bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near‐Surface Disposal Performance Assessment: Modeling Monthly Precipitation and Temperature in Various Climate Environments
Authors: Worthy Roneisha W. , Clarke James H. , Abkowitz Mark D.
Published: October 2015

A more stable and extensive analysis of climate is necessary to simulate long‐term impacts associated with climate change. The exponential dispersion model (EDM) family of distributions, a popular choice when characterizing precipitation levels and temperature in different climate environments, is being considered for its applicability to near‐surface disposal performance assessments. In this study, the EDM family is examined to determine if there is a preferred distributional form within the family for these parameters using data from two sites whose climate environments are quite different. One site is in a semiarid environment and the other is in a humid environment. In addition, the merits of selecting a different distributional form to represent each calendar month of precipitation and temperature data are explored.

Results show that the gamma distribution was most often determined to be the best fit to recorded precipitation data. When considering temperature, however, the Weibull distribution proved to be a better fit. These results suggest that greater precision may be possible when temperature and precipitation serve as inputs to modeling activities, if these parameters are allowed to be represented by different distributions and derived by calendar month. Ultimately, the approach provides a more far‐reaching examination of historical records and provides an increase in confidence, when used in the evaluation of long‐term climate impacts associated with near‐surface disposal facilities. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cost‐Effective Sediment Dredge Disposal Options for Small Craft Harbors in Canada
Authors: Walker Tony R. , MacLean Bradley , Appleton Rebecca , McMillan Scott , Miles Mary
Published: October 2015

Sediment dredge disposal options were reviewed to improve cost‐effectiveness and environmental safety for dredging of coastal sediments at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Small Craft Harbours (DFO‐SCH) program in Canada. Historically, contaminated dredge sediments exceeding federal guidelines were disposed of in nearby landfills. Recent federal regulatory changes in sediment quality guidelines adopted by provincial regulators in Canada has resulted in updates to guidelines for disposal of contaminated solids in landfills. Updates now require specific and general disposal options for contaminated dredge material destined for land‐based disposal, resulting in more expensive disposal in containment cells (if contaminated sediments exceed federal guidelines). However, as part of this study, a leachate testing method was applied to contaminated sediments to simulate migration of potential contaminants in groundwater. Using this approach, leachate quality was compared to federal freshwater criteria and drinking water quality guidelines for compliance with new regulations. Leachate testing performed on the highest sediment contaminant concentrations triggered less than 2 percent potable water exceedances, meaning that most dredge spoils could be disposed of in privately owned or provincially operated landfill sites, providing less expensive disposal options compared to containment cell disposal. Current dredge disposal practices were reviewed at 35 harbor sites across Nova Scotia and their limitations identified in a gap analysis. Improved site management was developed following this review and consultation with interested marine stakeholders. New disposal options and chemical analyses were proposed, along with improvements to cost efficiencies for management of dredged marine sediments in Atlantic Canada. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In situ Endothelialization: Bioengineering Considerations to Translation
Authors: Pang Jun Hon , Farhatnia Yasmin , Godarzi Fatemeh , Tan Aaron , Rajadas Jayakumar , Cousins Brian G. , Seifalian Alexander M.
Published: October 2015

Improving patency rates of current cardiovascular implants remains a major challenge. It is widely accepted that regeneration of a healthy endothelium layer on biomaterials could yield the perfect blood‐contacting surface. Earlier efforts in pre‐seeding endothelial cells in vitro demonstrated success in enhancing patency, but translation to the clinic is largely hampered due to its impracticality. In situ endothelialization, which aims to create biomaterial surfaces capable of self‐endothelializing upon implantation, appears to be an extremely promising solution, particularly with the utilization of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Nevertheless, controlling cell behavior in situ using immobilized biomolecules or physical patterning can be complex, thus warranting careful consideration. This review aims to provide valuable insight into the rationale and recent developments in biomaterial strategies to enhance in situ endothelialization. In particular, a discussion on the important bio‐/nanoengineering considerations and lessons learnt from clinical trials are presented to aid the future translation of this exciting paradigm.
A Novel Investigation of Initial Solidified Shell Thickness of Continuously Cast Slab Based on Solidification Structure
Authors: Feng Yi , Wang Weiling , He Qi , Luo Sen , Zhu Miaoyong
Published: October 2015

Considering the big deviation of the measured initial shell thickness obtained by directly measuring the breakout shell in previous works, a new method has been proposed in this study in a microscopic and mesoscopic view. This innovative measuring method is based on the transformation point of the solidification structure of the initial solidified shell before and after the breakout occurs, which avoids the deviation induced by the attachment of the residual liquid steel. Due to the different heat transfer conditions along the casting direction of the mold, causing different segregation behaviors of the solute elements at the different positions, the micromorphology of solidified shell cannot be revealed just through the same etchant. In the present work, the appropriate etchants for the breakout shell at different positions along the casting direction have been explored through dendrite and grain etching experiments, and a black solute enrichment region appearing in the solidified structure after being etched is chosen to determine the shell thickness, therefore, the solidified structure of the initial solidified shell has been investigated in detail based on the experimental results. The result shows that solidification coefficient within the mold obtained by fitting the change curve of the initial shell thickness with the empirical equation is more competitive than the previous works.
Cultivating Change Using Appreciative Inquiry
Authors: Fifolt Matthew , Lander Lori
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this chapter is to describe the utility and scope of appreciative inquiry (AI) and outline the benefits of this strengths‐based approach to engage in meaningful self‐assessment.
Promoting Positive Leadership
Authors: Mather Peter C. , Hess Michael
Published: October 2015

