bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Multiobjective Control of DVR to Enhance Power Quality of Sensitive Load
Authors: Pandu Sathish Babu , Nagappan Kamaraj
Published: November 2015

The Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR) is one of the fast, flexible, and cost effective solutions available in compensating the voltage‐related power quality problems in power distribution systems. In this paper is discussed how power quality enhancement of sensitive load is achieved by applying three versions of Autonomous Group Particle Swarm Optimization like AGPSO1, AGPSO2, and AGPSO3 for tuning the Proportional‐Integral DVR controller under balanced and nonlinear load conditions. A novel multiobjective function is formulated to express the control performance of the system, which is quantified using three power quality indices such as Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), voltage sag index, and RMS voltage variation. The obtained results are compared with the Proportional‐Integral (PI) controller tuned by Ziegler‐Nichols (ZN) method and also by Simple Particle Swarm Optimization based PI controlled DVR. The proposed methodology has improved the performance in terms of the considered power quality indices and the simulation has been carried out in MATLAB/Simulink environment.
Genetic Diversity of Selected Mangifera Species Revealed by Inter Simple Sequence Repeats Markers
Authors: Ariffin Zulhairil , Md Sah Muhammad Shafie , Idris Salma , Hashim Nuradni
Published: November 2015

ISSR markers were employed to reveal genetic diversity and genetic relatedness among 28 Mangifera accessions collected from Yan (Kedah), Bukit Gantang (Perak), Sibuti (Sarawak), and Papar (Sabah). A total of 198 markers were generated using nine anchored primers and one nonanchored primer. Genetic variation among the 28 accessions of Mangifera species including wild relatives, landraces, and clonal varieties is high, with an average degree of polymorphism of 98% and mean Shannon index, H0=7.50. Analysis on 18 Mangifera indica accessions also showed high degree of polymorphism of 99% and mean Shannon index, H0=5.74. Dice index of genetic similarity ranged from 0.0938 to 0.8046 among the Mangifera species. The dendrogram showed that the Mangifera species were grouped into three main divergent clusters. Cluster 1 comprised 14 accessions from Kedah and Perak. Cluster II and cluster III comprised 14 accessions from Sarawak and Sabah. Meanwhile, the Dice index of genetic similarity for 18 accessions of Mangifera indica ranged from 0.2588 to 0.7742. The dendrogram also showed the 18 accessions of Mangifera indica were grouped into three main clusters. Cluster I comprised 10 landraces of Mangifera indica from Kedah. Cluster II comprised 7 landraces of Mangifera indica followed by Chokanan to form Cluster III.
Antioxidant Formulae, Shengmai San, and LingGuiZhuGanTang, Prevent MPTP Induced Brain Dysfunction and Oxidative Damage in Mice
Authors: Giridharan Vijayasree Vayalanellore , Thandavarayan Rajarajan Amirthalingam , Konishi Tetsuya
Published: November 2015

The present study was designed to evaluate the preventive effect of antioxidative traditional oriental medicine formulae, Shengmai San (SMS) and LingGuiZhuGanTang (LGZGT), against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) (i.p 30 mg·kg−1for 5 consecutive days) induced neurotoxicity. Inin vitroantioxidant assays measured with Trolox and butyl hydroxyl toluene as reference antioxidant revealed that SMS has higher scavenging potential against hydroxyl radical than superoxide anion radical, but LGZGT was the reverse. The neuroprotective effect of SMS and LGZGT against MPTP was evaluated in mice by behavioral, biochemical, and immunohistochemical studies. In the behavioral study, both SMS and LGZGT significantly reversed the locomotive impairment induced by MPTP. Simultaneously, both formulae significantly prevented the MPTP induced dopaminergic neuron loss assessed by tyrosine hydroxylase in the midbrain. Both SMS and LGZGT significantly attenuated the elevated lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls levels by MPTP. The DNA damage induced by MPTP was also prevented by both formulae. Although a little difference in the protective functions was observed between the two formulae, such as in DNA damage and behavioral studies, the results indicate that both SMS and LGZGT with antioxidant property act as a good candidate applicable for the antioxidant based complementary therapies of neurodegenerative diseases.
Parallel kd-Tree Based Approach for Computing the Prediction Horizon Using Wolf’s Method
Authors: Águila J. J. , Arias E. , Artigao M. M. , Miralles J. J.
Published: November 2015

In different fields of science and engineering, a model of a given underlying dynamical system can be obtained by means of measurement data records called time series. This model becomes very important to understand the original system behaviour and to predict the future values of that system. From the model, parameters such as the prediction horizon can be computed to obtain the point where the prediction becomes useless. In this work, a new parallel kd-tree based approach for computing the prediction horizon is presented. The parallel approach uses the maximal Lyapunov exponent, which is computed by Wolf’s method, as an estimator of the prediction horizon.
Repair of Unstable Posterior Sternoclavicular Dislocation Using Nonabsorbable Tape Suture and Tension Band Technique: A Case Report with Good Results
Authors: Aydın Ekrem , Dülgeroğlu Turan Cihan , Ateş Ali , Metineren Hasan
Published: November 2015

Posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation (PSCJD) is quite a rare condition. Nearly half of the closed reduction attempts fail due to various reasons. In this paper, we present a 25-year-old male patient who was admitted to the emergency department in our hospital after having a motor-vehicle accident. It was decided to do PSCJD after physical and imaging studies. Following necessary preparations, closed reduction was attempted with abduction-traction maneuver under general anesthesia; however, adequate stabilization could not be achieved and redislocation was detected during control. Therefore, joint was stabilized with tension band technique using 6 mm polyamide nonabsorbable type suture during open reduction. Painless and complete range of motion in shoulder was achieved at the postoperative 10th week.
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia with Bilateral Renal Masses Masquerading as Nephroblastomatosis
Authors: Thakore Poonam , Aljabari Salim , Turner Curtis , Vasylyeva Tetyana L.
Published: November 2015

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common malignancy in the pediatric patient population. However, renal involvement as the primary manifestation of ALL is rare. We report a case of a 4-year-old boy with bilateral renal lesions resembling nephroblastic rests as the first finding of early stage ALL preceding hematological changes and subsequent classic clinical findings by two weeks. These renal hypodensities completely resolved after one week of induction chemotherapy. This case demonstrates that renal involvement can be the only initial presenting finding of leukemia. Children with lesions resembling nephroblastic rests need appropriate surveillance due to the risk of malignant disease.
PID Testing Method Suitable for Process Control of Solar Cells Mass Production
Authors: Gou Xianfang , Li Xiaoyan , Zhou Su , Wang Shaoliang , Fan Weitao , Huang Qingsong
Published: November 2015

Voltage bias of several hundred volts which are applied between solar cells and module frames may lead to significant power losses, so-called potential-induced degradation (PID), in normal photovoltaic (PV) installations system. Modules and minimodules are used to conduct PID test of solar cells. The test procedure is time consuming and of high cost, which cannot be used as process monitoring method during solar cells fabrication. In this paper, three kinds of test including minimodule,Rsh, and V-Q test are conducted on solar cells or wafers with SiNxof different refractive index. All comparisons between test results ofRsh, V-Q, and minimodule tests have shown equal results. It is shown thatRshtest can be used as quality inspection of solar cells and V-Q test of coated wafer can be used as process control of solar cells.
Credit Derivatives Pricing Model for Fuzzy Financial Market
Authors: Wu Liang , Zhuang Yaming , Lin Xiaojing
Published: November 2015

With various categories of fuzziness in the market, the factors that influence credit derivatives pricing include not only the characteristic of randomness but also nonrandom fuzziness. Thus, it is necessary to bring fuzziness into the process of credit derivatives pricing. Based on fuzzy process theory, this paper first brings fuzziness into credit derivatives pricing, discusses some pricing formulas of credit derivatives, and puts forward a One-Factor Fuzzy Copula function which builds a foundation for portfolio credit products pricing. Some numerical calculating samples are presented as well.
Mandibular Ramus Fracture: An Overview of Rare Anatomical Subsite
Authors: Jadhav Anendd , Mundada Bhushan , Deshmukh Rahul , Bhutekar Umesh , Kala Atul , Waghwani Kapil , Mishra Apoorva
Published: November 2015

Aim. The present study aims at exemplifying the incidence, and aetiology and analyses the outcomes of open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) over closed treatment of mandibular ramus fractures. Patients and Method. In the present retrospective analysis of mandibular fracture patients, variables analysed were age, sex, cause of injury, pretreatment occlusion, treatment given, period of maxillo-mandibular fixation (MMF), and posttreatment occlusion. Results. Out of 388 mandibular fractures treated, ramus fractures were 12 (3.09%). In the present study, predominant cause of mandibular ramus fracture was road traffic accident (RTA) n = 07 (58.33%) followed by fall n = 04 (33.33%) and assault n = 1 (8.33%). The average age was 35.9 years with a male predilection. Of these, 9 patients were treated with ORIF while remaining 3 with closed treatment. The average MMF after closed treatment was 21 days and 3 to 5 days after ORIF. There was improvement in occlusion in all 12 patients posttreatment with no major complication except for reduced mouth opening in cases treated with ORIF which recovered with physiotherapy and muscle relaxants. Conclusion. Mandibular ramus fractures accounted for 3.09% with RTA as a common aetiology. ORIF of ramus fractures facilitated adequate functional and anatomic reduction with early return of function.
Model and Algorithm for Container Allocation Problem with Random Freight Demands in Synchromodal Transportation
Authors: Xu Yan , Cao Chengxuan , Jia Bin , Zang Guangzhi
Published: November 2015

This paper aims to investigate container allocation problem with random freight demands in synchromodal transportation network from container carriers’ perspective. Firstly, the problem is formulated as a stochastic integer programming model where the overall objective is to determine a container capacity allocation plan at operational level, so that the expected total transportation profit is maximized. Furthermore, by integrating simulated annealing with genetic algorithm, a problem-oriented hybrid algorithm with a novel gene encode method is designed to solve the optimization model. Some numerical experiments are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed model and algorithm.
Application of Evolutionary Principles to Cancer Therapy
Authors: Enriquez-Navas Pedro M. , Wojtkowiak Jonathan W. , Gatenby Robert A.
Published: November 2015

