bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE MINIMAL GROWTH OF A -REGULAR SEQUENCE
Authors: BELL JASON P. , COONS MICHAEL , HARE KEVIN G. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe determine a lower gap property for the growth of an unbounded $\mathbb{Z}$-valued $k$-regular sequence. In particular, if $f:\mathbb{N}\to \mathbb{Z}$ is an unbounded $k$-regular sequence, we show that there is a constant $c>0$ such that $|f(n)|>c\log n$ infinitely often. We end our paper by answering a question of Borwein, Choi and Coons on the sums of completely multiplicative automatic functions.
Effets et évolution des instruments d'action publique participatifs : le cas de la Régie de l'énergie
Authors: Simard Louis 
Published: May 2014

RésuméCet article propose un bilan de l'expérience des instruments participatifs de la Régie de l'énergie du Québec et rend compte, à travers l'analyse d'entretiens semi-directifs menés auprès d'un échantillon des principaux acteurs, du fonctionnement et des effets de ces instruments. Adoptant l'approche par les instruments d'action publique mise de l'avant par Pierre Lascoumes et Patrick Le Galès, cette étude montre comment s'articulent la robustesse et la plasticité des instruments participatifs de la Régie de l'énergie et comment la transformation de ceux-ci au cours des ans a favorisé une gouvernance régulée de plus en plus confinée et suivi une trajectoire qui leur est propre, fruit tant des effets des instruments que des stratégies des acteurs.
Triple primary cancers of the head and neck: case report and literature review
Authors: Adams M , Caffrey R 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackground:Coincident thyroid and head and neck squamous cell carcinomas are rare. This paper presents a case of synchronous laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, follicular thyroid carcinoma and micropapillary thyroid carcinoma.Methods:A PubMed search was performed for articles describing synchronous thyroid and head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, using the search terms ‘thyroid cancer’, ‘cancer of the head and neck’, ‘synchronous’ and ‘synchronous neoplasm’.Results:The literature suggests that the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma stage is a better predictor of outcome than the extent of surgical treatment of the thyroid gland in synchronous malignancies.Conclusion:The decision regarding surgical treatment of the thyroid in synchronous thyroid and head and neck squamous cell carcinomas should take several factors into account. The head and neck squamous cell carcinoma stage is the strongest predictor of outcome, although patient-related factors and the location of malignant thyroid tissue may also affect management.
The music culture of older adults in Cantonese operatic singing lessons
Authors: LO WAI HAN 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTCantonese operatic singing, one of the regional opera forms in China, flourishes mainly in the southern province of Guangdong. By exploring the culture of Cantonese operatic singing, this study relates older people's music participation to a sense of collectivism, thereby contributing to the maintenance of interpersonal relationships and promoting successful ageing. The study also illustrates how the musical participation of older adults can be influenced by the lifecourse and ageing in terms of both vocal abilities and levels of participation. Data analysed through participation observation in two Cantonese operatic singing lessons identify the rituals and core values of Cantonese operatic singing lessons. The findings help to explain how this particular music genre interacts with ageing.
Pseudoinverse-type bi-criteria minimization scheme for redundancy resolution of robot manipulators
Authors: Liao Bolin , Liu Weijun 
Published: May 2014

SUMMARYIn this paper, a pseudoinverse-type bi-criteria minimization scheme is proposed and investigated for the redundancy resolution of robot manipulators at the joint-acceleration level. Such a bi-criteria minimization scheme combines the weighted minimum acceleration norm solution and the minimum velocity norm solution via a weighting factor. The resultant bi-criteria minimization scheme, formulated as the pseudoinverse-type solution, not only avoids the high joint-velocity and joint-acceleration phenomena but also causes the joint velocity to be near zero at the end of motion. Computer simulation results based on a 4-Degree-of-Freedom planar robot manipulator comprising revolute joints further verify the efficacy and flexibility of the proposed bi-criteria minimization scheme on robotic redundancy resolution.
