bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal diagnosis of antenatal midgut volvulus: Specific ultrasound features
Authors: Bartholmot Caroline , Faure Jean‐Michel , Grosjean Frederic , Couture Alain , Forgues Dominique , Fuchs Florent , Prodhomme Olivier
Published: December 2018

Objective

To assess specific, direct, and indirect prenatal ultrasound features in cases of fetal midgut volvulus.

Methods

Retrospective case series of neonatal volvulus, based on postnatal and prenatal imaging findings that occurred from 2006–2017. Prenatal and postnatal signs including the specific “whirlpool sign” were computed. Postnatal volvulus was confirmed by pathology examination after surgery or neonatal autopsy.

Results

Thirteen cases of midgut volvulus were identified. Though not a specific sign, a decrease in active fetal movements was reported in eight patients (61.5%). The prenatal whirlpool sign was directly seen in 10 cases, while an indirect but suggestive sign, a fluid‐filled level within the dilated loops, was present in five cases. No intestinal malrotation was observed. Pregnancy outcomes were two terminations of pregnancy, both associated with cystic fibrosis, one early neonatal death, three prenatal spontaneous regressions, and seven favorable outcomes after neonatal surgery with resection of midgut atresia.

Conclusions

Identification of the whirlpool sign or of a fluid‐filled level within the dilated loops improves the accuracy of ultrasound findings for suspected volvulus. In the absence of total volvulus (in cases of intestinal malrotation) or association with cystic fibrosis, the prognosis appears good.
Assessment of within‐breath impulse oscillometry parameters in children with asthma
Authors: Sol In Suk , Kim Yoon Hee , Kim SooYeon , Kim Jong Deok , Choi Sun Ha , Kim Kyung Won , Sohn Myung Hyun
Published: December 2018

Background

Impulse oscillometry (IOS) measures respiratory resistance and reactance during tidal breaths and is a convenient tool for evaluation of lung function. Respiratory resistance and reactance can be measured separately during inspiration and expiration (inspiratory‐expiratory analysis).

Objective

We investigated the differences in inspiratory‐expiratory measurements obtained using IOS between children with and without asthma.

Methods

We analyzed 819 subjects aged 4‐18 years, including asthmatic children (n = 600) and controls (n = 219). Asthma was diagnosed in accordance with the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society guideline. Spirometry and IOS were performed in all subjects.

Results

In whole‐breath analysis, the asthma group had higher resistance at 5 Hz (R5) and reactance area (AX) and lower reactance at 5 Hz (X5) than the control groups. In inspiratory‐expiratory analysis, the asthma group showed increased expiratory R5 and AX and decreased expiratory X5 when compared with the control group. The absolute changes in R5, X5, and AX values between inspiration and expiration were greater in children with asthma than those in controls (0.138 ± 0.195 vs 0.102 ± 0.162, P = 0.014; −0.106 ± 0.200 vs −0.086 ± 0.434, P < 0.001 and 0.460 ± 11.63 vs 0.398 ± 2.88, P = 0.002, respectively).

Conclusions

Inspiratory‐expiratory IOS analysis differentiated asthmatic children from control subjects, reflecting airway narrowing on expiration in pediatric asthma. The changes in R5, X5, and AX between inspiration and expiration can be a useful index for diagnosis of asthma in children without assessment of the response to a bronchodilator.
Evolution of physiotherapy scholarship: A comparative bibliometric analysis of two decades of English published work
Authors: Benton Andrew D. , Benton David C.
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To undertake a bibliometric analysis of the physiotherapy literature at two points in time to identify similarities, differences, and the evolution of scholarship over a 40‐year time‐frame.

Method

To undertake a quantitative comparative analysis of the published and indexed scholarship literature contained within Scopus relating to physiotherapy over two 10‐year time windows—1978–1987 and 2008–2017. The method used, bibliometrics, is capable of identifying the nature of scholarship, the key actors, and how the focus and methods used to conduct studies have changed. A specialized bibliographic analysis and visualization tool VosViewer (University of Leiden) was used to analyse the extracted results.

Results

There has been a more than 10‐fold increase in the number of papers published across the two time‐frames (3,384 from the 1978 to 1987 period and 38,434 from 2008 to 2017). The focus of publication has moved from a medical disease orientated approach to one more specifically looking at physiotherapy interventions aimed at addressing functional ability. In addition, a more diverse range of research approaches are being used as well as efforts to synthesize findings across multiple studies using systematic reviews and meta‐analytical techniques. Authors now come from a much wider range of countries than they did 40 years ago, and they are more likely to be part of a large international collaborative research teams.

