bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revision of the genus Costularia (Cyperaceae: Schoeneae) for the flora of the Seychelles, including the rediscovery and resurrection of a rare endemic species
Authors: Senterre Bruno , Henriette Elvina , Larridon Isabel , Morel Charles , Goetghebeur Paul
Published: October 2015

Knowledge of the monocot flora of the Seychelles remains relatively weak and new taxonomic studies, including both herbarium specimens and field observations, are needed. Extensive new explorations in the key biodiversity areas of the Seychelles granitic islands resulted in the discovery of an unknown species of Costularia. After careful examination of existing specimens and literature within that genus, we concluded that the unknown plant corresponds to the type of Cladium xipholepis, a species endemic to the Seychelles which had previously been confused and put into synonymy with two unrelated taxa, i.e. the other Seychelles endemic Costularia hornei and the Mascarene species C. melicoides. These confusions were due to the immature state of the type of Cladium xipholepis, which was the only known specimen of the species. The name Cladium xipholepis is here resurrected and combined in the genus Costularia, adding one endemic species to the flora of the Seychelles. In addition, a detailed description is provided, correcting important errors regarding diagnostic characters made in the original description. Costularia xipholepis is a rare species, occurring on lower montane inselbergs of Mahé Island, and is here proposed as endangered (EN) according to IUCN Red List categories and criteria. It is morphologically closely related to C. pantopoda var. baronii from Madagascar. The other Seychelles endemic Costularia, C. hornei (lectotype designated here), has no close relative and belongs to a group distributed in South-East Asia. We discuss these results in relation to the origins of the flora of the Seychelles. Finally, the previously thought endemic variety Costularia hornei var. rectirhachilloidea was also reviewed and we consider it to be identical to the type variety, but based on specimens at an earlier stage of spikelet development. These discoveries, along with other preliminary studies, indicate that more studies are needed to review the monocots of the Seychelles, particularly Cyperaceae, Orchidaceae and Poaceae.
Dioscorea flabellispina (Dioscoreaceae), a new endangered species from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest
Authors: Couto Ricardo Sousa , Lopes Rosana Conrado , Braga João Marcelo Alvarenga
Published: October 2015

Dioscorea flabellispina is endemic to small, low elevation fragments of the Atlantic Rainforest in southeastern Brazil, occurring on rocky outcrops in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo. Based on the number and form of thorns present on the stem (5–8 thorns with a fan-like form at the node), this new species is easily recognizable morphologically and possesses characteristics unique to the Neotropical Dioscorea. Presenting only a few individuals in each population, this rare and endangered species is only known from three sites surrounded by a vegetation matrix degraded by human impact and overrun by invasive alien species. Dioscorea flabellispina does not occur in any officially protected area in Brazil, placing the species at increased risk. Herein we present the morphological description of this species, including a discussion of its ecology, distribution, and conservation status.
A new species of Amalothrips Ananthakhrishnan from Malaysia, with first description of male
Authors: NG Y.F.
Published: October 2015

Amalothrips noorazlani sp. n. is described from Malaysia based on both sexes, and a key is provided to the species of this genus. This is the first record of Amalothrips species outside India, and the first description of a male Amalothrips. The male has a pair of drepanae, the tergal posteromargin bears a toothed craspedum, but there are no sternal pore plates.
A new species of Zaglyptogastra Ashmead, 1900 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Braconinae) from Vietnam
Authors: LONG KHUAT DANG , MAI PHAM QUYNH
Published: October 2015

The moderately large genus Zaglyptogastra Ashmead, 1900 is newly recorded for Vietnam and one new species, Z. vietnamica Long sp. n., is described and illustrated. Differences between the new species and two described species, Z. aswada El-Heneidy & Quicke, 2007, from Indonesia (Sumatra) and Z. vitalisi (Turner, 1919), from Laos, are given.
Med-CORDEX Initiative for Mediterranean Climate Studies
Authors: Ruti P. M. , Somot S. , Giorgi F. , Dubois C. , Flaounas E. , Obermann A. , Dell’Aquila A. , Pisacane G. , Harzallah A. , Lombardi E. , Ahrens B. , Akhtar N. , Alias A. , Arsouze T. , Aznar R. , Bastin S. , Bartholy J. , Béranger K. , Beuvier J. , Bouffies-Cloché S. , Brauch J. , Cabos W. , Calmanti S. , Calvet J.-C. , Carillo A. , Conte D. , Coppola E. , Djurdjevic V. , Drobinski P. , Elizalde-Arellano A. , Gaertner M. , Galàn P. , Gallardo C. , Gualdi S. , Goncalves M. , Jorba O. , Jordà G. , L’Heveder B. , Lebeaupin-Brossier C. , Li L. , Liguori G. , Lionello P. , Maciàs D. , Nabat P. , Önol B. , Raikovic B. , Ramage K. , Sevault F. , Sannino G. , Struglia M. V. , Sanna A. , Torma C. , Vervatis V.
Published: October 2015

