzoufi Meropi , Sfakianos George , Prodromou Neofytos
Published: August 2015

Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry has not been adequately studied in pediatric brain tumors. We investigated the value of a modified rapid (within 6 min) cell cycle analysis protocol for the characterization of malignancy of pediatric brain tumors and for the differentiation of neoplastic from nonneoplastic tissue for possible intraoperative application. We retrospectively studied brain tumor specimens from patients treated at our institute over a 5-year period. All tumor samples were histopathologically verified before flow-cytometric analysis. The histopathological examination of permanent tissue sections was the gold standard. There were 68 brain tumor cases. All tumors had significantly lower G₀/G1 and significantly higher S phase and mitosis fractions than normal brain tissue. Furthermore low-grade tumors could be differentiated from high-grade tumors. DNA aneuploidy was detected in 35 tumors. A correlation between S phase fraction and Ki-67 index was found in medulloblastomas and anaplastic ependymomas. Rapid cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry is a promising method for the identification of neoplastic tissue intraoperatively. Low-grade tumors could be differentiated from high-grade tumors. Thus, cell cycle analysis can be a valuable adjunct to the histopathological evaluation of pediatric brain tumors, whereas its intraoperative application warrants further investigation.
BEYOND THE “DEMOCRAT”/“CONSERVATIVE” DICHOTOMY: JOHN WISE RECONSIDERED
Authors: Oakes John S.
Published: August 2015

Massachusetts minister John Wise (1652–1725) was one of the foremost colonial apologists for the early “New England Way” in Congregationalist churches. But anachronistic labeling has distorted historical interpretations of his two main works. This article moves beyond the “‘democrat’/’‘conservative’ dichotomy” that has marred previous scholarship to offer a new, freshly contextualized reading.
ON THE “RUSSO-AMERICAN FEVER”: HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW DANA AND THE GORKI FUND
Authors: Shpolberg Angela
Published: August 2015

In 1921, Bolshevik-ruled Russia suffered a famine affecting over 37 million people. In Boston, Henry (Harry) Wadsworth Longfellow Dana, grandson of the famous poet, and Russian-Jewish immigrant Isidore Levitt, responding to writer Maxim Gorky’s appeals for relief, established the Gorki Fund. Using newly discovered archival materials, the article relates its story.
Mosses of Gunung Serapi, Sarawak, Borneo
Authors: Mohamed Haji , Thai Yong Kien , Bakar Baki
Published: August 2015

Collections of mosses have been made from the 911 metre high Gunung (Mount) Serapi in Sarawak. A total of 77 species in 37 genera within 17 families were discovered and are enumerated below. Five species are reported for the first time for Borneo: Aerobryidium aureonitens (Hook. ex Schwägr.)Broth., Distichophyllum schmidtii Broth., Mitthyridium fasciculatum subsp obtusifolium (Lindb.) M.Menzel, Papillidiopsis complanata (Dixon) W.R.Buck & B.C.Tan and Trichosteleum stigmosum Mitt. Seventeen species are new records for Sarawak. One family, Bartramiaceae, and 3 genera, Aerobryidium, Leucoloma, Philonotis, are new to Sarawak. The largest family is Calymperaceae, with 6 genera and 21 species, followed by Sematophyllaceae, with 10 genera and 19 species.
A revision of Schoenobryum (Cryphaeaceae, Bryopsida) in Africa

Authors: O’Shea Brian J.
Published: August 2015

The nine species and two varieties of Schoenobryum reported for Africa were investigated, and no characters were found that uniquely identified any of the taxa to be other than the pantropical Schoenobryum concavifolium. The following nine names become new synonyms of S. concavifolium: Cryphaea madagassa, C. subintegra, Acrocryphaea robusta, A. latifolia, A. subrobusta, A. tisserantii, A. latifolia var. microspora, A. plicatula and A. subintegra var. idanreense; a lectotype is selected for Acrocryphaea latifolia var. microspora P.de la Varde.
Los musgos (Bryophyta) de Argentina
Authors: Matteri Celina M.
Published: August 2015

The moss flora of Argentina contains 990 species, 5 subspecies and 56 accepted varieties in 264 genera, plus 1 species and 13 varieties which are only tentatively accepted. The checklist includes legitimate accepted taxa with primary references and distributional data for Argentine provinces. All entries to the list are based on literature records. Additionally, the recognized taxonomic and nomenclatural synonyms are given in a separate alphabetical list. An extensive bibliography is given to vouch for occurrence of the plants and a map helps in the location of provincial distributions.
Las comunidades de briófitos y su relacion con la estructura de la vegetaticón fanerogamica, en el gradiente altitudinal de la Serranía del Perijá (Cesar – Colombia)

Authors: Agudelo Cesar Augusto Ruiz , Ceballos Jaime Aguirre
Published: August 2015