The dynamic cancer ecosystem, with its rich temporal and spatial diversity in environmental conditions and heritable cell phenotypes, is remarkably robust to therapeutic perturbations. Even when response to therapy is clinically complete, adaptive tumor strategies almost inevitably emerge and the tumor returns. Although evolution of resistance remains the proximate cause of death in most cancer patients, a recent analysis found that evolutionary terms were included in less than 1% of articles on the cancer treatment outcomes, and this has not changed in 30 years. Here, we review treatment methods that attempt to understand and exploit intratumoral evolution to prolong response to therapy. In general, we find that treating metastatic (i.e., noncurable) cancers using the traditional strategy aimed at killing the maximum number of tumor cells is evolutionarily unsound because, by eliminating all treatment-sensitive cells, it enables rapid proliferation of resistant populations—a well-known evolutionary phenomenon termed “competitive release.” Alternative strategies, such as adaptive therapy, “ersatzdroges,” and double-bind treatments, shift focus from eliminating tumor cells to evolution-based methods that suppress growth of resistant populations to maintain long-term control. Cancer Res; 75(22); 4675–80. ©2015 AACR.
A 13 mer LNA-i-miR-221 Inhibitor Restores Drug Sensitivity in Melphalan-Refractory Multiple Myeloma Cells
Authors: Gullà Annamaria , Di Martino Maria Teresa , Gallo Cantafio Maria Eugenia , Morelli Eugenio , Amodio Nicola , Botta Cirino , Pitari Maria Rita , Lio Santo Giovanni , Britti Domenico , Stamato Maria Angelica , Hideshima Teru , Munshi Nikhil C. , Anderson Kenneth C. , Tagliaferri Pierosandro , Tassone Pierfrancesco
Published: November 2015

Purpose: The onset of drug resistance is a major cause of treatment failure in multiple myeloma. Although increasing evidence is defining the role of miRNAs in mediating drug resistance, their potential activity as drug-sensitizing agents has not yet been investigated in multiple myeloma.

Experimental Design: Here we studied the potential utility of miR-221/222 inhibition in sensitizing refractory multiple myeloma cells to melphalan.

Results: miR-221/222 expression inversely correlated with melphalan sensitivity of multiple myeloma cells. Inhibition of miR-221/222 overcame melphalan resistance and triggered apoptosis of multiple myeloma cells in vitro, in the presence or absence of human bone marrow (BM) stromal cells. Decreased multiple myeloma cell growth induced by inhibition of miR-221/222 plus melphalan was associated with a marked upregulation of pro-apoptotic BBC3/PUMA protein, a miR-221/222 target, as well as with modulation of drug influx–efflux transporters SLC7A5/LAT1 and the ABC transporter ABCC1/MRP1. Finally, in vivo treatment of SCID/NOD mice bearing human melphalan-refractory multiple myeloma xenografts with systemic locked nucleic acid (LNA) inhibitors of miR-221 (LNA-i-miR-221) plus melphalan overcame drug resistance, evidenced by growth inhibition with significant antitumor effects together with modulation of PUMA and ABCC1 in tumors retrieved from treated mice.

Conclusions: Taken together, our findings provide the proof of concept that LNA-i-miR-221 can reverse melphalan resistance in preclinical models of multiple myeloma, providing the framework for clinical trials to overcome drug resistance, and improve patient outcome in multiple myeloma. Clin Cancer Res; 22(5); 1222–33. ©2015 AACR.
Flightless I Homolog Represses Prostate Cancer Progression through Targeting Androgen Receptor Signaling
Authors: Wang Tao , Song Wen , Chen Yuan , Chen Ruibao , Liu Zhuo , Wu Licheng , Li Mingchao , Yang Jun , Wang Liang , Liu Jihong , Ye Zhangqun , Wang Chenguang , Chen Ke
Published: November 2015

Purpose: Flightless I (FLII), member of the gelsolin superfamily of actin-remodeling proteins, functions as a transcriptional coregulator. We aim to evaluate a tumor-suppressive function of FLII in regulating androgen receptor (AR) in prostate cancer progression.

Experimental Design: We examined FLII protein and mRNA expression in clinical prostate cancer specimens by immunohistochemistry. Kaplan–Meier analysis was conducted to evaluate the difference in disease-overall survival associated with the expression levels of FLII and AR. Prostate cancer cells stably expressing FLII or shRNA knockdown were used for functional analyses. Immunoprecipitation, Luciferase reporter, and immunofluorescence staining assays were performed to examine the functional interaction between FLII and AR.

Results: Our analysis of the expression levels of FLII in a clinical gene expression array dataset showed that the expression of FLII was positively correlated with the overall survival of prostate cancer patients exhibiting high levels of AR expression. Examination of protein and mRNA levels of FLII showed a significant decrease of FLII expression in human prostate cancers. AR and FLII formed a complex in a ligand-dependent manner through the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of AR. Subsequently, we observed a competitive binding to AR between FLII and the ligand. FLII inhibited AR transactivation and decreased AR nuclear localization. Furthermore, FLII contributed to castration-sensitive and castration-resistant prostate cancer cell growth through AR-dependent signaling, and reintroduction of FLII in prostate cancer cells sensitized the cells to bicalutamide and enzalutamide treatment.