The Mediterranean is expected to be one of the most prominent and vulnerable climate change “hotspots” of the twenty-first century, and the physical mechanisms underlying this finding are still not clear. Furthermore, complex interactions and feedbacks involving ocean–atmosphere–land–biogeochemical processes play a prominent role in modulating the climate and environment of the Mediterranean region on a range of spatial and temporal scales. Therefore, it is critical to provide robust climate change information for use in vulnerability–impact–adaptation assessment studies considering the Mediterranean as a fully coupled environmental system. The Mediterranean Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (Med-CORDEX) initiative aims at coordinating the Mediterranean climate modeling community toward the development of fully coupled regional climate simulations, improving all relevant components of the system from atmosphere and ocean dynamics to land surface, hydrology, and biogeochemical processes. The primary goals of Med-CORDEX are to improve understanding of past climate variability and trends and to provide more accurate and reliable future projections, assessing in a quantitative and robust way the added value of using high-resolution and coupled regional climate models. The coordination activities and the scientific outcomes of Med-CORDEX can produce an important framework to foster the development of regional Earth system models in several key regions worldwide.
People living with psychosocial disability: Rehabilitation and recovery-informed service provision within the second Australian national survey of psychosis
Authors: Harvey Carol , Brophy Lisa , Parsons Samuel , Moeller-Saxone Kristen , Grigg Margaret , Siskind Dan
Published: October 2015

Objective:

People with psychosocial disability are an important, although often neglected, subgroup of those living with severe and persistent mental illness. Rehabilitation, provided through clinical and non-government organisations in Australia, may contribute to their personal recovery goals. We hypothesised that people with psychoses with the greatest disability and complex needs would receive services from both sectors, reflecting treatment and rehabilitation needs.

Method:

Participants in the 2010 Australian national survey of psychosis ( n = 1825) were interviewed to assess demographic, functional, mental and physical health characteristics and service use in the previous year. Two subgroups were created and compared: those using services from community mental health with, and without, non-governmental organisation involvement. Group membership was predicted by hierarchical logistic regression using variables selected on a priori grounds. Usefulness of the final model was examined by calculating improvement over the rate of accuracy achievable by chance alone.

Results:

The model was statistically significant but fell just short of useful (criterion 71.6%, model achieved 70.6%). Four independent variables contributed uniquely to predicting whether participants received both services (never married, childhood trauma, group accommodation, poor global functioning) consistent with the hypothesis. However, severe dysfunction in socialising was less likely to predict membership of the combined services group when compared with no dysfunction ( p = 0.001, odds ratio = 0.384, confidence interval = [0.218, 0.677]), as was current smoking compared with none ( p = 0.001, odds ratio = 0.606, confidence interval = [0.445, 0.824]).

Conclusion:

Findings suggest services provided by non-governmental organisations are targeted to those with the greatest disability although targeting could be improved. A subgroup of people with psychosis and severe disability in community mental health services do not access non-governmental services. Their unmet needs for rehabilitation and recovery have important implications for future development of community mental health, including the non-governmental sector.
Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Chinese Children
Authors: Yu Yi , Wang Baoxiang , Yuan Lan , Yang Hui , Wang Xinqiong , Xiao Yuan , Mei Hong , Xu Chundi
Published: October 2015

Objective. This study aims to analyze the clinical and endoscopic presentations of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in the Chinese children. Methods. A 10-year retrospective study was made on children with UGIB and undertaken esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) from 4 tertiary referral centers in China. Results. Of the 1218 children studied, the bleeding source was found in 76.4%. Erosive gastritis was the most common endoscopic finding (33.5%), followed by duodenal ulcer (23.2%). The proportion of erosive gastritis decreased with age (correlation coefficient = −0.787), and duodenal ulcer increased with age (correlation coefficient = 0.958). The bleeding source was more likely to be determined in children having EGDs within 48 hours (80.6% vs 67.9%). Conclusions. In Chinese children with UGIB, erosive gastritis and duodenal ulcer were the leading causes, and their proportions varied with age. EGDs performed within 48 hours may improve the possibility of finding the source of bleeding.
George L. Mosse and Walter Laqueur on the History of Fascism
Authors: Payne Stanley G.
Published: October 2015