A long the altitudinal gradient of Serranía del Perijá (Cesar-Colombia) five communities of Bryophytes were described (two of these communities in the subandina low – tropical belt and three in the subandean low-high belt). Characteristics of these communities depend of factors such as the climate (humidity and light intensity), structure and composition on the fanerogamic vegetation. Statistical analysis followed the Braun-Blanquet school using Twinspan software. In all the altitudinal zones forms growth more common are smooth mats, rough mats, and threads.
Rhodolith-forming species of the subfamilies Neogoniolithoideae and Hydrolithoideae (Rhodophyta, Corallinales) from Espírito Santo State, Brazil
Authors: VILLAS-BÔAS ALEXANDRE BIGGIO , RIOSMENA-RODRIGUEZ RAFAEL , TÂMEGA FREDERICO TAPAJÓS DE SOUZA , AMADO-FILHO GILBERTO , MANEVELDT GAVIN , FIGUEIREDO MARCIA
Published: August 2015

The taxonomy of the rhodolith-forming species of non-geniculate coralline algae from the subfamilies Neogoniolithoideae and Hydrolithoideae (Rhodophyta, Corallinales) found from Espírito Santo State, Brazil, was evaluated based on extensive subtidal sampling. A comparative analysis of the Brazilian material to other recently described species lead us to conclude that one relatively well-known species, namely Hydrolithon rupestre, a conferatum species Neogoniolithon cf. brassica-florida and a probably new species of the genus Hydrolithon, are present in the area. All three species can be distinguished by their tetrasporangial or gametangial conceptacle anatomy. This study strengthens the hypothesis that Brazilian rhodolith beds are comparatively more diverse in numbers of rhodolith-forming species than other areas of the world.
Some nomenclatural adjustments and typifications for almond species in the genus Prunus sensu lato (Rosaceae)
Authors: Eisenman Sasha William
Published: August 2015

Prunus dulcis (common almond) is an important horticultural nut crop with an annual production value in the billions of U.S. dollars. The genus Prunus is taxonomically complex, and over the centuries treatments have ranged from splitting the genus into multiple genera, with P. dulcis and relatives being placed in the genus Amgydalus, to having a single, widely circumscribed Prunus s. l. Recent phylogenetic studies based on molecular data support the adoption of a broadly circumscribed Prunus, and the widespread acceptance and usage of Prunus s.l. warrants nomenclatural adjustments for Amygdalus species. Twenty-two new combinations, one nomen novum, and one new nothospecies are proposed. In addition, two lectotypes and three neotypes are here designated.
Description of two new species of Laubuka (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from River Cauvery, southern Iandia
Authors: KNIGHT J. D. MARCUS
Published: August 2015

Fishes currently identified as Laubuka laubuca from the Cauvery River and its tributaries in the Western Ghats of India are shown to represent two different species: Laubuka trevori, sp. nov., and L. latens, sp. nov., distinguished from all species of Chela and Laubuka by possessing 7½ branched dorsal-fin rays; 14 precaudal vertebrae; 17–18 predorsal scales; 5 branched pelvic-fin rays and 5+4+2 teeth on the fifth ceratobranchial. Laubuka trevori is further distinguished from its congeners by possessing 14½–15½ branched anal-fin rays; ½6/1/1½ scales in transverse line on body; a short pelvic fin (10.1–16.3% SL) and two longitudinal stripes: a golden and a bluish-green stripe on the body, running from behind the opercle to the base of the caudal fin, the latter broken and less distinct in the anterior half of the body. Laubuka latens is further distinguished by its long pelvic fin (23.2–26.9% SL) and the absence of any markings on the side of the body other than a humeral spot and a caudal-peduncle spot.
Five new species of Ishiharella Dworakowska (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) with a key to worldwide species of the genus
Authors: YU XIAOFEI , YANG MAOFA , DIETRICH CHRISTOPHER H
Published: August 2015

Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations of five new species of the empoascine leafhopper genus Ishiharella Dworakowska (Typhlocybinae: Emposascini): I. dentidensa Yu & Yang, sp. nov., I. falcata Yu, Yang & Dietrich, sp. nov., I. hirsuta Yu, Yang & Dietrich, sp. nov., I. inflata Yu & Yang, sp. nov. and I. multiprotrusa Yu, Yang & Dietrich, sp. nov. are provided and a key to species of the genus is given.
Cladocera (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) of Sabah state in Borneo Island, Malaysia
Authors: SINEV ARTEM Y. , YUSOFF FATIMAH M.
Published: August 2015

