bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longevity After Aortic Root Replacement
Authors: Etz Christian D. , Girrbach Felix F. , von Aspern Konstantin , Battellini Roberto , Dohmen Pascal , Hoyer Alexandro , Luehr Maximilian , Misfeld Martin , Borger Michael A. , Mohr Friedrich W.
Published: September 2013

Background—

The choice of the best conduit for root/ascending disease and its impact on longevity remain controversial in quinquagenarians.

Methods and Results—

A total of 205 patients (men=155) between 50 and 60 years (mean, 55.7±2.9 years) received either a stentless porcine xenoroot (n=78) or a mechanically valved composite prosthesis (n=127) between February 1998 and July 2011. Of these, 166 patients underwent root replacement for aneurysmal disease (porcine: 39% [n=65]; mechanical: 61% [n=101];
P
=0.5), 25 for acute type A aortic dissection (porcine: 32% [n=8]; mechanical: 68% [n=17];
P
=0.51), and 14 for endocarditis/iatrogenic injury involving the aortic root (6.4% [n=5] versus 7.1% [n=9];
P
=1.0). The predominant aortic valve pathology was stenosis in 19% (n=38), regurgitation in 50% (n=102), combined valvular dysfunction in 26% (n=54), and normal aortic valve function in 5% (n=11). Concomitant procedures included coronary artery bypass grafting (13%), mitral valve repair (7%), and partial/complete arch replacement (12%/4%), with no significant differences between porcine and mechanical root replacement. Overall hospital mortality was 7.3%, with no difference between the 2 types of valve prostheses (7.7% for porcine and 7.1% for mechanical root replacement;
P
=1.0). Follow-up averaged 5.4±3.7 years (1096 patient-years) and was 100% complete. Freedom from aorta-related reoperation at 12 years was not statistically different between the groups (porcine: 94.9% versus mechanical: 96.1%;
P
=0.73). Survival was equivalent between both groups, with a 5-year survival of 86±3% (porcine: 88±4%; mechanical: 85±3%;
P
=0.96) and a 10-year survival of 76% (porcine: 80±7%; mechanical: 75±5%;
P
=0.84). The linearized mortality rate was 3.1%/patient-year (porcine: 2.9%/patient-year; mechanical: 3.2%/patient-year).

Conclusions—

In quinquagenerians, long-term survival after stentless porcine xenograft aortic root replacement is equivalent to that after a mechanical Bentall procedure. These results bring into question the predominance of mechanical composite conduits for root replacement in quinquagenerians, particularly in the current era of transcatheter valve-in-valve procedures for structural valve deterioration.
An Introduction to Jere Abbott's Russian Diary, 1927–1928
Authors: Dickerman Leah
Published: September 2013

In 1978, in its seventh issue, October published the travel diaries written by Alfred H. Barr, Jr., who would go on to become the founding director of the Museum of Modern Art, during his two-month sojourn in Russia in 1927–28. They were accompanied by a note from Barr's wife, Margaret Scolari Barr, who had made the documents available, and an introduction written by Jere Abbott, an art historian and former director of the Smith College Museum of Art who had returned to his family's textile business in Maine. Abbott and Barr had made the journey together, traveling from London in October 1927 to Holland and Germany (including a four-day visit to the Bauhaus) and then, on Christmas Day 1927, over the border into Soviet Russia. Abbott, as Margaret Barr had noted, kept his own journal on the trip. Abbott's, if anything, was more detailed and expansive in documenting its author's observations and perceptions of Soviet cultural life at this pivotal moment; and his perspective offers both a complement and counterpoint to Barr's. Russia after the revolution was largely uncharted territory for Anglophone cultural commentary: This, in combination with the two men's deep interest in and knowledge of contemporary art, makes their journals rare documents of the Soviet cultural terrain in the late 1920s. We present Abbott's diaries here, thirty-five years after the publication of Barr's, with thanks to the generous cooperation of the Smith College Museum of Art, where they are now held.
“Did Not He Who Made Me in the Belly Make Him, and the Same One Fashion Us in the Womb?”(Job 31:15)
Authors: Dawson Kirsten
Published: September 2013

Drawing on Slavoj Žižek’s book Violence, I apply the concepts of subjective, systemic, and symbolic violence to an analysis of the imagery and ideology of slavery in the book of Job. Much of the rhetoric of the book of Job paints Job as the innocent victim of subjective violence. As part of this, Job deploys the imagery of slavery to portray both his suffering and his righteousness. Within the world of the story, however, Job is the principal beneficiary of the systemic violence of the institution of slavery. His rhetoric renders invisible the systemic violence of slavery, and displaces his own slaves from consideration as victims of violence. With regard to systemic violence, Job is revealed to be a perpetrator more than he is a victim.
Toxico-resistance of Baltic amphipod species to heavy metals
Authors: Strode Evita , Balode Maija
Published: September 2013

