bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A solanum beetle on a fabaceous weed: Host plant generalization and specialization are two sides of the same coin
Authors: Ueno Hideki , Fujiyama Naoyuki , Kahono Sih , Hartini Sri , de Jong Peter W. , Katakura Haruo
Published: October 2017

Investigations of the ongoing evolutionary change of host specificity, especially of that in the initial phase, contribute largely to our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the diversification of phytophagous insects. However, empirical studies of this aspect in natural systems are very scanty. In the present study, we document the evolutionary change of the degree of adaptation to an introduced legume centro by adults and larvae of the herbivorous ladybird beetle Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (Fabricius), which depends normally on various solanaceous plants. Results obtained through experiments conducted in seven successive years revealed a fluctuating degree of adaptation, but with a gradual increase, to centro by H. vigintioctopunctata, showing a tendency towards host plant generalization. Of particular importance, our results suggest that both host plant specialization and generalization are possible evolutionary outcomes of a dynamic initial phase of ongoing host range expansion. In addition, results of quantitative genetic analyses on larval development and other circumstantial evidence suggested that the evolutionary trajectories to specialization/generalization are largely determined by ecological conditions rather than by the insects' intrinsic genetic architecture. We also discuss some special aspects of acquisition of, and adaptation to, novel hosts by H. vigintioctopunctata and other herbivorous beetles, of which adults also feed on plant leaves.
Contribution to the knowledge of the adult feeding of Nemouroidea stoneflies (Insecta: Plecoptera)
Authors: Rúa Jacobo , Tierno De Figueroa José Manuel , Garrido Josefina
Published: October 2017

The feeding habits of 17 species of Nemouroidea stoneflies (belonging to the families Nemouridae, Leuctridae and Capniidae) from the north‐western Iberian Peninsula are described and quantified by means of gut content analyses. As a whole, fungi, followed by pollen (both from angiosperm and, in a lesser degree, Pinaceae), leaf fragments (CPOM), detritus and, more punctually, lichens and animal matter are the most common items found in their guts. Nevertheless, variations among species were observed. For a species with a flight period that extends throughout the year, Protonemura globosa, variations in the diet were noticed among seasons, with pollen being more important during the spring and summer period. Together with a few previous studies, the present one reaffirms that feeding is an important aspect of the adult life in males and females of Nemouroidea.
Intra‐specific variability in Rhinoleucophenga punctulata populations (Diptera: Drosophilidae) from Neotropical biomes: Combined analyses of morphological and molecular data
Authors: Poppe Jean Lucas , Deprá Maríndia , Schmitz Hermes José , Valente Vera Lúcia da Silva
Published: October 2017

Despite the fact that Drosophilidae is a very diverse and well‐studied taxon, the New World genus Rhinoleucophenga is yet poorly understood even in regard to species distribution and morphological variability pattern. In this sense, R. punctulata is a species widely distributed in the Neotropical region. Specimens of R. punctulata were collected from different biomes in Brazil: Pampa, Cerrado and Caatinga sensu strictu, and a southern Amazonian savannah enclave area. Geographical variations in the external body morphology and in the morphology of spermatheca were noticed among the different populations. The hypothesis that each population could be a different species was tested through molecular data. A fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxydase subunit I (COI) gene was sequenced to perform phylogenetic analyses through neighbor‐joining and Bayesian inferences. Pairwise genetic divergences of COI sequences were calculated using DNA barcode premises. The analyzed populations presented different variation levels in both morphology and molecular traits. However, new species were not proposed because the intra‐population nucleotide variations exceeded the inter‐population ones. The noticeable morphological and genetic variations revealed among the four studied populations of R. punctulata in different biomes of Brazil suggest the necessity that morphological, distributional and molecular data at the population level should be integrated into complementary datasets to better understand the biological diversity of Rhinoleucophenga through Neotropical environments.
Updating the knowledge of assassin bug cockroaches (Blattodea: Blaberidae:ParanauphoetaBrunner von Wattenwyl): Species from China and taxonomic changes
Authors: Li Xin‐Ran , Wang Zong‐Qing
Published: October 2017

The investigation into the cockroach genusParanauphoetaBrunner von Wattenwyl is insufficient, and there is a lack of taxonomic documentation of this genus from China. Recently, the authors obtained some newly collected specimens which facilitated this study. In this paper the generalized morphology ofParanauphoetais interpreted in detail, particularly for the male phallic complex, which is illustrated as a whole rather than in pieces. The taxonomy ofParanauphoetaspecies from China is revised. One out of four species recorded from China,P. indicaSaussure & Zehntner, is removed; instead,P. kirbynom. nov.is recorded from China. Together with three new species described in this paper, namely,P. anulatasp. nov.,P. brachypterasp. nov.andP. lineolasp. nov., a total of sevenParanauphoetaspecies are now known to occur in China, whose habitus photos are provided. The new species confirm that this genus is wing‐polymorphic. Male structures, if available, are illustrated. Female structures and oothecae, of which knowledge is limited in this genus and also in cockroach taxonomy, are illustrated or documented, respectively. A key to and a distribution map of theParanauphoetaspecies from China are provided. In addition,P. atraShelfordnom. rev.,P. sinicaBey‐Bienkostat. nov.andP. vietnamensisAnisyutkinstat. nov.are regarded as valid separate species.
First record of the host plant and larvae of Pachyrhynchus sonani (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on Lanyu Island, Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Chen‐Fu , Tseng Hui‐Yun , Hsiao Yun , Ko Chiun‐Cheng
Published: October 2017