Fauna of Cladocera (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) of Sabah state of Malaysia, Borneo Island, was evaluated for the first time. Samples from 40 locations were studied, and 31 species of Cladocera were revealed, including three species of Sididae, one species of Daphnidae, one species of Moinidae, four species of Macrothricidae, two species of Ilyocryptidae, and 20 species of Chydoridae. One species of Ilyocryptidae, Ilyocryptus yooni Jeong, Kotov and Lee, 2012, is recorded for Malaysia for the first time, and one more, Anthalona sp., is probably new for science. Of 31 species recorded for Sabah, only three are true planktonic species and 28 are substrate-associated species. Absence of large natural lakes, habitats with most rich cladoceran fauna, can be an important factor limiting diversity of Cladocera in Sabah.
Defragmentation of journals enhances access and collaboration: commentary on the occasion of Zootaxa 4,000
Authors: ZHANG ZHI-QIANG
Published: August 2015

Scientific literature in all fields of science are fragmented over many journals and other publications. This is mainly due to the diversity in scientific disciplines and publishers around the world. Databases, abstracting/indexing publications and review journals have helped defragment widely dispersed publications. With the rapid development and wider availability of the internet in the last two decades, many traditional paper-based journals have become online, along with the development of online-only journals. A new form of defragmentation (the development of mega-journals) emerged and Zootaxa was at its forefront (Zhang 2006b). On the occasion of Zootaxa 4,000, I herein discuss the mega-journals, defragmentation in scientific publications in general, and the development and achievements of Zootaxa in biodiversity sciences.
A New Method of Comparing Forcing Agents in Climate Models*
Authors: Kravitz Ben , MacMartin Douglas G. , Rasch Philip J. , Jarvis Andrew J.
Published: August 2015

The authors describe a new method of comparing different climate forcing agents (e.g., CO2 concentration, CH4 concentration, and total solar irradiance) in climate models that circumvents many of the difficulties associated with explicit calculations of efficacy. This is achieved by introducing an explicit feedback loop external to a climate model that adjusts one forcing agent to balance another while keeping global-mean surface temperature constant. The convergence time of this feedback loop can be adjusted, allowing for comparisons of forcing agents to be achieved with relatively short simulations. Comparisons between forcing agents are highly linear in concordance with predicted scaling relationships; for example, the global-mean climate response to a doubling of the CO2 concentration is equivalent to that of a 2.1% change in total solar irradiance. This result is independent of the magnitude of the forcing agent (within the range of radiative forcings considered here) and is consistent across two different climate models.
The Effect of Midlatitude Transient Eddies on Monsoonal Southerlies over Eastern China
Authors: Park Hyo-Seok , Lintner Benjamin R. , Boos William R. , Seo Kyong-Hwan
Published: August 2015

The strengthening of monsoonal southerlies over East Asia is associated with the westward intensification of the North Pacific subtropical high. Previous work has shown that the seasonal-mean position and strength of subtropical highs are affected by tropical and subtropical diabatic heating. Here it is shown that the synoptic-time-scale strengthening of southerlies over eastern China is dynamically tied to extratropical eddy activity. Composite analysis based on strong southerly wind events highlights an antecedent baroclinic wave train propagating southeastward into eastern China from extratropical central Asia. This wave train generates quasigeostrophic ascent over eastern China that is associated with heavy precipitation. The anomalously cold upper-tropospheric conditions associated with the wave train decrease static stability throughout the lower and middle troposphere in eastern China, while low-level moistening enhances equivalent potential temperature. It is proposed that the resulting reductions in dry and moist static stability intensify the eddy-induced precipitating ascent. These results illustrate how East Asian monsoon circulation and precipitation can be enhanced by the interaction of midlatitude baroclinic waves with the moist subtropical monsoon region.
Reduction of Nonuniform Beamfilling Effects by Multiple Constraints: A Simulation Study
Authors: Short David A. , Meneghini Robert , Emory Amber E. , Schwaller Mathew R.
Published: August 2015

A spaceborne precipitation radar samples the vertical structure of precipitating hydrometeors from the top down. The viewing geometry and operating frequency result in certain limitations and opportunities. Among the limitations is attenuation of the radar signal that can cause the measured radar reflectivity factor to be substantially less than the desired quantity, the true radar reflectivity factor. Another error source is the spatial variability in precipitation rates that occurs at scales smaller than the sensor field of view (FOV), giving rise to the nonuniform beamfilling (NUBF) effect. The opportunities arise when the radar return from the surface can be used to obtain constraints on the path-integrated attenuation (PIA) for use in hybrid attenuation correction algorithms. The surface return can also provide some information on the degree of NUBF at off-nadir viewing angles. In this paper ground-based radar data are used to simulate spaceborne radar data at nadir and off-nadir viewing angles at Ku band and Ka band and to test attenuation correction algorithms in the presence of nonuniform beamfilling. The cross-FOV gradient in PIA is found to be an important characteristic for describing the performance of attenuation correction algorithms.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Intranasal Midazolam and Chloral Hydrate for Procedural Sedation in Children
Authors: Stephen Marie Christy Sharafine , Mathew John , Varghese Ajoy Mathew , Kurien Mary , Mathew George Ani
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intranasal midazolam and chloral hydrate syrup for procedural sedation in children.