Drawing from positive organizational scholarship, the authors describe strategies for moving from an ineffective focus on problems to leveraging organizational strengths for productive change.
Resources and Readings in Positive Psychology
Authors: Mather Peter C. , Hulme Eileen
Published: October 2015

This chapter presents a variety of resources for higher education professionals interested in applying appreciative education principles to their work.
Fostering Student Engagement by Cultivating Curiosity
Authors: Hulme Eileen , Green Daniel T. , Ladd Kimberly S.
Published: October 2015

This chapter describes the results of a study that provides a rich understanding of the role of curiosity in facilitating academic and personal success in high‐achieving college students.
European design rules for point loads near supports evaluated with data from shear tests on non‐slender beams with vertical stirrups
Authors: Todisco Leonardo , Reineck Karl‐Heinz , Bayrak Oguzhan
Published: October 2015

This paper includes a presentation of a shear test database that contains 278 tests conducted on reinforced concrete beams with vertical stirrups and no horizontal skin reinforcement. These beams are commonly referred to as non‐slender beams since they were tested using loading arrangements that created shear span‐to‐depth ratios a/d < 2.4. In an effort to arrive at a database that can be used for the purposes of evaluating the accuracy and conservativeness of design provisions, several control and filtering criteria were applied. After this process, 178 beams remained in the evaluation database. The analyses conducted using this database indicated that the application of the strut‐and‐tie models (STM) of Eurocode 2 (EC2) to non‐slender beams with stirrups is unconservative, i.e. the database analyses yielded results that were above the desired 5 % fractile. Almost all unconservative strength estimations were obtained for test specimens containing large numbers of stirrups. Conversely, statistical evaluations showed that the FIP Recommendations model for beams with point loads near supports is conservative.
Knowledge Construction: A Paradigm Shift
Authors: Gash Hugh
Published: October 2015

This chapter explores the move toward a constructivist paradigm and collaborative knowledge construction in the broader institutional context of education.
War and Environment: The Environmental Effects of the Civil War in Somalia
Authors: Kengni Bernard
Published: October 2015

International humanitarian law seeks to protect the environment, civilians, and development
Impact of carcinoma in situ of the bladder in the UK
Authors: Ranasinghe Weranja , Hounsome Luke , Verne Julia , Persad Raj
Published: October 2015

Although the incidence of carcinoma in situ of the bladder is increasing in men, it is not currently considered a reportable malignancy in the UK. The authors advocate increased awareness of the condition, given its aggressive nature and need for early detection and initiation of treatment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons
Modern management of penile cancer
Authors: Gan Christine , Shabbir Majid , Watkin Nick
Published: October 2015

In this article, the authors outline a contemporary management algorithm for penile cancer, with emphasis on developments in organ‐sparing surgical techniques and inguinal lymph node detection and management. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons
Enhanced ionized sputtering in HIPIMS
Authors: Alami Jones
Published: October 2015

The present paper aims to shortly review a relatively new approach to magnetron sputtering, namely “enhanced ionization sputtering” (EIS) or as it is more commonly known “High Power Pulsed Magnetron Sputtering“ (HIPIMS). The EIS concept describes a range of plasmas that have the common features of exhibiting a higher (than what is commonly known) plasma density and a higher ionization fraction of sputtered and gas atoms in the discharge. The somewhat unique properties are the result of pulsing a sputtering source (target) power at a low frequency ranging from a few tens to a few hundreds of Hz and a low duty time of less than 10 %. Consequently, plasma electron densities 2 to 4 orders of magnitude higher than densities in conventional sputtering plasmas can be achieved, while the corresponding ionization fractions of the target material reach up to 90 % for Ti, for example. As will be shown in the present paper, EIS is described as an approach to sputtering that provides new means and a realm of possibilities to develop coating solutions not possible otherwise. This implies that there is not a single description of a HIPIMS plasma, rather a concept for ionization (EIS) that should be used according to the needs of the application in hand. Nevertheless, for the purpose of simplicity, HIPIMS should describe in the present paper both the concept and the technique.
A ‘behaviorscape’ perspective on stream fish ecology and conservation: linking fish behavior to riverscapes
Authors: White Seth M. , Giannico Guillermo , Li Hiram
Published: October 2015

