bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex Phenotype Associated with 17q21.31 Microdeletion
Authors: Dornelles-Wawruk H. , Pic-Taylor A. , Rosenberg C. , Krepischi A.C.V. , Safatle H.P.N. , Ferrari I. , Mazzeu J.F.
Published: September 2013

We report on a patient carrying a 17q21.31 microdeletion and exhibiting many common syndrome features, together with other clinical signs which have rarely or never been described to date. The detected 695-kb 17q21.31 deletion is larger than in most previously reported cases but is still probably the result of recombination between flanking low-copy repeats. Due to the complexity of the patient's clinical condition, together with the presence of 3 previously unreported symptoms, namely chronic anemia, cervical vertebrae arthrosis and vertebrae fusion, this case is an important addition to the existing knowledge about the 17q21.31 microdeletion syndrome.
Effect of Using Ultrapure Dialysate for Hemodialysis on the Level of Circulating Bacterial Fragment in Renal Failure Patients
Authors: Kwan Bonnie Ching-Ha , Chow Kai-Ming , Ma Terry King-Wing , Cheng Phyllis Mei-Shan , Leung Chi-Bon , Li Philip Kam-Tao , Szeto Cheuk-Chun
Published: September 2013

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of mortality and morbidity in dialysis patients. Recently, circulating endotoxin is found to associate with the systemic inflammatory state and cardiovascular disease of dialysis patients. Previous studies showed that the use of ultrapure dialysate for hemodialysis could reduce the exposure to exogenous endotoxin. We studied the effect of using ultrapure dialysate for hemodialysis on circulating endotoxin and bacterial DNA fragment levels and vascular stiffness. Methods: This is an open-labeled prospective study of 25 patients (14 male). Circulating endotoxin and bacterial DNA level, vascular stiffness as represented by arterial pulse wave velocity (PWV), nutrition and hydration status were monitored before and repeatedly throughout 12 months after the use of ultrapure dialysate for hemodialysis. Results: The average age was 58.9 ± 10.2 years; 21 patients completed the study. Within 4 weeks of conversion to ultrapure dialysate for hemodialysis, the plasma endotoxin level fell from 0.302 ± 0.083 to 0.209 ± 0.044 EU/ml (p < 0.0001) and then remained static, while serum bacterial DNA level remained similar. Furthermore, the time-averaged plasma endotoxin level during the study period significantly correlated with serum C-reactive protein level (r = 0.483, p = 0.017), carotid-femoral PWV (r = 0.455, p = 0.033), and malnutrition inflammation score (r = 0.461, p = 0.031). The time-averaged serum bacterial DNA level significantly correlated with malnutrition inflammation score (r = 0.550, p = 0.008) and inversely with subjective global assessment score (r = -0.543, p = 0.009), but not with PWV. Conclusions: In hemodialysis patients, circulating endotoxin level is associated with vascular stiffness and systemic inflammation. Using ultrapure dialysate for hemodialysis effectively reduces circulating endotoxin level in hemodialysis patients. The long-term benefit of using ultrapure dialysate for hemodialysis requires further study.
Frequency Analysis of Atrial Action Potential Alternans
Authors: Lalani Gautam G. , Schricker Amir A. , Clopton Paul , Krummen David E. , Narayan Sanjiv M.
Published: September 2013

Background—

Few clinical indices identify the propensity of patients to atrial fibrillation (AF) when not in AF. Repolarization alternans has been shown to indicate AF vulnerability, but is limited in its sensitivity to detect changes in action potential (AP) duration (APD), which may be subtle. We hypothesized that spectral analysis would be a more sensitive and robust marker of AP alternans and thus a better clinical index of individual propensity to AF than APD alternans.

Methods and Results—

In 31 patients (12 persistent AF, 15 paroxysmal AF, 4 controls with no AF), we recorded left (n=27) and right (n=6) atrial monophasic APs during incremental pacing from cycle length 500 ms (120 beats per minute) to AF onset. Alternans was measured by APD and spectral analysis. At baseline pacing (median cycle length [1st, 3rd quartiles], 500 ms [500, 500]), APD alternans was detected in only 7 of 27 AF patients (no controls), whereas spectral AP alternans was detected in 18 of 27 AF patients (no controls;
P
=0.003); AP alternans was more prevalent in persistent than paroxysmal AF, and absent in controls (
P
=0.018 APD;
P
=0.042 spectral). Spectral AP alternans magnitude at baseline was highest in persistent AF, with modest rate-dependent amplification, followed by paroxysmal AF, with marked rate dependence, and undetectable in controls until just before induced AF.

Conclusions—

Spectral AP alternans near baseline rates can identify patients with, versus those without, clinical histories and pathophysiological substrates for AF. Future studies should examine whether the presence of spectral AP alternans during sinus rhythm may obviate the need to actually demonstrate AF, such as on ambulatory ECG monitoring.
Slow Delayed Rectifier Potassium Current Blockade Contributes Importantly to Drug-Induced Long QT Syndrome
Authors: Veerman Christiaan C. , Verkerk Arie O. , Blom Marieke T. , Klemens Christine A. , Langendijk Pim N.J. , van Ginneken Antoni C.G. , Wilders Ronald , Tan Hanno L.
Published: September 2013

Background—

Drug-induced long QT syndrome is generally ascribed to inhibition of the cardiac rapid delayed rectifier potassium current (
I
Kr
). Effects on the slow delayed rectifier potassium current (
I
Ks
) are less recognized. Triggered by a patient who carried the K422T mutation in
KCNQ1
(encoding the α-subunit of the
I
Ks
channel), who presented with excessive QT prolongation and high serum levels of norfluoxetine, we investigated the effects of fluoxetine and its metabolite norfluoxetine on
I
Ks
.