Benthic organisms are important components of aquatic ecosystems and have been widely used to assess environmental pollution. Being very sensitive to a wide range of toxicants amphipods are often used as test objects in eco-toxicological studies. The aim of this study was to compare toxico-resistance of various Baltic amphipod species to exposure of heavy metals. The acute toxicity (48-h LC50 and 96-h LC50) of cadmium (CdCl2), copper (CuSO4) and zinc (ZnSO4 ⋅ 7H2O) was detected experimentally, using juveniles and adults of brackish water amphipods, Monoporeia affinis, Bathyporeia pilosa, Gammarus tigrinus, Pontogammarus robustoides and the freshwater amphipod Gammarus pulex as test objects. Amphipods were collected in Latvian territorial waters of the Open Baltic Sea, the Gulf of Riga and in a freshwater body (Kalkugrava canal). Sensitivity of native amphipod species was compared to Hyalella azteca (a species widespread in North America; a strain obtained from the Chesapeake Culture Collection, Hayes, VA, U.S.A.). High sensitivity of all tested amphipod species, except M. affinis, to heavy metals was observed. A two-way ANOVA analysis showed significant differences in toxico-resistance of selected test objects (). The highest toxico-resistance was shown by the brackish water amphipod M. affinis (96-h LC50: Cd 5.16 mg/l; Cu 5.68 mg/l; Zn 11.31 mg/l), but the lowest by the freshwater species G. pulex and H. azteca (96-h LC50 for Cd 0.005 and 0.007 mg/l, accordingly). Cadmium was the most toxic from the tested heavy metals, followed by copper and zinc.
International Legal Responses to the Flag State in Breach of its Duties: Possibilities for Other States to Take Action against the Flag State
Authors: Takei Yoshinobu
Published: September 2013

This article examines what action can be taken against the flag state by other states when the flag state does not comply with the duty with respect to ships flying its flag. The article starts with enumerating actions stipulated in treaties as well as those taken in state practice. It then analyses legal requirements in treaty law and general international law and policy considerations for such actions.
Two new species of Zeravschania (Umbelliferae) and some additional notes on the genus
Authors: PIMENOV MICHAEL G. , KLJUYKOV EUGENE V.
Published: September 2013

Two new species, Zeravschania latifolia from Ghorat province of Afghanistan, and Z. kopetdaghensis from Turkmenistan, are described and illustrated. Zeravschania latifolia differs from the closely related Z. membranacea in having broadly ovate (not narrowly linear) terminal leaf segments, and pure white (not pale yellow) petals. Zeravschania kopetdaghensis differs from the related Z. stricticaulis in the life form (polycarpic vs. monocarpic), petiolate subbipinnate leaves, lobed terminal leaf segments, and shorter umbel rays. A study of newly determined collections in Ferdowsi University in Mashhad (FUMH) has enabled us to add to a description of Z. stricticaulis. In total, the genus numbers now 11 species. A new key to all Zeravschania species has been compiled. A distribution map of the genus is presented with known localities of the two new species.
Plinia delicata (Myrtaceae), a new species from southeastern Brazil
Authors: ANTUNES KELLY , SALIMENA FÁTIMA REGINA GONÇALVES , SOBRAL MARCOS
Published: September 2013

Here, we describe and illustrate Plinia delicata, a new species from rocky outcrops from the southeastern Brazilian states of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro. The new species is related to Plinia pseudodichasiantha, from which it is distinguished mainly through the smaller leaves and longer bracteoles.
Checklist of the earthworm fauna of Croatia (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae)
Authors: KUTUZOVIĆ DAVORKA HACKENBERGER , KUTUZOVIĆ BRANIMIR HACKENBERGER
Published: September 2013

A checklist of the Croatian earthworm fauna (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae) is presented, including published records and authors' personal data. This is the first checklist for Croatia only, with comprehensive information for each earthworm species regarding ecological category, habitat, distribution type and distribution in Croatia. The currently known earthworm fauna of Croatia comprises 68 species belonging to 17 genera, with Octodrilus being the species-richest genus (15 species). Chorologically these species can be allocated to 13 different types of distribution. Nineteen species are endemic of which 10 species are endemic to Croatia and 9 species are endemic to Croatia and neighbouring countries (Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, and Montenegro). The endemic earthworms are distributed in the areas of higher altitudes in the Continental and Alpine biogeographic region, mostly covered with forest or autochtonous vegetation.
Globorentonium, a new genus of rentoniine Trogossitidae (Coleoptera: Cleroidea) from Australia and Brazil
Authors: LAWRENCE JOHN F. , SLIPINSKI ADAM
Published: September 2013

A new genus of Rentoniini, Globorentonium gen. n., is described including three new species: G. globulum sp. n. (type species) from Tasmania, Victoria, ACT and southern New South Wales; G. lescheni sp. n. from northern New South Wales and G. plaumanni sp. n. from southern Brazil. The new genus is compared with other known genera of Rentoniinae, and a key to world genera is provided.
Interhemispheric Teleconnections from Tropical Heat Sources in Intermediate and Simple Models
Authors: Ji Xuan , Neelin J. David , Lee Sang-Ki. , Mechoso Carlos R.
Published: September 2013