The history and analysis of fascism has been a major theme of the first half century of the Journal of Contemporary History, and was a key interest of its founding co-editors, George L. Mosse and Walter Laqueur. Both made important contributions to the field, but their approaches were quite different. Mosse began his work on fascism earlier and, in a manner consistent with his other research, emphasized cultural and ideological aspects. He was arguably the first to draw attention to ideology as a coherent aspect for study and inaugurated the ‘cultural turn’ in the historiography of fascism long before this became generally fashionable. Mosse was a pioneer in research on popular culture and the visual arts in this area, as well as on the role and character of myth, developing what some scholars have termed an anthropological approach. He also expanded treatment of the development of racial thought and made a major contribution to studying the psychology and culture of nationalism and mass mobilization. Walter Laqueur entered the field somewhat later and stimulated work on the origins and comparative history of fascism. His books were not as innovative in methodology as those of Mosse, but broader in scope and chronological treatment, and sometimes more narrative in structure. Laqueur extended the inquiry to Russia and to the Middle East, areas in which he was a specialist, and also examined the possibilities of neofascism after 1945, as well as its relation to Islamism at the end of the twentieth century.
Unfinished Europe: Transition from Communism to Democracy in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Berend Ivan T. , Bugaric Bojan
Published: October 2015

The Berlin Wall collapsed a quarter of a century ago. This anniversary led to publication of studies about the success of Central and East European transformation. Some of them maintain that the region became ‘normal,' and nearer to their Western neighbors. In reality, the region still belongs to the periphery of Europe with a mostly dual economy and low level of income. Modern sectors and the entire banking industry are subsidiaries of Western multinationals. The political system is often authoritarian. Democratic forms often cover non-democratic contents. Corruption, tax evasion and other symptoms of peripheral political behavior are quite common. Transformation is so far not accomplished and will certainly require two or three generations to achieve.
Gingival Fibroblasts as Autologous Feeders for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Yu G. , Okawa H. , Okita K. , Kamano Y. , Wang F. , Saeki M. , Yatani H. , Egusa H.
Published: October 2015

Human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) present an attractive source of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are expected to be a powerful tool for regenerative dentistry. However, problems to be addressed prior to clinical application include the use of animal-derived feeder cells for cultures. The aim of this study was to establish an autologous hGF-derived iPSC (hGF-iPSC) culture system by evaluating the feeder ability of hGFs. In both serum-containing and serum-free media, hGFs showed higher proliferation than human dermal fibroblasts (hDFs). Three hGF strains were isolated under serum-free conditions, although 2 showed impaired proliferation. When hGF-iPSCs were transferred onto mitomycin C–inactivated hGFs, hDFs, or mouse-derived SNL feeders, hGF and SNL feeders were clearly hGF-iPSC supportive for more than 50 passages, whereas hDF feeders were only able to maintain undifferentiated hGF-iPSC growth for a few passages. After 20 passages on hGF feeders, embryonic stem cell marker expression and CpG methylation at the NANOG and OCT3/4 promoters were similar for hGF-iPSCs cultured on hGF and SNL feeder cells. Long-term cultures of hGF-iPSCs on hGF feeders sustained their normal karyotype and pluripotency. On hGF feeders, hGF-iPSC colonies were surrounded by many colony-derived fibroblast-like cells, and the size of intact colonies at 7 d after passage was significantly larger than that on SNL feeders. Allogeneic hGF strains also maintained hGF-iPSCs for 10 passages. Compared with hDFs, hGFs showed a higher production of laminin-332, laminin α5 chain, and insulin-like growth factor–II, which have been reported to sustain the long-term self-renewal of pluripotent stem cells. These results suggest that hGFs possess an excellent feeder capability and thus can be used as alternatives to conventional mouse-derived SNL and hDF feeders. In addition, our findings suggest that hGF feeders are promising candidates for animal component-free ex vivo expansion of autologous hGF-iPSCs, thus providing an important step toward the future therapeutic application of hGF-iPSCs.
The conditioning effect of protest history on the emulation of nonviolent conflict
Authors: Braithwaite Alex , Braithwaite Jessica Maves , Kucik Jeffrey
Published: October 2015

Violent domestic conflicts spread between countries via spillover effects and the desire to emulate events abroad. Herein, we extend this emulation logic to the potential for the contagion of nonviolent conflicts. The spread of predominantly nonviolent pro-democracy mobilizations across the globe in the mid-to-late 1980s, the wave of protests in former Soviet states during the Color revolutions in the 2000s, and the eruption of nonviolent movements across the Middle East and North Africa during the Arab Spring in the early 2010s each suggest that the observation of collective action abroad encourages a desire to emulate among potential challengers to domestic autocrats. However, the need to emulate varies. Potential challengers with a recent history of protest at home are less dependent (than are those without similar experience) upon foreign exemplars to mobilize the participants and generate the resources required to make emulation practicable. By contrast, where the domestic experience of protest is absent, opposition movements are more reliant upon emulation of foreign exemplars. We test the implications of this logic using a series of multivariate logistic regression analyses. Our tests employ data on nonviolent civil resistance mobilizations that occurred across the global population of autocratic states between 1946 and 2006. These tests, along with post-estimation analysis, provide evidence consistent with our conditional logic of emulation.
A state event detecting algorithm for hybrid dynamic systems
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Chen Lei , Hu Yihuai
Published: October 2015