Study Design

Prospective randomized placebo‐controlled trial (double blind, double dummy).

Setting

Tertiary care hospital over 18 months.

Subjects and Methods

Eighty‐two children, 1 to 6 years old, undergoing auditory brainstem response testing were randomized to receive either intranasal midazolam with oral placebo or chloral hydrate syrup with placebo nasal spray. Intranasal midazolam was delivered at 0.5 mg/kg (100 mcg per spray) and oral syrup at 50 mg/kg. Children not sedated at 30 minutes had a second dose at half the initial dose. The primary outcomes measured were safety and efficacy. Secondary outcomes were time to onset of sedation, parental separation, nature of parental separation, parental satisfaction, audiologist’s satisfaction, time to recovery, and number of attempts.

Results

Forty‐one children were in each group, and no major adverse events were noted. The chloral hydrate group showed earlier onset of sedation (66%) compared with the intranasal midazolam group (33%). Significant difference in time to recovery was noted in the chloral hydrate group (78 minutes) versus the intranasal midazolam group (108 minutes). The parents’ and audiologist’s satisfaction was higher for chloral hydrate (95% and 75%) than for intranasal midazolam (49% and 29%, respectively). Overall, sedation was 95% with chloral hydrate versus 51% with intranasal midazolam. Both drugs maintained sedation.

Conclusions

Intranasal midazolam and chloral hydrate are both safe and efficacious for pediatric procedural sedation. Chloral hydrate was superior to intranasal midazolam, with an earlier time to onset of sedation, a faster recovery, better satisfaction among parents and the audiologist, and successful sedation.
Assessing user preferences on post-industrial redevelopment
Authors: Loures Luis , Panagopoulos Thomas , Burley Jon Bryan
Published: August 2015

There is a growing interest in post-industrial landscape redevelopment and public participation in urban planning process. This study examined the public preference on post-industrial land transformation projects. A semi-qualitative methodology was used throughout the application of a questionnaire and interviews. Data on public perception of post-industrial landscape that incorporates significant environmental, cultural and historic assets were collected from 450 residents. Results illustrate that community attitudes to brownfield regeneration projects are positive. Urban growth should consider the redevelopment of derelict and/or abandoned areas instead of consuming new green areas. The results illustrated that, according to public perception, the most important aspect in the redevelopment of the study area is the creation of multifunctional areas, and that this aspect is statistically related with touristic activities, mobility and accessibility, use of renewable energies, environmental education, economic redevelopment, and safety/security. The researchers suggest that coupling the information gathered throughout the public preference process with the intrinsic characteristics of each landscape is helpful in understanding community expectations in order to inform urban regeneration projects that consider the economic, environmental and cultural functions of sites.
Local social engagement, satisfaction, and embeddedness in the Netherlands: which effects matter and for whom?
Authors: Tselios Vassilis , Noback Inge , McCann Philip , van Dijk Jouke
Published: August 2015

This paper examines to what extent, and for whom, different geographical characteristics affect the levels of local social engagement, satisfaction, and embeddedness in the Netherlands. We employ a uniquely detailed dataset of individuals in Dutch neighbourhoods and municipalities, which is examined using a multilevel hierarchical model with spatial interaction effects. The analysis shows that living in a neighbourhood with a high ethnic concentration and low economic development has negative consequences for actual engagement, satisfaction, and embeddedness. However, this effect is more relevant for natives than for immigrants (ie, Turks, Moroccans, Surinamese, and Antilleans). In addition, we4 find no evidence that the relationship between locality and engagement, satisfaction, and embeddedness varies between first-generation and second-generation immigrants.
Novel Application of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Demonstrates Characteristic Differences in Vasculature at Predilection Sites of Osteochondritis Dissecans
Authors: Tóth Ferenc , Nissi Mikko J. , Ellermann Jutta M. , Wang Luning , Shea Kevin G. , Polousky John , Carlson Cathy S.
Published: August 2015

Background:

Understanding the pathogenesis of osteochondrosis/osteochondritis dissecans and other developmental orthopaedic diseases that are thought to occur secondary to defects in vascular supply to growth/epiphyseal cartilage has been hampered by the inability to image the vasculature in this tissue. This is particularly true in human beings due to limitations of current imaging techniques and the lack of availability of appropriate cadaveric samples for histological studies.

Hypothesis:

Susceptibility-weighted imaging, an MRI sequence, allows identification of characteristic differences in the vascular architecture in species that are affected by osteochondrosis/osteochondritis dissecans on the femoral condyle (humans and pigs) versus a species that is free of the disease (goat).

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Materials:

Distal femora from cadavers of juvenile humans (n = 5), pigs (n = 3), and goats (n = 3) were scanned in a 9.4-T MRI scanner using susceptibility-weighted imaging. Three-dimensional reconstructions were created, and minimum intensity projections were calculated in 3 planes to enhance visualization of the vascular architecture.