The mechanisms that control the interhemispheric teleconnections from tropical heat sources are investigated using an intermediate complexity model [a quasi-equilibrium tropical circulation model (QTCM)] and a simple linear two-level model with dry dynamics. Illustrating the interhemispheric teleconnection process with an Atlantic warm pool principal case, the heat source directly excites a baroclinic response that spreads across the equator. Then, three processes involving baroclinic–barotropic interactions—shear advection, surface drag, and vertical advection—force a cross-equatorial barotropic Rossby wave response. An analysis of these processes in QTCM simulations indicates that 1) shear advection has a pattern that roughly coincides with the baroclinic signal in the tropics and subtropics, 2) surface drag has large amplitude and spatial extent and can be very effective in forcing barotropic motions around the globe, and 3) vertical advection has a significant contribution locally and remotely where large vertical motions and vertical shear occur. The simple model is modified to perform experiments in which each of these three mechanisms may be included or omitted. By adding surface drag and vertical advection, and comparing each to shear advection, the effects of the three mechanisms on the generation and propagation of the barotropic Rossby waves are shown to be qualitatively similar to the results in QTCM. It is also found that the moist processes included in the QTCM can feed back on the teleconnection process and alter the teleconnection pattern by enlarging the prescribed tropical heating in both intensity and geographical extent and by inducing remote precipitation anomalies by interaction with the basic state.
Fiscal Subsidies and Environmental Sustainability: What does the Cross-country Empirical Estimates Suggest?
Authors: Chakraborty Debashis , Mukherjee Sacchidananda
Published: September 2013

A number of developed as well as developing countries provide subsidies to domestic players, leading to overproduction and over-exploitation of natural resources, which pose a serious threat to environmental sustainability. The analysis in this article attempts to understand the role of government budgetary subsidies on the overall environmental performance index through panel data model estimation for a set of 74 countries over an 11-year period (2000–2010). The empirical findings confirm the theoretical prediction that subsidies lead to environmental degradation, which is of particular concern for developing countries.
Doha Round Sectoral Negotiations: A Study on Health-care Sector in India
Authors: Verma Rajat , Kallummal Murali , Varma Poornima
Published: September 2013

This article is an attempt to analyze the need for negotiations (if any) for India, in the sector of ‘Enhanced Healthcare’ which is one of the 14 sectors in the Sectoral Negotiations (a component of Non Agricultural Market Access) of the ongoing Doha round. This is done by looking at various components of the Doha Round Sectoral Proposals specifically from India’s context. We have compared India’s competitiveness with the four countries, i.e., US; Singapore; Switzerland and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, which have proposed 25 product categories (i.e., 25 chapters in HS nomenclature) in this sector for free trade and hence are called as ‘the proponents’ of this sector. We have used two trade indicators, growth rate of exports and revealed comparative advantage, for analyzing the India’s relative competitiveness. Both the trade indicators show that India does have a comparative cost advantage to be one of key players in this sector. However, this opportunity has to be reaped judiciously by Indian government so as to make best use. Also, at same time the need of the hour is that the government should invest in this sector so as to meet the basic international standards and thereby helping not only the Indian populace but also the industry as a whole.
Finite difference adaptation of the decomposition of layered composite structures on irregular grid
Authors: Wennberg David , Stichel Sebastian , Wennhage Per
Published: September 2013

The finite difference method is used to solve the time-dependent thermo mechanical response of a layered composite structure subjected to fire. State variables of the composite are chosen whereby the external and internal boundary conditions are derived for an irregular grid through the thickness of the structure. The homogenised mass flux and specific heat capacity of pyrolysis gases over a layered composite is also defined. The formulations are tested against documented results found in the literature.
Behavioral characteristics of composite-antenna-structure covering three bands under compression load
Authors: Kim Jinyul , Kim Dongseob , Shin Dongsik , Park Weesang , Hwang Woonbong
Published: September 2013

A composite-antenna-structure covering three bands of global positioning system (1.575 GHz), digital multimedia broadcasting (2.62 GHz) and direct broadcast satellite (11.7–13.5 GHz) was designed and fabricated as a part of the structure surfaces. A new concept of antennas integrated into a composite sandwich structure provides a design that is an electrically and structurally effective multi-functional antenna structure. We designed two types of antennas. One is an annular ring patch antenna for global positioning system and digital multimedia broadcasting. The other is a microstrip patch antenna for direct broadcast satellite. In the design process, the effects of the composites and adhesive films are considered for in the design processes, because structural materials affect the antenna performance. Additionally, the composite-antenna-structure was designed by considering the coupling effect in a strict substrate. The measured results of buckling tests have provided useful information regarding not only the compression behavioral characteristics but also its degradation in electrical performance before and after the test. The experimental results have shown good results for compressive tolerance, though the specimens after compression loading returns to their original shape before failure. Additionally, an acoustic emission system is implemented in the buckling test system to study the inner behavior of the composite-antenna-structure for the reliability of secure mechanical performance. The antenna performance, as measured by the return loss and radiation pattern, remained excellent after the compression tests. These electrical performance results suggest that antennas with composite laminates will function well despite damage.
On the torsional stiffness of thick laminated plates
Authors: Honickman Hart , Johrendt Jennifer , Frise Peter
Published: September 2013