Pachyrhynchus sonani Kôno, 1930, a legally protected species in Taiwan, is endemic to Lanyu Island (Orchid Island) and Ludao Island (Green Island). Because of its unclear life history, the host and immature stages of this species in the wild have not so far been recorded. On Lanyu Island, we recently identified Barringtonia asiatica as a host plant of P. sonani, with several larvae feeding on its xylem. Herein, we describe its biology and the habitat surrounding the host plant.
Is it ‘just hair’ or is it ‘everything’? Embodiment and gender repression in policing
Authors: Kringen Anne Li , Novich Madeleine
Published: October 2017

Police department policies often require women to engage in identificatory displays inconsistent with sex category expectations. Compliance, while potentially increasing acceptance within policing, may reflect a loss of agency in aesthetic choices that limits their ability to construct gender in both the professional and personal spheres. Some women may comply without experiencing negative consequences, while others may exhibit tacit or resistant compliance reflecting their loss of agency. Women's differential reactions in response to these policies may help explain how some women become the embodiment of mythic visions associated with the profession. Through greater acceptance related to this adaptation, these women may reinforce the hostile environment experienced by other women within policing thereby propagating the status quo. In‐depth interviews with female officers and background investigators illustrate the impact of one such policy, a restrictive haircut requirement for female recruits. The results reveal that women are split in their reactions to the policy; some women comply willingly and choose to become the embodiment of the symbolic vision of policing. Others struggle with compliance as the loss of agency impacts their embodied selves through silencing their bodies.
Prey‐dependent benefits of sown wildflower strips on solitary wasps in agroecosystems
Authors: Hoffmann Uta Sophie , Jauker Frank , Lanzen Jonathan , Warzecha Daniela , Wolters Volkmar , Diekötter Tim
Published: October 2017

Sown wildflower strips can support insects that collect pollen for their larvae. How these strips affect flower visitors with carnivorous larvae, however, is almost unknown. We studied the impact of wildflower strips and their surroundings on two common solitary wasps: the caterpillar‐hunting Ancistrocerus nigricornis Curtis and the spider‐hunting Trypoxylon figulus Linnaeus.

Trap‐nest locations at 22 semi‐natural habitats in central Germany formed independent gradients in landscape complexity and distance to either one or several wildflower strips in their surroundings. For each brood cell, we recorded the number of prey items, total caterpillar weight and spider species richness.

Ancistrocerus nigricornis built more cells in proximity to wildflower strips and with increasing amount of surrounding grassland. Fewer prey items provided in landscapes with large shares of semi‐natural habitats suggest that in these landscapes high‐quality prey is available. In contrast, T. figulus built more cells with increasing distance of nests to wildflower strips. If there were few strips, T. figulus built more cells in grassland‐rich landscapes, whereas low shares of grassland were compensated when several wildflower strips were present. Benefits of flowering strips for T. figulus seem related to flower resources for adults, rather than through prey provisioning.

In conclusion, wildflower strips promote prey‐hunting wasps through species‐specific effects on adult and larval food provisioning. Considering the differential effects of wasps on crop pests (caterpillars) and natural enemies (spiders), the functional role of wildflower strips in agroecosystems may be much greater than assumed when solely focusing on pollination.
Clinical effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of nurse‐led care in Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized trial comparing with rheumatologist‐led care
Authors: Wang Junru , Zou Xiulan , Cong Ling , Liu Huina
Published: October 2017

Background and aim

The concept of nurse‐led care (NLC) was not familiar in China. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of NLC versus rheumatologist‐led care (RLC) in Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Patients of either gender (aged ≥18 years) with RA were enrolled at Wenhai Central Hospital, China (January 2015 to December 2015). The participants were then randomized to NLC or RLC. Outcomes of both the groups were compared in terms of effectiveness by measuring the Disease Activity Score 28, visual analogue scores pertaining to pain and fatigue, and duration of morning stiffness. Costs associated with resource use for RA were assessed and compared between both groups.