Landscape ecology (and its application to rivers and streams: riverine landscapes or riverscapes) provides an expansive depiction of patterns of physical and biological phenomena, yet mechanisms driving those patterns are rarely identified. Behavioral ecology aims to elucidate mechanisms of organisms' response to their environment, but often lacks the context of natural conditions and the surrounding landscape or riverscape. Bringing together the relative strengths of these two fields—context in the case of riverscapes and mechanism in the case of behavioral ecology—can provide fisheries managers and conservation biologists with improved predictions of fish response to anthropogenic impacts such as habitat degradation, landscape fragmentation, and climate change. Existing research on fish behavior incorporating a riverscape perspective includes the study of fish migration and dispersal, habitat selection, and reproduction and life history strategies. The merging of these disciplines is termed ‘behaviorscapes’ and a program of research would adhere to four principles: (1) study fish populations or communities in a natural setting, (2) account for landscape and riverscape context, (3) incorporate a refined understanding of fish behavior, and (4) forge linkages between individual behavior and population or community demographics. Several potential directions for future research exist, including developing or improving technologies to map internal heterogeneity of rivers; making explicit links between that heterogeneity and fish behavior through observations or experiments; and employing an iterative approach to using ecological knowledge,a priorihypotheses, and precise spatial analysis to bridge the pattern‐process divide.WIREs Water2014, 1:385–400. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1033

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness

Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems

Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented
A review of forest and tree plantation biomass equations in Indonesia
Authors: Anitha Kamalakumari , Verchot Louis V. , Joseph Shijo , Herold Martin , Manuri Solichin , Avitabile Valerio
Published: October 2015

Key message

We compiled 2,458 biomass equations from 168 destructive sampling studies in Indonesia. Unpublished academic theses contributed the largest share of the biomass equations. The availability of the biomass equations was skewed to certain regions, forest types, and species. Further research is necessary to fill the data gaps in emission factors and to enhance the implementation of climate change mitigation projects and programs.

Context

Locally derived allometric equations contribute to reducing the uncertainty in the estimation of biomass, which may be useful in the implementation of climate change mitigation projects and programs in the forestry sector. Many regional and global efforts are underway to compile allometric equations.

Aims

The present study compiles the available allometric equations in Indonesia and evaluates their adequacy in estimating biomass in the different types of forest across the archipelago.

Methods

A systematic survey of the scientific literature was conducted to compile the biomass equations, including ISI publications, national journals, conference proceedings, scientific reports, and academic theses. The data collected were overlaid on a land use/land cover map to assess the spatial distribution with respect to different regions and land cover types. The validation of the equations for selected forest types was carried out using independent destructive sampling data.

Results

A total of 2,458 biomass equations from 168 destructive sampling studies were compiled. Unpublished academic theses contributed the majority of the biomass equations. Twenty-one habitat types and 65 species were studied in detail. Diameter was the most widely used single predictor in all allometric equations. The cumulative number of individual trees cut was 5,207. The islands of Java, Kalimantan, and Sumatra were the most studied, while other regions were underexplored or unexplored. More than half of the biomass equations were for just seven species. The majority of the studies were carried out in plantation forests and secondary forests, while primary forests remain largely understudied. Validation using independent data showed that the allometric models for peat swamp forest had lower error departure, while the models for lowland dipterocarp forest had higher error departure.

Conclusion

Although biomass studies are a major research activity in Indonesia due to its high forest cover, the majority of such activities are limited to certain regions, forest types, and species. More research is required to cover underrepresented regions, forest types, particular growth forms, and very large tree diameter classes.
Return- and hitting-time limits for rare events of null-recurrent Markov maps
Authors: PÈNE FRANÇOISE , SAUSSOL BENOÎT , ZWEIMÜLLER ROLAND
Published: October 2015

We determine limit distributions for return- and hitting-time functions of certain asymptotically rare events for conservative ergodic infinite measure preserving transformations with regularly varying asymptotic type. Our abstract result applies, in particular, to shrinking cylinders around typical points of null-recurrent renewal shifts and infinite measure preserving interval maps with neutral fixed points.
STARK POINTS AND -ADIC ITERATED INTEGRALS ATTACHED TO MODULAR FORMS OF WEIGHT ONE
Authors: DARMON HENRI , LAUDER ALAN , ROTGER VICTOR
Published: October 2015