An analytical method is developed for the calculation of the torsional stiffness of thick laminated rectangular plates of finite width. Through-thickness shear deformations are included in order to satisfy vanishing of in-plane shear stresses at the free edges, which constitutes a non-trivial effect in thick laminated plates. The present method is based upon the calculation of a characteristic value for the relevant laminate, which serves to quantify the relative rate at which in-plane shear stresses are attenuated near free edges. This characteristic value is subsequently utilized in order to calculate an “effective” width-to-thickness aspect ratio, which is then used to calculate the torsional stiffness of the laminated plate. The present analytical method is computationally validated against 22 unique cases that were synthesized from seven different laminate layups, two different width-to-thickness aspect ratios, and two types of torsional loadings.
Repatriating Indigenous Technologies in an Urban Indian Community
Authors: Bang Megan , Marin Ananda , Faber Lori , Suzukovich Eli S.
Published: September 2013

Indigenous people are significantly underrepresented in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The solution to this problem requires a more robust lens than representation or access alone. Specifically, it will require careful consideration of the ecological contexts of Indigenous school age youth, of which more than 70% live in urban communities (National Urban Indian Family Coalition, 2008). This article reports emergent design principles derived from a community-based design research project. These emergent principles focus on the conceptualization and uses of technology in science learning environments designed for urban Indigenous youth. In order to strengthen learning environments for urban Indigenous youth, it is necessary, we argue, that scholars and educators take seriously the ways in which culture mediates relationships with, conceptions of, and innovations in technology and technologically related disciplines. Recognizing these relationships will inform the subsequent implications for learning environments.
COMPUGIRLS’ Standpoint
Authors: Scott Kimberly A. , White Mary Aleta
Published: September 2013

This article investigates the motivations of African American and Latino girls ( N = 41) who navigate urban Southwest school districts during the day, but voluntarily attend a 2-year, culturally responsive multimedia program after school and into the summer. Understanding that girls from economically disadvantaged settings are indeed motivated to become technological innovators but often do not have access to the necessary resources to follow their interest, our program—entitled COMPUGIRLS—assumes a culturally responsive computing approach. This research examines particular features of the program (e.g., asset building, reflections, and connectedness) that attracted and retained the Latina (74%) and African American (19%) adolescent (ages 13-18) participants as well as to what extent the culturally relevant aspects of the curriculum assist with program retention and/or affect the students’ vision of themselves as a future technologist. An evaluative approach gathered 2 years of data from the participants. Field notes from observations and interviews were transcribed and reviewed to extract themes and areas of convergence. As a standpoint theory project, the authors center the girls’ voices as the primary data sources. Two primary themes emerged from the data to explain girls’ sustained motivation. The first was the challenge of learning and mastering the technology. For many, this also included disproving the stereotypes of their abilities by age, gender, and race. The second theme was being able to manipulate technology and learning experiences as a means of self-expression and research, particularly if the results could be used to inform their community and peers. The authors posit that much of the program impact was because of the culturally responsive practices (asset building, reflection, and connectedness) embedded within the curriculum. Implications for urban educators and program developers are considered.
Designing Games, Designing Roles
Authors: Sheridan Kimberly M. , Clark Kevin , Williams Asia
Published: September 2013

Collaboration (GDMC), an informal education program in 3D computer modeling and 2D interactive game design serving primarily African American youth aged 7 to 19 years in the Washington, D.C. metro area, transformed from a program designed and taught by adults to one designed and taught by youth. In Year 1, 8% of youth participants held a leadership role; by Year 4, 30% of youth participants did. Moreover, the nature of these roles transformed, with youth increasingly taking on responsibilities formerly held by adults. In this qualitative study, the authors describe and seek to understand this role shifting. Through the extensive collection and analysis of field observations over 4 years, the authors describe qualitative shifts in the agency involved in these roles—moving from a conception of youth as student to assistant to youth as designer and implementer of instruction. The authors analyze changes in youth agency that accompanied their implementation of the studio mentorship model where classrooms were transformed from traditional teacher-led classes to studios with a 1:3 ratio of peer mentors to students. The authors describe how, following this shift, youth initiated new instructional roles leading to the creation of a mentor-instructor pipeline. The authors pose the GDMC program as an example to discuss how culturally relevant computing practice emerges from a programmatic goal of viewing youth as assets and actively seeking ways to support youth’s initiatives and agency in digital technology education. The authors argue for the value of this asset building in technology education as a way to encourage youth from traditionally underserved groups to become technology leaders and innovators.
Reuse of hazardous calcium fluoride sludge from the integrated circuit industry
Authors: Zhu Ping , Cao Zhenbang , Ye YiLi , Qian Guangren , Lu Bo , Zhou Ming , Zhou Jin
Published: September 2013