Inverse kinematics solution of a new circumferential drilling machine for aircraft assembly
Authors: Zhu Weidong , Mei Biao , Ke Yinglin 
Published: May 2014

SUMMARYInverse kinematics solutions are the basis for position and orientation control of automated machines in their Cartesian workspace. This paper presents an efficient and robust inverse kinematics algorithm for a new circumferential drilling machine for aircraft fuselage assembly. After a brief introduction to the circumferential drilling machine and its forward kinematics, the paper discusses the nonlinear optimization method for solving inverse kinematics problems. The objective function is defined as a weighted combination of a position error function and an orientation error function. By representing orientation error as the geodesic distance between two points on a unit sphere, the paper proposes to define the orientation error function by using faithful geodesic distance functions, which are accurate approximations to the geodesic distance when it is small. For increased efficiency, robustness, and easy setting of initial values, the inverse kinematics problem is decomposed into two subproblems. The revolute joint coordinates are obtained by nonlinear optimization, and the prismatic joint coordinates are calculated with closed-form formulas. Numerical experiments show that the objective function defined with faithful geodesic distance functions is effective, and the proposed algorithm is efficient, robust, and accurate. The algorithm has been successfully integrated into the control system of the circumferential drilling machine. Preliminary drilling experiments show that the position accuracy of drilled holes is within ±0.5 mm, which is acceptable for the assembly of large aircrafts.
Incidence, immunological and clinical characteristics of reactivation of latentToxoplasma gondiiinfection in HIV-infected patients
Authors: KODYM P. , MALÝ M. , BERAN O. , JILICH D. , ROZSYPAL H. , MACHALA L. , HOLUB M. 
Published: May 2014

SUMMARYTo determine changes in incidence of reactivation ofToxoplasma gondiiinfection, manifesting as toxoplasmic encephalitis, and to assess the immunological mechanisms controlling reactivation in HIV-infected patients, a Czech cohort of 502 HIV/T. gondiico-infected patients was followed for 2909·3 person-years. The incidence of toxoplasmic encephalitis between the periods before and after the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) was compared. Toxoplasmic encephalitis was diagnosed in 21 patients. In those patients the geometric mean value of CD4+T lymphocytes was 12·6 times lower than in patients with non-reactivatedT. gondiiinfection but an additionally significant decline in CD8+T lymphocytes (3·3-fold) and natural killer cells (4·3-fold) was observed. This confirms the significance of these parameters. A twelvefold decrease inToxoplasmareactivation incidence (40·2vs. 3·4/1000 person-years) between monitored periods was seen. In the cART era,Toxoplasmareactivation was observed only in patients with unrecognized HIV infection or refusing therapy.
Lab generated retina: Realizing the dream
Authors: MELLOUGH CARLA B. , COLLIN JOSEPH , SERNAGOR EVELYNE , WRIDE NICHOLAS K. , STEEL DAVID H.W. , LAKO MAJLINDA 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBlindness represents an increasing global problem with significant social and economic impact upon affected patients and society as a whole. In Europe, approximately one in 30 individuals experience sight loss and 75% of those are unemployed, a social burden which is very likely to increase as the population of Europe ages. Diseases affecting the retina account for approximately 26% of blindness globally and 70% of blindness in the United Kingdom. To date, there are no treatments to restore lost retinal cells and improve visual function, highlighting an urgent need for new therapeutic approaches. A pioneering breakthrough has demonstrated the ability to generate synthetic retina from pluripotent stem cells under laboratory conditions, a finding with immense relevance for basic research,in vitrodisease modeling, drug discovery, and cell replacement therapies. This review summarizes the current achievements in pluripotent stem cell differentiation toward retinal cells and highlights the steps that need to be completed in order to generate human synthetic retinae with high efficiency and reproducibly from patient-specific pluripotent stem cells.