Conclusions: FLII plays a tumor-suppressive role and serves as a crucial determinant of resistance of prostate cancer to endocrine therapies. Clin Cancer Res; 22(6); 1531–44. ©2015 AACR.
Cutaneous Collagenous Vasculopathy: A Rare Form of Microangiopathy Successfully Treated with a Combination of Multiplex Laser and Optimized Pulsed Light with a Review of the Literature
Authors: Basso Davide , Ribero Simone , Blazek Claudia , Dietrich Nathalie , Beltraminelli Helmut , Ramelet Albert A. , Borradori Luca , Adatto Maurice
Published: November 2015

Cutaneous collagenous vasculopathy (CCV) is a rare idiopathic microangiopathy of the cutaneous vasculature characterized histologically by the presence of dilated small blood vessels with flat endothelial cells and thickened walls containing hyaline material in the upper dermis. We report an elderly patient presenting with an extensive form of CCV involving the trunk, upper and lower limbs. She was treated with Multiplex PDL 595-nm/Nd:YAG 1,064-nm laser and optimized pulsed light. This approach, which has never been reported for CCV so far, resulted in a striking and almost complete clearance of the widespread lesions. We here review our knowledge about CCV and therapeutic options available with a survey of the literature.
Hydrogen Sulfide Alleviates Peritoneal Fibrosis via Attenuating Inflammation and TGF-β1 Synthesis
Authors: Lu Ying , Gao Luyan , Li Lingyun , Zhu Ye , Wang Zhi , Shen Huaying , Song Kai
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims: Peritoneal fibrosis is one of the long-term complications in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Recent evidences have suggested that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is beneficial in treating various fibrotic diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis, cirrhosis, kidney fibrosis and cardiac hypertrophy. However, no information is known about the effect of H2S on peritoneal fibrosis. In the present study, we investigated the effect of H2S on peritoneal fibrosis and explored its potential mechanisms. Methods: We developed a model of peritoneal fibrosis by intraperitoneally injecting 4.25%-glucose PD fluids and lipopolysaccharide to Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats received daily intraperitoneal injections of NaHS (56 μg/kg), an H2S donor. After 28 days, the peritoneal equilibration test (PET) was used to assess peritoneal function. At the end of dialysis, the rats were killed and parietal peritoneum was harvested for microscopic examination and immunohistochemistry. Results: On the 28th day, the parietal peritoneum of the PD rats markedly thickened as a result of increased depositions of type III collagen and fibronectin. Moreover, the number of ED-1-positive cells and the expressions of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), α-smooth muscle actin and CD31 were significantly increased in the fibrotic peritoneum. Administration of NaHS markedly decreased the biomarkers of inflammation, fibrosis and angiogenesis in the peritoneum. NaHS also improved peritoneal function assessed by PET. Conclusion: Exogenous H2S ameliorates the pathologic process of peritonitis via attenuating inflammatory events and TGF-β1 synthesis. These results suggest that H2S may be a potential therapy against peritoneal fibrosis during chronic PD. In the future, compounds releasing H2S at controlled rate will be assessed as potential candidates to treat peritoneal fibrosis.
A produção normativa em saúde como um novo campo de estudo
Authors: Romero Luiz Carlos
Published: November 2015

Este artigo faz levantamento e analise do aumento no numero e na qualidade dos estudos sobre produção normativa em matéria de saúde nos últimos anos, como provável consequência tanto do desenvolvimento do Direito Sanitário em nosso país como do crescimento e da diversificação das atividades de assessoramento e consultoria legislativa em nossas casas legislativas. Conclui-se que houve desenvolvimento recente nesse campo de estudo e na produção cientifica em nosso meio, caracterizado pelo crescimento do numero de estudos e publicações com dois focos principais: o conteúdo normativo das leis e a influencia, nos resultados do processo, das regras constitucionais e regimentais que regulam o processo legislativo e favorecem o papel legiferante do Poder Executivo.
Infecção hospitalar e a responsabilização civil nos tribunais brasileiros
Authors: Silva José Marcio Carvalho da , Farias Neto Murilo Mariz de
Published: November 2015

A infecção hospitalar e notoriamente uma das principais problemáticas enfrentadas na atualidade pelas instituições prestadoras de serviço de saúde e pelos profissionais que nela atuam, fato este evidenciado pelo numero crescente de ações propostas na Justiça pelos pacientes ou usuários. Surge, a partir desse cenário, o fenômeno da responsabilidade civil nos casos de infecção hospitalar. As implicações legais desse fenômeno são diversas e envolvem questões relacionadas ao ambiente institucional e a conduta profissional. Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a literatura a respeito do posicionamento dos tribunais brasileiros em relação à responsabilização civil nos casos de infecção hospitalar. São elencados os aspectos conceituais que definem essa síndrome infecciosa e os tipos de responsabilidade civil, as diretrizes jurídicas que orientam a condução da temática e as decisões dos tribunais brasileiros que versam sobre a responsabilidade civil nesses casos. Foi constatado que os julgados têm sido amparados pela distinção entre a responsabilização civil objetiva e a subjetiva, além de estarem conduzidos pelo entendimento da relação de prestação de serviço existente entre a instituição ou profissional de saúde e o usuário ou paciente.
Rac1-Mediated Activation of Mineralocorticoid Receptor in Pressure Overload–Induced Cardiac Injury
Authors: Ayuzawa Nobuhiro , Nagase Miki , Ueda Kohei , Nishimoto Mitsuhiro , Kawarazaki Wakako , Marumo Takeshi , Aiba Atsu , Sakurai Takayuki , Shindo Takayuki , Fujita Toshiro
Published: November 2015