Methods and Results—

ECG data from mutation carriers and noncarriers revealed that the K422T mutation per se had mild clinical effects. Patch clamp studies, performed on HEK293 cells, showed that heterozygously expressed K422T
KCNQ1/KCNE1
channels had a positive shift in voltage dependence of activation and an increase in deactivation rate. Fluoxetine and its metabolite norfluoxetine both inhibited
KCNQ1/KCNE1
current, with norfluoxetine being the most potent. Moreover, norfluoxetine increased activation and deactivation rates. Computer simulations of the effects of norfluoxetine on
I
Ks
and
I
Kr
demonstrated significant action potential prolongation, to which
I
Ks
block contributed importantly. Although the effects of the mutation per se were small, additional
I
Ks
blockade by norfluoxetine resulted in more prominent QTc prolongation in mutation carriers than in noncarriers, demonstrating synergistic effects of innate and drug-induced
I
Ks
blockade on QTc prolongation.

Conclusions—

I
Ks
blockade contributes importantly to drug-induced long QT syndrome, especially when repolarization reserve is reduced. Drug safety tests might have to include screening for
I
Ks
blockade.
Trapped Platelets Activated in Ischemia Initiate Ventricular Fibrillation
Authors: Dhanjal Tarvinder S. , Medina Rodolfo A. , Leem Jinwoo , Clark James E. , Southworth Richard , Curtis Michael J.
Published: September 2013

Background—

We tested the hypothesis that ischemia-induced ventricular fibrillation (VF) is facilitated by platelets, trapped regionally in the ischemic zone and activated to release arrhythmogenic secretome.

Methods and Results—

In a randomized study in blood-free, buffer-perfused isolated rat hearts, ischemic zone territory (34±1% of left ventricle) was selected so that ischemia evoked VF in only 42% of controls. VF incidence was increased to 91% (
P
<0.05) by coronary ligation–induced trapping of freshly prepared autologous platelets (infused before and during coronary ligation, with trapping confirmed by
111
In-labeled platelet autoradiographic imaging). Trapping of platelet secretome prepared ex vivo, or platelet-sized fluorospheres, did not increase ischemia-induced VF incidence. Secretome alone did, however, evoke VF in 2 sham coronary-ligated hearts. Perfusion did not activate infused platelets in sham coronary-ligated hearts, whereas ligation activated trapped platelets (assessed by thromboxane release). In a separate study, trapping whole-heparinized blood mimicked the ability of trapped platelets to increase VF incidence. This effect was not prevented by >5 days oral pretreatment in vivo with clopidogrel (10 mg/kg per day) or indomethacin (2.4 mg/kg per day).

Conclusions—

Platelets facilitate VF during acute ischemia independently of their ability to participate in occlusive thrombosis. Moreover, the effect is unresponsive to antiplatelet drugs commonly used. Labile secretome constituents appear to be responsible. This opens a novel avenue for antiarrhythmic drug research.
Nonthermal Cardiac Catheter Ablation Using Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Kimura Takehiro , Takatsuki Seiji , Miyoshi Shunichiro , Fukumoto Kotaro , Takahashi Mei , Ogawa Emiyu , Ito Arisa , Arai Tsunenori , Ogawa Satoshi , Fukuda Keiichi
Published: September 2013

Background—

Radiofrequency ablation has limitations, largely related to creation of lesions by heating. Here, we report the first nonthermal ablation by applying photodynamic therapy (PDT) to cardiac tissues using a custom-made deflectable laser catheter. The present study investigated the feasibility of PDT for cavotricuspid isthmus ablation in a canine model.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated the pharmacokinetic profiles of 17 canines after administration of a photosensitizer (talaporfin sodium) by various protocols. We succeeded in maintaining the photosensitizer concentration at a level in excess of the clinically effective dose for humans. Using a 4-polar 7-French deflectable laser catheter, we performed PDT-mediated cavotricuspid isthmus ablation in 8 canines. PDT caused oxidative injury only to the irradiated area and successfully produced a persistent electric conduction block. No acute, gross changes such as edematous degeneration, thrombus formation, steam pops, or traumatic injury were observed after irradiation. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of tissues samples also showed well-preserved endothelial layers. Testing of the blood samples taken before and after the procedure revealed no remarkable changes. Lesion size at 2 weeks after the procedure and the temperature data collected during irradiation were compared between the PDT and irrigated radiofrequency ablation procedures. A ventricular cross-section revealed a solid PDT lesion, which was as deep as a radiofrequency lesion. In addition, endocardial, surficial, and intramural temperature monitoring during the PDT irradiation clearly demonstrated the nonthermal nature of the ablation technique.