English learning websites and digital resources from the perspective of Chinese university EFL practitioners
Authors: Shen Huizhong , Yuan Yifeng , Ewing Robyn 
Published: May 2014

AbstractEnglish language learning (ELL) websites and digital resources have been recognized as an important source of linguistic and cultural knowledge for English as a foreign language (EFL) learners to explore. The up-to-date information carried by authentic materials is invaluable for learners to develop an understanding of the target language/culture. However, there appears to be a gap between what the designer intends and what the user wants. This paper investigates Chinese university EFL teachers’ perceptions of online English language websites and resources. The study focuses on a number of components of major language areas and skills in ELL websites, website materials, language users’ preferences, and website usability. A total of 1519 English academics from 139 universities across China completed the online survey, and 164 of them voluntarily participated in focus group interviews anonymously.The empirical evidence of this study has highlighted that a pedagogically-oriented ELL website, targeting audiences with a variety of language proficiencies, was much liked by the Chinese EFL teachers. A preference was observed to see more current authentic language, examination-oriented English learning materials and tasks, and Eastern/non-Anglophone topics in the websites. In addition, it is found that website usability is another key factor that would impact ELL website popularity. A well-designed ELL website can effectively assist Chinese EFL learners to enhance their language competence and achieve optimal learning outcomes. This study provides a context-specific empirical base for innovative web-based EFL learning and teaching as well as website design and materials development in China. The proposed key features of a preferred ELL website may help better inform website designers, content writers and evaluators in their ELL website design/evaluation.
Germination niche of the permanent wetland specialist, Parnassia grandifolia DC
Authors: Albrecht Matthew A. , Long Quinn G. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractTemperate wetland species often require light and warm temperatures for seed germination. However, recent studies indicate that species which specialize on permanently saturated wetlands that are maintained by groundwater discharge (fens, seeps and mountain springs), rather than wetlands with surface-water-driven hydrologic regimes, diverge from the typical wetland germination niche by germinating at cool temperatures and lacking photoblastic seeds. We conducted laboratory experiments that manipulated stratification conditions (non-stratified versus cold stratification in light and darkness), thermal regime (15/6, 25/15 and 35/20°C), and light (14 h photoperiod versus continuous darkness) to test whether seeds of the North American calcareous fen specialist Parnassia grandifolia diverged from the typical temperate wetland germination niche. After 30 d, fresh seeds were conditionally dormant and could only germinate to high percentages in light at 25/15°C. During 16 weeks of incubation, non-stratified seeds germinated to low percentages ( < 40%) at all thermal regimes in darkness. In contrast, cold-stratified seeds germinated to high percentages in both light and darkness at all thermal regimes, although germination was incomplete (no cotyledon emergence) at 35/20°C. Further, seeds did not require light during cold stratification to germinate to high percentages when incubated in light or darkness. Thus, seeds diverged from the typical temperate wetland germination syndrome in lacking a light and warm temperature requirement for germination. Our results reinforce previous work from European fens and Mediterranean wetlands. This indicates that multiple germination strategies are found in fen wetlands that are maintained by the continuous or near-continuous discharge of cool groundwater.
Comparison of the effects of thermal stress and CO2-driven acidified seawater on fertilization in coral Acropora digitifera
Authors: Iguchi Akira , Suzuki Atsushi , Sakai Kazuhiko , Nojiri Yukihiro 
Published: May 2014

SummaryGlobal warming (GW) and ocean acidification (OA) have been recognized as severe threats for reef-building corals that support coral reef ecosystems, but these effects on the early life history stage of corals are relatively unknown compared with the effects on calcification of adult corals. In this study, we evaluated the effects of thermal stress and CO2-driven acidified seawater on fertilization in a reef-building coral, Acropora digitifera. The fertilization rates of A. digitifera decreased in response to thermal stress compared with those under normal seawater conditions. In contrast, the changes of fertilization rates were not evident in the acidified seawater. Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) predicted that sperm/egg crosses and temperature were explanatory variables in the best-fitted model for the fertilization data. In the best model, interactions between thermal stress and acidified seawater on the fertilization rates were not selected. Our results suggested that coral fertilization is more sensitive to future GW than OA. Taking into consideration the previous finding that sperm motility of A. digitifera was decreased by acidified seawater, the decrease in coral cover followed by that of sperm concentration might cause the interacting effects of GW and OA on coral fertilization.