Results:

Susceptibility-weighted imaging allowed clear visualization of the epiphyseal vasculature in all species. Vascular architecture, with vessels primarily arising from the perichondrium, was similar in humans and pigs, which are predisposed to osteochondrosis/osteochondritis dissecans, and was starkly different from that present in goats, a species in which there are no reports of osteochondrosis/osteochondritis dissecans. Furthermore, vessels in the distal femoral predilection site disappeared with age in humans in a pattern similar to that reported previously in pigs.

Conclusion:

Nearly identical vascular architecture at the shared primary predilection site of osteochondrosis/osteochondritis dissecans in the femoral condyles in human beings and pigs suggests that vascular failure, which is known to be central to the pathogenesis of this disease in pigs, may also play a role in humans.

Clinical Relevance:

This assumption of a shared pathogenesis is supported by the pattern of disappearance of vessels with age at the primary predilection site of osteochondritis dissecans in humans, which is essentially identical to that which has been reported in pigs. Susceptibility-weighted imaging will likely help further elucidate this potential relationship in the future.
Habermas
Authors: Ferrarese Estelle
Published: August 2015

In this paper, I show how the notion of the political as an emerging reality, characterized by a fundamental indeterminacy and a propensity to produce its own borders, features in Habermas’s work. The motif of the public sphere is bound with topics that all seem to attach the political to principles or authorities that precede or surpass it: the validity attributed to political statements, the weight of morality in the public sphere, and the concern to preserve science and complexity. I examine each of them in turn, in order to demonstrate how, precisely, the responses provided enable us to identify a place for the political in Jürgen Habermas’s philosophy. This place could be called an interstice; nevertheless, it is located at the normative level of his theory, and it is a recurring aspect of Habermas’s work.
Solid waste-based hybrid natural fiber polymeric composites
Authors: Kumar Rajendra , Singh Tejeet , Singh Harwinder
Published: August 2015

The word hybrid composite defines the composite containing more than one type of fiber material as reinforcing fillers or additives. It has become an attractive property of hybrid composite than single fiber containing composite. Natural fiber hybrid composites are providing “eco-materials” to the world which has gained key importance in preserving our environment. Due to excess availability of industrial, agricultural, mining, and domestic solid wastes from the primary process, the environmental and ecological storing and disposal problems are created. In order to safeguard the environment, solid waste materials are used as good fillers for making natural fiber polymeric composites to improve its mechanical and moisture properties.
The Importance of Neighborhood Context in Arts-Led Development
Authors: Murdoch James , Grodach Carl , Foster Nicole
Published: August 2015

This article contributes to the creative city–community development arts policy debate by examining the association of arts organizations to various neighborhood contexts in New York City. Results from multivariate regression analyses show that arts organizations regardless of type are positioned to serve the creative class rather than play a community development role. Notably, only a small subset of locally focused organizations and organizations with smaller expenditures locate in disadvantaged and immigrant neighborhoods where they might play a direct role in community development. Instead, most arts organizations tend to locate in the most highly urbanized, amenities-rich areas with young working singles and creative industries. These findings raise important questions for incorporating the arts into neighborhood planning efforts.
Canadian Innovation
Authors: Drefs Michelle A. , Schroeder Meadow , Hiebert Bryan , Panayotidis E. Lisa , Winters Katherine , Kerr Jamie
Published: August 2015

This article presents a brief historical review and survey of the current landscape of online graduate psychology programs within the Canadian context. Specific focus is given to outlining the establishment and evolution of the first Canadian online professional specialization program in school psychology. The article argues that given the virtual absence of online graduate school psychology programs until recently, there have been limited opportunities to critically examine such approaches to teaching professional psychology. With the establishment in 2007 of the University of Calgary’s online graduate school psychology program, among the first in the world, a critically significant analysis is now possible. The purpose of this article is to document both the history of the program and to highlight the possible significance of this event to the profession. The article is intended to foster much-needed discussion at the national level concerning the future development and implementation of online graduate programs.
Theory and practice of reversing control on multiply-articulated vehicles
Authors: Rimmer Amy J , Cebon David
Published: August 2015

A path-tracking controller is presented for automating the reversing of multiply-articulated vehicles. This uses a state feedback approach and steers the wheels of the front axle to ensure that the rearmost vehicle unit tracks a specified path. Linear closed-loop analysis is performed and shows that the controller is stable for vehicles with up to six trailers. The controller is implemented on three full-size experimental heavy vehicles: a ‘tractor–semitrailer’, a ‘B-double’ vehicle and a ‘B-triple’ vehicle, which have one trailer, two trailers and three trailers respectively. Experimental results are presented and the controller performance is evaluated. All test vehicles were able to track the paths to within 400 mm of the desired path.
A dynamic model for brake pedal feel analysis in passenger cars
Authors: Meng Dejian , Zhang Lijun , Yu Zhuoping
Published: August 2015