Let$E$be an elliptic curve over$\mathbb{Q}$, and let${\it\varrho}_{\flat }$and${\it\varrho}_{\sharp }$be odd two-dimensional Artin representations for which${\it\varrho}_{\flat }\otimes {\it\varrho}_{\sharp }$is self-dual. The progress on modularity achieved in recent decades ensures the existence of normalized eigenforms$f$,$g$, and$h$of respective weights two, one, and one, giving rise to$E$,${\it\varrho}_{\flat }$, and${\it\varrho}_{\sharp }$via the constructions of Eichler and Shimura, and of Deligne and Serre. This article examines certain$p$-adic iterated integralsattached to the triple$(f,g,h)$, which are$p$-adic avatars of the leading term of the Hasse–Weil–Artin$L$-series$L(E,{\it\varrho}_{\flat }\otimes {\it\varrho}_{\sharp },s)$when it has a double zero at the centre. A formula is proposed for these iterated integrals, involving the formal group logarithms of global points on$E$—referred to asStark points—which are defined over the number field cut out by${\it\varrho}_{\flat }\otimes {\it\varrho}_{\sharp }$. This formula can be viewed as an elliptic curve analogue of Stark’s conjecture on units attached to weight-one forms. It is proved when$g$and$h$are binary theta series attached to a common imaginary quadratic field in which$p$splits, by relating the arithmetic quantities that arise in it to elliptic units and Heegner points. Fast algorithms for computing$p$-adic iterated integrals based on Katz expansions of overconvergent modular forms are then exploited to gather numerical evidence in more exotic scenarios, encompassing Mordell–Weil groups over cyclotomic fields, ring class fields of real quadratic fields (a setting which may shed light on the theory of Stark–Heegner points attached to Shintani-type cycles on${\mathcal{H}}_{p}\times {\mathcal{H}}$), and extensions of$\mathbb{Q}$with Galois group a central extension of the dihedral group$D_{2n}$or of one of the exceptional subgroups$A_{4}$,$S_{4}$, and$A_{5}$of$\mathbf{PGL}_{2}(\mathbb{C})$.
Conjugated liquid layers driven by the short-wavelength Bénard–Marangoni instability: experiment and numerical simulation
Authors: Nejati Iman , Dietzel Mathias , Hardt Steffen
Published: October 2015

The coupled dynamics of two conjugated liquid layers of disparate thicknesses, which coat a solid substrate and are subjected to a transverse temperature gradient, is investigated. The upper liquid layer evolves under the short-wavelength Bénard–Marangoni instability, whereas the lower, much thinner film undergoes a shear-driven long-wavelength deformation. Although the lubricating film should reduce the viscous stresses acting on the up to one hundred times thicker upper layer by only 10 %, it is found that the critical Marangoni number of marginal stability may be as low as if a stress-free boundary condition were applied at the bottom of the upper layer, i.e. much lower than the classical value of 79.6 known for a single film. Furthermore, it is experimentally verified that the deformation of the liquid–liquid interface, albeit small, has a non-negligible effect on the temperature distribution along the liquid–gas interface of the upper layer. This stabilizes the hexagonal pattern symmetry towards external disturbances and indicates a two-way coupling of the different layers. The experiments also demonstrate how convection patterns formed in a liquid film can be used to pattern a second conjugated film. The experimental findings are verified by a numerical model of the coupled layers.
The oral [13C]bicarbonate technique for measurement of short-term energy expenditure of sled dogs and their physiological response to diets with different fat:carbohydrate ratios
Authors: Larsson Caroline , Ahlstrøm Øystein , Junghans Peter , Jensen Rasmus B. , Blache Dominique , Tauson Anne-Helene
Published: October 2015

The oral [13C]bicarbonate technique (o13CBT) was assessed for the determination of short-term energy expenditure (EE) under field conditions. A total of eight Alaskan huskies were fed two experimental diets in a cross-over experiment including two periods of 3 weeks. Effects of diets on EE, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and on plasma hormones, blood lactate and glucose were furthermore investigated. The percentages of metabolisable energy derived from protein (P), fat (F) and carbohydrates (C) were 26:58:16 in the PFC diet and 24:75:1 in the PF diet. Measurements of EE were performed in the post-absorptive state during rest. Blood samples were collected during rest and exercise and ATTD was determined after days with rest and with exercise. EE was higher (P< 0·01) in period 2 than in period 1 (68v.48 kJ/kg body weight0·75per h). The ATTD of organic matter, crude protein and crude fat was higher (P< 0·01) in the PF diet compared with the PFC diet, and lower (P< 0·01) for total carbohydrates. Exercise did not affect ATTD. Higher (P< 0·01) insulin-like growth factor 1 and leptin concentrations were measured when fed the PF diet compared with the PFC diet. Concentrations of insulin decreased (P< 0·01), whereas cortisol and ghrelin increased (P< 0·05), after exercise. There was no effect of diet on blood lactate and glucose, but higher (P< 0·001) lactate concentrations were measured in period 1 than in period 2. The results suggest that the o13CBT can be used in the field to estimate short-term EE in dogs during resting conditions. Higher ATTD and energy density of the PF diet may be beneficial when energy requirements are high.
Combining archaeological and radiocarbon information: a Bayesian approach to calibration
Authors: Buck C. E. , Kenworthy J. B. , Litton C. D. , Smith A. F. M.
Published: October 2015