Accurately detecting state events is critical for hybrid dynamic systems. However, it is difficult to locate the exact point of a state event in systems with singularities or systems in which event functions are of multiple roots. Overcoming these difficult situations depends on accurately predicting event functions and a reliable root-finding method. A carefully constructed extrapolation polynomial, which is derived from a variable-step multi-step integration method, is applied to predict values of event functions. Due to not using state values of the next time point, the polynomial can be employed to determine the integration step size by checking potential events in all situations. The extended interval Newton’s method is employed to find all roots in a certain time interval, which is determined by the existing integration method. The procedure of the root non-existence test and root finding are combined into one. Simulation results show that the algorithm is effective under several different critical situations. By the algorithm, model singularities are found on time and simulation failures are avoided. The event detecting algorithm can be combined with the existing integration method.
A study of automated color, shape and texture analysis of Tatami embroidery fabrics
Authors: Shih Chung-Yang , Kuo Chung-Feng Jeffrey , Cheng Jung-Hsiang
Published: October 2015

This paper proposes an automated analysis system for Tatami embroidery fabric images that automates color analysis, pattern shape analysis and texture analysis. Firstly, the RGB (red, green and blue) image of embroidery fabric is obtained by a color scanner. In color analysis, the wavelet transforms and median filter are used for RGB image preprocessing, and then the Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) clustering method is used for the binary region splitting method, the color features of statistical values of colors and number of colors can be obtained. In the pattern shape analysis, the individual pattern components are segmented by the separated colors, and the shape features of pattern components are obtained by moment invariants. Finally, in the texture analysis of Tatami embroidery fabrics, the gray image of the weave block is segmented from the pattern component region, after the entropy filter, the parallel division lines are segmented by a threshold value, and then the angle and spacing between Tatami embroidery parallel division lines are obtained by Hough transform to represent texture features. The experimental results show that this method can implement Tatami embroidery fabric color, shape and texture analyses automatically.
Obtaining Predictions from Models Fit to Multiply Imputed Data
Authors: Miles Andrew
Published: October 2015

Obtaining predictions from regression models fit to multiply imputed data can be challenging because treatments of multiple imputation seldom give clear guidance on how predictions can be calculated, and because available software often does not have built-in routines for performing the necessary calculations. This research note reviews how predictions can be obtained using Rubin’s rules, that is, by being estimated separately in each imputed data set and then combined. It then demonstrates that predictions can also be calculated directly from the final analysis model. Both approaches yield identical results when predictions rely solely on linear transformations of the coefficients and calculate standard errors using the delta method and diverge only slightly when using nonlinear transformations. However, calculation from the final model is faster, easier to implement, and generates predictions with a clearer relationship to model coefficients. These principles are illustrated using data from the General Social Survey and with a simulation.
North Indian state of Uttarakhand: a new hothouse of visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Ahmad Sohaib , Chandra Harish , Bhat Nowneet Kumar , Dhar Minakshi , Shirazi Nadia , Verma Sanjiv Kumar
Published: October 2015

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has been reported in the last decade from the hilly state of Uttarakhand, India. We report 47 cases from the non-endemic Garhwal region of this state which, over the last 10 years, were treated successfully. We conclude that the transmission cycle of VL is established in this region. Effective vector control measures are warranted to prevent the disease becoming a health problem, albeit not a major one given its excellent response to drugs.
The Spark Orientation Effect for Improving Attention and Recall
Authors: Rodero Emma
Published: October 2015

Although some sound elements such as music or sound effects are commonly used in audiovisual messages, little research has been conducted to determine whether they guarantee better cognitive processing. The purpose of this study is to improve listeners’ cognitive processing by determining the effectiveness of several sound elements in an audio message. We analyzed the capacity and the position in radio commercials of three orienting elements—appeals to the listener, music, and sound effects—to determine if and how they enhanced the listener’s attention and recall. The findings indicated that the use of orienting elements significantly increased the level of attention and recall of the listeners, especially in the case of sound effects. Regarding the position of the orienting elements, the study showed they were used effectively when focused on the whole structure of the message, applying the so-called spark orientation effect.
Learned and Remembered But Rejected: Preschoolers’ Reality Judgments and Transfer From Sesame Street
Authors: Bonus James Alex , Mares Marie-Louise
Published: October 2015

Although preschoolers learn from educational TV, they may not use information appropriately due to their developing understanding of video and fantasy-reality distinctions. Seventy 3- to 5-year-olds watched a Sesame Street clip, introduced as either “fun” or “for learning,” that depicted aspects of Hispanic culture (e.g., fiestas). They answered comprehension questions and rated the reality of the educational and fantasy content. Approximately a week later, a seemingly unrelated interviewer asked for help planning a fiesta (transfer task), then reassessed memory and reality judgments. Regardless of condition, children retained most of what they learned, but all ages became increasingly skeptical about the reality of both the educational and fantasy content. Consistent with theorizing about transfer, children’s use of the educational content depended on both memory and reality judgments. Older children remembered the information better than younger children, but memory only predicted transfer if the information was remembered as real.
A novel method for constitutive characterization of the mechanical properties of uncured rubber
Authors: Feng Xijin , Li Zhichao , Wei Yintao , Chen Yalong , Kaliske Michael , Zopf Christoph , Behnke Ronny
Published: October 2015