Validation of the German version of the Schedule of Attitudes Toward Hastened Death (SAHD–D) with patients in palliative care
Authors: Galushko Maren , Strupp Julia , Walisko-Waniek Johanna , Hahn Moritz , Löffert Sabine , Ernstmann Nicole , Pfaff Holger , Radbruch Lukas , Nauck Friedemann , Ostgathe Christoph , Voltz Raymond 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjective:Reliable and validated instruments are needed in order to study the desire for hastened death (DHD). As there is no instrument in the German language to measure DHD, our aim was to validate a German version of the Schedule of Attitudes Toward Hastened Death (SAHD–D).Method:The SAHD was translated following guidelines promulgated by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). In eligible patients (clinical situation adequate, MMSE ≥21), the following instruments were employed: a symptom checklist (HOPE), the HADS–D (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), the EORTC-QLQ-PAL15, and the SAHD–D, as well as an external estimation of DHD provided by the attending physician. A high level of DHD was defined as the mean plus one standard deviation (SD).Results:Of the 869 patients assessed, 92 were eligible for inclusion (66% females, mean age of 64.5 years). The SAHD–D total score ranged from 0 to 18, with a mean of 5 and a standard deviation (SD) of 3.7. A high level of DHD was found in 20% (n = 19). For discriminant validity, significant correlations were found between the SAHD–D and depression (rrho = 0.472), anxiety (rrho = 0.224), and clinical state (rrho = 0.178). For criterion validity, the external estimate of DHD showed a low significant correlation with patient score (rrho = 0.290). Factor analysis of the SAHD–D identified two factors.Significance of results:Validation of the SAHD–D illustrated good discriminant validity, confirming that a desire to hasten death is a construct separate from depression, anxiety, or physical state. The unidimensionality of the SAHD could not be reproduced. Our findings support the multifactorial interdependencies on DHD and suggest that the SAHD–D should be refined by considering actual wishes, general attitudes, and options of patients.
Landscape characterization of integrated crop–livestock systems in three case studies of the tropics
Authors: Poccard-Chapuis Rene , Navegantes Alves Livia , Grise Marcia Mascarenha , Bâ Alassane , Coulibaly Doubangolo , Ferreira Laura Angelica , Lecomte Philippe 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIntegrated crop–livestock systems in the tropical region are diverse and not well characterized. To better understand the conditions and potential of these systems, we characterized the spatial and social arrangement of integrated systems within a landscape context. Integrated systems are defined by biomass and nutrient flows, linking crop, livestock and human components of agriculture. The landscape is defined within a spatial framework of these flows. To understand the diversity of integrated systems in the tropics, we characterized three case study areas: Southern Mali, BrazilianCerradosand Amazon frontier. Methodology was based on historical and descriptive approaches of these cases, mobilizing interdisciplinary knowledge of a large research team. This provided a retrospective view to discuss four key points about the future of integrated systems in the tropics: (i) importance of landscape structure for conception and adaptation of the integrated systems; (ii) key role of local institutions in managing such integrated systems; (iii) trade-offs between external and internal resources; and (iv) role of nitrogen to improve system efficiency. This paper concludes with the relevance of social sciences in the further development of integrated systems.
The Herschel view of the Galactic center
Authors: Bally John ,   the Hi-GAL team
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe 3.5 meter diameter Herschel Space Observatory conducted a ∼720 square-degree survey of the Galactic plane, the Herschel Galactic plane survey (Hi-GAL). These data provide the most sensitive and highest resolution observations of the far-IR to sub-mm continuum from the central molecular zone (CMZ) at λ = 70, 160, 250, 350, and 500 μm obtained to date. Hi-GAL can be used to map the distributions of temperature and column density of dust in CMZ clouds, warm dust in Hii regions, and identify highly embedded massive protostars and clusters and the dusty shells ejected by supergiant stars. These data enable classification of sources and re-evaluation of the current and recent star-formation rate in the CMZ. The outer CMZ beyond |l| = 0.9 degrees (Rgal > 130 pc) contains most of the dense (n > 104 cm−3 gas in the Galaxy but supports very little star formation. The Hi-GAL and Spitzer data show that almost all star formation occurs in clouds moving on x2 orbits at Rgal < 100 pc. While the 106 M⊙ Sgr B2 complex, the 50 km s−1 cloud near Sgr A, and the Sgr C region are forming clusters of massive stars, other clouds are relatively inactive star formers, despite their high densities, large masses, and compact sizes. The asymmetric distribution of dense gas about Sgr A* on degree scales (most dense CMZ gas and dust is at positive Galactic longitudes and positive VLSR) and compact 24 μm sources (most are at negative longitudes) may indicate that eposidic mini-starbursts occasionally ‘blow-out’ a portion of the gas on these x2 orbits. The resulting massive-star feedback may fuel the compact 30 pc scale Galactic center bubble associated with the Arches and Quintuplet clusters, the several hundred pc scale Sofue-Handa lobe, and the kpc-scale Fermi/LAT bubble, making it the largest ‘superbubble’ in the Galaxy. A consequence of this model is that in our Galaxy, instead of the supermassive black hole (SMBH) limiting star formation, star formation may limit the growth of the SMBH.