The Chinese integrated circuit industry has been transformed from a small state-owned sector into a global competitor, but chip manufacturing produces large amounts of calcium fluoride sludges (CFS). In China, landfill is a current option for treating CFS. In order to solve the problem of unavailable landfill sites and prevent fluorine from dissolved CFS polluting water sources, CFS was tested as a component for a ceramic product made with sodium borate, sodium phosphate and waste alumina using a low-temperature sintering technology, and the effects of various factors on characteristics of the ceramic were investigated to optimize the process. The best sintering temperature was controlled at 700°C, and the optimal raw material ratio of the ceramic was 11% sodium borate, 54% sodium phosphate, 30% CFS and 5% waste alumina. The CFS ceramic was characterized by a morphological structure and X-ray diffraction. The results indicated that CFS was transformed into Na2Ca(PO4)F as an inert and a main crystalline phase in the ceramic, which was enclosed by the borophosphate glass. Toxicity characteristic leaching procedure, corrosion resistance and compressive strength tests verified CFS ceramic as a qualified construction ceramic material, and the fluorine from CFS was solidified in the inert crystalline phase, which would not be released to cause secondary pollution. This novel technology not only avoids the CFS hydrolyzing reaction forming harmful hydrofluoric acid gas at 800°C and above, but also produces high-performance ceramics as a construction material, in accordance with the concept of sustainable development.
Dynamic formation of zeolite synthesized from fly ash by alkaline hydrothermal conversion
Authors: Zhang ZhiJian , Li Jiangli , Li Hongyi , Wang Hang , Zhu Jun , He Qiang
Published: September 2013

This study was designed to characterize the dynamic formation of zeolite synthesized from fly ash (ZFA) and to identify the zeolitization mechanisms during a 160-h-long hydrothermal alkaline conversion at 95°C by using fly ash (FA) samples collected from four typical thermoelectric power plants in China, with the purpose of improving ZFA quality. The process of synthesizing ZFA can be fundamentally divided into five stages: induction stage (0–0.5 h), accelerating dissolution stage (0.5–12 h), nucleation and/or crystallization stage (12–24 h), crystal growth stage (24–72 h) and crystal transformation stage (72–160 h). The crystal growth stage determined the quality of zeolite crystallization, coupled with functions of re-assembling the silicon–aluminium tetrahedral network and developing submicro- and/or nanometer microstructure. A 48-h-long hydrothermal conversion generated ZFAs that had a greater specific surface area (26.0–89.4 times) and cation exchange capacity (29.6–71.0 times) than FA, which successfully sequestrated 41–95% of ammonium and 75–98% of phosphate from swine manure. However, over-reaction resulted in more stable hydroxysodalite and/or sodalite, surface agglomeration and cracking, and energy wasting. This work suggests that the reuse of recycled synthesis materials should occur during the fourth step (24–72 h).
Asymptomatic Mycoplasma genitalium infection amongst marginalised young people accessing a youth health service in Melbourne
Authors: Henning Dorothy , Eade Donna , Langstone Alison , Bean-Hodges Alison , Marceglia Alexandra , Azzopardi Peter
Published: September 2013

We conducted a study to establish the prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium amongst asymptomatic young people experiencing homelessness in the context of comprehensive health care delivery. All asymptomatic young people at risk of sexually transmitted infections were offered urinary polymerase chain reaction testing for M. genitalium whilst being tested for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae over a four-month period in 2012. Those who tested positive were notified of the infection and offered treatment. Sixty asymptomatic young people (36 female and 24 male) were tested for M. genitalium, identifying eight cases (13%) (six female and two male). Ten young people (17%) tested positive for C. trachomatis, three (5%) of whom were positive for both M. genitalium and C. trachomatis. There were no cases of N. gonorrhoeae. Of the eight cases of M. genitalium, seven were contactable and five were treated at our clinic with azithromycin 1 g stat. Two of the five returned after a month for a test of cure, identifying one resistant infection. Further data on the epidemiology of M. genitalium are required before testing recommendations can be made; however, consideration should be given to testing for M. genitalium in settings where other sexually transmitted infections are prevalent.
Open Source Theory .01
Authors: Glassman Michael
Published: September 2013

This paper attempts to introduce the idea of an Open Source theory of human behavior; a theory emerging out of the capabilities and possibilities offered to humans through activities on the Internet. The Internet offers new types of connections and links between distributed human thinking that can transcend traditional boundaries and hierarchies. Open Source activities began in limited hacker/programming communities, the most famous of which is the Linux development project. These communities began to develop activity trajectories and ethical perspectives that stretched beyond programming—including the importance of sharing information early and often and inviting participants to be co-owners in the developing project. Open Source theory has the potential to play a role in our understanding of the evolution of the human mind as a separate, uniquely human phenomenon, acting as a counterweight to the more biologically oriented explanations offered by much of evolutionary psychology.
Regulating Internet access and content in UK public libraries: Findings from the MAIPLE project
Authors: Spacey Rachel , Cooke Louise , Creaser Claire , Muir Adrienne
Published: September 2013