A novel constitutive characterization method for uncured rubber behaviour has been developed in this article. A systematic measuring procedure was designed to fully investigate the uncured rubber complex stress–strain behaviour under different deformation patterns, which integrated three kinds of tests – the uniaxial tensile, the compression test and the shear test. It can be found from the observed behaviour that the uncured rubber has similar but much pronounced non-elastic stress–strain relationship, which is highly non-linear and highly rate dependent. A generalized Maxwell model with modified Yeoh model is developed to constitutively describe the observed phenomena in which parameters are identified by an evolution optimization scheme. Good agreement can be found between the model and the test data. Another finding is that, similar to vulcanized rubber, multi-test data are needed to obtain compatible constitutive models. The test results, findings and the developed model help rubber engineers deeply understand the uncured rubber's mechanical behaviour and provide a base for rubber manufacturing simulation.
The power of imageability: How the acquisition of inflected forms is facilitated in highly imageable verbs and nouns in Czech children
Authors: Smolík Filip , Kříž Adam
Published: October 2015

Imageability is the ability of words to elicit mental sensory images of their referents. Recent research has suggested that imageability facilitates the processing and acquisition of inflected word forms. The present study examined whether inflected word forms are acquired earlier in highly imageable words in Czech children. Parents of 317 children (mean age 28 months) were asked whether their child used specific forms of 63 nouns and 35 verbs. For nouns, the forms were nominative singular and plural; for verbs, third person singular present, second person singular present, and the past participle. Plural nouns, and second person and past participle verbs were considered the marked, inflected forms. Analyses revealed that imageability is positively related to the use of the inflected form, even when controlling for the use of the unmarked form in each child, and the inflected form frequency. Two main explanations are suggested: facilitation of form retrieval from long-term memory, or facilitation of inflected form processing, especially by supporting the representations in working memory.
Distress Tolerance Among Students Referred for Treatment Following Violation of Campus Cannabis Use Policy
Authors: Buckner Julia D. , Jeffries Emily R. , Terlecki Meredith A. , Ecker Anthony H.
Published: October 2015

Students referred to treatment after violating campus drug policies represent a high-risk group. Identification of factors related to these students’ cannabis use could inform prevention and treatment efforts. Distress tolerance (DT) is negatively related to substance-related behaviors and may be related to high-risk cannabis use vulnerability factors that can impact treatment outcome. Thus, the current study tested whether DT was related to cannabis use frequency, cannabis-related problems, and motivation to change cannabis use among 88 students referred for treatment after violating campus cannabis policies. DT was robustly, negatively related to cannabis use and related problems. DT was also significantly, negatively correlated with coping, conformity, and expansion motives. DT was directly and indirectly related to cannabis problems via coping (not conformity or expansion) motives. Motives did not mediate the relation of DT to cannabis use frequency. DT may be an important target in treatment with students who violate campus cannabis policies.
The Trouble with Algorithmic Decisions
Authors: Zarsky Tal
Published: October 2015

We are currently witnessing a sharp rise in the use of algorithmic decision-making tools. In these instances, a new wave of policy concerns is set forth. This article strives to map out these issues, separating the wheat from the chaff. It aims to provide policy makers and scholars with a comprehensive framework for approaching these thorny issues in their various capacities. To achieve this objective, this article focuses its attention on a general analytical framework, which will be applied to a specific subset of the overall discussion. The analytical framework will reduce the discussion to two dimensions, every one of which addressing two central elements. These four factors call for a distinct discussion, which is at times absent in the existing literature. The two dimensions are (1) the specific and novel problems the process assumedly generates and (2) the specific attributes which exacerbate them. While the problems are articulated in a variety of ways, they most likely could be reduced to two broad categories: efficiency and fairness-based concerns. In the context of this discussion, such problems are usually linked to two salient attributes the algorithmic processes feature—its opaque and automated nature.
Work values during the transition to adulthood and mid-life satisfaction
Authors: Chow Angela , Galambos Nancy L. , Krahn Harvey J.
Published: October 2015