Results

A total of 214 RA patients in 2 groups (n = 107 in each group) were enrolled and analysed. Improvements in clinical outcomes (disease activity, pain, fatigue, and morning stiffness) over 12 months were significantly greater in the NLC group compared to RLC (P < 0.001). Overall, costs associated with resource use were higher in the RLC group compared to the NLC group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our preliminary finding suggested that RA patients managed by NLC compared to RLC may have better clinical outcomes and more cost‐effective care in China.
Practical strategies and perceptions from community pharmacists following their experiences with conducting pharmacy practice research: a qualitative content analysis
Authors: De Vera Mary A , Campbell Natasha K J , Chhina Harpreet , Galo Jessica S , Marra Carlo
Published: October 2017

Objectives

While prior research identified barriers to conducting research in community pharmacies, there remains a need to better understand facilitators to ensure successful collaborations between academic researchers and pharmacists. Our objective was to determine the experiences and perspectives of community pharmacists who have recently conducted a pharmacy practice-based research study to gain in-depth understanding of challenges as well as facilitators and identify strategies and solutions.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study involving one-on-one semi-structured telephone interviews with community pharmacists following the completion of a practice-based research study in their pharmacies. Interview transcripts were analysed using inductive content analysis involving open coding, creating categories and abstraction into final themes.

Key findings

Eleven pharmacists participated in the qualitative interviews. We identified six major themes including: (1) barriers (e.g. time constraints); (2) facilitators (e.g. ideal pharmacy layout); (3) support and resources from academic researchers (e.g. helpfulness of training, easy-to-use study materials); (4) pharmacist-initiated strategies for conducting research (beyond prior suggestions from researchers); (5) suggestions for future pharmacy practice research; and (6) motivation for conducting pharmacy practice research. These findings informed practical strategies targeted at academic researchers and pharmacists, respectively, to facilitate the conduct of research in community pharmacists across various stages of the research process.

Conclusions

Our study adds to better understanding of community pharmacists' perspectives on conducting research and identifies practical solutions that can be readily implemented by academic researchers and pharmacists participating in research.
Ventricular tachycardia ablation in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy patients with TMEM43 gene mutations
Authors: AbdelWahab Amir , Gardner Martin , Parkash Ratika , Gray Christopher , Sapp John
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Catheter ablation of VT in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is often challenging, frequently requiring multiple or epicardial ablation procedures; TMEM43 gene mutations typically cause aggressive disease. We sought to compare VT ablation outcomes for ARVC patients with and without TMEM43 mutations.

Methods

Patients with prior ablation for ARVC‐related VT were reviewed. Demographic, procedural, and follow‐up data were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with confirmed TMEM43 gene mutations were compared to those with other known mutations or who had no known mutations.

Results

Thirteen patients (10 male, mean age 49 ± 14 years) underwent 29 ablation procedures (median 2 procedures/patient, range 1–6) with a median of 4 targeted VTs/patient (range 1–9). They were followed for a mean duration of 7.3 ± 4.2 years. Gene mutations included TMEM43 (n = 5), PKP2 (n = 2), DSG2 (n = 2), unidentifiable (n = 4). TMEM patients showed more biventricular involvement compared to non‐TMEM patients (80% vs. 12.5%, P = 0.032), more inducible VTs during their ablation procedures (mean VTs/patient: 5.8 ± 3 vs. 2.6 ± 1, P = 0.021). Acute and long‐term procedural outcomes did not show a significant difference between the two groups, however TMEM patients had worse composite endpoint of death or transplantation (60% vs. 0, P = 0.035; log‐rank P = 0.013).

Conclusions

TMEM43 mutation patients were more likely to have biventricular arrhythmogenic substrate and more inducible VTs at EP study. Despite comparable acute VT ablation outcomes, long‐term prognosis is unfavorable.
Novel electrophysiological criteria for septal ventricular outflow tract tachycardias requiring a sequential bilateral ablation
Authors: Lin Chin‐Yu , Chung Fa‐Po , Lin Yenn‐Jiang , Chang Shih‐Lin , Lo Li‐Wei , Hu Yu‐Feng , Liao Jo‐Nan , Tuan Ta‐Chuan , Chao Tze‐Fan , Chang Yao‐Ting , Chen Yun‐Yu , Te Abigail Louise D. , Yamada Shinya , Kuo Ling , Vicera Jennifer Jeanne B. , Chang Ting‐Yung , Minh Hoang Quang , Salim Simon , Huang Ting‐Chung , Chen Shih‐Ann
Published: October 2017

Background

Septal ventricular outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias (OT‐VAs) are defined as septal origin VAs from the right ventricular or left ventricular OT. Patients with septal OT‐VAs may require a sequential bilateral OT ablation. This study aimed to evaluate the electrophysiological characteristics and ablation outcome in patients with septal OT‐VAs.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the electrocardiography and electrophysiological parameters in 96 patients (mean age 49 ± 15 years, 49 male) undergoing bilateral activation mapping before catheter ablation of idiopathic septal OT‐VAs. The patients were categorized into three groups based on the successful ablation sites, including the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), RVOT/left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), and LVOT.