Conclusions—

Nonthermal PDT-mediated catheter ablation is a potentially novel treatment for cardiac arrhythmias.
Thinking on Different Levels of Narrative Time: J.T. Fraser’s Eotemporal Hierarchical Theory and Samuel Beckett’s Prototemporal Cosmos
Authors: Harris Paul A.
Published: September 2013

Abstract

This essay examines different modes of organizing narrative time and the thinking about time that narrative temporalities make possible. J.T. Fraser’s hierarchical theory of time is framed as a narrative which displays a conflict between subsuming time into form and depicting a natural history of time. Fraser’s work is characterized by an eotemporal narrative time that is able to range freely across a continuous, reversible temporal world. Fraser’s assessment of Samuel Beckett’s plays as depicting a prototemporal cosmos is summarized and then supplemented with reflections on how the prototemporal narrative time of Waiting for Godot enables thought to confront time, death and life in stark clarity.
The Time of Freedom
Authors: Schweidler Walter
Published: September 2013

Abstract

The question of the beginning and end of time raises philosophical problems which lead into the core of J.T. Fraser’s thinking. In reference to some features of his work one can show the relevance of metaphysical ideas like the concept of an ontological plurality of times and especially the idea of an absolute past. This idea has been developed in systematic form by the German idealist thinker Schelling. Schelling speaks of a reality which is in itself neither temporal nor eternal but has limitations which only in relation to the time of our universe are turned into a temporal structure. In this view, which is also important for the understanding of current phenomenological positions (Lévinas, Marion), there is a second time, a “temps perdu,” which is equidistant from any new event in our universe including its possible beginning and end.
On the Limits of Time in the Brain
Authors: Lestienne Rémy
Published: September 2013

Abstract

J.T. Fraser used to emphasize the uniqueness of the human brain in its capacity for apprehending the various dimensions of “nootemporality” (Fraser 1982 and 1987). Indeed, our brain allows us to sense the flow of time, to measure delays, to remember past events or to predict future outcomes. In these achievements, the human brain reveals itself far superior to its animal counterpart. Women and men are the only beings, I believe, who are able to think about what they will do the next day. This is because such a thought implies three intellectual abilities that are proper to mankind: the capacity to take their own thoughts as objects of their thinking, the ability of mental time travels—to the past thanks to their episodic memory or to the future—and the possibility to project very far into the future, as a consequence of their enlarged and complexified forebrain. But there are severe limits to our timing abilities of which we are often unaware. Our sensibility to the passing time, like other of our intellectual abilities, is often competing with other brain functions, because they use at least in part the same neural networks. This is particularly the case regarding attention. The deeper the level of attention required, the looser is our perception of the flow of time. When we pay attention to something, when we fix our attention, then our inner sense of the flux of time freezes. This limitation should not sound too unfamiliar to the reader of J.T. Fraser who wrote in his book Time, Conflict, and Human Values (1999) about “time as a nested hierarchy of unresolvable conflicts.”
Temporalities with a Human Face
Authors: Aultman Mark
Published: September 2013

Abstract

J.T. Fraser’s writing added a measure of both scientific and humanistic seriousness to my somewhat unformed thoughts on the nature of society and social reality as a communication mechanism. His hierarchical theory of time lent weight to a worldview of time as an evolution in a direction toward something. This was despite his views, based on the necessities of irresolvable conflicts in the interstices between hierarchical levels, on sociotemporality as a kind of anthill threshold threatening individuality. His always welcoming personal approach to people and ideas served, if not as a contradiction, at least as a counterweight to the more disheartening implications of his theory. And his founding of the ISST, with its insistence on interdisciplinary communication, has served as an institutional counterweight.
Appreciating Conflict: Lessons from J.T. Fraser’s Theory of Time
Authors: Steineck Raji C.
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Conflict is both a creative force in the establishment and a necessary condition for the sustenance of all higher modes of being. This, in short, I find to be one of the most ground-breaking insights of J. T. Fraser’s theory of “Time as a Hierarchy of Creative Conflicts.” As a consequence of this insight, I argue that to understand, with Fraser, the constitutive and creative function of some kinds of conflict will help us to accept, and even embrace, conflict not merely as a perpetual fact, as suggested by Stuart Hampshire, but as a necessary condition that makes possible whatever is of specific value in human culture. I go on to propose to distinguish between accidental and constitutive conflicts, and show how assessing conflicts accordingly can help to better manage them and avoid some destructive paths of action. The paper closes with some reflections on the limitations of the insight and its application.
Review of the genus Ypsolopha Latreille, 1796 from China (Lepidoptera: Ypsolophidae)
Authors: JIN QING , LI HOUHUN
Published: September 2013