A recent and significant improvement in radiocarbon dating has been the increased ability of the radiocarbon laboratories to provide results combining precision with accuracy. This improvement has been accompanied by increasing recognition that the information must be expressed on the calendar, rather than on the radiocarbon, time-scale. Despite the attempts of Ottaway (1987) and Pearson (1987), archaeologists are not sufficiently aware of the statistical problems involved in the transformation from one scale to the other: ‘Some of the trouble lies in the ignorance of radiocarbon consumers; the many attempts to educate them can have only limited success when radiocarbon study depends on statistical concepts and methods far beyond the average archaeologist’s innumerate grasp’ (Chippindale 1990: 203).
Western dietary pattern is related to premenstrual syndrome: a case–control study
Authors: Farasati Negin , Siassi Fereydoun , Koohdani Fariba , Qorbani Mostafa , Abashzadeh Karolin , Sotoudeh Gity
Published: October 2015

Although premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects a large number of women of reproductive age, the aetiology of this disorder has not yet been fully elucidated. The relationship between food intake and PMS morbidity has been investigated in several studies, but dietary patterns of PMS patients have not been taken into consideration up to now. We examined dietary patterns of 320 nurses with (n 160) and without (n 160) PMS in a case–control study. Food intakes over the past year were determined using semi-quantitative FFQ. Factor analysis was used to identify the main dietary patterns, and logistic regression was used to model the relationship between dietary patterns and PMS morbidity. Three dietary patterns were identified in the analysis: healthy, Western and traditional. After adjustment for age, BMI, menstrual cycles, physical activity and energy intake, participants in the second (OR 2·53; 95 % CI 1·18, 5·43) and third (OR 4·39; 95 % CI 1·97, 9·81) quintiles of the Western dietary pattern were more likely to experience PMS compared with those in the first quintile. The study findings therefore reveal that Western dietary pattern might be associated with PMS morbidity. However, this result should be interpreted with caution as there was no evidence of a dose–response relationship. Future studies are needed to confirm our findings in other populations.
Functional food properties of non-digestible oligosaccharides: a consensus report from the ENDO project (DGXII AIRII-CT94-1095)
Authors: Loo Jan Van , Cummings John , Delzenne Nathalie , Englyst Hans , Franck Anne , Hopkins Mark , Kok Nadine , Macfarlane George , Newton Dorothy , Quigley Michael , Roberfroid Marcel , van Vliet Trinette , van den Heuvel Ellen
Published: October 2015

This paper results from the final phase of the ENDO project (DGXII AIRII-CT94-1095), a European Commission-funded project on non-digestible oligosaccharides (NDO). All participants in the programme met to perform a consensus exercise on the possible functional food properties of NDO. Topics studied during the project (including a workshop on probiotics and prebiotics) and related aspects, for which considerable evidence has been generated recently, were evaluated on the basis of existing published scientific evidence. There was a general consensus that: (1) there is strong evidence for a prebiotic effect of NDO in human subjects. A prebiotic effect was defined as a food-induced increase in numbers and/or activity predominantly of bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria in the human large intestine; (2) there is strong evidence for the impact that NDO have on bowel habit; (3) there is promising evidence that consumption of inulin-type fructans may result in increased Ca absorption in man; (4) there are preliminary indications that inulin-type fructans interact with the functioning of lipid metabolism; (5) there is preliminary evidence in experimental animals of a preventive effect against colon cancer. Human nutrition studies are needed to substantiate these findings. It was concluded that the nutritional properties of NDO may prove to be a key issue in nutritional research in the future.
King and magnate in medieval Ireland: Walter de Lacy, King Richard and King John
Authors: Veach Colin
Published: October 2015

While the reigns of England's Angevin kings, Henry II, Richard I and John, have sparked centuries of historical interest, the verdicts rendered have been as diverse as the times that produced them. Increasingly, historians have come to highlight the abrasiveness of Angevin kingship in general when discussing the great calamities of John’s reign (including the loss of Normandy in 1204, Magna Carta, and the civil war of 1215–17), before recounting John’s unique depravity.
Collisionless relaxation of non-gyrotropic downstream ion distributions: dependence on shock parameters
Authors: Gedalin M.
Published: October 2015

Upon crossing the shock front, ions begin to gyrate. The ion distribution just behind the ramp is manifestly non-gyrotropic. The gyration of the ion distribution as a whole results in spatially periodic oscillations of the ion pressure. The magnetic pressure must oscillate in the opposite phase to ensure the maintenance of the pressure balance throughout the shock front. The ion non-gyrotropy and the pressure oscillations gradually damp due to the collisionless gyrophase mixing. The rate of this relaxation depends on the basic shock parameters. The most influential are the angle between the shock normal and the magnetic field, the upstream ion temperature and the magnetic compression.
The infection of laboratory hosts with cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni and the recovery of the adult worms
Authors: Smithers S. R. , Terry R. J.
Published: October 2015

At present many laboratories throughout the world are studying the chemotherapy and immunology of Schistosoma mansoni in laboratory hosts. Many workers judge the success or failure of their attempts to cure or immunize these hosts from the ratio of the number of living adult worms recovered to the number of infecting cercariae. This ratio is affected, however, not only by the efficacy of any treatment, but also by the methods used to infect the animals and to recover the worms. If these methods result in widely varying worm recoveries amongst the animals in any experimental group, then small but significant effects of treatment might well be missed. Alternatively, such large experimental groups must be used that the work becomes tedious to perform and depends upon the availability of a great deal of technical assistance. This paper describes techniques which are rapid and do not require great skill in their performance. More important, in our hands they have given very consistent results. In this respect, particularly, we believe that these techniques have advantages over others which are currently practised.