Ionized gas dynamics in the inner 2 pc of Sgr A West
Authors: Lacy John H. , Irons Wesley T. , Richter Matthew J. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe present a data cube of the [NeII] (12.8 μm) emission from the inner 2 pc of Sgr A West with 1″ and 4 km s−1 resolution, and with substantially better SNR and velocity resolution than previous observations of the ionized gas. We compare the observations to two proposed models of the gas motions and distribution: flows along tidally stretched streamers, and more nearly circular motions with density wave compression. The density wave model provides a considerably better fit to the kinematics of the northern arm and western arc. Neither model fits the eastern arm and bar kinematics well.To help understand the origin of the spiral pattern we calculated orbits in the potential of a black hole in a star cluster and find that the orbits naturally evolve to set up a one-armed spiral wave very similar to that observed, both spatially and kinematically. Magnetic or other perturbing forces may influence the formation of the spiral wave, but self gravity is not required. Because a density wave evolves on the orbit precession timescale, rather than the orbital timescale, a wave pattern should persist for several 105 yr. No net inward motion of the gas is required by the model. If there is inflow, it is much smaller than is suggested by the infalling streamer model.
Detailed distributions of the CO J = (2 − 1)/J = (1 − 0) intensity ratios toward a large area of the central molecular zone
Authors: Torii Kazufumi , Enokiya Rei , Fukui Yasuo , Yamamoto Hiroaki , Kawamura Akiko , Mizuno Norikazu , Onishi Toshikazu , Ogawa Hideo 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe present the first results of the new CO J = (2 − 1) observations toward the central molecular zone (CMZ) using the NANTEN2 telescope at an angular resolution of 100″. Large area coverage of 4° × 2° in l and b and a high angular resolution of 100″ enable us to investigate detailed structures of the molecular gas in the CMZ including peculiar molecular filaments perpendicularly to the Galactic plane to b > |0.5°|. The major components of the CMZ, e.g., Sgr A, Sgr B and Sgr C cloud complexes, show high CO J = (2 − 1)/J = (1 − 0) ratios around 0.9, indicating highly excited conditions of the molecular gas, while the local foreground components show less than 0.4. The molecular filaments show the typical ratios of 0.6–0.7 indicate that they are indeed located in the Galactic center.
Class I methanol masers in the Galactic center
Authors: Sjouwerman L. O. , Pihlström Y. M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe report on the detection of 36 and 44 GHz Class I methanol (CH3OH) maser emission in the Sagittarius A (Sgr A) complex with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA). These VLA observations show that the Sgr A complex harbors at least three different maser tracers of shocked regions in the radio regime. The 44 GHz masers correlate with the positions and velocities of previously detected 36 GHz CH3OH masers, but less with 1720 MHz OH masers. Our detections agree with theoretical predictions that the densities and temperatures conducive for 1720 MHz OH masers may also produce 36 and 44 GHz CH3OH maser emission. However, many 44 GHz masers do not overlap with 36 GHz methanol masers, suggesting that 44 GHz masers also arise in regions too hot and too dense for 36 GHz masers to form. This agrees with the non-detection of 1720 MHz OH masers in the same area, which are thought to be excited under even cooler and less dense conditions. We speculate that the geometry of the 36 GHz masers outlines the current location of a shock front.