This 25-year longitudinal study of a sample of Canadian high school seniors ( N = 373) examined pathways from work values at age 18 to mid-life (age 43) career satisfaction and life satisfaction through several possible mediators: age 25 and 32 work values, months of postsecondary education (PSE) by age 25, and age 43 work rewards. Gender and parents’ PSE were also examined as influences on pathways to mid-life satisfaction. Structural equation modeling found support for one pathway beginning with intrinsic work values in high school (age 18 intrinsic work values→age 25 intrinsic work values→age 32 intrinsic work values→age 43 intrinsic work rewards→age 43 career and life satisfaction). Another pathway began with parents’ PSE (parents’ PSE→participants’ age 25 PSE→age 43 intrinsic work rewards→age 43 career and life satisfaction). Extrinsic work values from age 18 to 32 were not related to age 43 work rewards or career and life satisfaction. These findings indicate that adolescent work values matter for important mid-life outcomes, intrinsic work values are stronger predictors of adaptive outcomes than are extrinsic work values, and PSE plays a vital cross-generational role in shaping mid-life satisfaction.
Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes between the Supraclavicular Artery Island Flap and Fasciocutaneous Free Flap
Authors: Kozin Elliott D. , Sethi Rosh K. , Herr Marc , Shrime Mark G. , Rocco James W. , Lin Derrick , Deschler Daniel G. , Emerick Kevin S.
Published: October 2015

Objective

Outcomes of the supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) have not been extensively studied in comparison with free tissue transfer (FTT) flaps for head and neck reconstruction. We hypothesize that the pedicled SCAIF has decreased operating room time, length of stay, time to wound healing of recipient site, complications, and hospital charges as compared with FTT.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care teaching hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Medical records were reviewed for patients who underwent SCAIF (n = 45) or FTT (n = 28) reconstruction between 2011 and 2013.

Results

Total operating room time was significantly lower for the SCAIF group vs the FTT group (6.7 vs 8.1 hours, P =. 002). Procedural time was 5.7 hours for the SCAIF group, as compared with 7.2 hours for FTT group (P =. 0015). Mean area for SCAIF donor site was 63.89 cm2 vs 81.8 cm2 for the radial forearm free flap group (P =. 015). There was no significant difference in mean length of stay between SCAIF (8.8 days) and FTT (11 days, P =. 12). Mean length of time to wound healing of the recipient site was similar in the SCAIF group vs the FTT group (17.3 vs 22.1 days, P =. 071). Ratio of total hospital charges for SCAIF were 32% lower than that of FTT (P =. 0001).

Conclusion

This is among the first studies to compare SCAIF with FTT in a large cohort analysis. We find decreased operating room times for SCAIF vs FTT, with similar length of stay and wound healing. Other outcomes between SCAIF and FTT were also comparable.
Paths of Resistance
Authors: MacGeorge Erina L. , Guntzviller Lisa M. , Branch Sara E. , Yakova Liliya
Published: October 2015

Social scientists and conversation analysts have both focused on advice as a key form of support and influence, but neither have adequately connected patterns of verbal behavior in advice interactions to recipients’ reduced satisfaction with advice. We address this concern with an interpretive discourse analysis of naturalistic “troubles talk” between college student friends. Transcripts ( N = 48) were selected for analysis from a larger study of supportive interactions because the recipients in these interactions reported the advice as less satisfying on one or more dimensions, relative to the other advice recipients in the study. Our analysis explicates four trajectories of advice and resistance that characterize these interactions: sustained resistance, advisor persistence, irrational resistance, and contesting the problem. We discuss theoretical and pragmatic implications of these trajectories, including probable influences of the “friend” role on advising interactions, and the responsibility of both advisors and recipients for producing and preventing dissatisfaction with advice.
“Homosexual Marriage” or “Marriage for All”? Social Lexical Markers’ Effects on Persuasion
Authors: Sanrey Camille , Testé Benoît , Mange Jessica
Published: October 2015

In 2013, the French parliament legalized marriage between same-sex persons. One issue of debate was to define whether people were debating about “marriage for everybody” as claimed by the supporters of the law or about “homosexual marriage” as the opponents labeled it. This research aims to analyze the effects of social lexical markers (SLM) reflecting social groups of opinions elicit when embedded in a persuasive message. A first study showed that SLM are explicitly identified by people but only when embedded in a low-quality arguments persuasive message. SLM also increased identification certainty when they are concordant with arguments’ orientation. A second study demonstrated that, whatever the quality of argumentation, argument orientation guides both cognitive responses and attitude change. Furthermore, SLM reinforced effects of argumentation orientation when they are concordant with arguments orientation. These results are discussed in light of the elaboration likelihood model and intergroup processes.
District plans in Israel: post-mortem?
Authors: Razin Eran
Published: October 2015