The techniques described here are those which were used in other investigations reported in this journal (Smithers & Terry, 1965a, b).

The strain of S. mansoni used throughout this work was isolated in Puerto Rico and was obtained through the courtesy of Dr W. B. DeWitt of the National Institutes of Health. The parasite is maintained in an albino strain of Australorbis glabratus (Newton, 1955). Snails are exposed individually to ten miracidia overnight at 27 °C.
II.—The Stability of Solutions of Non-linear Difference-differential Equations
Authors: Wright E. M.
Published: October 2015

Synopsis

Poincaré, Liapounoﬀ, Perron and others have proved theorems about the order of smallness, as the independent variable tends to + ∞, of solutions of differential equations with non-linear perturbation terms. A similar theory exists for difference equations. By a simple use of transforms, we here extend the theorems, with suitable modifications, to difference-differential equations. The results are an essential step in the development of a general theory of non-linear equations of this type.
Neanderthals did speak, butFOXP2doesn't prove it
Authors: Johansson Sverker
Published: October 2015

Ackermann et al. treat both genetic and paleoanthropological data too superficially to support their conclusions. The case ofFOXP2and Neanderthals is a prime example, which I will comment on in some detail; the issues are much more complex than they appear in Ackermann et al.
Trajectories of care home residents during the last month of life: the case of France
Authors: PENNEC SOPHIE , GAYMU JOELLE , MORAND ELISABETH , RIOU FRANCOISE , PONTONE SILVIA , AUBRY REGIS , CASES CHANTAL
Published: October 2015

This paper examines some demographic and medical factors associated with the likelihood of residing in a care home during the last month of life for persons aged 70 and over in France and, if so, of remaining in the care home throughout or being transferred to hospital. The data are from the Fin de vie en France (End of Life in France) survey undertaken in 2010. During the last month of life, very old people are more likely to be living in a care home but are not less likely to be transferred to hospital. Medical conditions and residential trajectories are closely related. People with dementia or mental disorders are more likely to live in a care home and, if so, to stay there until they die. Compared to care homes, a more technical and medication-based approach is taken in hospitals and care home residents who are transferred to hospital more often receive medication while those remaining in care homes more often receive support from a psychologist. In hospitals as in care homes, few older persons had recourse to advance directives and hospice programmes were not widespread. Promoting these two factors may help to increase the quality of end of life and facilitate an ethical approach to end-of-life care.
The Streptococcus milleri Group
Authors: Verrall Rosemary
Published: October 2015

Microbiologists traditionally have relied on biochemical and serologic tests to identify only group A, group B, and group D streptococci isolated from patients with serious infections. Until recently there has been little interest in the further classification of other streptococci isolated from clinical specimens.

In 1956, Guthof repeatedly isolated a particular streptococcus from dental abscesses and named the organism Streptococcus milleri in honor of the microbiologist, W.D. Miller. In 1976, Parker and Ball associated this microorganism with other pyogenic infections and later described the characteristics of 346 strains. The Streptococcus milleri group is now recognized as both virulent and invasive and some believe it is responsible for more suppurative infections than any other group of streptococci. Physicians need to consider the unique ability of these bacteria to form abscesses in a wide range of tissue. Microbiology laboratories, therefore, need to develop schemes to identify this important group of streptococci.
Behavioural Parent Training Versus Dietary Education in the Treatment of Children with Persistent Feeding Difficulties
Authors: Turner Karen M.T. , Sanders Matthew R. , Wall Clare R.
Published: October 2015

This controlled treatment-outcome study compared the effects of behavioural parent training (BPT) and standard dietary education (SDE) on the mealtime interaction, feeding behaviour, nutritional status, and adjustment of children with feeding disorders. Participants were 20 children (aged between 18 months and five years) with persistent feeding difficulties, and their families. Children underwent initial screening (involving medical assessment, behavioural observation of mealtime interaction, nutritional intake analysis, and self-report measures of parent and child adjustment) and were randomly assigned to BPT or SDE. Results indicated that children in both treatment conditions showed improvement on the child behaviour measures (e.g. food refusal, disruptive behaviour during mealtimes) at home and in mealtime observations in the clinic. Children in both conditions also showed an increase in the variety of foods sampled by follow-up. Following treatment, mothers who received BPT showed more positive mother–child interaction during mealtimes, and both parents were more satisfied with treatment than parents in SDE. Mothers in both conditions showed slight elevations in mood at posttest and follow-up, and increased marital satisfaction at posttest (which decreased by follow-up). All other treatment effects were maintained at a three- to four-month follow-up assessment.
Impact of Citywide Blackout on an Urban Emergency Medical Services System
Authors: Freese John , Richmand Neal J. , Silverman Robert A. , Braun James , Kaufman Bradley J. , Clair John
Published: October 2015

Introduction:

On 14 August 2003, New York City and a large portion of the northeastern United States experienced the largest blackout in the history of the country. An analysis of such a widespread disaster on emergency medical service (EMS) operations may assist in planning for and managing such disasters in the future.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all EMS activity within New York City's 9-1-1 emergency telephone system during the 29 hours during which all or parts of the city were without power (16:11 hours (h) on 14 August 2003 until 21:03 h on 15 August 2003) was performed. Control periods were established utilizing identical time periods during the five weeks preceding the blackout.