There is increasing evidence for a crucial role of aberrant mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation in heart failure, with clinical studies showing beneficial effects of MR blockade. However, the mechanisms of MR activation in heart failure remain unclear. In this study, we observed that the small GTPase Rac1 contributes to myocardial MR activation, whereas Rac1-MR pathway activation leads to cardiac dysfunction. Mouse hearts subjected to chronic pressure overload induced by transverse aortic constriction showed Rac1 activation and increased nuclear accumulation of MR and expression of MR target genes, suggesting MR activation. Pharmacological inhibition of Rac1 and heterozygous deletion of Rac1 in cardiomyocytes suppressed Rac1-induced MR signaling and reduced NADPH oxidase 4 gene induction and reactive oxygen species overproduction, which attenuated transverse aortic constriction–induced cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction. Consistently, treatment with the selective MR antagonist eplerenone blocked transverse aortic constriction–induced MR signaling and NADPH oxidase 4 gene upregulation, which improved cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction. These findings suggest that Rac1-MR pathway activation in the myocardium is involved in development of heart failure induced by pressure load via recruitment of the responsible isoform of NADPH oxidase. Thus, the cardiac Rac1-MR-NADPH oxidase 4 pathway may be a therapeutic target for treatment of the pressure-overloaded heart.
The Impact of War on Resource Allocation: “Creative Destruction,” Patenting, and the American Civil War
Authors: Khan B. Zorina
Published: November 2015

The large exogenous shock to labor and capital markets, aggregate demand, the distribution of expenditures, and the rate and direction of technological innovation that war often causes can lead to substantial changes in the allocation of resources. Empirical evidence reveals a significant misallocation of resources during the American Civil War, as a result of reduced geographical mobility, greater incentives for individuals with high opportunity cost to switch into the market for military technologies, and decreased financial returns to inventors. However, the rapid economic recovery that ensued after the end of the war suggests that the misallocation was only temporary, not long inhibiting the capacity for future technological progress.
Sin, Purity and the חטּאת Offering
Authors: Nolland John
Published: November 2015

The case against חטּאת and the piel of חטא referring to a sin offering does not make purification offering the necessary alternative. When sin is being addressed by the חטּאת, it connects with moral impurity only in the exceptional case of the Day of Atonement. Not impurity but defect/deficiency provides the right level of generality for making sense of the whole range of texts. Unless the view in Ezek 43:26 is an unstated assumption of all the Pentateuchal cultic texts, it seems likely that the חטּאת can deal with a deficiency that is neither of impurity nor of sin. Despite the mt exclusive focus of non-cultic uses of חטּאת on sin, the wider uses of the חטא root open up a place for a cultic use where blame is not necessarily involved.
Deferential Self-Reference in the Book of Samuel
Authors: Kim Yoo-ki
Published: November 2015

In the Hebrew Bible, the self-deferential phrase is used to save the addressee’s face in conversation. It can occupy virtually every position that the first-person pronouns can take. However, it does not occur consistently in a given speech. This article examines the use of self-deferential phrases in the book of Samuel, especially in the dialogues that involve David. It demonstrates that the occurrence of self-deferential phrases depends on the judgment and attitude of the speaker toward the situation of the conversation, not only on the status gap between the interlocutors. The self-deferential phrase in the book of Samuel, as an indicator of the speaker’s state of mind toward the addressee, serves as a dynamic signal that provides readers with an important clue about the narrator’s understanding of the situation.
Translating Misfortune
Authors: Friesen Courtney J. P.
Published: November 2015

The divergence between the mt and lxx in Hannah’s response to Eli’s accusation of drunkenness (1 Sam 1:15) has long puzzled scholars. The Greek phrase, “I am a woman who has a hard day (σκληρὰ ἡμέρα)”, is an improbable rendering of the Hebrew קשת רוח (“hard of spirit”). This is commonly explained by way of a hypothetical Vorlage, קשת יום (lit., “hard of day”), which consequently becomes the preferred reading over against the mt. The central argument is that קשה would mean “obstinate” or “stubborn”, which is not fitting for Hannah’s speech. This brief study problematizes this prevailing view, arguing instead that the mt appropriately characterizes a misfortune perceived by Hannah to be the result of God’s action.
What Makes a Thing Abominable?
Authors: Crouch C.L.
Published: November 2015

Previous attempts to synthesise biblical texts’ usage of twʿbh have associated the language with cultic concerns in Deuteronomy and Ezekiel or with ethical concerns in Proverbs. The reconciliation of these interests, especially in conjunction with a number of additional outlier texts, has proved problematic. This investigation suggests that the texts which use twʿbh and tʿb exhibit a persistent focus on issues of identity, on the transgression of boundaries and on perceptions of the compatibility and incompatibility of fundamental social, theological and ideological categories. This understanding goes some way towards providing an explanation of the diverse appearances of these terms across the biblical texts.
Identifying Inner-Biblical Allusion through Metaphor
Authors: DiFransico Lesley
Published: November 2015

Commentators have often noted the numerous prophetic allusions contained in Psalm 51. Identifying and evaluating the nature of such inner-biblical allusions, however, is not without difficulty. An additional feature that connects the psalm to the prophets is the concept of washing away sin (Ps 51:4, 9; Isa 1:16; 4:4; Jer 2:22; 4:14), a distinctive metaphor that is found explicitly only in these passages. This paper will evaluate the connection between Psalm 51 and these prophetic passages vis-à-vis a study of the washing metaphor and will utilize the distinctive metaphor as a criterion for identifying and exploring inner-biblical allusion. The analysis of a metaphor that is rare or unusual within the Hebrew Bible has the potential to inform the identification and exploration of inner-biblical connections and can aid in the discussion of dependency and directionality.
“You Will Always Have the Poor”: A Reflection on the Paradox of Justice as Law
Authors: French Duncan
Published: November 2015