We present a review of the Chinese species of the genus Ypsolopha Latreille. Of the 60 species treated herein, 21 species are described as new: Y. flaviterminata sp. nov., Y. flavida sp. nov., Y. albula sp. nov., Y. longisaccata sp. nov., Y. fascimaculata sp. nov., Y. mucronulata sp. nov., Y. bicostata sp. nov., Y. latiuscula sp. nov., Y. purpurata sp. nov., Y. minuta sp. nov., Y. allochroa sp. nov., Y. brevivalva sp. nov., Y. longifloccosa sp. nov., Y. paristrigosa sp. nov., Y. umbrina sp. nov., Y. varidentella sp. nov., Y. capitalba sp. nov., Y. triangula sp. nov., Y. aurea sp. nov., Y. chlorina sp. nov., and Y. bisticta sp. nov.; eight species are newly recorded for the Chinese fauna: Ypsolopha acerella Ponomarenko, Sohn et Zinchenko, Y. sarmaticella (Rebel), Y. albiramella (Mann), Y. altissimella (Chrétien), Y. albistriata (Issiki), Y. longa Moriuti, Y. saitoi Moriuti and Y. falcella (Denis & Schiffermüller). A new species-group, the albiramella-group, is defined. Ypsolopha hebeiensis Yang, Y. nigrofasciata Yang, Y. ulingensis Yang and Y. diana (Caradja) are redescribed. One synonym is established: Y. sordidella Sohn et Wu, 2010 syn. n. (= Y. sordida Sohn et Wu, 2010). The male genitalia of Y. japonica Moriuti, Y. altissimella (Chrétien), Y. diana (Caradja), and the female genitalia of Y. hebeiensis Yang, Y. sarmaticella (Rebel), Y. altissimella (Chrétien), Y. ulingensis Yang, Y. helva Sohn et Wu and Y. diana (Caradja) are described for the first time. Photographs of the adults, wing venations and genitalia are provided. Keys for the identification of species-groups as well as the species of each species-group are included, along with a distribution map of all the known Chinese species.
Australian Marsh Beetles (Coleoptera: Scirtidae) 4. Two new genera, Austrocyphon and Tasmanocyphon
Authors: ZWICK PETER
Published: September 2013

The related new genera Austrocyphon and Tasmanocyphon are erected for 42 small Australian marsh beetles resembling members of the genus Cyphon Paykull in habitus. They are distinguished from Cyphon. Only males are known of most species but for two of them larvae and pupae are also available. Austrocyphon species occur in all Australian Federal States, and one species is Australasian and shared with Papua New Guinea.        The following species are included: Austrocyphon acaciae sp. n., A. aculeatus sp. n., A. acustropicus sp. n., A. adelaidae (Blackburn), A. asper sp. n., A. bidens sp. n., A. bifidus sp. n., A. charon sp. n., A. crinitus (Klausnitzer), A. curvispina, sp. n., A. deserticola sp. n., A. doctus (Lea), A. enigmaticus sp. n., A. excisus sp. n., A. fenestratus (Blackburn), A. flagellifer sp. n., A. furcatus sp. n., A. hamatus sp. n., A. harpago sp. n., A. leptophallus sp. n., A. linguatus sp. n., A. lobatus sp. n., A. neptunus sp. n., A. noctua sp. n., A. ovensensis (Blackburn), A. papilio sp. n., A. perdoctus sp. n., A. pictus (Blackburn), A. quadridens sp. n., A. quinquespinosus sp. n., A. robustus sp. n., A. setifer sp. n., A. spiculifer sp. n., A. stylatus sp. n., A. stylifer sp. n., A. submersus sp. n., A. tinea sp. n., A. tomweiri sp. n., A. tribulator sp. n., A. tropicus sp. n., A. unguiculatus sp. n., A. wattsi sp. n.        Tasmanocyphon is endemic to Tasmania, and only the adult male is known. The genus is monotypic, including only T. heideae, sp. n.
Cradoscrupocellaria, a new bryozoan genus for Scrupocellaria bertholletii (Audouin) and related species (Cheilostomata, Candidae): taxonomy, biodiversity and distribution
Authors: VIEIRA LEANDRO M. , JONES MARY E. SPENCER , WINSTON JUDITH E.
Published: September 2013

A new genus, Cradoscrupocellaria n. gen., is erected for Scrupocellaria bertholletii (Audouin, 1826), reported as widespread in tropical and subtropical waters. Here we select a neotype of this species in order to establish its identity and distinguish it from morphologically similar species. We include redescriptions and figures of additional species now assigned to this new genus: Cradoscrupocellaria curacaoensis (Fransen, 1986) n. comb., Cradoscrupocellaria hirsuta (Jullien & Calvet, 1903) n. comb., and Cradoscrupocellaria macrorhyncha (Gautier, 1962) n. comb. Five additional species are assigned to the genus: Cradoscrupocellaria ellisi (Vieira & Spencer Jones, 2012) n. comb., Cradoscrupocellaria nanshaensis (Liu, 1991) n. comb., Cradoscrupocellaria reptans (Linnaeus, 1758) n. comb., Cradoscrupocellaria serrata (Waters, 1909) n. comb., and Cradoscrupocellaria tenuirostris (Osburn, 1950) n. comb. Eighteen new species are described: Cradoscrupocellaria aegyptiana n. sp., Cradoscrupocellaria arisaigensis n. sp., Cradoscrupocellaria atlantica n. sp., Cradoscrupocellaria calypso n. sp., Cradoscrupocellaria floridana n. sp., Cradoscrupocellaria galapagensis n. sp., Cradoscrupocellaria gautieri n. sp., Cradoscrupocellaria gorgonensis n. sp., Cradoscrupocellaria hastingsae n. sp., Cradoscrupocellaria insularis n. sp., Cradoscrupocellaria jamaicensis n. sp.,  Cradoscrupocellaria lagaaiji n. sp., Cradoscrupocellaria macrorhynchoides n. sp., Cradoscrupocellaria makua n. sp., Cradoscrupocellaria marcusorum n. sp., Cradoscrupocellaria normani n. sp., Cradoscrupocellaria odonoghuei n. sp., and Cradoscrupocellaria osburni n. sp.
Revision of the rare Mesoamerican bee genus Mexalictus (Hymenoptera: Halictidae) with the description of
21 new species
Authors: DUMESH SHEILA
Published: September 2013