Conclusions

This unique and comprehensive analysis of physiotherapy scholarship across two different timeframes has provided important insights into the evolution of the profession, its changing focus and methodological approaches as well as the dramatic increase in activity, growth in research teams and diversity of country origins. For anyone entering the profession at this time, it provides a perspective on the pace of change they are likely to experience in their career ahead.
Ginseng metabolite protopanaxadiol interferes with lipid metabolism and induces endoplasmic reticulum stress and p53 activation to promote cancer cell death
Authors: Jin Hong Ri , Du Charles H. , Wang Chong‐Zhi , Yuan Chun‐Su , Du Wei
Published: December 2018

Protopanaxadiol (PPD), a ginseng metabolite generated by the gut bacteria, was shown to induce colorectal cancer cell death and enhance the anticancer effect of chemotherapeutic agent 5‐FU. However, the mechanism by which PPD promotes cancer cell death is not clear. In this manuscript, we showed that PPD activated p53 and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and induced expression of BH3‐only proteins Puma and Noxa to promote cell death. Induction of Puma by PPD was p53‐dependent, whereas induction of Noxa was p53‐independent. On the other hand, PPD also induced prosurvival mechanisms including autophagy and expression of Bcl2 family apoptosis regulator Mcl‐1. Inhibition of autophagy or knockdown of Mcl‐1 significantly enhanced PPD‐induced cell death. Interestingly, PPD inhibited expression of genes involved in fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthesis and induced synergistic cancer cell death with fatty acid synthase inhibitor cerulenin. As PPD‐induced ER stress was not significantly affected by inhibition of new protein synthesis, we suggest PPD may induce ER stress directly through causing lipid disequilibrium.
Gossypin inhibits gastric cancer growth by direct targeting of AURKA and RSK2
Authors: Wang Li , Wang Xiangyu , Chen Hanyong , Zu Xueyin , Ma Fayang , Liu Kangdong , Bode Ann M. , Dong Zigang , Kim Dong Joon
Published: December 2018

Gossypin is a flavone extracted from Hibiscus vitifolius, which has been reported to exhibit anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. However, the anticancer properties of gossypin and its molecular mechanism of action against gastric cancer have not been fully investigated. In the present study, we report that gossypin is an Aurora kinase A (AURKA) and RSK2 inhibitor that suppresses gastric cancer growth. Gossypin attenuated anchorage‐dependent and anchorage‐independent gastric cancer cell growth as well as cell migration. Based on the results of in vitro screening and cell‐based assays, gossypin directly binds to and inhibits AURKA and RSK2 activities and their downstream signaling proteins. Gossypin decreased S phase and increased G2/M phase cell cycle arrest by reducing the expression of cyclin A2 and cyclin B1 and the phosphorylation of the CDC protein. Additionally, gossypin also induced intrinsic apoptosis by activating caspases and PARP and increasing the expression of cytochrome c. Our results demonstrate that gossypin is an AURKA and RSK2 inhibitor that could be useful for treating gastric cancer.
Efficacy of Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm) extract on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double‐blind, clinical trial
Authors: Asadi Akbar , Shidfar Farzad , Safari Mostafa , Hosseini Agha Fatemeh , Fallah Huseini Hasan , Heidari Iraj , Rajab Asadollah
Published: December 2018

Melissa officinalis is a plenteous source of antioxidant flavonols and flavonoids that contain health‐promoting and antidiabetic properties, so this study was undertaken to provide the first assessment of the antidiabetic properties of hydroalcoholic extract of M. officinalis in type 2 diabetic patients. We did a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial which included 62 patients, receiving either M. officinalis capsules (700 mg/d; n = 31) or the placebo (n = 31) twice daily for 12 weeks. There were significant differences in serum FBS (P = 0.007), HbA1c (P = 0.002), β‐cell activity (P = 0.05), TG (P = 0.04), HDL‐c (P = 0.05), hs‐CRP (P = 0.001), and systolic blood pressure (P = 0.04) between the two groups at the end of the study; but total cholesterol, LDL‐c, insulin, and HOMA‐IR showed no significant changes between the groups. In M. officinalis group, there was a significant change in HDL‐c (P = 0.009) and QUICKI (P = 0.005) compared with baseline values. No adverse effects were observed. It seems that M. officinalis is safe and effective in improvement of lipid profile, glycemic control, and reduction of inflammation.
Towards patient‐centered packaging design: An industry perspective on processes, functions, and constraints
Authors: Carli Lorenzini Giana , Olsson Annika
Published: December 2018