Results:

Significant increases were identified in the overall EMS demand (7,844 incidents vs. 3,860 incidents; p<0.001) as well as in 20 of the 62 calltypes of the system, including ca rd i ac arrests (119 vs.76, p= 0.043).Significant decreases were found only among calls related to psychological emergencies (114 vs. 221; p= 0.006) and drugor alcohol-related emergencies (78 vs. 146; p = 0.009). Though median response times increased by only 60 seconds, median call-processing times within the 9-1-1 emergency telephone system EMS dispatch center of the city increased from 1.1 to 5.5 minutes.

Conclusions:

The citywide blackout resulted in dramatic changes in the demands upon the EMS system of New York City, the types of patients for whom EMS providers were assigned to provide care, and the dispositions for those assignments. During this time of increased, system-wide demand, the use of cross-trained firefighter and first-responder engine companies resulted in improved response times to cardiac arrest patients. Finally, the ability of the EMS dispatch center to process the increased requests for EMS assistance proved to be the rate-limiting step in responding to these emergencies.These findings will prove useful in planning for future blackouts or any disaster that may broadly impact the infrastructure of a city.
The Sphere Project: Next Steps in Moving Toward a Rights-Based Approach to Humanitarian Assistance
Authors: Ouyang Helen , VanRooyen Michael , Gruskin Sofia
Published: October 2015

Since the Sphere Project was launched in 1997, it has sought to integrate principles of human rights norms with adherence to technical standards. While the Sphere Handbook has evolved as both a field tool and a resource for articulating human rights, it does not fully offer a rights-based approach to humanitarian assistance. In the handbook's current edition, its Humanitarian Charter asserts and affirms human rights principles, but the technical Minimum Standards Section that follows has yet to truly embody a rightsbased approach; that is, it does not clarify how to operationalize human rights in the field, particularly with respect to the health sector. Using human rights documents, the Sphere documents, and existing, published literature in the field of humanitarian practice and human rights, this article provides critical commentary and suggests how strengthening the link between rights and standards, as well as rhetoric and action, can advance the Sphere Project beyond its current applicability as a handbook of technical standards in the field to operationalizing an effective rights-based approach to humanitarian aid.
Health Impacts of Floods
Authors: Du Weiwei , FitzGerald Gerard Joseph , Clark Michele , Hou Xiang-Yu
Published: October 2015

Introduction:

Floods are the most common hazard to cause disasters and have led to extensive morbidity and mortality throughout the world. The impact of floods on the human community is related directly to the location and topography of the area, as well as human demographics and characteristics of the built environment.

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to identify the health impacts of disasters and the underlying causes of health impacts associated with floods. A conceptual framework is developed that may assist with the development of a rational and comprehensive approach to prevention, mitigation, and management.

Methods:

This study involved an extensive literature review that located >500 references, which were analyzed to identify common themes, findings, and expert views. The findings then were distilled into common themes.

Results:

The health impacts of floods are wide ranging, and depend on a number of factors. However, the health impacts of a particular flood are specific to the particular context. The immediate health impacts of floods include drowning, injuries, hypothermia, and animal bites. Health risks also are associated with the evacuation of patients, loss of health workers, and loss of health infrastructure including essential drugs and supplies. In the medium-term, infected wounds, complications of injury, poisoning, poor mental health, communicable diseases, and starvation are indirect effects of flooding. In the long-term, chronic disease, disability, poor mental health, and poverty-related diseases including malnutrition are the potential legacy.

Conclusions:

This article proposes a structured approach to the classification of the health impacts of floods and a conceptual framework that demonstrates the relationships between floods and the direct and indirect health consequences.
The Impact of the Oil Sector on Commodity Prices: Correlation or Causation?
Authors: Saghaian Sayed H.
Published: October 2015

The interconnections of agriculture and energy markets have increased through the rise in the new biofuel agribusinesses and the oil-ethanol-corn linkages. The question is whether these linkages have a causal structure by which oil prices affect commodity prices and through these links, instability is transferred from energy markets to already volatile agricultural markets. In this article, we present empirical results using contemporary time-series analysis and Granger causality supplemented by a directed graph theory modeling approach to identify the links and plausible contemporaneous causal structures among energy and commodity variables. The results show that although there is a strong correlation among oil and commodity prices, the evidence for a causal link from oil to commodity prices is mixed.
Modafinil Augmentation of SSRI Therapy in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder and Excessive Sleepiness and Fatigue: A 12-Week, Open-label, Extension Study
Authors: Thase Michael E. , Fava Maurizio , DeBattista Charles , Arora Sanjay , Hughes Rod J.
Published: October 2015

Introduction:

Many patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have residual symptoms (eg, persistent fatigue, excessive sleepiness) despite an overall antidepressant response. Placebo-controlled studies indicate that modafinil, a wake-promoting agent, may relieve residual symptoms.