The brake system of a passenger car is a complex system composed of an assembly of mechanical parts, such as springs and rubber parts, and structures filled with gas and other liquids. In order to predict the brake pedal feel of a passenger car, a dynamic model of a brake system during application of the brake pedal was proposed; this considered and modelled the physical structures and the working processes of the key components. The model takes into account not only the spring preloads and the frictional forces in the booster and the master cylinder but also the reaction disc features and the variation in the bulk modulus of the brake fluid. When the pedal travel is regarded as the input, the boundary conditions for the dynamic equations of the brake system components are strictly defined. Also, bench experiments for the booster and the master cylinders were designed for parameter identification; the effectiveness of the component models was validated under conditions including with and without vacuum assist and with and without brake fluid. On the basis of these experiments, the static and dynamic characteristics of the brake pedal feel were simulated using the static model and the dynamic model of the brake system. Then, vehicle road experiments were carried out. With the assessment index of a three-quadrant diagram covering the pedal travel, the pedal force and the master cylinder pressure, as well as a four-quadrant diagram covering the pedal travel, the pedal force, the master cylinder pressure and the longitudinal deceleration of the vehicle, the results from the simulations and the experiment were compared and analysed. We conclude that this novel model of a brake system can accurately predict the brake pedal feel characteristics of passenger cars and can be used for brake system design and adjustment.
The influence of biodiesel composition on compression ignition combustion and emissions
Authors: Hellier Paul , Ladommatos Nicos
Published: August 2015

Renewable alternatives to fossil fuels are necessary for the reduction of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, the increased atmospheric concentrations of which are resulting in global climate change. Biodiesel, fatty acid esters prepared from the reaction of triglycerides with alcohols, is a potentially sustainable fuel for compression ignition combustion, and is already widely used to displace fossil-derived diesels. However, there is a wide range of potential feedstocks suitable for the production of biodiesel, and the composition of these oils and alcohols can have a significant impact on the combustion characteristics of the resultant biodiesel. Therefore, this paper presents a review of biodiesel composition from various sources, and the effects of differing composition on combustion phasing and the emissions of regulated pollutants, NOx and particulate matter, in compression ignition engines. The primary influence of biodiesel composition on fuel ignition delay is through the fatty acid alkyl moiety, with either an increase in alkyl chain length or degree of saturation reducing the duration of ignition delay. NOx emission levels are determined through in-cylinder temperature conditions, most strongly influenced in common rail injection systems by the duration of ignition delay and in mechanical injection systems by injection timing, which advances with increasing biodiesel bulk modulus. Emissions of particulate matter increase with biodiesel physical properties, such as boiling point or viscosity, which increase with both increasing fatty acid moiety and alcohol moiety alkyl chain length.
Design and testing of an algebraic scroll expander for power generation from a waste heat recovery system
Authors: Kim Hyun-Jin , Moon Je-Hyun , Kim Yong-Hee
Published: August 2015

A scroll expander was designed, fabricated, and tested as a power converting device in a waste heat recovery system fitted to the cooling system of internal combustion engine. An algebraic spiral was adopted as the base curve for the scroll wrap profile for the compact scroll design. A reduction of approximately 13.2% was accomplished in the scroll diameter, compared to conventional involute scroll. Additionally, numerical analysis on the expander performance showed that the performance of the designed algebraic scroll expander was about the same as that of a conventional scroll expander. The fabricated prototype was tested in a R134a Rankine cycle with a heat source of 20 kW. For the operating conditions of 20–26 bar and 90–93℃ at the expander inlet and 8–9 bar at the outlet, the expander produced a shaft power of 0.6–0.7 kW at an operating speed range of 1500–2000 r/min. This corresponded to an expander efficiency of 40–45%. The volumetric efficiency also increased as the expander speed increased, reaching to 80% at 2000 r/min. Furthermore, compared to the numerical simulation results, the mechanical efficiency from the test data was found to be considerably low as much as 30%.
Identification of nonlinear actuators with time delay and rate saturation using meta-heuristic optimization algorithms
Authors: Sarhadi Pouria , Khosravi Alireza , Bijani Vahid
Published: August 2015

Actuators with rate and amplitude saturations and time delay are natural parts of autonomous systems. Accurate identification of these actuators is a prominent issue in controller design process. Nonlinear behavior and time delay characteristics have caused more complexity in identification. Various references have dealt with control of autonomous systems considering dynamics of actuators; however, the identification topic has not been explored properly. This article illustrates how meta-heuristic optimization techniques can be used to precisely identify such systems. At first, actuator model as a nonlinear system is considered as a combination of saturation elements, linear transfer function and an inserted time delay. Afterward, actuator model is identified using several optimization methods. The proposed scheme is simulated on a hypothetical system and its performance is demonstrated. Then, it is employed in an identification problem of a realistic actuator. The results revealed that the proposed method has appropriate performance in identification of actuators’ dynamics.
Risk-adjusted Performance Evaluation of Indian Mutual Fund Schemes
Authors: Arora Kavita
Published: August 2015