Medication packaging is essential to provide patients with guidance and correct use of their medicines for effective treatment. This research aims to increase knowledge about the medication packaging innovation process and its uptake towards patient‐centered packaging design. The study applied a qualitative research approach based on data from 25 in‐depth interviews with stakeholders involved in medication packaging design. The empirical data analysis revealed four themes that can improve and advance user‐centered packaging design: medication packaging innovation process, medication packaging functions and features, medication packaging design constraints, and patient‐centered medication packaging design. The findings suggest that medication packaging design is strongly affected by an emphasis on protective and safety packaging functions rather than on patients' needs. Packaging innovation usually is constrained by rigid incremental development processes, where compliance with regulations, extensive documentation, avoidance of manufacturing complexity, and considerations on cost prevail. These findings are discussed in relation to the three most evident trade‐offs for patient‐centered design: protectionversusopenability, utilityversuscost, and complexity of manufacturabilityversuscomplexity of use. This research contributes with valuable input and additional evidence about the necessary shift to a user‐centered approach in a field that has not been design driven. This input complements previous research and provides an opportunity for industry decision makers and policy makers to lead patient‐centered packaging design that can benefit patients and relieve overloaded health care systems.
New insights in conceptual DFT: New model for the calculation of local reactivity indices based on the Sanderson's principle
Authors: Sánchez‐Márquez Jesús , García Víctor , Zorrilla David , Fernández Manuel
Published: December 2018

In the present study, a new model mainly based on the Sanderson's principle for estimating important reactivity descriptors, such as the local hardness and the local electrophilicity, is introduced. New approximations and corrections were taken into account, which led to a significantly different development, obtaining more realistic results than the previous ones used. The Fukui condensed‐to‐atom indices:f−andf+have been used in this model, but their role is clearly described in the development, reducing therefore, the ambiguity of previous developments where the indices could be arbitrarily used. It is important to underline that the proposed model isrelatively simple, but leads to qualitatively correct results. It also makes it possible to interpret the hard‐soft acid base principle in local terms, as can be seen in the sample set of reactions (Diels‐Alder type) selected as an example in the present study, and which provides very coherent results with the expected experimental reactivity.
Formation of aqua and tetraammine Cu(II) complexes inside the cavities of cucurbit[6,8]urils: A DFT forecast
Authors: Masliy Alexey N. , Grishaeva Tatiana N. , Kuznetsov Andrey M.
Published: December 2018

Results of DFT calculations of the structure and thermodynamics of formation of aqua and tetraammine Cu(II) complexes inside CB[n] (n = 6,8) are presented in this study. Formation thermodynamics of the complexes in the cavitands was evaluated by taking into account the most probable number of water molecules inside CB[n]. In this methodology, the complexation was first considered as a substitution reaction in which the guest complex displaces partially or completely the water molecules that are located inside the cavity. The water molecules present in the cavitand were shown to play an important role in the fixation of the guest complex inside the cavity due to the hydrogen bonds with the oxygen portals. The hydration of Cu(II) ion inside CB[6] leads to the formation of an inclusion compound with the formula {[Cu(H2O)4]2+·2H2O}@CB[6] while in CB[8] {[Cu(H2O)6]2+·4H2O}@CB[8] is formed. For the binding of tetraammine Cu(II) complex, CB[8] was determined to be a significantly more suitable “container” than CB[6]. Both a direct embedding of this complex into the CB[8] and another mechanism in which ammonia molecules replace the water molecules in the Cu(II) aqua complex, preexisting in CB[8] were determined to be thermodynamically possible. Both these lead to the formation of the resultant inclusion compound described by the formula {[Cu(NH3)4(H2O)2]2+·4H2O}@CB[8].
A Comprehensive Analysis of Protocols for Deriving Dopaminergic Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Marton Rebecca M. , Ioannidis John P. A.
Published: December 2018

The potential applications of human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells has led to immense interest in developing new protocols to differentiate specific cell types or modifying existing protocols. To investigate to what extent and why new protocols for the same cell types are developed and adopted, we systematically evaluated 158 publications (2004-2017) that differentiated human stem cells into dopaminergic neurons. We categorized each article by degree of novelty and recorded motivations for protocol development. 74 novel or modified protocols were developed. Most (65%) were not used again in subsequent studies. Diverse motivations were recorded and performance of new methods was assessed with substantially different approaches across studies. There was improvement over time in yield of neuron production, but not in yield of dopaminergic neurons or time required for getting neurons. Standardized reporting of performance metrics may help rational choice of the best methods. Stem Cells Translational Medicine  2019;8:366–374
Design, Synthesis, Anticancer Properties and In Silico Evaluation of C(4) N‐Heteroaryl 4H‐Chromenes
Authors: Prakash Rao H. Surya , Adigopula Lakshmi Narayana , Ramalingam Gunasundari , Lone Javeed Ahmed , Ramadas Krishna
Published: December 2018