Results

Mapping in the three groups demonstrated a gradually decreasing and increasing trend in the earliest activation time obtained from the RVOT and LVOT, respectively. The absolute earliest activation time discrepancy (AEAD) of ≤18 milliseconds could predict the requirement for a sequential bilateral ablation with a sensitivity and specificity of 100.0% and 93.7%, respectively. The small AEAD (≤21 milliseconds) was associated with a higher recurrence rate in patients receiving a successful unilateral ablation, while patients with a longer distance between the bilateral OT earliest activation sites (DEA > 26 mm) increased future recurrences after an initially successful sequential bilateral ablation.

Conclusions

The application of bilateral OT‐VA activation mapping and the measurement of the AEAD and DEA provided not only pivotal information for the ablation strategy, but also prognostic implications for recurrences in patients with septal OT‐VAs.
Living Alone and Discharge to Skilled Nursing Facility Care after Hospitalization in Older Adults
Authors: Lage Daniel E. , Jernigan Michael C. , Chang Yuchiao , Grabowski David C. , Hsu John , Metlay Joshua P. , Shah Sachin J.
Published: October 2017

Background/Objectives

Community‐based older adults are increasingly living alone. When they become ill, they might need greater support from the healthcare system than would those who live with others. There also has been a growing concern about the high use of postacute care such as skilled nursing facility (SNF) care and the level of variation in this use between hospitals and regions. Our objective was to examine whether living alone contributed to the risk of being discharged to a SNF.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Massachusetts General Hospital.

Participants

Community‐dwelling individuals aged 50 and older admitted to the medical service and discharged alive between July 2014 and August 2015 (N = 7,029).

Measurements

We extracted demographic, clinical, and functional data from the electronic medical record and used multivariable logistic regression to determine whether living alone at the time of hospitalization was associated with subsequent discharge to a SNF.

Results

Of eligible individuals, 24.8% reported living alone before admission. Those living alone were more likely to be female, older, and more independent before admission than those living with others. Of all participants, 10.9% were discharged to a SNF. After adjustment, participants living alone had more than twice the odds of being discharged to a SNF (odds ratio = 2.23, 95% confidence interval = 1.85–2.69, P < .001).

Discussion

People living alone are more likely to be discharged to SNFs, even when compared to other individuals with similar levels of clinical complexity and functional status. To the extent that this variation is due to a lack of home support, it could be possible to reduce SNF use through additional home services after hospital discharge.
Family Rituals in Low‐Income African American Families at Risk for Trauma Exposure and Associations with Toddlers’ Regulation of Distress
Authors: Bocknek Erika L.
Published: October 2017

This study included 75 mother‐father‐toddler triadic low‐income families. Mothers and fathers reported separately on their own posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and family rituals while children were rated by an independent observer during an emotionally eliciting task on key indicators of regulation of distress. Regression analyses supported a significant association between key dimensions of family rituals and Toddlers’ regulation of distress: occurrence, continuation, and spirituality. Effect sizes of tested relationships were strong, ranging from 25% to 36% of variance in children's distress explained. Family rituals are a salient intervention target in families and specifically help support children's developing emotion regulation competencies. Certain dimensions of family rituals may be particularly relevant to African American families, considering cultural resiliency factors. Clinical implications are discussed.
Algorithmic structural segmentation of defective particle systems: a lithium‐ion battery study
Authors: WESTHOFF D. , FINEGAN D.P. , SHEARING P.R. , SCHMIDT V.
Published: October 2017

We describe a segmentation algorithm that is able to identify defects (cracks, holes and breakages) in particle systems. This information is used to segment image data into individual particles, where each particle and its defects are identified accordingly. We apply the method to particle systems that appear in Li‐ion battery electrodes. First, the algorithm is validated using simulated data from a stochastic 3D microstructure model, where we have full information about defects. This allows us to quantify the accuracy of the segmentation result. Then we show that the algorithm can successfully be applied to tomographic image data from real battery anodes and cathodes, which are composed of particle systems with very different morpohological properties. Finally, we show how the results of the segmentation algorithm can be used for structural analysis.
Cortical beta EEG oscillations related to changes in muscle tone activity during sleep in spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi)
Authors: Cruz‐Aguilar Manuel Alejandro , Guevara Miguel Angel , Hernández‐González Marisela , Ramírez‐Salado Ignacio , Hernández‐Arteaga Enrique , Ayala‐Guerrero Fructuoso
Published: October 2017

Background

The physiological mechanisms that allow for sleeping in a vertical position, which is primordial for arboreal primates, have not been studied yet.

Methods

A non‐invasive polysomnographic study of 6 spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) was conducted. The relative beta power of the motor cortex and its linear relation with muscle tone in the facial mentalis muscle and the abductor caudae medialis muscle of the tail during wakefulness and sleep stages were calculated.

Results

A strong negative linear relationship (r = −.8, P = .03) was found between the relative power of the beta2 band in the left motor cortex and abductor caudae medialis muscle tone during delta sleep.