The present study evaluates the performance of mutual fund schemes in India using risk-adjusted measures of performance evaluation, namely, Sharpe ratio and Treynor ratio, for a sample of 100 Indian mutual fund schemes selected on the basis of availability of consecutive data during the period 1st April 2000 to 31st March 2008. The findings suggest that the overall performance of mutual fund schemes during the study period was mixed. The results of Sharpe ratios of mutual fund schemes revealed that during the full study period, Sharpe ratios of 52 per cent of schemes were better than the Sharpe ratios of their benchmark indices. It was also found that 42 per cent of growth schemes, 40 per cent of tax planning schemes, 75 per cent of income schemes and 91 per cent of balanced schemes, respectively, had performed better than their respective indices in terms of Sharpe ratio. During the full study period, 70 per cent of mutual fund schemes had higher Treynor ratios than those of their respective indices. Analysis further revealed that in the full study period, 64 per cent of growth schemes, 60 per cent of tax planning schemes, 76 per cent of income schemes and 100 per cent of balanced schemes, respectively, had better Treynor ratios than the Treynor ratios of their benchmark indices.
Quasi-periodic vibrations in a delayed van der Pol oscillator with time-periodic delay amplitude
Authors: Hamdi Mustapha , Belhaq Mohamed
Published: August 2015

Quasi-periodic vibrations in a delayed van der Pol oscillator with time-periodic delay amplitude is investigated in this paper. The case where the delay amplitude in the position is modulated with a certain amplitude and a resonant frequency is considered. Application of the double perturbation method enables approximation of the amplitudes of quasi-periodic vibrations of the oscillator near a parametric resonance for which the frequency of the delay amplitude modulation is near twice the natural frequency of the oscillator. Analytical approximations supported by numerical simulations provide the regions in parameter space where quasi-periodic vibrations exist. Results show that the modulation of the delay amplitude in the position not only gives birth to quasi-periodic vibrations in a large range of parameters, but also with broadband large-amplitude covering a wide range of excitation frequency.
Model free sliding mode stabilizing control of a real rotary inverted pendulum
Authors: Yiğit İlhami
Published: August 2015

Inverted pendulum systems, because of highly nonlinear, coupled, and unstable dynamic behaviour, are excellent experimental platforms for testing new developed control algorithms. This study explores nonlinear modelling, simulation and sliding mode stabilizing control of a real rotary inverted pendulum in detail. For simulation purposes only, the system was modelled in a nonlinear state space form including the servomotor dynamics. In the light of the simulation results, a rotary inverted pendulum system was designed and manufactured. For a certain quality level of desired output, benefits of the sliding mode control of the system without using an equivalent control signal by selecting a proper smoothing function were shown. This model free approach can be used to satisfy a need especially for practical control applications in industry to a certain level, encouraging practical control engineers to use sliding mode control, who have no ability to model a system or no sufficient time for this, or encounter very complex nonlinear system models in many cases. Comparisons of the theoretical and experimental results demonstrate that the state equations describe the dynamics of the system satisfactorily, and that robust and accurate balancing of the pendulum can be achieved by using model free sliding mode control with sigmoid smoothing function.
Propagation of torsional surface wave in sandy layer sandwiched between a non-homogeneous and a gravitating anisotropic porous semi-infinite media
Authors: Prasad Ratan Mani , Kundu Santimoy , Gupta Shishir
Published: August 2015

The present paper attempts to study the propagation of torsional surface waves in a pre-stressed dry sandy layer sandwiched by a pre-stressed non-homogeneous semi-infinite medium and an anisotropic porous half-space under gravity. The non-homogeneity in the non-homogeneous layer is caused by the quadratic variation in rigidity, density and initial stress. The inhomogeneity has been assumed as hyperbolic variation in the dry sandy layer. The dispersion equation of motion has been derived under suitable boundary conditions in a close form, which shows the variation of phase velocity of the corresponding wave number. The velocities of torsional waves are calculated numerically as a function of kH and presented in a number of graphs where k is the wave number and H is the thickness of the sandy layer. The effect of inhomogeneity in the elastic modulus of rigidity, pre-stress, density, gravity and porosity depicted by means of graph, using MATLAB software. The study reveals that the torsional waves propagate in the pre-stress dry sandy layer sandwiched between the considered media. This work may be useful to understand the nature of seismic wave propagation during earthquakes.
Understanding Audit and Feedback to Support Falls Prevention and Pain Management in Home Health Care
Authors: Gifford Wendy , Davies Barbara , Rowan Margo , Egan Mary , Lefebre Nancy , Brehaut Jamie A.
Published: August 2015