The C(4) N‐heteroaryl 2‐amino‐3‐nitro‐4H‐chromenes are podophyllotoxin (POD) mimics as they possess the pharmacophore features of the anticancer natural product. We have achieved a facile synthesis of several such 4H‐chromenes by substitution of C(4) SMe in N‐alkyl 4‐(methylthio)‐3‐nitro‐4H‐chromen‐2‐amines with heteroaromatic amines like 2‐aminopyridines and 2‐aminopyrimidines. Resulting 4H‐chromenes were evaluated for anticancer activity against prostate and lung cancer cell lines. Two of the 4H‐chromenes showed significant anti‐cancer activity, even better than POD. Both of them were non‐toxic towards normal cell‐lines. In silico ADMET studies revealed drug‐likeliness of all the 4H‐chromenes. Molecular docking studies with αβ tubulin concurred with in vivo results and revealed that the 4H‐chromenes bind to the active site of POD. Molecular dynamics simulation studies on the complexes of αβ tubulin with the two best 4H‐chromenes revealed high stability. Overall, our studies revealed that the two 4H‐chromenes could act as lead compounds for further development of potent anticancer drugs.
Measuring the Accuracy of Federal Reserve Forecasts
Authors: Gaeto Lillian R. , Mazumder Sandeep
Published: December 2018

Markets across the world pay enormous attention to every economic forecast made by Federal Reserve governors, particularly those from the chair. This article develops a new way that the academic literature can assess the accuracy of these Federal Reserve forecasts. In particular, our proposed method allows for both general and specific predictions to be assessed, while also accounting for the macroeconomic volatility that prevails at the time of the forecast. To develop this measure, we expand upon a methodology proposed by the Wall Street Journal to score the accuracy of forecasts made by the Fed. Our results show that Alan Greenspan was consistently the most accurate forecaster among Fed governors, while the most recent chair in our sample, Janet Yellen, has performed relatively poorly. More generally, we find that the chairs have become less accurate over time with their forecasts and have also tended to make fewer specific predictions.
Job Security and Risk‐Taking: Theory and Evidence From Professional Football
Authors: Slade Peter , Tolhurst Tor
Published: December 2018

This article investigates how job security impacts risky decision making. In a theoretical model, we show how risk‐taking can be affected by job security. Agents with moderate job security become more risk averse as their job security increases. Conversely, agents with very high (or low) job security act in a more risk neutral manner. We test these predictions using data on head coaching decisions from the National Football League, finding that job security has a negative and statistically significant effect on risk‐taking.
Social Stigma and Asset Value
Authors: Gourley Patrick
Published: December 2018

Recent attempts by economists to identify and quantify the effect of social stigma on asset value have often been stymied by confounding mechanisms. I use the unique circumstances surrounding the 1999 Columbine Shooting to estimate the effect of social stigma on asset value. Using a difference‐in‐differences model with property fixed effects, I find the immediate effect of stigma from the Columbine Shooting is 5.7% of a property's value after one year. This implies a $13 million loss from property sales in the year 2000 alone. The results are robust to numerous specifications and synthetic control placebo tests. This suggests that social stigma plays a role in consumer preferences.
High Performance Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Sensitized Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Cai Minghan , Zhang Dongdong , Duan Lian
Published: December 2018

Recently, organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) employing thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials have aroused huge attention in both academia and industry. Compared with fluorescent and phosphorescent materials, TADF materials can theoretically capture 100 % excitons without incorporating noble metals, making them effective emitters and hosts for OLEDs simultaneously. Here, in this review, our recent works on mechanisms and materials of high performance TADF‐sensitized phosphorescent (TSP) OLEDs, TADF‐sensitized fluorescent (TSF) OLEDs and TADF‐sensitized TADF (TST) OLEDs are summarized. Finally, we propose the outlook for the further development and application of TADF‐sensitized OLEDs.
Role of Ceria in the Design of Composite Materials for Elemental Mercury Removal
Authors: Jampaiah Deshetti , Chalkidis Anastasios , Sabri Ylias M. , Bhargava Suresh K.
Published: December 2018

The necessity to drastically act against mercury pollution has been emphatically addressed by the United Nations. Coal‐fired power plants contribute a great deal to the anthropogenic emissions; therefore, numerous sorbents/catalysts have been developed to remove elemental mercury (Hg0) from flue gases. Among them, ceria (CeO2) has attracted significant interest, due to its reversible Ce3+/Ce4+ redox pair, surface‐bound defects and acid‐base properties. The removal efficiency of Hg0 vapor depends among others, on the flue gas composition and temperature. CeO2 can be incorporated into known materials in such a way that the abatement process can be effective at different operating conditions. Hence, the scope of this account is to discuss the role of CeO2 as a promoter, active phase and support in the design of composite Hg0 sorbents/catalysts. The elucidation of each of these roles would allow the integration of CeO2 advantageous characteristics to such degree, that tailor‐made environmental solution to complex issues can be provided within a broader application scope. Besides, it would offer invaluable input to theoretical calculations that could enable the materials screening and engineering at a low cost and with high accuracy.
Analysis and prediction of hotel ratings from crowdsourced data
Authors: Leal Fátima , Malheiro Benedita , Burguillo Juan Carlos
Published: December 2018