Methods:

This 12-week, open-label, dose titration, extension study followed an 8-week placebo-controlled study of modafinil augmentation in patients with MDD. The dose was 100–400 mg/day. The median stable dose was 300 mg/day. Assessments were the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Brief Fatigue Inventory, Clinical Global Impression of Improvement scale, 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale.

Results:

Of the 245 patients treated, 194 completed the study; 70% reported Clinical Global Impression of Improvement scale responses of “much improved” or “very much improved” between open-label baseline and final visit (previous randomized modafinil group: 74%; placebo group: 66%). When data were analyzed for four subsets of patients (former modafinil responders, placebo responders, modafinil nonresponders, and placebo nonresponders), improvements in scores on all outcome measures were at least twice as great among former modafinil and placebo nonresponders compared with responders. Most common adverse events were headache (18%), nausea (9%), and dizziness (7%); all were generally mild to moderate in severity.

Conclusion:

Twelve weeks of modafinil augmentation relieved excessive sleepiness, reduced fatigue, and improved patients' overall clinical condition, including mood.
Aripiprazole in the Treatment of Pediatric Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Chart Review
Authors: Biederman Joseph , McDonnell Mary Ann , Wozniak Janet , Spencer Thomas , Aleardi Megan , Falzone Richard , Mick Eric
Published: October 2015

Background

Pediatric bipolar diorder is a serious neuropsychiatric disorder asociated with high levels of morbidity and disabilty.

Objective

This is a systematic chart review of all outpatient youth with the diagnosis of bipolar disorder and bipolar spectrum disorder treated with aripiprazole either alone or as add-on to ongoing treatments.

Method

Medical records were reviewed to identify all subjects with bipolar and bipolar spectrum disorder prescribed aripiprazole in our clinic. During the chart review, the Clinical Global Impression scale was completed by the treating clinicians to determine usefullness.

Results

Forty-one youths (mean age±SD: 11.4±3.5 years) with bipolar spectrum disorder who had been treated with aripiprazole were identified. These children received a mean daily dose of aripiprazole 16.0±7.9 mg over an average of 4.6 months. Using a Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale score of <2 (very much/much improved) to define robust improvement, 71% showed improvement in manic symptoms. Treatment with aripiprazole was well tolerated.

Conclusion

This study suggests that aripiprazole may be a useful and well-tolerated treatment for youth with bipolar disorder and it supports the need for controlled clinical trials of this compound in juvenile mania.
Reproductive Health and Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Suppes Trisha
Published: October 2015

The presentations and clinical courses of patients with bipolar disorder differ greatly by gender. In addition, medical therapy must be tailored differently for men and women because of emerging safety concerns unique to the female reproductive system. In November 2005, these topics were explored by a panel of experts in psychiatry, neurology, and reproductive health at a closed roundtable meeting in Dallas, Texas. This clinical information monograph summarizes the highlights of that meeting.

Compared to men with bipolar disorder, women have more pervasive depressive symptoms and experience more major depressive episodes. They are also at higher risk for obesity and certain other medical and psychiatric comorbidities. Mood changes across the menstrual cycle are common, although the severity, timing, and type of changes are variable. Bipolar disorder is frequently associated with menstrual abnormalities and ovarian dysfunction, including polycystic ovarian syndrome. Although some cases of menstrual disturbance precede the treatment of bipolar disorder, it is possible that valproate and/or antipsychotic treatment may play a contributory role in young women.

Pregnancy does not protect against mood episodes in untreated women. Maintenance of euthymia during pregnancy is critical because relapse during this period strongly predicts a difficult postpartum course. Suspending therapy in the first months of pregnancy may be an option for some women with mild-to-moderate illness, or those with a long history of euthymia during pre-pregnancy treatment. However, a mood stabilizer should be reintroduced either in the later stages of pregnancy or in the immediate postpartum period. Preliminary data suggest that fetal exposure to some mood stabilizers may raise the risk of major congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental delays. For women planning to become pregnant, clinicians may consider switching to other drugs before conception. The value and drawbacks of breastfeeding during treatment must be considered in partnership with the patient, with close monitoring of nursing infants thereafter. The risks and benefits of medical treatment for women with bipolar disorder should be carefully reconsidered at each stage of their reproductive lives, with a flexible approach that is responsive to the changing needs of patients and their families.
Open Source BioImage Informatics: Tools for Interoperability
Authors: Rueden C.T. , Schindelin J. , Dezonia B.E. , Grislis A.R. , Hiner M.C. , Eliceiri K.W.
Published: October 2015

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.