In this paper, I qualitatively examine the rise and possible fall of statutory district plans as a major tool of regional planning in Israel. Rigid statutory regional plans are a top-down means, and the Israeli case demonstrates that their days are not necessarily over in an era of ‘soft spaces’ and complex governance networks. The swing of the pendulum in attitudes toward these plans is not associated with centralization–decentralization trends. Rather, it reflects power relations between two centralized coalitions of stakeholders. The one led by elected politicians favors proactive-developmental goals, aiming at state-led open-ended or non-statutory planning. The other coalition, led by central state bureaucrats, favors strict regulation. NGOs, assumed to form the core of soft horizontal governance networks, paradoxically support top-down ‘hard’ modes of regional planning, in the name of environmental sustainability that is not necessarily best served by bottom-up soft approaches.
Connectivity and physical activity: using footpath networks to measure the walkability of built environments
Authors: Ellis Geraint , Hunter Ruth , Tully Mark A , Donnelly Michael , Kelleher Luke , Kee Frank
Published: October 2015

There is now a strong body of research that suggests that the form of the built environment can influence levels of physical activity, leading to an increasing interest in incorporating health objectives into spatial planning and regeneration. There have been a number of strands to this research, one of which has sought to develop objective measurements of the built environment using geographic information systems involving measures of connectivity and proximity to compare the relative ‘walkability’of different neighbourhoods. The development of the ‘walkability index’ has become a popular indicator of the spatial distribution of those built environment features that are considered to have the greatest positive influence on levels of physical activity. The success of this measure is built on its ability to capture succinctly correlates of physical activity using routinely available spatial data, which includes using road centre lines to measure connectivity. In this paper we discuss two key aspects of the walkability index. First, as suggested by others, that the use of a footpath network, rather than road centre lines, may be far more effective in evaluating walkability. This may be particularly important for assessing changes in walkability arising from pedestrian-focused infrastructure projects, such as greenways. Second, we explore the implications of this for how connectivity can be measured. We take six different measures of connectivity and first analyse the relationships between them and then test their correlation with actual levels of physical activity of local residents in Belfast, Northern Ireland. We find that the best measurements appear to be intersection density and metric reach and use this finding to discuss the implications for developing tools that may better support decision-making in spatial planning.
Registration of all rehabilitation clinical trials: an ethical and editorial imperative
Authors: Wade Derick
Published: October 2015

Registration of randomized controlled trials is essential to reduce the risk of biased data being used when judging the effectiveness of an intervention. This journal will in future require that all randomized trials submitted are registered on a recognized register. This editorial explains why.
Development of a validated emotionally provocative musical stimulus set for research
Authors: Lepping Rebecca J. , Atchley Ruth Ann , Savage Cary R.
Published: October 2015

Music is a strong emotional stimulus; however, it is difficult to differentiate the effects of arousal and valence. While emotional stimuli sets have been created from words and pictures, a normed set of musical stimuli is unavailable. The goal of this project was to identify a set of ecologically valid musical stimuli for use in research studies of emotion and mood that differ on valence but are matched for arousal, and are also matched with emotionally evocative non-musical stimuli. Three rating experiments were conducted. In the first Stimulus Selection experiment, participants rated short music clips for valence and arousal, and the most evocative clips were selected. In two follow-up Stimulus Validation experiments, two additional groups of participants rated the selected musical and non-musical stimuli, with Experiment 3 confirming that these stimuli work effectively in a noisy environment (within an MRI scanner). The result of these three studies is a set of emotionally evocative, positive and negative musical stimuli, matched for valence and arousal with a subset of previously validated non-musical stimuli.
An exploration of the meaning of occupation to people who seek asylum in the United Kingdom
Authors: Smith Helen Claire
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Seeking asylum creates circumstances that impact significantly on occupational opportunities, leading to negative outcomes for individuals, families and the host community. Understanding the specific meaning of occupation during this major life transition provides valuable insights regarding occupation cross-culturally, during transition or under socio-legal restrictions.

Method

This study employed a phenomenological approach, using a series of in-depth interviews to illuminate the role of occupation in the everyday lives of 10 participants.

Findings

All participants spoke of the challenges of the asylum process, and the powerful drive to keep busy. They each identified the special role of occupations done for the benefit of others – family, network or community – linking these with cultural ideals and their own desired outcomes of value and purpose.

Conclusion

Occupation has enormous potential for enhancing post-migratory experiences, but the choice of occupation is also important. People strive to move beyond simply ‘keeping busy’ to find occupations of real meaning that foster connections and purpose, and in particular feed their need to feel valued. Occupations undertaken for the benefit of others connect with culturally appropriate collectivist ideals, and seem to do more to promote ‘doing, being, belonging’ and ‘becoming’.
Can the river speak? Epistemological confrontation in the rise and fall of the land grab in Gambella, Ethiopia
Authors: Gill Bikrum
Published: October 2015