Crowdsourcing has become an essential source of information for tourism stakeholders. Every day, tourists leave large volumes of feedback data in the form of posts, likes, textual reviews, and ratings in dedicated crowdsourcing platforms. This behavior makes the analysis of crowdsourced information strategic, allowing the discovery of important knowledge regarding tourists and tourism resources. This paper presents a survey on the analysis and prediction of hotel ratings from crowdsourced data, covering both off‐line (batch) and on‐line (stream‐based) processing. Specifically, it reports multiple rating‐based profiling, recommendation, and evaluation techniques. While most of the surveyed works adopt entity‐based multicriteria profiling, prerecommendation filtering, and off‐line processing, the latest hotel rating prediction trends include feature‐based, trust and reputation modeling, postrecommendation filtering, and on‐line processing. Additionally, since the volume of crowdsourced ratings tends to increase, the deployment of profiling and recommendation algorithms on high‐performance computing resources should be further explored.

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Internet and Web‐Based Applications
Using Me3Si–F–Al(ORF)3 and Me3Si–Cl as Methylating Agents – Synthesis and Characterization of SeMeCl2[F{Al(ORF)3}2]
Authors: Weis Philippe , Scherer Harald , Krossing Ingo
Published: December 2018

Upon reacting SeCl4 with Me3Si–F–Al(ORF)3, the selenonium salt SeMeCl2[al‐f‐al] (1) {[al‐f‐al]– = [F[Al(OC(CF3)3)3]2]–} was obtained and characterized by NMR, IR, and Raman spectroscopy as well as single crystal XRD experiments. Despite the [SeX3]+ (X = F, Cl, Br, I) and [SeR3]+ salts (R = aliphatic organic residue) being well known and thoroughly studied, the mixed cations are scarce. The only previous example of a salt with the [SeMeCl2]+ cation is SeMeCl2[SbCl6], which was never structurally characterized and is unstable in solution over hours. Only 1H‐NMR studies and IR spectra of this compound are known. The unexpected use of Me3Si–F–Al(ORF)3 as a methylating agent was investigated via DFT calculations and NMR experiments of the reaction solution. The reaction of SeCl3[al‐f‐al] with Me3Si‐Cl at room temperature in CH2Cl2 proved to yield the same product with Me3Si–Cl acting as a methylating agent.
NiII, PdII Complexes with Pyrene‐based Thiosemicarbazones: Syntheses, Molecular Structures, and Excimeric Emissions
Authors: Nguyen Minh‐Hai , Khuat Thi‐Thuy‐Ha , Nguyen Hung‐Huy , Dinh Thi‐Hien
Published: December 2018

A series of NiII and PdII complexes with pyrene‐based thiosemicarbazones were conveniently prepared. The crystal structures of Ni(L2)2, Pd(L1)2, and Pd(L2)2 were determined. X‐ray crystallographic analysis reveals that the complexes are of mononuclear structure with two pyrenyl rings cofacially aligned. The photoluminescence spectra of the complexes exhibit moderate characteristic excimeric emissions arising from intramolecular π–π stacking between pyrenyl rings.
“Consensus Building in Engagement Processes” for Reducing Risks in Developing Sustainable Pathways: Indigenous Interest as Core Elements of Engagement
Authors: Lieu Jenny , Virla Luis D. , Abel Ryan , Fitzpatrick Cecilia
Published: December 2018

Canada is one of the top ten greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters in the world, and of the nation’s total, the province of Alberta was the biggest emitter primarily due to the fossil fuel industry and power generation. Alberta is currently facing a challenge to reduce GHG emissions in line with Canada’s obligations to meet Paris Agreement goals. Additionally, the oil sand deposits in Alberta are located on the traditional land of Indigenous communities; therefore, the development, regulation and consultation of this sector have a direct impact not only on emissions but also on the socioeconomic welfare of Indigenous communities. Thus, the transition towards a low-carbon pathway in the oil sand industry is closely connected to upholding the rights of Indigenous peoples. Meaningfully consulting with Indigenous peoples is essential when developing low-carbon pathways that impact the environment and wellbeing of the community. Failure to consult proposed changes with Indigenous communities can lead to risks for the government, the industry and the communities themselves. These risks have been prevalent in the current consultation process in Alberta which has led to litigation, creating mistrust between the government, industry and Indigenous community. Given this background, we present a Consensus Building in Engagement Processes framework that includes Indigenous consensus, knowledge, interests and rights as a focal point of a consultation process required for decision-making. The consultation process is presented within the context of land use decisions impacting a low-carbon future for oil sand development. The framework is based on seeking consensus from all parties involved and aims to help to reduce risks resulting from decisions that do not consider the interests and rights of communities most impacted by resource development or climate mitigation pathways.
Emergence, Reduction and the Identity and Individuation of Powers
Authors: Carruth Alexander Daniel
Published: December 2018