Conclusions

The left motor cortex, through beta2 band activity, interacts with abductor caudae medialis muscle tonicity during delta sleep. This interaction takes part in the mechanisms that regulate the sleep postures.
Efficacy of microneedling with 70% glycolic acid peel vs microneedling alone in treatment of atrophic acne scars—A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rana Shiwangi , Mendiratta Vibhu , Chander Ram
Published: October 2017

Background

Microneedling with dermaroller and glycolic acid peels is commonly used for treatment of acne scars.

Objective

To compare efficacy of microneedling alone versus combination of microneedling with serial 70% glycolic acid peel in management of atrophic acne scars.

Methods & Materials

Sixty patients with atrophic acne scars were randomized into group 1 receiving microneedling at 0, 6, and 12 weeks and group 2 receiving microneedling at 0, 6, and 12 weeks along with 70% glycolic acid peel at 3, 9, and 15 weeks. Acne scar scoring was performed by a blinded observer using ECCA (Echelle d'evaluation clinique des cicatrices d'acne) scoring at baseline and after 22 weeks. Additionally, patients were asked to grade the improvement in acne scars and skin texture on visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results

Of 60 patients, 52 completed the 22‐week study period. The decrement from baseline in mean ECCA score was more in group 2 as compared to group 1 (39.65±2.50 vs 29.58±0.18; P<.001). Group 2 also showed more improvement in skin texture as compared to group 1 on VAS.

Conclusion

Addition of sequential 70% glycolic acid peel to microneedling gives better scar improvement as compared to microneedling alone. In addition to this, it also improves skin texture.
Combination therapy strategies for improving PD‐1 blockade efficacy: a new era in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Chowdhury P. S. , Chamoto K. , Honjo T.
Published: October 2017

Programmed death 1 (PD‐1) is an immune checkpoint molecule that negatively regulates T‐cell immune function through the interaction with its ligand PD‐L1. Blockage of this interaction unleashes the immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapy using PD‐1 blockade has led to a paradigm shift in the field of cancer drug discovery, owing to its durable effect against a wide variety of cancers with limited adverse effects. A brief history and development of PD‐1 blockade, from the initial discovery of PD‐1 to the recent clinical output of this therapy, have been summarized here. Despite its tremendous clinical success rate over other cancer treatments, PD‐1 blockade has its own pitfall; a significant fraction of patients remains unresponsive to this therapy. The key to improve the PD‐1 blockade therapy is the development of combination therapies. As this approach has garnered worldwide interest, here, we have summarized the recent trends in the development of PD‐1 blockade‐based combination therapies and the ongoing clinical trials. These include combinations with checkpoint inhibitors, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and several other existing cancer treatments. Importantly, FDA has approved PD‐1 blockade agent to be used in combination with either CTLA‐4 blockade or chemotherapy. Responsiveness to the PD‐1 blockade therapy is affected by tumour and immune system‐related factors. The role of the immune system, especially T cells, in determining the responsiveness has been poorly studied compared with those factors related to the tumour side. Energy metabolism has emerged as one of the important regulatory mechanisms for the function and differentiation of T cells. We have documented here the recent results regarding the augmentation of PD‐1 blockade efficacy by augmenting mitochondrial energy metabolism of T cell.
2‐Hydroxy‐4‐methylthio butanoic acid and DL‐methionine for Japanese quails in production
Authors: Vieira D. V. G. , Costa F. G. P. , Lima M. R. , Júnior J. G. de V. , Bonaparte T. P. , Cavalcante D. T.
Published: October 2017

An experiment was performed using 1,000 laying Japanese quails to assess the availability of two alternative dietary methionine sources. Treatment 01 = Basal Feed that is deficient in digestible methionine + cystine (Met + Cys). The other treatments were constituted by Met + Cys levels of 0.8, 1.60 and 2.40 g/kg, supplemented with DL‐Methionine‐99%, HMTBA‐88% and HMTBA‐84%, being 10 treatments in total. The following characteristics were studied: feed intake (g/bird/day), egg production (egg/day × 100), egg weight (g/egg), egg mass (g/egg), feed conversion per egg dozen (kg feed/dozen eggs), feed conversion per egg mass (kg feed/kg eggs), relative yolk weight (g/100 g of egg), relative albumen weight (g/100 g of egg), relative shell weight (g/100 g of egg), shell thickness (mm) and specific gravity (g/cm3). In general result comment, supplemental methionine sources must be included in the poultry diet. The different methionine sources affect the performance of quails, and the increase in the levels within each source improves the performance variables. Significant effect was observable on performance variables and egg quality variables, being that DLM‐99% is superior to the other sources. The HMTBA‐88% source is superior to the HMTBA‐84% source for the same aforementioned variables. In conclusion, the bioefficacy values of the HMTBA‐88% and HMTBA‐84% sources compared to the DLM‐99% source on an equimolar basis were 81 and 79%, respectively, for the performance variables, and 83 and 74 while the methionine sources were equivalent for the variables related to egg quality.
A Problem for Dialogue: Can World-Views be Rational?
Authors: Kopf Simon Maria
Published: October 2017