The Mesoamerican bee genus Mexalictus (Hymenoptera: Halictidae: Halictinae) is a group of rare bees which are found at high elevations from southern Arizona (USA) to Panama. The genus is revised using traditional taxonomic approaches. The following twenty one new species are described: M. albofasciatus Dumesh, n. sp., M. anatolii Dumesh, n. sp., M. astriatus Dumesh, n. sp., M. ayalai Dumesh, n. sp., M. benyamini Dumesh, n. sp., M. diversus Dumesh, n. sp., M. jovelus Dumesh, n. sp., M. genalis Dumesh, n. sp., M. gibbsi Dumesh n. sp., M. guatemalensis Dumesh, n. sp., M. hansoni Dumesh, n. sp., M. hondurensis Dumesh, n. sp., M. laurencei Dumesh, n. sp., M. mandibularis Dumesh, n. sp., M. nicaraguensis Dumesh, n. sp., M. punctatus Dumesh, n. sp., M. raavo Dumesh, n. sp., M. sheffieldi Dumesh, n. sp., M. veracruzense Dumesh, n. sp., M. verdazulus Dumesh, n. sp., M. vitriolus Dumesh, n. sp. These and five previously known species are diagnosed, described, illustrated, and keyed. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 43 unordered morphological characters, resulted in 4 equally most parsimonious trees (L=176; Ci=36.4; Ri=56.6). Based upon these results, the subgeneric classification of Mexalictus into Georgealictus and Mexalictus s.str., is resurrected.
Drake Passage Oceanic pCO2: Evaluating CMIP5 Coupled Carbon–Climate Models Using in situ Observations
Authors: Jiang ChuanLi , Gille Sarah T. , Sprintall Janet , Sweeney Colm
Published: September 2013

Surface water partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) variations in Drake Passage are examined using decade-long underway shipboard measurements. North of the Polar Front (PF), the observed pCO2 shows a seasonal cycle that peaks annually in August and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC)–forced variations are significant. Just south of the PF, pCO2 shows a small seasonal cycle that peaks annually in February, reflecting the opposing effects of changes in SST and DIC in the surface waters. At the PF, the wintertime pCO2 is nearly in equilibrium with the atmosphere, leading to a small sea-to-air CO2 flux.

These observations are used to evaluate eight available Coupled Model Intercomparison Project, phase 5 (CMIP5), Earth system models (ESMs). Six ESMs reproduce the observed annual-mean pCO2 values averaged over the Drake Passage region. However, the model amplitude of the pCO2 seasonal cycle exceeds the observed amplitude of the pCO2 seasonal cycle because of the model biases in SST and surface DIC. North of the PF, deep winter mixed layers play a larger role in pCO2 variations in the models than they do in observations. Four ESMs show elevated wintertime pCO2 near the PF, causing a significant sea-to-air CO2 flux. Wintertime winds in these models are generally stronger than the satellite-derived winds. This not only magnifies the sea-to-air CO2 flux but also upwells DIC-rich water to the surface and drives strong equatorward Ekman currents. These strong model currents likely advect the upwelled DIC farther equatorward, as strong stratification in the models precludes subduction below the mixed layer.
Climate Change, Discretionary Air Travel, and the “Flyers’ Dilemma”
Authors: Higham James E. S. , Cohen Scott A. , Cavaliere Christina T.
Published: September 2013

The “flyers’ dilemma” describes the tension that now exists between the personal benefits of tourism and the climate concerns associated with high levels of personal aeromobility. This article presents the first international comparative analysis of attitudes toward climate change and discretionary air travel, providing insights into areas of convergence and divergence across three European societies—Norway, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Employing a critical interpretive approach and drawing upon 48 in-depth semistructured interviews, we document evidence of widespread neglect of the flyers’ dilemma. Our comparative analysis confirms that although current discretionary air travel practices are deeply embedded and resistant to change, attitudes toward the climate crisis and barriers to behavior change offer points of important contrast between different societies. Efforts to reformulate excessive discretionary air travel in response to accelerating global climate change must accommodate the unique issues and contrasting perspectives that exist in sections of these societies.
Workshops Increase Students’ Proficiency at Identifying General and APA-Style Writing Errors*
Authors: Jorgensen Terrence D. , Marek Pam
Published: September 2013

To determine the effectiveness of 20- to 30-min workshops on recognition of errors in American Psychological Association-style writing, 58 introductory psychology students attended one of the three workshops (on grammar, mechanics, or references) and completed error recognition tests (pretest, initial posttest, and three follow-up tests). As a comparison condition for the workshops, an additional 47 students attended one discussion session about the reasons for style rules. Workshop participants improved from pretest to initial posttest for all topics (whereas comparison groups did not) and retained their proficiency in follow-up tests. Feedback and note taking enhanced improvement. By providing students with supplementary training in basic writing skills, workshops may conserve course time in methodology courses, allowing for greater conceptual emphasis.
The Sequential Introduction of Positive Antecedent and Consequent Components in a Compliance Training Package With Elementary Students
Authors: Bellipanni Kimberly D. , Tingstrom Daniel H. , Olmi D. Joe , Roberts Dannell S.
Published: September 2013