One recently popular way to characterise strong emergence is to say that emergent entities possessnovel causal powers. However, there is little agreement concerning the nature of powers. One controversy involves whether powers are single- or multi-track; that is, whether each power has only one manifestation type, or whether a single power can be directed towards a number of distinct manifestations. Another concernshowpowers operate: whether a lone power manifests when triggered by the presence of a suitable stimulus, or whether powers operate mutually such that several powers must ‘work together’ to bring about a particular manifestation. This paper examines how these distinctions—which can be cross-combined to frame four distinct accounts of the nature of powers—bear on the debate between emergentists and reductionists.
An adaptive hybrid approach: Combining genetic algorithm and ant colony optimization for integrated process planning and scheduling
Authors: Uslu Mehmet Fatih , Uslu Süleyman , Bulut Faruk
Published: December 2018

Optimization algorithms can differ in performance for a specific problem. Hybrid approaches, using this difference, might give a higher performance in many cases. This paper presents a hybrid approach of Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) specifically for the Integrated Process Planning and Scheduling (IPPS) problems. GA and ACO have given different performances in different cases of IPPS problems. In some cases, GA has outperformed, and so do ACO in other cases. This hybrid method can be constructed as (I) GA to improve ACO results or (II) ACO to improve GA results. Based on the performances of the algorithm pairs on the given problem scale. This proposed hybrid GA-ACO approach (hAG) runs both GA and ACO simultaneously, and the better performing one is selected as the primary algorithm in the hybrid approach. hAG also avoids convergence by resetting parameters which cause algorithms to converge local optimum points. Moreover, the algorithm can obtain more accurate solutions with avoidance strategy. The new hybrid optimization technique (hAG) merges a GA with a local search strategy based on the interior point method. The efficiency of hAG is demonstrated by solving a constrained multi-objective mathematical test-case. The benchmarking results of the experimental studies with AIS (Artificial Immune System), GA, and ACO indicate that the proposed model has outperformed other non-hybrid algorithms in different scenarios.
Rights of Human and Nonhuman Animals: Complementing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Authors: Peters Anne
Published: December 2018

In May 2018, U.S. President Donald Trump spoke about illegal border crossings: “We have people coming into the country, or trying to come in … . You wouldn't believe how bad these people are. These aren't people. These are animals.” Such dehumanization (in this case of undocumented migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border) has been a standard discursive strategy to prepare, instigate, facilitate, and exculpate violence committed by humans against other humans throughout history. It is exactly in reaction to excesses of such dehumanizing mass violence committed in the Third Reich and during World War II that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted in 1948. This essay argues that the objectives of the UDHR itself would be furthered if the United Nations (or another international body such as the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Health Organization, or the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)) engaged in work on a universal animal rights declaration. While animal welfare is increasingly protected in domestic jurisdictions, animal rights are still hardly recognized, although they would serve animals better. Animal rights would need to be universalized in order to have an effect in a globalized setting. The international legal order is flexible and receptive to nonhuman personhood. The historical experience with international human rights encourages the international animal rights project, because it shows how the equally pertinent objection of cultural imperialism can be overcome. Animal rights would complement human rights not least because the entrenchment of the species-hierarchy, as manifest in the denial of animal rights in many cases, condones disrespect for the rights of humans themselves.
A fate-alternating transitional regime in contracting liquid filaments
Authors: Wang F. , Contò F. P. , Naz N. , Castrejón-Pita J. R. , Castrejón-Pita A. A. , Bailey C. G. , Wang W. , Feng J. J. , Sui Y.
Published: December 2018