This paper reports the results of an online survey concerning the management of Internet access in UK public libraries. All UK public library authorities were invited to complete the survey which had a response rate of 39%. The survey explored the ways in which acceptable use of the Internet in public libraries is managed through the use of mechanisms such as filtering software and authentication of identity. All 80 responding public library authorities used filtering software. Procedures for authenticating identity for static Internet access were uniform whereas wireless access was much less regulated.
Transparency of research policy and the role of librarians
Authors: Demšar Franci , Južnič Primož
Published: September 2013

The current study examines the impact of a research agency on researchers’ behaviour in the context of science policy and the decision to use an existing Library Union catalogue system – Co-operative Online Bibliographic System and Services – as the basis for a research data evaluation. Central and Eastern Europe countries, new European Union member states, represent an ideal laboratory to study the evolution of research organisation since changes are more rapid and profound than in Western European countries. That is why the effects of implementing the transparency of research results on a national level, in Slovenia, are presented through a case study of the Slovenian Research Agency. Thomson Scientific Web of Science citation databases have been used as a starting point for conducting publication analyses after the introduction of new Slovenian Current Research Information System. The findings suggest that transparency, if required by the research funding organisation per se, offers a change and can steer the growth of publications containing research results, as researchers generally see transparency as a positive element which promotes their work. It is also an important promotion of the work done by librarians in research and academic libraries, as they are responsible for the data. This is in line with the suggestion that library and information professionals should seize the opportunity to have an influence on government policy making in providing bibliometric expertise regarding research evaluation (Oppenheim, 2008).
India’s Evolving Policy Contours towards Post-2014 Afghanistan
Authors: D’Souza Shanthie Mariet
Published: September 2013

Much speculation abounds on India’s evolving policy towards post-2014 Afghanistan. While India’s aid-only policy in post-2001 Afghanistan has been criticized for piggy backing on the US military efforts, it has generated domestic debate, given the vulnerabilities its projects and personnel face in Afghanistan. The debate is bound to grow more intense as Afghanistan prepares for the inteqal (transition), and many countries including India need to indulge in tactical policy manoeuvring and readjustment in the light of the receding international military footprint by 2014. As the hasty announcements of withdrawal, largely perceived as exit by the Afghans and the regional powers, is pushing the country yet again to the maxims of uncertainty, New Delhi will have to prepare itself for a host of scenarios that may befall on the war-torn country after 2014. With Western countries heading for egress, can India consolidate or build on its decade-long gains through bilateral, institutional and regional cooperation beyond 2014. In the transformational decade (2014–2024), its policy markers in Afghanistan, however, has to navigate through the potentially challenging options of securing its own strategic, security and economic interests, averting a civil war or takeover by extremist forces in Afghanistan, balancing its ties with the difficult neighbours and preventing great power competition in the region.
Diagnostic gap in Bovine viral diarrhea virus serology during the periparturient period in cattle
Authors: Bachofen Claudia , Bollinger Barbara , Peterhans Ernst , Stalder Hanspeter , Schweizer Matthias
Published: September 2013

Detection of antibodies against Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in serum and milk by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a crucial part of all ongoing national schemes to eradicate this important cattle pathogen. Serum and milk are regarded as equally suited for antibody measurement. However, when retesting a seropositive cow 1 day after calving, the serum was negative in 6 out of 9 different ELISAs. To further investigate this diagnostic gap around parturition, pre- and postcalving serum and milk samples of 5 cows were analyzed by BVDV antibody ELISA and serum neutralization test (SNT). By ELISA, 3 out of the 5 animals showed a diagnostic gap in the serum for up to 12 days around calving but all animals remained positive in SNT. In milk, the ELISA was strongly positive after birth but antibody levels decreased considerably within the next few days. Because of the immunoglobulin G (IgG)1-specific transport of serum antibodies into the mammary gland for colostrum production, the IgG subclass specificity of the total and the BVDV-specific antibodies were determined. Although all 5 animals showed a clear decrease in the total and BVDV-specific IgG1 antibody levels at parturition, the precalving IgG1-to-IgG2 ratios of the BVDV-specific antibodies were considerably lower in animals that showed the diagnostic gap. Results showed that BVDV seropositive cows may become “false” negative in several ELISAs in the periparturient period and suggest that the occurrence of this diagnostic gap is influenced by the BVDV-specific IgG subclass response of the individual animal.
Initial Development of a Temporal-Envelope-Preserving Nonlinear Hearing Aid Prescription Using a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Sabin Andrew T. , Souza Pamela E.
Published: September 2013