We evaluated the separate and combined effects of the antecedent manipulations of effective instruction delivery and time-in, as well as the effects of the addition of the consequent manipulation of contingent praise in a compliance training package for four elementary students displaying low levels of compliance. Four teachers were trained to introduce these components sequentially in multiple baseline across-participants designs for each of two pairs of students. All students increased compliance from below 40% during baseline to between 84% and 96% in the final treatment phase. Support was demonstrated for the separate and independent effects of the positive antecedent components of effective instruction delivery and time-in, when used alone and in combination. The addition of contingent praise either increased compliance slightly or maintained it at already high levels. Treatment integrity and implications for practitioners and school personnel are discussed, including the effectiveness and simplicity of these procedures, while also offering positive, non-coercive approaches to increasing student compliance.
Determinants of legislative voting loyalty under different electoral systems: Evidence from Romania
Authors: Gherghina Sergiu , Chiru Mihail
Published: September 2013

Previous research has found mixed evidence regarding the change of parliamentary voting behaviour following electoral reforms. But scholars have not analysed whether the mechanisms by which voting loyalty is elicited matter differently in such cases. Our article fills this gap by investigating the individual variation in voting loyalty across two legislative terms, using a sample of 26 high-stakes roll-call votes. Romania constitutes an ideal setting for such a study due to its recent shift from closed-list proportional representation to single-member districts. Multivariate ordinary least squares models (including all Members of Parliament and including only incumbents) test for the effect of parliamentary experience, party membership duration, parliamentary office, party hopping and district magnitude, while also accounting for demotion and a number of socio-demographic controls. Results indicate that socialisation is less important for Members of Parliament’s voting behaviour after reform, whereas signalling through voting dissent prior to party switching becomes more relevant.
The Ethics of Witnessing and the Politics of the Governed
Authors: Givoni Michal
Published: September 2013

During the 20th century, witnessing outgrew its original affiliations with legal evidence and religious belief and became a social vocation in its own right. This essay explores the ethical expertise with which witnessing has been infused as the witness became the deferred result of a process of subjective transformation by probing some of the meta-testimonial discourses that emerged in response to the Great War, the Holocaust, and Third World emergencies. Against the ethical redefinition of witnessing advanced by Jean-François Lyotard, Shoshana Felman, and Giorgio Agamben, it analyses ethical witnessing as a practice of self that binds individual autonomy to institutional platforms, technological innovations, and reflective procedures that tackle the pitfalls of witnessing, maximize its potential, and trace its most adequate and resonant forms.
The Power of Small Gestures: On the Cultural Technique of Service
Authors: Krajewski Markus
Published: September 2013

Focusing on a subject the author has extensively engaged with over the years (most notably in his 2010 study Der Diener), the article develops the notion of service as a cultural technique, and the media-theoretical figure of the servant as its servomechanism. The analysis follows three distinct scenarios that highlight, via different channels of perception (acoustic, optic and haptic), the interplay between corporeal practices and media objects in the production of specific cultural effects. In each of the examples chosen, service implies highly regulated networks of recursive operational chains that regulate in their turn the production and distribution of power and knowledge. Thus, Krajewski argues, despite, or rather, precisely because of their apparent marginality and invisibility, the ‘small gestures’ of service join the ranks of already established, elementary symbolic techniques such as reading or writing.
Responding Bodies and Partial Affinities in Human–Animal Worlds
Authors: Despret Vinciane
Published: September 2013

The aim of this paper is to explore the different manners in which scientists’ bodies are actively engaged when interacting with the animals they observe in the field. Bodies are multiple, as are the practices that involve them: sharing the same diet, feeling similar affects, acting the same, inhabiting the same world of perceptions, constructing empathic affinities, etc. Some scientists aim to embody the animals’ experiences. Some are willing to empathetically experience situations ‘from inside’, while others ‘undo and redo’ their own bodies in order to interact more closely with the animals and to respond to them more cautiously. Still others are faced with the question: what can we do or what are we allowed to do with our bodies when we are with our animals? All of these practices present a very different version of ‘embodied empathy’, a concept which describes feeling/seeing/thinking bodies that undo and redo each other, reciprocally though not symmetrically, as partial perspectives that attune themselves to each other. Therefore, empathy is not experiencing with one’s own body what the other experiences, but rather creating the possibilities of an embodied communication.
Identifiability and identification of inertial parameters using the underactuated base-link dynamics for legged multibody systems
Authors: Ayusawa Ko , Venture Gentiane , Nakamura Yoshihiko
Published: September 2013

In this paper we study the dynamics of multibody systems with the base not permanently fixed to the inertial frame, or more specifically legged systems such as humanoid robots and humans. The issue is to be approached in terms of the identification theory developed in the field of robotics. The under-actuated base-link which characterizes the dynamics of legged systems is the focus of this work. The useful mechanical feature to analyze the dynamics of legged system is proven: the set of inertial parameters appearing in the equation of motion of the under-actuated base is equivalent to the set in the equations of the whole body. In particular, when no external force acts on the system, all of the parameters in the set except the total mass are generally identifiable only from the observation of the free-flying motion. We also propose a method to identify the inertial parameters based on the dynamics of the under-actuated base. The method does not require the measurement of the joint torques. Neither the joint frictions nor the actuator dynamics need to be considered. Even when the system has no external reaction force, the method is still applicable. The method has been tested on both a humanoid robot and a human, and the experimental results are shown.
The influence of lumbar spinal drainage on diffusion parameters in patients with suspected normal pressure hydrocephalus using 3T MRI
Authors: Reiss-Zimmermann Martin , Scheel Michael , Dengl Markus , Preuß Matthias , Fritzsch Dominik , Hoffmann Karl-Titus
Published: September 2013

Background

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) has been an ongoing and challenging field of research for the past decades because two main issues are still not fully understood: the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying ventricular enlargement and prediction of outcome after surgery.