The fate of a contracting liquid filament depends on the Ohnesorge number ($Oh$), the initial aspect ratio ($\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$) and surface perturbation. Generally, it is believed that there exists a critical aspect ratio $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}_{c}(Oh)$ such that longer filaments break up and shorter ones recoil into a single drop. Through computational and experimental studies, we report a transitional regime for filaments with a broad range of intermediate aspect ratios, where there exist multiple $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}_{c}$ thresholds at which a novel breakup mode alternates with no-break mode. We develop a simple model considering the superposition of capillary waves, which can predict the complicated new phase diagram. In this model, the breakup results from constructive interference between the capillary waves that originate from the ends of the filament.
Nutritional evaluation of mixed wheat–faba bean pasta in growing rats: impact of protein source and drying temperature on protein digestibility and retention
Authors: Laleg Karima , Salles Jérôme , Berry Alexandre , Giraudet Christophe , Patrac Véronique , Guillet Christelle , Denis Philippe , Tessier Frédéric J. , Guilbaud Axel , Howsam Michael , Boirie Yves , Micard Valérie , Walrand Stéphane
Published: December 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional value of pasta enriched with legume or wheat gluten proteins and dried at varying temperature. A total of four isonitrogenous experimental diets were produced using gluten powder/wheat semolina (6/94, g/g) pasta and faba bean flour/wheat semolina (35/65, g/g) pasta dried at either 55°C (GLT and FLT, respectively) or 90°C (FVHT and GVHT, respectively). Experimental diets were fed to ten 1-month-old Wistar rats (body weight=176 (sem 15) g) for 21 d. Growth and nutritional, metabolic and inflammatory markers were measured and compared with an isonitrogenous casein diet (CD). The enrichment with faba bean increased the lysine, threonine and branched amino acids by 97, 23 and 10 %, respectively. Protein utilisation also increased by 75 % (P<0·01) in FLT in comparison to GLT diet, without any effect on the corrected faecal digestibility (P>0·05). Faba bean pasta diets' corrected protein digestibility and utilisation was only 3·5 and 9 %, respectively, lower than the CD. Growth rate, blood composition and muscle weights were not generally different with faba bean pasta diets compared with CD. Corrected protein digestibility was 3 % lower in GVHT than GLT, which may be associated with greater carboxymethyllysine. This study in growing rats clearly indicates improvement in growth performance of rats fed legume-enriched pasta diet compared with rats fed gluten–wheat pasta diet, regardless of pasta drying temperature. This means faba bean flour can be used to improve the protein quality and quantity of pasta.
Using human head lice to unravel neglect and cause of death
Authors: Lambiase Simonetta , Perotti M. Alejandra
Published: December 2018

Despite the common association of human lice with abandoned or neglected people, no procedure to assess pediculosis, aimed to detect signs of neglect, exists. Investigating the two most common forms of head louse infestation, regular and severe, we define lice-markers of neglect and develop a protocol and survey form to record and assess pediculosis. The study of head lice from a deceased victim of neglect helped unravel time-length since death, frequency of exposure to neglect and the cause and circumstances related to the death. Nit-clusters are markers of neglect, indicating length and frequency of neglect episodes. In the case study used here that culminated in the death of the victim, sustained abandonment started circa 2 years before discovery. The lice suggested that death was caused by overconsumption of a powerful calcium channel blocker, an antihypertensive, an excess of which in lice food supply (blood) stops oogenesis. Despite hosting thousands of adult females on the hair, lice reproduction stopped and nits were no longer developed or deposited on the hairs at the root end. This short distance of the shaft with no nits provided a time estimation of overdosing of almost 2 months before death.
Arterial stiffness and subclinical aortic damage of reclassified subjects as stage 1 hypertension according to the new 2017 ACC/AHA blood pressure guidelines
Authors: Papaioannou Theodore G. , Oikonomou Evangelos , Lazaros George , Christoforatou Evangelia , Vogiatzi Georgia , Tsalamandris Sotiris , Chasikidis Christos , Kalambogias Aimilios , Mavratzas Timoleon , Stofa Eythymia , Mystakidi Vasiliki-Chara , Latsios George , Deftereos Spyridon , Tousoulis Dimitris
Published: December 2018