Calls for, and arguments around, fairness and justice are an essential element of international law; more so in certain areas – environment and natural resources, development – than in others, namely, the structural design of the discipline, State responsibility, formation of custom and acquisition of territory. The article thus considers the question whether there is an obligation of fair entitlement in international law, with particular reference to various matters of territory. With reflections on the discrete questions of territorial loss through sea-level rise and the role of equity in maritime delimitation, the article considers the role of fairness and justice in international law. The article concludes nevertheless that though fairness is an important and emotive value to strive for within legal and political discourse, it can become a dangerous entitlement when it trumps or usurps established rules of international law.
Ranunculus schmalhausenii (section Batrachium, Ranunculaceae), a neglected water crowfoot endemic to Fennoscandia—a case of rapid hybrid speciation in postglacial environment of North Europe
Authors: Bobrov Alexander A. , Zalewska-Gałosz Joanna , Jopek Magdalena , Movergoz Ekaterina A.
Published: November 2015

The taxa of Ranunculus section Batrachium (Ranunculaceae) have been variably and unsatisfactorily treated in North Europe. Since the description of Ranunculus schmalhausenii (Batrachium dichotomum), probably the most common species in the area, its taxonomic status and identity have been unclear and differently implied. In the majority of treatments, individuals of R. schmalhausenii were ascribed to R. peltatus but sometimes also to the other morphologically similar, heterophyllous taxa. Based on detailed morphological study combined with geographical, ecological and biological evaluation the separate species status of this taxon was finally evidenced. The additive ITS polymorphism pattern of R. schmalhausenii confirmed its hybridogenous origin, however identification of the parental species was impeded by the heterogeneous character of the polymorphism detected. Genetic variation expressed by R. schmalhausenii samples may provide evidence of its multiple origin and suggests sexual reproduction of the taxon. Analysis of a sequence variation of two noncoding cpDNA regions, namely psbE-petL and rpl32-trnL, showed that individuals of R. schmalhausenii inherited cpDNA from two lineages of Batrachium, indicating that this taxon was created at least in two separate hybridization events. Ranunculus schmalhausenii may have originated from sexual ancestral species as multiple created hybrids which have been stabilized by polyploidisation. Genetic structure of R. schmalhausenii is somehow similar to also hybridogenous R. penicillatus. In this study, a detailed morphological, geographical, ecological, and biological description of R. schmalhausenii was presented and the differences between this species and similar taxa were outlined. The name was lectotypified and its synonymy was provided. In contrast to many other heterophyllous species of Ranunculus section Batrachium, R. schmalhausenii occurs mainly in young, postglacial landscapes of Fennoscandia, prefering deep and clear waters with current or wave action and a hard bottom, which perfectly corresponds with a relict, postglacial nature of the species. The species probably presents an example of rapid hybrid speciation (less than 10 000 years) in postglacial environment of North Europe and may be considered as endemic to Fennoscandia. Moreover, R. schmalhausenii, as a weak competitor and pollution sensitive taxon, can be regarded as an indicator of clean waters. Phylogenetic relations within section Batrachium indicates convergent evolution of some species and two cases of possible cpDNA capture.
A new species of Dactyloa from eastern Panama, with comments on other Dactyloa species present in the region
Authors: BATISTA ABEL , VESELY MILAN , MEBERT KONRAD , LOTZKAT SEBASTIAN , KÖHLER GUNTHER
Published: November 2015

Giant anoles of the genus Dactyloa have been considered to be represented in eastern Panama by six species. In this contribution, we describe a seventh species that is restricted to the Majé, San Blas, Darién, and Piedras-Pacora mountain ranges. The new species resembles D. ibanezi, D. limon, and D. purpurescens in external morphology but differs from these species in dewlap coloration, dorsal color pattern, morphometrics, and scalation. The recognition of the new species is further supported by DNA barcoding (genetic distances >2.7% in 16S and >7.8% in COI between the new species and all other species of Dactyloa). We discuss the taxonomic identity of D. purpurescens, and, based on morphological evidence, we place D. chocorum in the synonymy of the former species. An identification key for all 11 Dactyloa species occurring in Panama is provided.
Revision of the Western Australian pebble-mimic dragon species-group (Tympanocryptis cephalus: Reptilia: Agamidae)
Authors: DOUGHTY PAUL , KEALLEY LUKE , SHOO LUKE P. , MELVILLE JANE
Published: November 2015