Purpose

To evaluate changes in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) derived parameters in patients with suspected normal pressure hydrocephalus before and after withdrawal of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Material and Methods

Twenty-four consecutive patients with clinical and radiological suspicion of NPH and 14 age-matched control subjects were examined with DTI on a clinical 3T scanner. Patients were examined before and 6–36 h after CSF drainage (interval between scans, 5 days). Fifteen patients were finally included in data analysis. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean, parallel, and radial diffusivity (MD, PD, RD) were evaluated using a combination of a ROI-based approach and a whole-brain voxel-by-voxel analysis.

Results

Alteration of DTI parameters in patients with suspected NPH is regionally different. Compared to the control group, we found an elevation of FA in the subcortical white matter (SCWM) and corpus callosum, whereas the other diffusion parameters showed an increase throughout the brain in variable extent. We also found a slight normalization of RD in the SCWM in patients after lumbar drainage.

Conclusion

Our results show that DWI parameters are regionally dependent and reflect multifactorial (patho-) physiological mechanisms, which need to be interpreted carefully. It seems that improvement of gait is caused by a decrease of interstitial water deposition in the SCWM.
Performance-related musculoskeletal pain, depression and music performance anxiety in professional orchestral musicians: A population study
Authors: Kenny Dianna , Ackermann Bronwen
Published: September 2013

We examined self-reported frequency and severity of performance-related musculoskeletal pain disorder (PRMD), trigger point pain (TPP) and depression, social phobia (SPIN) and music performance anxiety (MPA) using the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory (K-MPAI) in a cross-sectional survey of 377 professional orchestral musicians. Most (84%) musicians had experienced performance-impairing pain; 50% reported current pain. Females reported more performance-impairing pain and more current pain than males. Cluster analysis indicated a complex relationship between depression and PRMD severity. Three clusters showed the hypothesized relationship (i.e., more depression, more pain). Musicians in the fourth cluster denied depression but reported the most severe pain, suggesting a group who somatize their psychological distress. Cluster analysis also revealed a strong relationship between PRMD severity and MPA. Clusters with higher scores on K-MPAI reported higher scores on PRMD severity. TPP was not associated with self-reported PRMD frequency or severity. There was a significant linear relationship between TPP and MPA for females, but males scoring the highest MPA reported lower TPP than those with milder MPA. Neither SPIN nor beta blocker use was associated with PRMD frequency or severity. The complex relationships identified between PRMD, TPP, depression and MPA may have important implications for PRMD management in professional musicians.
The impact of product warranties on the capital structure of Australian firms
Authors: Arqawi Bayan M , Bertin William J , Prather Laurie
Published: September 2013

This paper examines the impact of Australian firms’ warranty policies on capital structure. The sample consists of 378 firms and 1727 firm-years for Australian public firms for the period 2006–2010. The results suggest that warranty policies impact on Australian firms’ capital structures. Firms offering product warranties to customers have less leverage than those firms that do not. Firms commit to honour warranty contracts, whether explicit or implicit, by selecting lower leverage levels.
Analysis of efficiency of waste reverse logistics for recycling
Authors: Veiga Marcelo M
Published: September 2013

Brazil is an agricultural country with the highest pesticide consumption in the world. Historically, pesticide packaging has not been disposed of properly. A federal law requires the chemical industry to provide proper waste management for pesticide-related products. A reverse logistics program was implemented, which has been hailed a great success. This program was designed to target large rural communities, where economy of scale can take place. Over the last 10 years, the recovery rate has been very poor in most small rural communities. The objective of this study was to analyze the case of this compulsory reverse logistics program for pesticide packaging under the recent Brazilian Waste Management Policy, which enforces recycling as the main waste management solution. This results of this exploratory research indicate that despite its aggregate success, the reverse logistics program is not efficient for small rural communities. It is not possible to use the same logistic strategy for small and large communities. The results also indicate that recycling might not be the optimal solution, especially in developing countries with unsatisfactory recycling infrastructure and large transportation costs. Postponement and speculation strategies could be applied for improving reverse logistics performance. In most compulsory reverse logistics programs, there is no economical solution. Companies should comply with the law by ranking cost-effective alternatives.
Preparation and properties of epoxy resin composites containing hexaphenoxycyclotriphosphazene
Authors: Pan Miao , Huang Rong , Wang Tingting , Huang Deyong , Mu Jianxin , Zhang Chunling
Published: September 2013