Audit and feedback (A&F) is commonly used to improve health care; yet enormous variability exists in effectiveness and little is known about A&F in home health care. This article explores A&F as a strategy to support evidence-based care for falls prevention and pain management. We use interviews to describe how A&F is currently used and explore how it can support patient care. Thirteen interviews were conducted with a multidisciplinary sample and descriptively analyzed. Findings showed that data were audited by frontline staff but were inconsistently fed back to the front line, and the meaning of data depended on the context and participants’ roles. Findings suggest A&F should include indicators to benchmark patient outcomes, target actionable processes of care, and be tailored to provider groups.
Free vibration and vibrational displacements analysis of thick elastically supported laminated curved panels with power-law distribution functionally graded layers and finite length via 2D GDQ method
Authors: Tahouneh Vahid , Naei Mohammad H
Published: August 2015

This paper deals with free vibration and vibrational displacements analysis of thick laminated curved panels with finite length resting on two-parameter elastic foundations based on the three-dimensional elasticity theory. Because of using two-dimensional generalized differential quadrature method, the present approach makes possible vibration analysis of cylindrical panels with two opposite axial edges simply supported and arbitrary boundary conditions including free, simply supported and clamped at the curved edges. The material properties vary continuously through the layers’ thickness according to a three-parameter power-low distribution. It is assumed that the inner surfaces of the functionally graded sheets are metal rich, while the outer surfaces of the layers can be metal rich, ceramic rich or made of a mixture of two constituents. The benefit of using the considered power-law distribution is to illustrate and present useful results arising from symmetric and asymmetric profiles. The effects of two-parameter elastic foundation modulus, geometrical and material parameters together with the boundary conditions on the frequency parameters of the laminated functionally graded panels are investigated. The obtained results show that the outer functionally graded material layers have significant effect on the vibration behavior of cylindrical panels. This study serves as a benchmark for assessing the validity of numerical methods or two-dimensional theories used to analysis of laminated curved panels.
Whose family fits? Categorization and evaluation of same-sex and cross-race-parent families
Authors: Kille David R. , Tse Crystal T.
Published: August 2015

As family structures diversify, attitudes towards “nontraditional” families (e.g., same-sex-parent and cross-race families) appear to be becoming more favorable. Despite more favorable attitudes, we propose that explicitly and implicitly people view nontraditional families as less family-like than traditional (i.e., heterosexual, same-race) families. We also propose that people will hold the behavior of nontraditional (vs. traditional) families to higher standards. In Study 1, participants explicitly rated nontraditional (vs. traditional) family photos as less family-like and as less loving. In Study 2, using a reaction-time measure, participants took longer to correctly categorize nontraditional (vs. traditional) families into the family category, suggesting that at an implicit level people have greater difficulty recognizing nontraditional families as “family.” In Studies 3 and 4, ambiguous (i.e., positive and negative) behavior licensed more harsh evaluations of a nontraditional family—but did not affect evaluations of a traditional family—relative to learning only positive family behavior. Despite survey data that suggest that people’s views of nontraditional families are becoming more favorable, our evidence indicates that people nonetheless harbor prejudice against certain family structures. Beyond documenting two biases against nontraditional families, this work highlights the need for prejudice researchers to examine meaningful levels of social identity, such as family units, that are intermediate between individuals and broad social classes.
Intergroup status differences as challenge or threat: The role of legitimacy
Authors: Scheepers Daan
Published: August 2015

Based on social identity theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1979) we examined the motivational consequences of intergroup status differences as a function of the legitimacy of these differences. Motivational responses were conceptualized in terms of challenge and threat and operationalized by their cardiovascular markers, as described by the biopsychosocial model of challenge and threat (BPS-CT; Blascovich & Mendes, 2010). Participants ( N = 104) were categorized in minimal groups. Group status and status legitimacy were manipulated in the context of an intergroup competition. High status elicited relatively more challenge (less threat) when status differences were legitimate than when they were illegitimate. Low status elicited relatively less threat (more challenge) when status differences were illegitimate than when they were legitimate. Cardiovascular reactivity in line with challenge mediated performance during the competition. Results are discussed in terms of the relationship between social status and stress, and the BPS-CT as novel and useful motivational framework for studying social identity processes.
First! Cultural circulation in the age of recursivity
Authors: Powers Devon
Published: August 2015

This article develops a cultural theory of firstness and argues for its importance in understanding contemporary cultural circulation. It argues that firstness is a metaculture that plays a role in making culture circulation faster, more reliant on quantification, and more promotional. After drawing support from philosophical, historical, and theoretical understandings of firstness, the article pays particular attention to the cases of web-based comment threads and music blogs to showcase how the competition to be first is central to the cultural ecosystem, especially but not only online. The conclusion suggests how firstness might be indicative of a recursive cultural mode.