Most hearing aid prescriptions focus on the optimization of a metric derived from the long-term average spectrum of speech, and do not consider how the prescribed values might distort the temporal envelope shape. A growing body of evidence suggests that such distortions can lead to systematic errors in speech perception, and therefore hearing aid prescriptions might benefit by including preservation of the temporal envelope shape in their rationale. To begin to explore this possibility, we designed a genetic algorithm (GA) to find the multiband compression settings that preserve the shape of the original temporal envelope while placing that envelope in the listener’s audiometric dynamic range. The resulting prescription had a low compression threshold, short attack and release times, and a combination of compression ratio and gain that placed the output signal within the listener’s audiometric dynamic range. Initial behavioral tests of individuals with impaired hearing revealed no difference in speech-in-noise perception between the GA and the NAL-NL2 prescription. However, gap detection performance was superior with the GA in comparison to NAL-NL2. Overall, this work is a proof of concept that consideration of temporal envelope distortions can be incorporated into hearing aid prescriptions.
Effect of neutering and breed on femoral and tibial physeal closure times in male and female domestic cats
Authors: Perry Karen L , Fordham Alice , Arthurs Gareth I
Published: September 2013

The timing of physeal closure is dependent upon many factors, including gonadal steroids, and previous studies have shown that early neutering delays physeal closure. Pelvic and femoral radiographs of 808 cats were analysed and physes at the greater trochanter, proximal femur, distal femur and proximal tibia were recorded as being open or closed. Date of birth, gender, neuter status and breed of cases were recorded. Each physis was analysed individually at a specific age. The number of male entire (ME), male neutered (MN), female entire (FE), female neutered (FN), pedigree and non-pedigree cases at each of these ages was recorded. The number of cases that were open or closed at each stated age were compared between the neutered and entire, the female and male, and the pedigree and non-pedigree groups using a Fischer’s exact test, with P <0.05 being considered significant. Seven hundred and eighty-three radiographs were included: 359 MN, 95 ME, 237 FN and 92 FE. Ninety-six cats were pedigree and 687 were non-pedigree. A statistically significant effect was shown with physes closing later in MN than in ME cats for the greater trochanter ( P = 0.0037), distal femur ( P = 0.0205) and tibial tuberosity ( P = 0.0003). No effect was shown for the proximal tibial or proximal femoral physes, nor for any physis when comparing FE with FN cats. No statistically significant effect of breed or sex was noted. Physeal closure will occur later in MN cats than in ME cats for the greater trochanteric, distal femoral and tibial tuberosity physes, and the potential clinical consequences of this should be evaluated further.
Economic stress and lack of internal health locus of control: A life course approach
Authors: Lindström Martin , Rosvall Maria
Published: September 2013

Aims: To investigate associations between economic stress in childhood and adulthood, and lack of internal health locus of control (HLC), testing the accumulation and critical period life course hypotheses. Methods: A cross-sectional public health (postal) survey was conducted in Skåne in 2008, based on a random sample with 28,198 participants in the age interval 18–80 years, with 55% participation. Logistic regressions analyzed associations between childhood and current economic stress, and lack of internal HLC. Results: A 33.7% prevalence of men and 31.8% of women lack internal HLC, which was significantly associated with the covariates included. The accumulation hypothesis was partly supported because combined childhood and adulthood economic stress exposures were significantly associated with lack of internal HLC in a graded manner. The critical period hypothesis was not supported since the association between economic stress in childhood and lack of internal HLC was partly significant in the final model, and the association with adult (current) economic stress was also significant. Conclusions: The accumulation hypothesis was partly supported. The critical period hypothesis was not supported since both childhood and current economic stress experience were significantly associated with lack of internal HLC. Economic conditions in childhood as well as adulthood are plausibly of relevance for HLC.
Exploitation, altruism, and social welfare
Authors: Doepke Matthias
Published: September 2013

Child labor is often condemned as a form of exploitation. I explore how the notion of exploitation, as used in everyday language, can be made precise in economic models of child labor. Exploitation is defined relative to a specific social welfare function. I first show that under the standard dynastic social welfare function, which is commonly applied to intergenerational models, child labor is never exploitative. In contrast, under an inclusive welfare function, which places additional weight on the welfare of children, child labor is always exploitative. Neither welfare function captures the more gradual distinctions that common usage of the term exploitation allows. I resolve this conflict by introducing a welfare function with minimum altruism, in which child labor in a given family is judged relative to a specific social standard. Under this criterion, child labor is exploitative only in families where the parent (or guardian) displays insufficient altruism towards the child. I argue that this welfare function best captures the conventional concept of exploitation and has useful properties for informing political choices regarding child labor.
Family caregivers’ perspectives on dementia-related dressing difficulties at home: The preservation of self model
Authors: Mahoney Diane F , LaRose Sharon , Mahoney Edward L
Published: September 2013