This paper explores Otto Muck's metaphysical concept of Weltanschauung (world-view). My objective is to argue that world-views can be rational. To this end, I will first explain the notion of Weltanschauung and illustrate its relation to metaphysical convictions. Next, I will defend the meaningfulness of metaphysical assertions against two objections relating to verification and falsification. The core of the paper focuses on the integrative function of world-views and the criteria according to which one can evaluate their rationality, in particular, Frederick Ferré’s criteria for the rationality of metaphysical systems. The thesis is that the rationality of a world-view can be evaluated in terms of the adequacy of the integrative function it performs. Finally, I will show why, within Muck's framework, dialogue between proponents of different world-views is a postulate of rationality.
Agents of landscape change in southern New Zealand, 1896–1920
Authors: Holland Peter , Olson Sherry , Garden Chris
Published: October 2017

The records of two large stock and station agents, Loan & Mercantile Agency in Dunedin and Wright Stephenson in Invercargill, allowed us to track the timing, nature, magnitude and rate of landscape change in southern New Zealand between 1896 and 1920. This period extends from the final years of subdivision of large estates, and includes closer settlement, the shift from pastoral farming to intensive agriculture, growth of dairying, and increasing mechanisation of agriculture. These changes are reflected in clients’ annual expenditures on capital items such as fencing and building materials, tools and implements, materials for drains.
In the mind's eye: The late positive potential to negative and neutral mental imagery and intolerance of uncertainty
Authors: MacNamara Annmarie
Published: October 2017

There are many advantages to human beings' ability to generate and sustain mental imagery in the absence of exteroceptive stimuli; however, this ability may also underlie emotional disorders characterized by worry, rumination, or excessive concern about the future. For instance, fear‐based disorders may be characterized by heightened ERPs to negative imagery. On the other hand, distress disorders may be characterized by attempts to avoid engaging with negative mental imagery, and therefore reduced electrocortical response. Prior ERP work has used negative and neutral pictorial stimuli to establish the parameters of response in healthy individuals, before taking these paradigms to clinical samples to assess aberrant emotion processing. Yet despite its clinical relevance, no study to date has elicited a late positive potential (LPP), a robust measure of emotion processing, to standardized negative imagined scenes. Here, participants listened to audio descriptions of negative and neutral scenes, and were asked to imagine these scenes as vividly as possible. Results showed that negative imagined scenes elicited an increased LPP, lasting approximately 10 s after audio description offset, as well as heightened ratings of arousal and unpleasantness. Moreover, participants with greater self‐reported cognitive concerns about uncertain future events (higher prospective intolerance of uncertainty) showed reduced emotional modulation of the LPP. These data provide the first evidence of sustained electrocortical processing of standardized negative imagery elicited in the absence of salient visual cues, and suggest that cognitive risk for anxiety in an unselected sample may be represented phenotypically by blunted LPPs to negative imagery.
Curriculum Renewal: Barriers to Successful Curriculum Change and Suggestions for Improvement
Authors: Cooper Trudi
Published: October 2017

This article examines the practical difficulties encountered when a renewed curriculum is implemented in higher education. Attention has been given in the literature to the importance of coherent curriculum and approaches to curriculum design. Less attention has been paid to whether the renewed curriculum can be faithfully implemented within a given university context and how constraints to implementation change the curriculum design. Practical barriers to implementation arose from several sources. These included: how to ensure that all staff understood and supported the new approaches, in the context of a casualized academic workforce; the need for academics to find sufficient time to engage with the renewal process and complete the necessary work to implement the new curriculum, in the context of intensification of academic work; how to support academic staff to gain an understanding of curriculum design changes in a context where few staff have formally studied education; and, the tension between explicit curriculum philosophies that inform alternative curriculum designs and tacit curriculum philosophies embedded in university systems. The project used an action-learning approach and situated the learning in the context of literature on curriculum, academic work and contemporary university practices, to draw conclusions about how universities can better support successful implementation of curriculum change. The article concludes that successful realisation of curriculum change requires on-going support from management and a flexible environment to ensure that planned changes can be implemented effectively. This has implications for many university systems including, academic support, professional development, academic workloads, and university reporting systems.
Impaired excitation–contraction coupling in muscle fibres from the dynamin2R465W mouse model of centronuclear myopathy
Authors: Kutchukian Candice , Szentesi Peter , Allard Bruno , Trochet Delphine , Beuvin Maud , Berthier Christine , Tourneur Yves , Guicheney Pascale , Csernoch Laszlo , Bitoun Marc , Jacquemond Vincent
Published: October 2017

Key points

Dynamin 2 is a ubiquitously expressed protein involved in membrane trafficking processes.