In this paper, I focus on the role of knowledge production in the rise and fall of the Indian multinational agribusiness firm Karuturi’s efforts to become a leading global supplier of food through the initiation of large-scale industrial agricultural production in the Gambella province of Ethiopia. In particular, I interrogate a modernist epistemological framework which privileges the “developmental” knowledge of the Ethiopian state and the “productive” knowledge of Indian capital as central to the urgent task of mastering nature and bringing dormant virgin lands to life, while at the same time it necessarily discounts, through processes of racialization, displaced indigenous peoples and nonhuman life forms as beings incapable of efficient and productive economic activity. My argument in this paper is that while modernist knowledge production and mobilization has been critical to Karuturi’s construction of the Gambella land concession as a staging ground for its launch into global prominence in agro-food provisioning, it has also proved fatal to the project, as the epistemological inability to incorporate indigenous knowledge that accounts for “extra-human” agency left the company dramatically unaware of the particular socio-ecological dynamics of the Baro River ecosystem on whose floodplain the land concession was located.
Wanted: A Pollution Damage Revealing Mechanism
Authors: Hahnel Robin
Published: October 2015

This article proposes a theoretical, incentive compatible, pollution damage revealing mechanism to induce people to reveal how much they are damaged by environmental degradation so polluters can be charged for the amount of damage caused. The mechanism is embedded in the participatory planning procedure that is part of a theoretical alternative to capitalism known as a “participatory economy.”
Optimal routing for efficient municipal solid waste transportation by using ArcGIS application in Chennai, India
Authors: Sanjeevi V , Shahabudeen P
Published: October 2015

Worldwide, about US$410 billion is spent every year to manage four billion tonnes of municipal solid wastes (MSW). Transport cost alone constitutes more than 50% of the total expenditure on solid waste management (SWM) in major cities of the developed world and the collection and transport cost is about 85% in the developing world. There is a need to improve the ability of the city administrators to manage the municipal solid wastes with least cost. Since 2000, new technologies such as geographical information system (GIS) and related optimization software have been used to optimize the haul route distances. The city limits of Chennai were extended from 175 to 426 km2 in 2011, leading to sub-optimum levels in solid waste transportation of 4840 tonnes per day. After developing a spatial database for the whole of Chennai with 200 wards, the route optimization procedures have been run for the transport of solid wastes from 13 wards (generating nodes) to one transfer station (intermediary before landfill), using ArcGIS. The optimization process reduced the distances travelled by 9.93%. The annual total cost incurred for this segment alone is Indian Rupees (INR) 226.1 million. Savings in terms of time taken for both the current and shortest paths have also been computed, considering traffic conditions. The overall savings are thus very meaningful and call for optimization of the haul routes for the entire Chennai.
Electrospun silk fibroin–poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) membrane for nerve tissue engineering
Authors: Zhan Jianchao , Liu Junyi , Wang Chunyang , Fan Cunyi , EI-Hamshary Hany A , Al-Deyab Salem S , Mo Xiumei
Published: October 2015

Silk fibroin–poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) fibrous membranes were electrospun by varying the weight ratios for silk fibroin to poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid). The hydrophilicity, mechanical property, and biodegradability of the fibrous in vitro were evaluated. Contact angle test demonstrated that the hydrophilicity of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) fibrous membrane could be improved by introducing silk fibroin ingredient. Mechanical test showed that the strain–elongation performances of silk fibroin–poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) fibrous can be controlled by changing the silk fibroin percentage. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium assay test showed that the silk fibroin–poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) 2:8 fibrous enhanced the nerve cell proliferation compared to poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) fibrous. Silk fibroin–poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) fibrous membrane has been made into the nerve guidance conduit by the reeling and the sewing processing. The poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nerve guidance conduit and silk fibroin–poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nerve guidance conduit were implanted into a 10-mm sciatic nerve defect part of mice for nerve regeneration and the nerve regenerated at 12 weeks. Nerve regeneration test showed that the regenerated nerve in the silk fibroin–poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nerve guidance conduit group was more organized and mature than that in the poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nerve guidance conduit group. The results suggest that the silk fibroin–poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (2:8) nerve guidance conduits have potential applications in nerve regeneration.
Sexual Aggression Victimization and Perpetration Among Female and Male University Students in Poland
Authors: Tomaszewska Paulina , Krahé Barbara
Published: October 2015

This study examined the prevalence of victimization and perpetration of sexual aggression since age 15 in a convenience sample of 565 Polish university students (356 females). The prevalence of sexual aggression was investigated for both males and females from the perspectives of both victims and perpetrators in relation to three coercive strategies, three different victim–perpetrator relationships, and four types of sexual acts. We also examined the extent to which alcohol was consumed in the context of sexually aggressive incidents. The overall self-reported victimization rate was 34.3% for females and 28.4% for males. The overall perpetration rate was 11.7% for males and 6.5% for females. The gender difference was significant only for perpetration. Prevalence rates of both victimization and perpetration were higher for people known to each other than for strangers. In the majority of victimization and perpetration incidents, alcohol was consumed by one or both parties involved. The findings are discussed in relation to the international evidence and the need for tailored risk prevention and reduction programs.