Alzheimer’s caregiving literature acknowledges dressing as a major daily stressor but research on this topic is negligible. A qualitative grounded theory approach was used to explore Alzheimer’s family caregivers’ perspectives about issues that arise when their family members lose the ability to dress independently. Three focus groups and seven individual interviews were conducted and audio recorded with 25 information rich caregivers. Constant comparative analyses and coding of the transcripts identified six major themes leading to a ‘Preservation of Self Model: Care Recipient to Care Giver’ that portrays the caregiving trajectory. Initially, caregivers tried to protect the self dignity of the family member by maintaining usual routines and absorbing blame for difficulties. Dressing ‘battles’ occurred and caregivers learned management through trial and error. Crossing adult–child-gender role boundaries escalated discomfort. When facing unrelenting demands, concern shifted to preservation of the caregivers’ health and self. Results suggest that caregivers would benefit from more pro-active dressing counseling to shorten the trial and error periods, dressing aids more relevant to dementia and more knowledgeable helpers. The preservation model can facilitate understanding of the caregiving trajectory and guide intervention support.
Reconstructing interfacial force distribution for identification of multi-debonding in steel-reinforced concrete structures using noncontact laser vibrometry
Authors: Xu Hao , Su Zhongqing , Cheng Li , Guyader Jean-Louis , Hamelin Patrice
Published: September 2013

Interfacial debonding in multilayered engineering structures can jeopardize the structural integrity without timely awareness. By reconstructing the distribution of interfacial forces and canvassing local perturbance to the structural dynamic equilibrium, an identification approach for interfacial debonding between different structural components was developed. A “debonding index,” governed by the derivatives of reconstructed interfacial forces, was established, able to predict debonding in a quantitative manner including the coexistence of multi-debonding and their individual locations and sizes. The index offers the flexibility of detecting debonding between a beam-like component and its neighboring constituents of any type (beam, plate, shell, or even more complex components) with distinct material properties. To enhance the robustness of the approach under noisy measurement conditions, two denoising techniques (low-pass wavenumber filtering and adjustment of measurement density), together with a data fusion algorithm, were proposed. Using a noncontact laser vibrometry, the approach was validated experimentally by identifying multiple debonding zones in a steel-reinforced concrete slab dismantled from a bridge model. The approach has been demonstrated sensitive to debonding of small dimension owing to the use of high-order differential equation of motion. In addition, it does not require a global model of the entire system, prior information on structural boundaries, benchmark, baseline signals, and additional excitation sources as long as the structure undergoes steady vibration.
Challenging the Neoliberal Climate in Academia From Mentoring Perspectives
Authors: Pérez Michelle Salazar , Pasque Penny A.
Published: September 2013

We find an absence of many methods of support for critical qualitative scholars in the changing academic climate, especially under contemporary neoliberal conditions that include the privileging of academic capitalism. Currently, we find that we have plenty of advice for our former early career selves, which led us to imagine what it might be like if our future selves could talk to our present selves and provide needed mentoring. We anticipate that our future selves would give us comfort and strategic advice, and challenge our ideas about our place and role in the academy. In this critical dialogic narrative, we reflect on what the “future” tenured Michelle would tell the “current” untenured Michelle and what the “future” full professor Penny might tell the “current” associate professor Penny to increase motivation and risk taking, and further challenge the neoliberal practices within the academy.
Endovascular Treatment of the Common Femoral Artery for Limb Ischemia
Authors: Davies Robert S. M. , Adair William , Bolia Amman , Fishwick Guy , Sayers Robert D. , McCarthy Mark J.
Published: September 2013

Objective:

To determine the short- and mid-term outcomes of percutaneous endovascular common femoral artery (CFA) revascularization (eCFR) of the CFA.

Methods:

A review of patients who underwent eCFR for limb ischemia between 2006 and 2012 was performed. Limb salvage, patient survival, survival free from reintervention, and survival free from amputation rates were determined. Median (range) follow-up was 28 (1-71) months.

Results:

In all, 115 patients underwent 121 eCFR for CFA occlusion (n = 13) or stenosis (n = 108); 109 (90%) were technically successful and 7 (6%) had significant perioperative complications; access site hematoma (n = 2) and thromboembolism (n = 5). Thirty-day mortality and amputation rates were 2.5% and 0.8%, respectively. The 1- and 3-year limb salvage rates were 97% and 97%, respectively. The 1- and 3-year survival free from reintervention rates were 77% and 57%, respectively. The 1- and 3-year survival free from amputation rates were 84% and 70%, respectively.

Conclusion:

These novel data demonstrate that eCFR is a durable treatment for patients with limb ischemia associated with CFA disease.
From Orpheus to Yothu Yindi: Music and Legal Cultures
Authors: Dolin Kieran
Published: September 2013

This article offers a contrapuntal discussion of the connections between law and music in a variety of historical and contemporary, Western and non-Western contexts. It aims to introduce a postcolonial inflection into the current debate, using examples drawn from Indigenous law and music in Australia. Working inductively, it demonstrates that music forms part of the nomos or culture of legality in both traditional and modern societies.