Recent work on species complexes of the pebble-mimic dragons of the Australian genus Tympanocryptis has greatly clarified evolutionary relationships among taxa and also indicated that species diversity has been severely underestimated. Here we provide a morphological and molecular appraisal of variation in the T. cephalus species-group and find evidence for recognizing five species-level lineages from Western Australia. Four species-level lineages are strongly supported with a combined mitochondrial and nuclear DNA Bayesian analysis (a fifth population from the Gascoyne region lacked tissue samples). Morphologically, we found subtle, yet consistent, differences among the populations in scalation, color and pattern. True T. cephalus Günther is restricted to the coastal Pilbara region and characterized by five dark blotches on the dorsum, keeled ventrals, and other characters. Two other lineages within the Pilbara, from the Hamersley range and Fortescue/northern Pilbara region, differed from T. cephalus senso stricto by possessing a more elongate body and a plain dorsum. Furthermore, the Hamersley lineage differed from the Fortescue lineage by possessing slightly more reddish coloration and feeble keeling on the snout. Although there are few specimens and no tissue samples available for the Gascoyne population, these individuals are larger, have rugose scales on the snout, and possess scattered enlarged tubercles with three large blotches on the dorsum. The name T. cephalus gigas Mitchell is available for this population. The most widespread lineage, and the one best represented in collections and in field guides, occurs throughout central Western Australia. These Goldfield populations are characterized by a protruding snout, narrow rostral, and uniform reddish-brown coloration, often with a dark wash. Based on the genetic and morphological differences, we redescribe T. cephalus, resurrect and elevate T. gigas to a full species and designate a neotype for this taxon, and describe three lineages as new species (T. diabolicus sp. nov., T. fortescuensis sp. nov., T. pseudopsephos sp. nov.).
Fecal Ciliate Composition of Domestic Horses (Equus caballus Linnaeus, 1758) Living in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: GÜRELLİ GÖZDE , CANBULAT SAVAŞ , ALDAYAROV NURBEK
Published: November 2015

Species composition and distribution of intestinal ciliates were investigated in the feces from 15 domestic horses living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Twenty-three species belonging to 14 genera were identified. This is the first study on intestinal ciliates in domestic horses living in Kyrgyzstan. The mean number of ciliates was 14.1 ± 6.8 x104 cells ml-1 of feces and the mean number of ciliate species per host was 6.0 ± 3.2. No endemic or new species were detected. Blepharocorys was the major genus as these ciliates were detected in high proportions. In contrast Holophryoides, Allantosoma were only observed at low frequencies. Recorded ciliate species in this investigation had almost the same characteristics as those described in previous studies. There was no important geographic variation in the intestinal ciliate fauna of equids.
A study on the genus Agrilaxia Kerremans, 1903 from Venezuela (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Buprestinae: Anthaxiini)
Authors: BÍLÝ SVATOPLUK
Published: November 2015

Study on the genus Agrilaxia Kerremans, 1903 from Venezuela. Altogether eight species were recorded from this country, four of them are described in this paper: Agrilaxia (Agrilaxia) biformis sp. nov., A. (A.) michaeli sp. nov., A. (A.) stephani sp. nov. and A. (A.) venezuelana sp. nov. All species are illustrated and new species are compared with the most similar/related species. A male of Agrilaxia (A.) balloui Fisher, 1942 is described and the male genitalia are illustrated. New country records are given for Agrilaxia (A.) balloui, A. (A.) costaricensis Obenberger, 1922, A. (A.) glabra Bílý & Brûlé 2013 and A. (A.) simillima Cobos, 1972.
Three new species of the genus Pseudovelia Hoberlandt, 1950 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae) from China
Authors: YE ZHEN , BU WENJUN
Published: November 2015

Three species of the genus Pseudovelia Hoberlandt, 1950 from China are described as new: Pseudovelia recava sp. nov. from Guizhou, P. sichuanensis sp. nov. from Sichuan and P. spiculata sp. nov. from Taiwan. Photographs of the male dorsal habitus, male forelegs, male middle legs, male hind legs, details of the fore tibia and hind tarsus, and genitalic structures are provided, accompanied by line drawings of male genitalic structures, habitat photos and a geographic distribution map.
Orolaelaps (Acari: Mesostigmata: Melicharidae): description of two new species, redescription of Orolaelaps quisqualis and new characterisation of the genus
Authors: SOURASSOU NAZER FAMAH , MORAES GILBERTO JOSE , SANTOS JANDIR CRUZ
Published: November 2015

Until now, the genus Orolaelaps De Leon was known only from the USA. Two new species of this genus, namely Orolaelaps piracicabensis n. sp. and Orolaelaps tupiniquim n. sp., are described from specimens collected in the State of  São Paulo, Brazil. Orolaelaps quisqualis De Leon, the type species of the genus, is redescribed and an updated diagnosis of Orolaelaps is provided.
Two new species of predatory biting midges of the genus Alluaudomyia from Europe and the Canary Islands (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: Szadziewski Ryszard , Dominiak Patrycja , Filatov Serhii
Published: November 2015

Alluaudomyia canariensis Szadziewski & Dominiak sp. nov. from the Canary Islands and A. wyskokensis Szadziewski & Dominiak sp. nov. from Poland and Ukraine are described and illustrated. The genus Alluaudomyia is reported from the Canary Islands for the first time. The article is supplemented with a checklist and an identification key for the species so far recorded from Europe and the Canary Islands.
Comparative efficacy and acceptability of combined antipsychotics and mood stabilizers versus individual drug classes for acute mania: Network meta-analysis
Authors: Glue Paul , Herbison Peter
Published: November 2015

Objectives:

Recent network meta-analyses of drug treatments for acute mania have only evaluated the efficacy and acceptability of individual drug treatments. The relative efficacy and acceptability of combined drug treatment has not been assessed.

Methods:

Double-blind drug trials in acute mania were identified using a systematic search strategy. We recorded numbers of patients enrolled, endpoints for efficacy (changes in mania rating scales, numbers of responders) and acceptability (numbers of dropouts) and treatment administered (categorized as antipsychotic, mood stabilizer, combined antipsychotic/mood stabilizer or placebo). Data were analyzed using a random effects frequentist network meta-analysis.

Results:

All three drug categories were more effective than placebo. Antipsychotics and combined antipsychotic/mood stabilizer were significantly more effective than mood stabilizers for changes in mania rating scales. Combined antipsychotic/mood stabilizer was significantly more effective than mood stabilizers and antipsychotics for responder rate. Dropout rates were significantly lower for antipsychotics compared with placebo and mood stabilizers. Combined antipsychotic/mood stabilizer had the highest probability of being the best treatment based on change in mania rating scales (96.1% for all mania scales; 85.5% for Young Mania Rating Scale), and 99.3% for being the best treatment for responders. Antipsychotics had 82.0% probability as the best treatment to minimize dropouts.

Conclusion:

Combined antipsychotic/mood stabilizer appears to have efficacy advantages over antipsychotic or mood stabilizer monotherapy in acute mania, and should be considered as first line therapy.
Firm Engagement and Social Issue Salience, Consensus, and Contestation
Authors: Clark Cynthia E. , Bryant Andrew P. , Griffin Jennifer J.
Published: November 2015

Facing an increasing number and variety of issues with social salience, firms must determine how to engage with issues that likely have a significant impact on them. Integrating issues management (IM) and salience theories, the authors find that firms engage with socially contested issues—where there is a high degree of societal disagreement—in a different manner from issues that have social consensus, or high agreement. Examining social issue resolutions filed by shareholders from 1997 to 2009 (3,887 total observations), the study finds that socially contested issues, as well as those issues with social consensus, are both likely to result in engagement by the firm. For social issues with consensus, a firm is more likely to opt for a low level of shareholder engagement whereas resolutions regarding contested issues lead to engaging shareholders at a higher level. These findings shed new light on the IM and issue salience literature streams that have suggested firms will react differently to these types of issues, even while they remain largely untested. Finally, firms become less engaged with perennial issues over time. rather than more, providing new guidance to researchers, shareholder activists, and firms alike. To the authors’ knowledge, such fined-grained insight into expected levels of firm engagement with social issue salience has not been put forth previously.
Quantity Theory of Money Redux? Will Inflation be the Legacy of Quantitative Easing?
Authors: Cline William R.
Published: November 2015

Since the onset of the Federal Reserve's unconventional programme of large-scale asset purchases, known as quantitative easing (QE), some economists and financial practitioners have feared that the consequent buildup of the Fed's balance sheet could lead to a large expansion of the money supply, and that such an increase could cause a sharp rise in inflation. So far fears about induced inflation have not been validated. This article examines the basis for the original concerns about inflation in terms of the classic quantity theory of money, which holds that inflation occurs when the money supply expands more rapidly than warranted by increases in real production. The article first reviews the US experience and shows that whereas rapid money growth might have been a plausible explanation of inflation in the 1960s through the early 1980s, subsequent data have not supported such an explanation. It then shows that the quantity theory of money has not really been put to the test after the Great Recession, because a sharp increase in banks’ excess reserves and corresponding sharp decline in the ‘money multiplier’ has meant that the rise in the Federal Reserve's balance sheet has not translated into increased money available to the public in the usual fashion. The most likely aftermath of quantitative easing remains one of benign price behaviour. However, if nascent inflationary conditions materialise, the Federal Reserve will need to manage adroitly the large amounts of banks’ excess reserves that have accumulated as a consequence of QE in order to limit inflationary pressures.
Prospects for the UK Economy
Authors: Kirby Simon , Carreras Oriol , Meaning Jack , Piggott Rebecca
Published: November 2015

The production of this forecast is supported by the Institute's Corporate Members: Bank of England, HM Treasury, Mizuho Research Institute Ltd, Office for National Statistics, Santander (UK) plc and by the members of the NiGEM users group.
Thermal-electronic behaviors investigation of knitted heating fabrics based on silver plating compound yarns
Authors: Liu Hao , Li Jin , Chen Li , Liu Li , Li Yafang , Li Xiaojiu , Li Xiaojie , Yang Haile
Published: November 2015

In this paper, three kinds of knitted heating fabrics (KHFs) were designed and fabricated by using silver plating compound yarns (SPCYs) and polyester staple fiber spun yarns (PSFSYs), and thermo-electric properties of KHFs and SPCYs were investigated by performing a series of experiments. Experimental results showed, with increasing ageing time and ageing temperature, the breaking strength of PSFSYs and SPCYs had nearly not changed, but resistances of SPCYs increased markedly. After performing 264 hours ageing at 120℃ environment temperature, resistances of SPCYs exceeded the measuring range of the multi-meter. By taking and analyzing infrared temperature images of KHFs and SPCYs, strong linear correlation can be observed between surface maximum equilibrium temperature (SMET) of KHFs and SPCYs and power consumption density. Furthermore, strong linear positive correlation is between power consumption density of KHFs and inner equilibrium temperature of mimetic clothing. KHFs will have wide application prospect in active warming field because of a lot of advantages, such as an even surface temperature field in the heating process, structure simplicity, flexibility, etc.