Mutations in the gene encoding dynamin 2 are responsible for a congenital myopathy associated with centrally located nuclei in the muscle fibres.

Using muscle fibres from a mouse model of the most common mutation responsible for this disease in humans, we tested whether altered Ca2+ signalling and excitation–contraction coupling contribute to muscle weakness.

The plasma membrane network that carries the electrical excitation is moderately perturbed in the diseased muscle fibres.

The excitation‐activated Ca2+ input fluxes across both the plasma membrane and the membrane of the sarcoplasmic reticulum are defective in the diseased fibres, which probably contributes to muscle weakness in patients.

Mutations in the gene encoding dynamin 2 (DNM2) are responsible for autosomal dominant centronuclear myopathy (AD‐CNM). We studied the functional properties of Ca2+ signalling and excitation–contraction (EC) coupling in muscle fibres isolated from a knock‐in (KI) mouse model of the disease, using confocal imaging and the voltage clamp technique. The transverse‐tubule network organization appeared to be unaltered in the diseased fibres, although its density was reduced by ∼10% compared to that in control fibres. The density of Ca2+ current through CaV1.1 channels and the rate of voltage‐activated sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release were reduced by ∼60% and 30%, respectively, in KI vs. control fibres. In addition, Ca2+ release in the KI fibres reached its peak value 10–50 ms later than in control ones. Activation of Ca2+ transients along the longitudinal axis of the fibres was more heterogeneous in the KI than in the control fibres, with the difference being exacerbated at intermediate membrane voltages. KI fibres exhibited spontaneous Ca2+ release events that were almost absent from control fibres. Overall, the results of the present study demonstrate that Ca2+ signalling and EC coupling exhibit a number of dysfunctions likely contributing to muscle weakness in DNM2‐related AD‐CNM.
Suspension Design, Modeling, and Testing of a Thermo-Acoustic-Driven Linear Alternator
Authors: Saha C. R. , Riley Paul. H. , Jinks R. , Johnson C. M.
Published: October 2017

The Score-Stove™ generates electricity from a wood-burning cooking stove using a thermo-acoustic engine (TAE) that converts heat to sound through a linear alternator (LA). This paper introduces a prototype hemitoroidal suspension that was refined into a segmented trapezoidal shape that gave a higher cyclic life for the LA and includes a critical evaluation that compares a theoretical analysis with experimental results. The results show an improvement from the 40% efficiency of a standard loudspeaker used in reverse as an LA to 70–80% efficiency with the new suspension and a double Halbach array magnetic topology.
Overview of International Implementation of Environmental Fatigue (Update)
Authors: de Haan-de Wilde F. H. E. , Blom F. J.
Published: October 2017

For many nuclear power plants worldwide the operation period will be extended from 40 to 60 years. As the operation period increases the knowledge of ageing mechanisms like fatigue becomes more important. Knowledge of the influence of the environment is crucial, since environmental fatigue results in a modification of the existing fatigue assessment method and possible reduction of the fatigue life.

This paper contains the results of an extended literature survey of environmentally assisted fatigue in nuclear power plants. It describes the current status and developments in the world. The main regulatory rules, guidelines and methods from the US, Germany, Japan, Finland, France and Czechia are presented.

Although the general trend towards a more uniform approach worldwide has begun, considerable different approaches for incorporating the effect of coolant water environment exist. The most common approach is the incorporation of an environmental fatigue correction factor (Fen) in the fatigue derivation of the cumulative usage factor. The Fen formulas and the S-N fatigue curves differ but the general equations are:

Fen = Nair/Nwater and CUF = Σ Upartial * Fenpartial

Alternatives like using fatigue curves including the environmental effects, using threshold criteria and calculation of an allowable Fen based on testing, are described.

Research and material tests are on-going and subject of international development. An overview of the current international state-of-the-art is presented.
Oil Storage Tank Settlement Assessment Based on Standard and Finite Element Analyses
Authors: Shi Lei , Wang Xiaolin , Shuai Jian , Xu Kui , Li Ming
Published: October 2017

It is well known that foundation settlement of tank is particularly severe, and can produce distortion and stress of the tank, especially differential settlement around the circumference of the foundation below the shell of large-volume tank. The settlement standards involving European EEMUA 159-2003, American API 653-2009, and Chinese codes SH/T 3123-2001, SY/T 5921-2011 for in-service assessment of large-scale storage tank were reviewed and discussed. Finite element model for strength assessment of large-scale oil storage tank was developed based on actual field data of tank foundation settlement. The whole stress distributions and deformation of seven large-scale oil storage tanks in a depot in China were analyzed under the conditions of the practical pressure test through finite-element method. It also provides a comparison between an analytical model based on settlement criteria and a finite element model that replicates field operating loading and settlement conditions of storage tanks. A basis for comparison between models was established from the maximum allowable settlement and stress values. It was found that results from settlement standards of tank in China and other countries were more conservative than those from FEA, and SY/T 5921 in China made most stringent requirements for the tank settlement. The evaluation indicators of differential foundation settlement around the tank circumference are unreasonable in standards and rules mentioned above, the structural response of tank such as stress and deformation under foundation settlement should be considered sufficiently.
Research on Cross Flow Induced Vibration of Flexible Tube Bundle
Authors: Feng Zhipeng , Zhang Wenzheng , Zhang Yixiong , Zang Fenggang , Qi Huanhuan , Huang Xuan
Published: October 2017