Hexaphenoxycyclotriphosphazene (HPCTP) was synthesized by a nucleophilic substitution reaction between hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene and phenol. The chemical structure of HPCTP was then characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy as well as 1H and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The synthesized HPCTP was incorporated into the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A to prepare epoxy resin (EP) composites using 4,4′-diamino diphenylmethane as curing agent. The thermal and flame-retardant properties of cured samples were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, UL-94 vertical burning test, and cone calorimetry. Evaluation of thermal properties demonstrated that the resulting composites achieved high thermal stability with high char yields. The UL-94 V-0 rating was easily achieved with the addition of HPCTP, and the heat release intensity simultaneously decreased. Results of scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy confirmed that HPCTP can enhance the thermal stability and flame retardancy of epoxy resin.
Finish machining of mirror-like diamond surfaces using a composite electroplating in-process sharpening method
Authors: Chen Tai-Jia , Lee Rong-Tsong , Chiou Yuang-Cherng
Published: September 2013

Finishing mirror-like surfaces on chemically vapor-deposited diamond film using an in-process composite electroplating of diamond grains onto the tool surface, the tool can maintain its sharpness in a grinding process. The effect of diamond grit size of the tool on the grinding characteristics of diamond film is investigated. To promote optimum grinding efficiency, a high variation rate in the surface roughness of diamond film and a small growth rate in the coating thickness are desired. A distribution model of the diamond grits in the coating layer is deduced, and a composite electroplating in-process sharpening grinding mechanism is developed using a body-centered tetragonal structure. A two-stage composite electroplating in-process sharpening grinding procedure is used to grind the diamond film. A grit size of 25 µm is selected to conduct the composite electroplating in-process sharpening grinding for 30 min at an initial surface roughness of 1.1 µm. Then, the operating conditions are switched to a grit size of 3 µm and a grinding time of 180 min, and a mirror-like surface on the diamond film with an average surface roughness of 0.03 µm is obtained.
Planning the unplanned: incorporating agriculture as an urban land use into the Dar es Salaam master plan and beyond
Authors: Halloran Afton , Magid Jakob
Published: September 2013

Despite significant contributions to human health, livelihoods and food security, urban agriculture in Dar es Salaam has received relatively little political support from central and local government due to its informal state. As a result, many urban farmers’ experience insecurity of land access and ownership, and are unable to invest in the improvement of their land, inputs and infrastructure. Although there have been several attempts by various international and foreign organizations to legitimize and institutionalize urban agriculture in Dar es Salaam, very little has changed politically over the past 30 years. This study focuses on the current incorporation of urban agriculture into the Dar es Salaam 2012−2032 Master Plan (still unapproved as of June 2013), and examines how local and central governments legitimize the practice of urban agriculture. It also looks at how greater acceptance, or institutionalization, can take place through formalized processes. The past and present legitimization processes for urban agriculture in Dar es Salaam, and their intended and unintended outcomes, provide an in-depth analysis for this case study. It argues that the sustainability of urban agriculture is largely dependent on political commitment from both local and central government. Legitimization of the practice through policy and rules and regulations can facilitate the further institutionalization of urban agriculture, especially in land use planning. However, it can also further marginalize urban farmers who cultivate open spaces within the city. Nonetheless, urban agriculture will continue to persist, adapting and innovating under the pressures of urbanization.
A diagnostic dilemma: drug-induced aseptic meningitis in a 45-year-old HIV-positive man
Authors: Rowley D , Houlihan L , McFaul K , Clarke S , Lyons F
Published: September 2013

We describe a case of aseptic meningitis following the administration of moxifloxacin in a 45-year-old man with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). At presentation he was receiving tuberculosis treatment on a modified regimen following severe hepatotoxicity; this included moxifloxacin, started 8 days previously. Initial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was grossly abnormal. Anti-viral and -bacterial treatments were started. All microbiological tests proved negative and his moxifloxacin was withheld resulting in a complete normalisation of CSF. Drug-induced aseptic meningitis is a diagnosis of exclusion and presents a serious diagnostic dilemma. The decision to withhold medication cannot be taken lightly.
The comparative efficacy of intramuscular antipsychotics for the management of acute agitation
Authors: Bosanac Peter , Hollander Yitzchak , Castle David
Published: September 2013

Objective:

To review the current role and comparative efficacy of short-acting intramuscular (IM) antipsychotics in the management of acute agitation, in current clinical practice.

Method:

The efficacy and tolerability of IM antipsychotics in the management of acute agitation in current clinical practice were reviewed in the Medline, PubMed, Cinahl Plus, Scopus-v.4 and PsycInfo databases.

Results:

The comparative efficacy of the rapidly-acting IM atypical antipsychotics (olanzapine, ziprasidone and aripiprazole) is similar to that of the typical antipsychotic, haloperidol. IM olanzapine and ziprasidone were associated with fewer extrapyramidal side-effects and had similar cardiac tolerability to IM haloperidol.

Conclusions:

Further studies are required in the ongoing development of contemporary, evidence-based clinical guidelines in acute agitation, including head-to-head comparisons of currently utilized IM atypical antipsychotics, sequential treatment or combinations of medications.
Henry Fitzgerald Maudsley: our forgotten founder
Authors: Boman Bruce
Published: September 2013

To present a brief biography of Dr. Henry Fitzgerald Maudsley (1891 – 1962) who was a pivotal figure in the ultimate establishment of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP)