bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VOTO GIOVANILE E VOTO DIFFERENZIATO NELLE ULTIME ELEZIONI ITALIANE: UNA CONFUTAZIONE DI ALCUNE ANALISI
Authors: Amyot Grant
Published: May 2019

Introduzione

Uno degli errori piú frequenti degli osservatori delle elezioni italiane consiste nel credere che il comportamento dei «giovani» elettori (al di sotto dei 25 anni) possa essere in qualche modo desunto dalla differenza fra il voto ottenuto da ciascun partito nella elezione della Camera dei Deputati ed il suo voto nella elezione del Senato. Questo metodo di analisi fu confutato già nel 1968 da Mattei Dogan, che mostrò che gli elettori «anziani» (con 25 anni o piú) danno spesso un «voto differenziato» — cioè, votano un partito per la Camera, ed un altro per il Senato — e che questi voti differenziati influenzano le differenze Camera-Senato, cosicché queste non possono piú essere prese come indici del «voto giovanile». Ciononostante, moltissimi politologi, uomini politici e giornalisti continuano ad utilizzare il metodo «Camera meno Senato» per avere almeno un'indicazione del voto dei giovani, o perché pensano che i voti differenziati siano pochi, o perché credono che siano distribuiti in modo casuale e si cancellino a vicenda, oppure, e questo è il caso dei piú avveduti, perché ritengono che l'elettore che dà un voto differenziato debba votare per due partiti affini, e comunque non debba attraversare il confine fra il blocco di sinistra (Pci, Psi, Pr, e sinistra extraparlamentare) e quello di centro-destra. Cosí, fu sostenuto da varie parti che la Dc avrebbe raccolto il 38% circa del voto giovanile nelle elezioni politiche del 1976, e nel 1979 di nuovo il 38% (vedi Tabb. 1 e 2). Come vedremo, questa conclusione non è neanche vicina alla verità: scopo di questa nota è di dimostrare che il metodo «Camera meno Senato» non può essere in alcun modo utilizzato per desumere il comportamento elettorale dei giovani, perché si può osservare una regolarità nell'uso del voto differenziato da parte di una fetta consistente di elettori (specie della Dc). Infatti, tale metodo sovrastima sistematicamente e in misura notevole il voto giovanile democristiano. Per di piú, vedremo che gli elettori che esprimono un voto differenziato votano spesso per due partiti appartenenti a diverse aree ideologico-politiche (ad es., la Dc e il Psi).
PARTITI E ATTEGGIAMENTI DI MASSA IN SPAGNA E IN ITALIA
Authors: Sani Giacomo
Published: May 2019

Introduzione

Nel campo delle scienze sociali Spagna e Italia sono spesso associate. Dieci anni prima della scomparsa di Franco, Juan Linz, speculando sul futuro della Spagna, sosteneva che era piò utile rifarsi «al caso italiano come modello» piuttosto che «all'esperienza tedesca o quella del Centro-Nord dell'Europa». In un articolo piò recente Linz ha esteso l'ambito della comparazione dei due sistemi di partito prendendo in esame gli ultimi sviluppi. Altri studiosi, pur scrivendo da punti di vista diversi, hanno incluso Italia e Spagna nello stesso gruppo di sistemi politici. James Kurth identifica caratteristiche politiche comuni in quattro Paesi dell'Europa mediterranea: Portogallo, Spagna, Italia e Grecia. Michael Roskin assegna Spagna e Italia al «modello latino-europeo». L'analisi fatta da Giuseppe Di Palma delle transizioni di regime e delle strategie di coalizione contiene riferimenti sistematici ai casi italiano, spagnolo e portoghese. E lo stesso si può dire a proposito dei lavori di Salvador Giner e altri.
CLASSE POLITICA E INTEGRAZIONE EUROPEA. GLI EFFETTI DELLE ELEZIONI DIRETTE DEL PARLAMENTO COMUNITARIO
Authors: Cotta Maurizio
Published: May 2019

Introduzione

La prima elezione a suffragio diretto del Parlamento europeo avvenuta nel 1979 ha risvegliato un'attenzione assai ampia tanto nella sfera delle comunicazioni di massa quanto negli ambienti scientifici. Non c'è dubbio che a sollecitare questo interesse, fortemente intrecciato alla formulazione di giudizi di valore (per lo piú positivi, ma a volte anche, specie in paesi come la Francia, la Gran Bretagna e la Danimarca, aspramente negativi), stia la convinzione, piú o meno esplicita, che questo avvenimento rappresenti un passaggio cruciale nella costruzione dell'Europa.
LA PARTECIPAZIONE ELETTORALE IN EUROPA (1945–1978): MITI E REALTA'
Authors: Dittrich Karl , Johansen Lars Norby
Published: May 2019

Introduzione

Tra gli studiosi, come tra politici, giornalisti e commentatori, la partecipazione al voto e l'astensionismo sono stati a lungo oggetto di interpretazioni divergenti. Per esempio, S.M. Lipset ha sostenuto che “attualmente l'astensionismo è, almeno nelle democrazie occidentali, un riflesso della stabilità del sistema… ”. Allo stesso modo, spesso si ritiene che una bassa partecipazione alle urne rifletta la soddisfazione di base dell'elettorato per come vanno le cose, o, alternativamente, che un'alta partecipazione corrisponda ad un alto livello di divisione e di conflitto politico. Il crollo della democrazia nella repubblica di Weimar e in Austria negli anni ‘20 e ‘30 è spesso citato come un tipo di ‘prova’ storica di quest'ultima tesi. Viceversa, altri hanno suggerito che l'a-stensionismo porta ad una mancanza di effettiva cittadinanza, che a sua volta segnala che il grado di fedeltà al sistema è democraticamente inadeguato. Si può anche ricordare la classica tesi di V.O. Key, secondo la quale significativi livelli di astensionismo implicano la sottorappresentazione di gruppi socialmente e economicamente svantaggiati.
LA TRANSIZIONE ALLA DEMOCRAZIA. ALLINEAMENTI POLITICI ED ELEZIONI IN SPAGNA
Authors: Maravall José Maria
Published: May 2019

Introduzione

Sovente, le analisi della transizione alla democrazia si sono basate su una qualche versione della teoria funzionalista: la crisi di un regime autocratico deriverebbe da una frattura funzionale tra le principali istituzioni politiche del regime e la situazione dell'economia o della società, in generale. Tali istituzioni non risponderebbero piò ai bisogni sociali e alle condizioni economiche in quanto probabilmente questi sono stati alterati da intervenuti cambiamenti; e questi mutamenti comportano nuove domande che le istituzioni autocratiche esistenti non possono piò soddisfare. In questa situazione si ha la crisi del regime e la graduale comparsa di istituzioni democratiche in grado di rispondere meglio alle nuove domande.
PLURALISMO POLARIZZATO E SISTEMA PARTITICO ITALIANO
Authors: Vitiello Ettore
Published: May 2019

Introduzione

Questo saggio si propone di esaminare le critiche che, nel corso degli anni settanta, sono state mosse al modello del pluralismo polarizzato e alla sua applicazione al sistema partitico italiano. A tale modello sono state rivolte sia critiche di tipo teorico, cioè relative ai problemi metodologici della sua costruzione e giustificazione, sia critiche inerenti alla sua applicazione al caso italiano. In particolare, sono stati oggetto di discussione alcuni punti centrali allo schema del pluralismo polarizzato; l'accrescimento elettorale delle estreme per effetto delle spinte centrifughe; la definizione di partito antisistema data da Sartori al Pci. Pertanto sono state prese in considerazione le osservazioni, e le relative controrisposte, di quei politologi, italiani e stranieri, che nelle loro analisi del sistema partitico italiano si sono riferiti a Sartori: Bourricaud, D'Alimonte, Graziano, Leonardi, Linz, Pasquino, Pellicani, Tarrow. Dato che la teoria del pluralismo polarizzato è dispersa in diversi contesti, questa parte è preceduta dall'esposizione sintetica del modello e della sua applicazione al nostro sistema dei partiti.
LE FORME DI CONSULTAZIONE DIRETTA. UNO SCHEMA DI CLASSIFICAZIONE PER L'ANALISI COMPARATA
Authors: Uleri PierVincenzo
Published: May 2019

Introduzione

La scienza politica mostra negli ultimi anni una ripresa del-l'attenzione per il fenomeno delle consultazioni dirette. Com'è noto, scopo di tali consultazioni non è quello di eleggere rappresentanti del corpo elettorale, bensí quello di chiamare il corpo elettorale ad esprimere la sua posizione su una legge o un progetto di legge. La letteratura statunitense include tra queste consultazioni ilrecall, con cui il corpo elettorale esprime un giudizio di conferma o meno di una determinata persona ad una carica pubblica. Si tratta di una consultazione abbastanza desueta e comunque assente negli altri sistemi politici qui presi in considerazione. Per questi motivi ho ritenuto di non includerlo nella mia trattazione.
LE BASI SOCIALI DEL POTERE LOCALE: LA DC A PALERMO
Authors: Chubb Judith
Published: May 2019

Introduzione

L'Italia meridionale costituisce un terreno ideale per studiare la relazione tra un sistema dominante di potere clientelistico e i processi di sviluppo politico e economico all'interno di un sistema politico nazionale caratterizzato da un elevato livello di intervento dello Stato nella economia e nella società civile. Questo saggio intende esaminare il rapporto esistente tra clientelismo e sviluppo attraverso lo studio approfondito di un caso: la città di Palermo, una delle capitali storiche del Mezzogiorno, che ha conosciuto durante tutto il periodo post-bellico il dominio di una formidabile macchina politica creata dalla Democrazia cristiana. L'attenzione sarà concentrata sui meccanismi clientelari che legano il partito alla sua base di massa. Alla luce di questa analisi empirica il saggio vuole contribuire ad un riesame critico di quelle teorie che considerano un'ampia disponibilità di risorse economiche come una condizione necessaria per conservare il consenso attraverso un sistema clientelare.
An Australian Bureau of Education for the Handicapped. A present-day imperative
Authors: Richardson Brian E.
Published: May 2019

Today there are approximately three million children in Australian schools. Of these 35,268 are in full time special classes or special schools. A further 21,194 are receiving special education help through part-time special classes, while an additional 2,569 are receiving help through consultative visiting teacher services (Table 9, 20, Australian Students and their Schools, 1979). On those figures 1.96 per cent of our school population are receiving special education services. As can be seen from Table 1 the number of children receiving special education varies from .99 percent of the school population in the Australian Capital Territory to 6.02 percent in the Northern Territory.
On Being Informed– Parent Attitudes to Services for Children with Special Needs
Authors: Rees Roger
Published: May 2019

It is well known that the ways in which we perceive reality are selective.

It is well known that the ways in which parents and professionals perceive the services that are provided for children with special needs are also selective. Such selectivities of parents or professionals may be shaped by their current experience, by their past learning or by the transmitted value system of families or in some instances neighbourhood communities or, of course, the value system of professional groups and subgroups.

This paper, ‘On Being Infomed’, is about how a sample of 60 families from the A.C.T. and N.S.W. and W.A. with a wide range of children with special needs view current services. It is concerned with identifying the factors that parents believe might contribute to change. It is about parents perspective of services and the changes that they hope for in our schools, in departments of health and welfare and indeed changes that they hope might occur in both Government attitudes and policy. These parents views have been obtained by both responses to questionnaires and by individual interviews.
Changing the Attitudes of Non-Handicapped Children to the Mainstreaming of Hearing Impaired Children
Authors: Bailey Jeff
Published: May 2019

It is interesting to speculate on the concept of decision-making and change in education. A particularly appropriate trend in education which is worthy of careful scrutiny is the concept of ‘mainstreaming’ – a topic of current concern to educators and one which will be mentioned many times, no doubt, during this Conference. Of special concern in this paper is the question of the mainstreaming of hearing impaired children and the attitudes of the non-handicapped peers to the inclusion of deaf children in their class. As a brief preamble to the particular study under question, let us consider the multi-faceted nature of mainstreaming, together with some of the decisions which have to be made about this trend. Reynolds (1976) suggests that mainstreaming is ‘an enlargement of the stream of regular education … to accommodate children who present special needs.’ Clearly, mainstreaming is part of the wider trend of ‘normalization’. In his landmark book, The Futures of Children, Hobbs (1975) says that normalization implies that the handicapped person should be kept as close as possible to his natural setting and that the normal socializing agencies, the family, school and neighbourhood, should be used, rather than special agencies.
Planning to meet the Special Education Service needs of Primary Schools
Authors: Eldridge H. , Chapman J.
Published: May 2019

This paper reports on the use of the Q sort technique as a method for identifying the Special Education Service needs of primary schools. Use of the Q sort technique has provided planners associated with the Box Hill Special Education Unit (Victoria) with an empirical base for decision making. Through the use of Q sort, principals and teachers in the Inspectorate have become aware of the services offered by S.E. U. units and have become actively involved in selecting the special education services suited to the needs of their schools. As a result of the systematic identification and analysis of need, S.E.U. consultants in the area have been able to plan their activities, assured that the services they offer are appropriate to their clients’ needs.
A Behaviour Management Flow Chart to Generate Specific On-Task Behaviours in an Educational Context
Authors: Haines A. T.
Published: May 2019

A behaviour management flowchart is presented which outlines a format for trainers to follow when attempting to teach a non-compliant child an educational task. The content of the flowchart emphasises that management techniques should be viewed as complementary to structural learning approaches, such as precision teaching, and not as strategies independent of the teaching context.
Effects of Contingent Reinforcement for Peer Imitation on a Preschool Downs Syndrome Child
Authors: Rietveld Christine
Published: May 2019

Baseline observations indicated that little peer imitation took place by a 3 year old Downs Syndrome boy integrated into a local kindergarten. The imitation of more developmentally advanced children is generally presumed to be an important benefit to be derived from integration, and the purpose of the present study was to teach peer imitation, through the use of contingent verbal reinforcement for appropriate peer imitation. A multiple-baseline across the three different classes of behaviour, was used to measure the number of imitations (probes) out of a possible five that occurred when they were modelled by the experimenter at the end of the Peer-Imitation Training sessions. The number of probes imitated, increased rapidly for block play, once reinforcement was introduced during the Peer Training sessions on day 3. After day 5, the number increased in both sand and dough play as well, and generalisation occurred. The high, stable rate of peer imitation responses in such a short amount of time by a retarded child indicates the usefulness of this approach as a tool to aid integration.
Integration of Physically Handicapped Children in North Queensland: Survey
Authors: Baillie Maureen , Presland Ian
Published: May 2019

The late 1970’s have, in Queensland, seen an increasing number of exceptional children being integrated into regular school settings. In some cases attempts at integration have failed miserably. The present survey was conducted in the first half of 1979. It is an attempt to collect information in order to improve the integration of physically handicapped children into alternative school placements, in particular regular classroom settings. The information collected through the survey forms a basis of a sequence of integration procedures for physically handicapped children. The strategies contained in the sequence, while focusing on the physically handicapped, could be appropriate for other children with special needs.
Comparison and Contrast in Soil Depth Evolution for Steady State and Stochastic Erosion Processes: Possible Implications for Landslide Prediction
Authors: Yu Fang , Hunt Allen , Egli Markus , Raab Gerald
Published: May 2019

The importance of gradual erosion relative to landsliding depends predominantly on the slope angle. One factor of critical influence in landsliding along with slope angle and slope shape is the soil depth. Understanding soil depth development on steep topography is fundamental for understanding and predicting the occurrence of landsliding at threshold landscapes. We develop a model to predict soil depth that addresses both threshold and gradual processes. If erosion is a gradual process, soil depth increases until the soil production rate no longer exceeds the erosion rate, and steady state is reached. The predicted soil depth (x) is proportional to the ratio of the infiltration to the erosion rate. Identifying a predictive result for erosion as a function of slope angle (S) allows a test of both the erosion and soil production models with field observations. The same theoretical approach to soil production should be applicable when the principal erosion process is shallow landsliding. After landslides, soil recovery initially follows our predicted power law increase in time, though with increasing time background erosion processes become important. At a time equal to a landslide recurrence interval, the soil depth can exceed the steady state depth by as much as a factor 2. By comparing predicted and observed x(S) results, we show that the accessed result for erosion as a function of slope angle is accurate. Soils deeper than the depth predicted at the landslide recurrence interval are beyond the stability limit. This result suggests an important practical relevance of the new soil production function.
An Optimized Short‐Arc Approach: Methodology and Application to Develop Refined Time Series of Tongji‐Grace2018 GRACE Monthly Solutions
Authors: Chen Qiujie , Shen Yunzhong , Chen Wu , Francis Olivier , Zhang Xingfu , Chen Qiang , Li Weiwei , Chen Tianyi
Published: May 2019

Considering the unstable inversion of ill‐conditioned intermediate matrix required in each integral arc in the short‐arc approach presented in Chen et al. (2015, https://doi.org/10.1002/2014JB011470), an optimized short‐arc method via stabilizing the inversion is proposed. To account for frequency‐dependent noise in observations, a noise whitening technique is implemented in the optimized short‐arc approach. Our study shows that the optimized short‐arc method is able to stabilize the inversion and eventually prolong the arc length to 6 hr. In addition, the noise whitening method is able to mitigate the impacts of low‐frequency noise in observations. Using the optimized short‐arc approach, a refined time series of Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) monthly models called Tongji‐Grace2018 has been developed. The analyses allow us to derive the following conclusions: (a) During the analyses over the river basins (i.e., Amazon, Mississippi, Irrawaddy, and Taz) and Greenland, the correlation coefficients of mass changes between Tongji‐Grace2018 and others (i.e., CSR RL06, GFZ RL06, and JPL RL06 Mascon) are all over 92% and the corresponding amplitudes are comparable; (b) the signals of Tongji‐Grace2018 agree well with those of CSR RL06, GFZ RL06, ITSG‐Grace2018, and JPL RL06 Mascon, while Tongji‐Grace2018 and ITSG‐Grace2018 are less noisy than CSR RL06 and GFZ RL06; (c) clearer global mass change trend and less striping noise over oceans can be observed in Tongji‐Grace2018 even only using decorrelation filtering; and (d) for the tests over Sahara, over 36% and 19% of noise reductions are achieved by Tongji‐Grace2018 relative to CSR RL06 in the cases of using decorrelation filtering and combined filtering, respectively.
Seismic Effects on the Secular Drift of the Earth's Rotational Pole
Authors: Xu C. Y. , Chao B. F.
Published: May 2019

Earthquake‐induced mass redistribution in the Earth excites the polar motion; its cumulative coseismic effect has been found to cause a secular polar drift (SPD) toward ~140°E longitude with strong statistical tendency. Here we find numerically the cumulatively coseismic effect in SPD since 1952 to be at the rate of ~0.75 mas/year (or ~2.3 cm/year), amounting to nearly 20% of the observed SPD that points to the opposite geographical direction and hence is significant in the pursuit of understanding the source budget of SPD. We further argue on theoretical and observational ground that such behavior reflects that of the overall plate tectonic motion and in fact accounts for a fraction of the latter over long term. The exact amount of the fraction is indeterminate until mass transport models of plate tectonics prove adequate. This viewpoint is in contrast to that of Cambiotti et al. (2016, https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggw077) which required the coseismic effect to get annihilated completely by the interseismic effect under their earthquake cycle decomposition of the velocity field at the faulting system.
The Size Fractionation and Speciation of Iron in the Longqi Hydrothermal Plumes on the Southwest Indian Ridge
Authors: Wang Hu , Yan Qiaoyang , Yang Qunhui , Ji Fuwu , Wong Kuo Hong , Zhou Huaiyang
Published: May 2019

The distribution and composition of Fe in hydrothermal plumes are crucial for understanding the contribution of hydrothermal venting to the oceanic Fe inventory. In this study, we conduct the first complete investigation of the size fractions of Fe and Fe‐binding ligands in the Longqi hydrothermal plumes on the Southwest Indian Ridge, combining the approaches of the size partitioning and reverse titration‐competitive ligand exchange‐adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry. Concentrations of all the Fe fractions were very high in the plume samples, and dissolved Fe (<0.2 μm) constituted a significant portion (48.7 ± 7.9%) of total Fe, which might be related to the existence of colloidal Fe oxyhydroxides and sulfides, as well as organic Fe complexes. Dissolved Fe consisted of colloidal Fe (10 kDa to 0.2 μm, ~70.2%) and soluble Fe (<10 kDa, ~29.8%). Colloidal Fe mainly contained Fe oxyhydroxides and sulfides (86.4 ± 6.2%), while most of the soluble Fe were organic Fe complexes (65.7 ± 5.4%).

Fe speciation analyses showed that dissolved ligand concentrations were high in the hydrothermal plumes but were significantly lower than the dissolved Fe concentrations. Inferring from previous studies in the Longqi hydrothermal field, the ligands were most likely derived from the diffuse flow adjacent to the hydrothermal vents. The conditional stability constants (logK′FeL) of dissolved FeL (20.4 ± 0.5) were slightly higher than those of soluble FeL (19.6 ± 0.4), although they were not statistically different. Based on the ligands' size partitioning, the soluble ligands stabilized ~8.8 ± 3.8% of the hydrothermal Fe, which is over 2 times that of the colloidal ligands, ~4.0 ± 1.8%.
Shifting Winds Drive Ocean Temps Along South African Coast
Authors: Underwood Emily
Published: May 2019

A new study could help manage sardine populations in coastal waters.
Translating Climate Models to the Language of Paleoclimate Data
Authors: Sidder Aaron
Published: May 2019

A new model will help climate models better interpret paleoclimate reconstructions derived from lake sediment and could improve predictions of future climatic conditions.
Small-pore CAU-21 and porous PIM-1 in mixed-matrix membranes for improving selectivity and permeability in hydrogen separation
Authors: Zhang Chi , Liu Baisong , Wang Gaimei , Yu Guangli , Zou Xiaoqin , Zhu Guangshan
Published: May 2019

Very selective and permeable membranes for hydrogen separation have been fabricated by hybridizing CAU-21 MOF with a small aperture and PIM-1 polymer with high porosity.
Controllable synthesis of hierarchical nanoporous ε-MnO2crystals for the highly effective oxidation removal of formaldehyde
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Zhao Long , Wu Yu , Pang Yujie , Yue Xiaoqing , Li Bin , Li Qiang , Zhang Jianbin
Published: May 2019

Hierarchical nanoporous ε-MnO2crystals were prepared through thermal decomposition of hydrothermally-synthesized MnCO3precursors without any external templates or surfactants.
Strategies for the analysis of the elemental metal fraction of Ir and Ru oxides via XRD, XANES, and EXAFS
Authors: Reksten Anita Hamar , Russell Andrea E. , Richardson Peter W. , Thompson Stephen J. , Mathisen Karina , Seland Frode , Sunde Svein
Published: May 2019

X-ray absorption spectroscopy reveals separately the structures of metal and oxide phases of iridium and ruthenium electrocatalysts containing both.
Multifunctional hollow sandwich structure with many active sites for electronic transfer modulation and its application in energy storage and conversion
Authors: Wang Wen , Yao Jixin , Zuo Xueqin , Yang Qun , Wu Mingzai , Tang Huaibao , Jin Shaowei , Li Guang
Published: May 2019

Revealing the fundamental mechanism of effective, low-cost multifunctional electrocatalysts based on a hollow sandwich structure is desirable for energy storage and conversion.
Bifunctional ZSM-5/hydrotalcite composite for enhanced production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from glucose
Authors: Subsadsana Maliwan , Miyake Koji , Ono Kaito , Ota Misaki , Hirota Yuichiro , Nishiyama Norikazu , Sansuk Sira
Published: May 2019

Over 65% yield of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from glucose was obtained under mild condition by using ZSM-5/HT composite as acid/base bifunctional catalyst.
A graphene-based smart thermal conductive system regulated by a reversible pressure-induced mechanism
Authors: Wang Xusheng , Zang Xiaoling , Jiang Yuqian , Liu Qiulin , Chang Siyi , Ji Junhui , Zhao Huaizhou , Liu Yingjun , Xue Mianqi
Published: May 2019

An rGO foam is designed as a smart thermal-management device with the dual functions of thermal dissipation and thermal insulation.
Copper-catalyzed regiodivergent 1,4- and 1,6-conjugate silyl addition to diendioates: access to functionalized allylsilanes
Authors: Ahmad Tanveer , Li Qi , Qiu Sheng-Qi , Xu Jian-Lin , Xu Yun-He , Loh Teck-Peng
Published: May 2019

A copper-catalyzed regioselective 1,4- and 1,6-conjugate addition of a silyl reagent to diendioates was established.
Spontaneous spatiotemporal ordering of shape oscillations enhances cell migration
Authors: Campo Matteo , Schnyder Simon K. , Molina John J. , Speck Thomas , Yamamoto Ryoichi
Published: May 2019

The migration of cells is relevant for processes such as morphogenesis, wound healing, and cancer invasion. By modeling cells as cyclically deforming soft bodies, we show numerically that the interplay of directed motion, shape oscillations and excluded volume enables cells to locally “synchronize” their motion and thus enhance collective migration.
Nano-spatially confined and interface-controlled lithiation–delithiation in an in situ formed (SnS–SnS2–S)/FLG composite: a route to an ultrafast and cycle-stable anode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Cheng Deliang , Yang Lichun , Liu Jiangwen , Hu Renzong , Liu Jun , Pei Ke , Zhu Min , Che Renchao
Published: May 2019

The nano-spatially confined and interface-controlled lithiation/delithiation endows an in situ formed (SnS–SnS2–S)/FLG composite with ultrafast and ultrastable lithium storage.
Characteristics of different charge transfer modes in upward flashes inferred from simultaneously measured currents and fields
Authors: He Lixia , Azadifar Mohammad , Li Quanxin , Rubinstein Marcos , Rakov Vladimir A. , Mediano Arturo , Pavanello Davide , Rachidi Farhad
Published: May 2019

The authors present an analysis of different charge transfer modes during upward negative flashes. The analysis includes a total number of 94 pulses that occurred during two upward negative flashes recorded at the Säntis Tower. The pulses included 59 mixed‐mode (MM) initial continuous current (ICC) pulses, 17 M‐component‐type ICC (M‐ICC) pulses, 8 return‐stroke pulses, and 10 classical M‐component (MC) pulses. It is found that the initial stage of the flash is responsible for the largest share of the total charge transferred to the ground. Simulation results for the electric fields associated with the considered charge transfer modes are presented and discussed. Return stroke (RS) and MM pulses were simulated adopting the MTLE model, while MCs and M‐ICC pulses were simulated using the guided wave model of Rakov et al. The simulated results are shown to be in good agreement with simultaneous records of electric fields measured at a distance of 15 km from the Säntis Tower. The inferred velocities for MCs and M‐ICC pulses range from 2.0 × 107 to 9.0 × 107 m/s, and the corresponding junction point heights range from 1.0 to 2.0 km. The inferred pulse velocities for RSs and MM pulses range from 1.3 × 108 to 1.65 × 108 m/s. The inferred current attenuation constants of the MTLE model obtained in this study range from 0.3 to 0.8 km, lower than the value of 2 km previously suggested for RSs in downward flashes. The obtained results support the assumption that the mode of charge transfer to the ground giving rise to MM pulses is similar to that of RSs. The results are also in support of the generally assumed similarity between M‐ICC pulses and classical MCs.
Enhanced dielectric properties and energy storage of the sandwich‐structured poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co ‐hexafluoropropylene) composite films with functional BaTiO3 @Al2 O3 nanofibres
Authors: Zha Jun‐Wei , Yao Shi‐Cong , Qiu Yan , Zheng Ming‐Sheng , Dang Zhi‐Min
Published: May 2019

Polymer‐based composites with ceramic fillers could combine the advantages of both, which can be potentially used in electrical and electronic technology. In this work, the barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanofibres and the core–shell structured BaTiO3 @Al2 O3 nanofibres with Al2 O3 insulation layer coated on the BaTiO3 surface were both prepared via the electrospinning method. The appropriate incorporation of the ceramic nanofibres effectively improves the dielectric properties and energy density of the polymer. Moreover, the poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co ‐hexafluoropropylene)‐based composite films with the three‐layer sandwich structure were fabricated to further promote the dielectric properties. The results show that the outer two layers with a higher content of BaTiO3 nanofibres can make more contribution to the improved permittivity of the composites. In addition, the introduction of the interlayer with low loading of BaTiO3 @Al2 O3 nanofibres promotes the breakdown strength. This work gives rise to the potential in high energy storage applications.
Investigation of RCS of modified targets using experimental measurements and GB methods
Authors: Ghanmi Helmi , Khenchaf Ali , Pouliguen Philippe
Published: May 2019

In this study, the investigation of the electromagnetic scattering by modified targets is presented. A metallic notched plate and disc are considered. Two Gaussian beam (GB) techniques have been applied: GB launching (GBL) and GB summation (GBS). The theoretical formulations of GBL and GBS are established. The simulations of the radar cross‐section (RCS) of the flat and notched targets (plate and disc) are presented. The application and evaluation of GBS and GBL methods are extended through the studied variations of the RCS in several scattering angles and different radar frequencies. The numerical RCS results are compared with those given by the physical optic model and the method of moments. Moreover, the numerical results are evaluated with measurements conducted in an anechoic chamber.
Parameter estimation of quadratic frequency modulated signal based on three‐dimensional scaled Fourier transform
Authors: Jin Ke , Lai Tao , Wang Yubing , Xing Xiaopeng , Zhao Yongjun
Published: May 2019

In this study, a novel algorithm based on three‐dimensional scaled Fourier transform (TDSFT) is proposed for parameter estimation of a quadratic frequency modulated (QFM) signal. To solve the problem of signal‐to‐noise ratio loss caused by constant delay, a variable‐delay instantaneous autocorrelation function is first proposed. After that, two steps TDSFT and addition operation are performed to achieve three‐dimensional decoupling and coherent integration of signal energy. The analysis shows that the proposed algorithm can be efficiently implemented by a fast Fourier transform without any searching procedure. Moreover, it can deal with multi‐component QFM signals with satisfactory suppression of cross terms. Comparisons with three other popular methods, chirp rate‐quadratic chirp rate distribution, generalized scaled Fourier transform and generalized decoupling technique demonstrate that the proposed algorithm has superior anti‐noise performance due to the coherent integration of all signal energies. Extensive numerical simulations validate the effectiveness of the TDSFT‐based algorithm.
Die intestinale Mikrobiota in der Onkologie
Authors: Schütz Burkhard , Hofmann Heiko , Deutschbein Ricarda
Published: May 2019

Das physiologische intestinale Mikrobiom (Bakterien des Darmes) ist wesentlich für Funktion und Integrität des Darmes. Mikrobiom-Abweichungen können für die onkologische Therapie wichtige Hinweise liefern: Ein vermehrtes Auftreten des als invasiv bekannten Sulfatreduzierers Fusobacterium nucleatum (FN) im Mikrobiom zeigt eine hohe Korrelation mit dem Auftreten des kolorektalen Karzinoms. Hintergrund ist die Eigenschaft von FN, am Darmepithel ein entzündliches Mikroklima zu erzeugen, das den Darm schädigt und die Tumorprogression ebenso fördert wie die durch FN erzeugte Freisetzung des Transkriptionsfaktors NF-κB über die Expression von Onkogenen und weiteren proinflammatorischen Genprodukten. Darüber hinaus lässt FN die T-Zell-Dichte und -Aktivität sinken und hemmt so die Tumorabwehr. Weiterhin aktivieren proentzündliche Zytokine den Abbau der Aminosäure Tryptophan (TRP) zu Kynurenin. Damit wird einerseits TRP der Proteinbio- und der Serotoninsynthese entzogen. Andererseits sind erhöhte Kynurenin-Spiegel mit verringerten Überlebensraten assoziiert, da Kynurenin immunsuppressiv wirkt. Eine Therapie, die auf den Darm, seine Mikrobiota und das Eindämmen der Entzündung abzielt, kann die negativen Auswirkungen eingrenzen und die Regeneration und Remission des Patienten unterstützen.
Welches ist der Stellenwert der Luft-Plethysmographie zur
Diagnostik der Iliakal-Venen-Obstruktion?
Authors: Mendoza Erika , Lattimer Christopher R.
Published: May 2019

Durch die Möglichkeit der Stenteinlage in iliakale Venen scheint die Behandlung
der zentralen Obstruktion ein leichtes Unterfangen geworden zu sein. Allerdings
bedingt diese Behandlung eine zumindest vorübergehende Antikoagulation – und der
Stent wird lebenslang im Bein verbleiben. Und die Evaluation der Ergebnisse ist
noch nicht gut etabliert. Auch die Indikationsstellung ist nicht immer
objektivierbar gegeben, wenn man bedenkt, dass 25 % der Bevölkerung eine Stenose
der linken V. iliaca von über 50 % aufweisen, auch wenn sie meist keine Symptome
haben. Erschwerend kommt hinzu, dass die venöse chronische Insuffizienz als
klinisches Syndrom (CVI) mehrere Ursachen haben kann, wie Varikose, Obstruktion
oder Refluxe der tiefen Achse und die Behandlung eines einzelnen, anatomischen
Befundes nicht unbedingt die Klinik nachhaltig verbessern muss. Die
Luft-Plethysmographie (Air Plethysmography, APG) bietet in diesem Zusammenhang
eine objektive, vom Untersucher und vom Patienten unabhängige
Auswertungsmöglichkeit für die venöse Drainage und für die venöse
Wiederauffüllzeit, die in jedem Fall vor einem Eingriff der zentralen Venen und
zur Evaluation des Ergebnisses gefordert werden sollte.
A FLIPR Assay for Discovery of GABAA Receptor Modulators of Natural Origin
Authors: Faleschini Maria Teresa , Maier Anne , Fankhauser Sarah , Thasis Katharina , Hebeisen Simon , Hamburger Matthias , Butterweck Veronika
Published: May 2019

A fluorometric imaging plate reader (FLIPR) assay utilizing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells stably transfected with GABAA receptors of α
1
β
2
γ
2 subunit composition was evaluated and validated for rapid screening of plant extract libraries and efficient localization of active compounds in extracts. Validation was performed with pure compounds and extracts known to contain allosteric GABAA receptor modulators. Plants extracts that had been previously reported as active in an assay using Xenopus laevis oocytes transiently expressing GABAA receptors of α
1
β
2
γ
2 subunit composition were also active in the FLIPR assay. A protocol for HPLC-based activity profiling was developed, whereby separations of 0.4 – 1.2 mg of extracts on an analytical HPLC column were found to be sufficient for the sensitivity of the bioassay. The protocol successfully localized the activity of known GABAergic natural products, such as magnolol in Magnolia officinalis, valerenic acid in Valeriana officinalis, and piperine in Piper nigrum extract. EC50 values of compounds (magnolol: 4.81 ± 1.0 µM, valerenic acid: 12.56 ± 1.2 µM, and piperine: 5.76 ± 0.7 µM) were found to be comparable or lower than those reported using Xenopus oocyte assays.
Adrenal Cortical Adenoma in the Spinal Canal: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Nemir Jakob , Štenger Martina , Jakovčević Antonia , Domazet Ivan , Njirić Niko , Paladino Josip
Published: May 2019

Ectopic adrenal cortical neoplasms of the spinal cord are extremely rare. To date only 10 such cases have been described. We present a case of a 46-year-old woman with lower back pain radiating to the right gluteal and posterior femoral regions, without a history of traumatic injury. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the thoracic and lumbar spine showed an intradural, extramedullary, well-circumscribed, contrast-enhancing lesion located in the T12–L1 region, hypo- to isointense on T2-weighted imaging, and isointense on T1. Complete surgical removal of the lesion, measuring 3 × 2.5 × 1 cm, was performed. The histopathologic findings revealed the lesion was an ectopic adrenal cortical adenoma, with sheets and nests of round and polygonal cells, mostly round regular nuclei, abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, 1 mitosis per 10 high-power fields, and without necrosis. These tumors have nonspecific MRI features and therefore can be easily confused with other common spinal tumor types such as ependymoma, schwannoma, meningioma, and metastasis. Although rare, ectopic adrenal spinal cord adenomas should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of spinal canal intradural neoplasms.
Tendon Transfers in Foot Drop
Authors: Krishnamurthy Sridhar , Ibrahim Mohamed
Published: May 2019

The common peroneal nerve is the most commonly injured nerve in the lower extremity. Peroneal nerve pathology results in loss of dorsiflexion at the tibiotalar joint, loss of eversion at the subtalar joint, and loss of extension of toes resulting in foot drop. The varied etiology of the problem is discussed. The various treatment modalities like conservative management, steroid therapy, nerve decompression, nerve repair, or reconstruction are described, but due to uncertain outcomes after primary nerve procedures, secondary procedures like tendon transfers often end up as definitive treatment. The rationale and technique of tibialis posterior transfer is discussed in detail.
Patient Preferences for Physician Attire in Ophthalmology Practices
Authors: De Lott Lindsey B. , Panarelli Joseph F. , Samimi David , Petrilli Christopher , Snyder Ashley , Kuhn Latoya , Saint Sanjay , Chopra Vineet , Whipple Katherine M.
Published: May 2019

Importance Interest is growing in targeting physician attire to improve the patient experience. Few studies in ophthalmology have examined patient preferences for physician attire.

Objective To understand patient preferences for physician attire in ophthalmology practices in the United States.

Design Survey-based, cohort study.

Setting Two private and two academic ophthalmology practices.

Participants A convenience sample of patients receiving ophthalmic care between June 1, 2015 and October 31, 2016.

Methods A questionnaire containing 22 questions and photographs of a male and female physician in seven forms of attire were presented to patients; 14 unique questionnaires were randomly distributed. Patient preference for physician attire was the primary outcome determined by summing ratings of how knowledgeable, trustworthy, caring, approachable, and comfortable the pictured physician made the respondent feel. One-way ANOVA assessed differences in mean composite scores. Comparisons between respondent demographics, practice type, and attire preferences were assessed by chi-square tests. Patient satisfaction was assessed by agreement with questions about importance of physician attire and whether this influences happiness with care.

Results In total, 1,297 of 1,826 (71.0%) questionnaires were completed. Physician attire was rated as “important” by 62.9% of participants. A total of 43.6% of participants indicated that physician attire influenced how happy they were with their care. Overall, formal attire with white coat was preferred to casual, formal, and business attire (all comparisons, p < 0.05). No differences in composite scores between formal attire with white coat, scrubs alone, scrubs with white coat, or casual attire with white coat were observed. However, compared with formal attire with white coat, physicians wearing scrubs without white coat appeared less knowledgeable (mean [standard deviation]: 8.2 [1.8] vs. 7.4 [2.1]; p < 0.05) and trustworthy (8.3 [1.8] vs. 7.6 [2.1]; p < 0.05). Additionally, casual attire with white coat was rated as less knowledgeable compared with formal attire with white coat (7.4 [2.0] vs. 8.2 [1.8]; p < 0.05). Preferences for attire varied by clinical setting: patients preferred surgeons (45.2%) and physicians in emergency rooms (41.7%) in scrubs rather than formal attire with white coat.

Conclusions Physician attire is important to patients receiving ophthalmic care. Policies aimed at physician attire in ophthalmology practices should be considered.
A Novel Method of the Treatment for Posterolateral Tibial Plateau Fractures
Authors: Ren Dong , Liu Yueju , Chen Yanxi , Lu Jian , Song Zhaohui , Zhou Bing , Wang Pengcheng
Published: May 2019

Reduction and fixation of posterolateral tibial plateau fracture via a posterolateral approach is challenging, and the posterolateral approach itself may injure the posterolateral ligament complex of the knee and can result in knee instability. We developed a new curved support plate (CSP) that can pass, via traditional anterolateral approach, through the superior tibiofibular interval and effectively support the posterolateral fragments. The purpose of our study was to determine the biomechanical reliability of the new plate and report the preliminary efficacy of the CSP for posterolateral tibial plateau fracture. In the biomechanical experiment, 40 synthetic tibias were used to create posterolateral shearing tibial fracture models, which were randomly assigned to groups A to D. Vertical displacement of the posterolateral fragments was measured under axial loads of 500 to 1,500 N. The new plate and 3.5-mm lateral locking plate exhibited similar control over fragment displacement. From June 2016 to August 2017, eight patients with posterolateral tibial plateau fracture underwent treatment with the CSP. Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score, knee flexion and extension ranges of motion, and complications were recorded to evaluate treatment effects. Eight patients (five men and three women, mean age 44 years [range, 23–66 years]) were enrolled in the study. Mean follow-up time was 13 months (range, 7–19 months). All patients achieved radiographic bone union by 3.3 months (range, 3–4 months) postoperatively. There were no complications of neurovascular injury, deep vein thrombosis, infection, and implant loosening throughout the follow-up period. At final follow-up, mean HSS score was 92.6 (88–96), with a mean knee flexion of 131.25 degrees (120–135 degrees) and a mean knee extension of 1 degree (0–5 degrees). Fixation of posterolateral tibial plateau fracture was easily and successfully achieved using our newly designed CSP, which may provide a new choice for posterolateral tibial plateau fractures.
Ten-Year Average Full Follow-up and Evaluation of a Contoured Focal Resurface Prosthesis (HemiCAP) in Patients in the United Kingdom
Authors: Nahas Sam , Monem Mohammed , Li Lily , Patel Akash , Parmar Harish
Published: May 2019

A significant number of patients are affected by localized articular damage that is appropriate neither for traditional arthroplasty nor for biological repair. A focal resurfacing system using a matched contoured articular prosthetic (HemiCAP) has been introduced for the treatment of such cases. Independent long-term results of these implants are limited. We retrospectively evaluated the use of this resurfacing system in 14 patients (13 males, 1 female), with a mean age of 40.3 years (range: 28–49), with focal femoral condyle defects. The same consultant orthopaedic surgeon performed all procedures. Our primary outcome measure was revision rate. Secondary outcome measures included radiographic evaluation (prosthesis migration signs, radiolucency), patient-reported functional evaluation (knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome scores), and complications. A total of 10 patients were treated on the medial femoral condyle, 2 were treated on the lateral condyle, and 2 received bicondylar implants (14 in total). Average follow-up was 107 months (range: 59–135). Three patients were lost to follow-up at the time of study. One patient was excluded from the study. Of the 10 left, 2 had to be revised, leading the survival rate to be 80% at 9.4 years. In four contactable patients, average Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcomes score at 121 months postsurgery (9.75 years) was 92.9 (as compared with 57.7 preoperatively). There were no complications. This series demonstrates that focal resurfacing is a safe, suitable, and useful temporizing step in knee arthroplasty surgery. The use of the focal resurfacing implant in this way allows the delay in transition to knee arthroplasty. This series shows an excellent functional outcome for remaining implants at average 10 years, with low complication rates.
Serum Pentraxin 3 Concentration in Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Battal Fatih , Bulut Özgül Emel , Yıldırım Şule , Aylanç Hakan , Kaymaz Nazan , Uysal Sema
Published: May 2019

Objective Neonatal sepsis is one of the most important causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Symptoms and signs of neonatal sepsis can be silent; therefore, laboratory investigation is necessary in cases of doubt or if there are risk factors. Early diagnosis is important for early intervention and treatment. The most valuable method for diagnosis is blood culture; however, false positivity due to contamination or false negativity despite ongoing fatal bacterial infections can be seen. Pentraxin 3 is a prototype of the long pentraxin family. It has some differences from C-reactive protein (CRP) in terms of gene organization and localization and production site. It is effective in the early phase of inflammation and it is detected as an early marker of sepsis in adults. The aim of this study was to investigate whether pentraxin 3 can be used as a marker in neonatal sepsis.

Materials and Methods Thirty newborns with suspected sepsis with antenatal history or the presence of clinical signs of sepsis, such as hypo/hyperthermia, feed intolerance, lethargy, hypotonia, irregular cardiac rhythms, bradycardia, cyanosis, apnea, respiratory distress, or metabolic acidosis, were enrolled in the study as a case group, and 28 healthy newborns were included as a control group. Serum pentraxin 3, procalcitonin, CRP, and hemogram in the study group and serum procalcitonin and pentraxin in the control group were examined.

Results Serum pentraxin 3 (pg/mL) and serum procalcitonin (ng/mL) levels were 2,273.82 ± 1,260.75 and 0.86 ± 0.52 in the case group and 957.41 ± 268.00 and 0.19 ± 0.18 in the control group (p < 0.001 for both), respectively.

Conclusion The present study showed that serum pentraxin 3 levels may be a useful marker in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.