When the elastic deformation of the tube bundle is considered, the interaction between the flow field and the structure becomes more complicated. In order to investigate the flow induced vibration (FIV) problems in flexible tube bundle, a numerical model for fluid-structure interaction system was presented firstly. The unsteady three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equation and LES turbulence model were solved with the finite volume approach on structured grids combined with the technique of dynamic mesh. The dynamic equilibrium equation was discretized according to the finite element theory. The configurations considered are tubes in a cross flow. Firstly, the flow-induced vibration of a single flexible tube under uniform turbulent flow are calculated when Reynolds number is 1.35× 104. The variety trends of lift, drag, displacement, vertex shedding frequency, phase difference of tube are analyzed under different frequency ratios. The nonlinear phenomena of locked-in, phase-switch are captured successfully. Meanwhile, the limit cycle and bifurcation of lift coefficient and displacement are analyzed using trajectory, phase portrait and Poincare sections. Secondly, the mutual interaction of two in-line flexible tubes is investigated. Different behaviors, bounded by critical distances between the tubes, critical velocity, and wake vortex pattern are highlighted. Finally, four tube bundle models were established to study the effect of the number of flexible tube on the FIV characteristics. Thanks to several calculations, the critical velocity of instability vibration and the effect of tube bundle configurations on fluid forces and dynamics were obtained successfully. It is therefore expected that further calculations, with model refinements and other validation studies, will bring valuable informations about bundle stability. Further comparisons with experiment are necessary to validate the behavior of the method in this configuration.
Acoustic Vibration Induced Fatigue in Welded Pipe Supports
Authors: Liu Yuqing , Diwakar Philip , Lin Dan , Jaouhari Matt , Prakash Ajay
Published: October 2017

High acoustic energy has the potential to cause vibration induced fatigue in a piping system at integral attachments such as welded pipe supports. Although recognized as a potential failure location, there is no established design curve and fatigue life equation among industry guidelines. In this paper, acoustic induced vibration (AIV) at welded supports is evaluated using Finite Element Analysis. Peak stress and the associated minimum fatigue life is calculated for various types of welded supports under the same acoustic excitation. By comparing the stress level to that of a branch connection, for which design limit for AIV have been published, the design limit and fatigue life equation for welded pipe supports is developed. The use of partial reinforcement pad to mitigate AIV risk is also discussed.
Bend Angle Effect on Stresses of Trimmed Elbow
Authors: Liu Yuqing , Shen Lulin , Diwakar Philip , Jaouhari Matt , Patel Pragnesh
Published: October 2017

Pipe bends (e.g. 90° and 45°) are trimmed at pipe fabricator shop to suit the required angle per design. However, B31.3 Code requires all pipe bends that are trimmed more than 3° from its original configuration to be treated as an unlisted component. In addition, the stress formulas provided in the ASME B31.3 Code are only intended for 90° elbows without considering the effect of bend angle. The objective of this study is to evaluate stresses in elbows of various bend angles and to provide a design justification for the field disposition. To serve this purpose, elbows with outer-diameter sizing from 4 to 60 inches and angle ranging from 25 to 75 degrees have been studied and compared with 90° bends under the same loading conditions. The results reveal that the stresses are reduced in the trimmed elbow. And the reduction trend in the stresses due to trimming can be predicted by the bend angle and the flexibility characteristic.
Confinement Dependency on Added Stiffness Effect on a Fuel Assembly Under Axial Flow
Authors: Ricciardi G.
Published: October 2017

Safety measures are required to insure the drop of control rods and that the core is cooled when the fuel assemblies of a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) are subjected to a seismic excitation. A way to insure these two criteria is to prevent the spacer grids from buckling. The reactor core made of fuel assemblies is subjected to an axial water flow to cool the reactor. The flow modifies the dynamical behaviour of the fuel assemblies. Tests made on a real fuel assembly highlighted an added stiffness effect under axial flow. In previous studies simulations were compared to experiment involving by-passes significantly larger than the distance between two fuel assemblies in a PWR core. Thus, one could wonder if the observations made on a fuel assembly with large by-passes are representative of core geometry. Simulations using a fluid-structure model of the core to a seismic excitation have been proposed. A parametric study has been conducted to observe the effect of confinement on the added stiffness effect for several confinements and bulk velocities. Simulations showed that the added stiffness reaches a maximum for a confinement around 20 mm, and that the added stiffness should be negligible in a real core configuration.