Abstract. Background: The 2017 ACC/AHA blood pressure (BP) guidelines generated controversies due to the new proposed BP cut-off values defining hypertension. We aimed to assess aortic stiffness of subjects who are reclassified as stage 1 hypertensive according to the new guidelines and compare them with the subjects of “elevated BP” category. Patients and methods. Data from the “Corinthia” study, an observational, cross-sectional survey of 2,043 participants were analyzed. Subjects were classified into 4 groups: group A: systolic pressure (SBP) 120–129 and diastolic pressure (DBP) < 80 mmHg, group B: SBP 130–139 or DBP 80–89 mmHg, group B1: SBP 130–139 and DBP < 80 mmHg and group B2: SBP 130–139 and DBP 80–89 mmHg. Aortic stiffness was assessed by carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV). A value of PWV > 10m/s was consider indicative of asymptomatic organ damage while values of PWV exceeded the 90 % percentile for each age group were consider as abnormal. Results: Groups B, B1 and B2 have significantly increased PWV compared to group A, independently from age and other risk factors (PWV: 9.2 ± 2.8 vs 9.4 ± 2.7 vs 8.6 ± 2.5 vs 8.1 ± 2.3 m/s, p < 0.01, respectively). The prevalence of PWV > 10 m/s and abnormal PWV values in group A was significantly lower than the corresponding prevalence in randomly selected, age-matched subjects from group B (13.5 % vs 24.4 %, p = 0.027 and 5.6 % vs 14.2 %, p = 0.022, respectively). Conclusions: The reclassified subjects as stage 1 hypertensive by the new guidelines have a significantly increased aortic stiffness and greater prevalence in asymptomatic aortic damage compared to subjects with elevated BP. This finding may indirectly explain the increased cardiovascular risk of this group.
Multidisciplinary team decision is rare and decreasing in percutaneous vascular interventions despite positive impact on in-hospital outcomes
Authors: Behrendt Christian-Alexander , Kölbel Tilo , Schwaneberg Thea , Diener Holger , Hohnhold Ralf , Sebastian Debus Eike , Christian Rieß Henrik
Published: December 2018

Abstract. Background: Worldwide prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) is increasing and peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) has become the primary invasive treatment. There is evidence that multidisciplinary team decision-making (MTD) has an impact on in-hospital outcomes. This study aims to depict practice patterns and time changes regarding MTD of different medical specialties. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study design. 20,748 invasive, percutaneous PVI of PAD conducted in the metropolitan area of Hamburg (Germany) were consecutively collected between January 2004 and December 2014. Results: MTD prior to PVI was associated with lower odds of early unsuccessful termination of the procedures (Odds Ratio 0.662, p < 0.001). The proportion of MTD decreased over the study period (30.9 % until 2009 vs. 16.6 % from 2010, p < 0.001) while rates of critical limb-threatening ischemia (34.5 % vs. 42.1 %), patients´ age (70 vs. 72 years), PVI below-the-knee (BTK) (13.2 % vs. 22.4 %), and rates of severe TASC C/D lesions BTK (43.2 % vs. 54.2 %) increased (all p < 0.001). Utilization of MTD was different between medical specialties with lowest frequency in procedures performed by internists when compared to other medical specialties (7.1 % vs. 25.7 %, p < 0.001). Conclusions: MTD prior to PVI is associated with technical success of the procedure. Nonetheless, rates of MTD prior to PVI are decreasing during the study period. Future studies should address the impact of multidisciplinary vascular teams on long-term outcomes.
Don’t Put Me in This Group
Authors: de Vreeze Jort , Matschke Christina
Published: December 2018

Abstract. Not all group memberships are self-chosen. The current research examines whether assignments to non-preferred groups influence our relationship with the group and our preference for information about the ingroup. It was expected and found that, when people are assigned to non-preferred groups, they perceive the group as different to the self, experience negative emotions about the assignment and in turn disidentify with the group. On the other hand, when people are assigned to preferred groups, they perceive the group as similar to the self, experience positive emotions about the assignment and in turn identify with the group. Finally, disidentification increases a preference for negative information about the ingroup.
Higher‐Order Turbulence Statistics in the Earth's Magnetosheath and the Solar Wind Using Magnetospheric Multiscale Observations
Authors: Chhiber R. , Chasapis A. , Bandyopadhyay R. , Parashar T. N. , Matthaeus W. H. , Maruca B. A. , Moore T. E. , Burch J. L. , Torbert R. B. , Russell C. T. , Le Contel O. , Argall M. R. , Fischer D. , Mirioni L. , Strangeway R. J. , Pollock C. J. , Giles B. L. , Gershman D. J.
Published: December 2018

High‐resolution multispacecraft magnetic field measurements from the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission's flux‐gate magnetometer are employed to examine statistical properties of plasma turbulence in the terrestrial magnetosheath and in the solar wind. Quantities examined include wave number spectra; structure functions of order two, four, and six; probability density functions of increments; and scale‐dependent kurtoses of the magnetic field. We evaluate the Taylor frozen‐in approximation by comparing single‐spacecraft time series analysis with direct multispacecraft measurements, including evidence based on comparison of probability distribution functions. The statistics studied span spatial scales from the inertial range down to proton and electron scales. We find agreement of spectral estimates using three different methods, and evidence of intermittent turbulence in both magnetosheath and solar wind; however, evidence for subproton‐scale coherent structures, seen in the magnetosheath, is not found in the solar wind.
Multiple‐Scale Variations of Wind‐Generated Waves in the Southern California Bight
Authors: Cao Yuhan , Dong Changming , Uchiyama Yusuke , Wang Jin , Yin Xunqiang
Published: December 2018

A numerical wave model is applied to study the wind‐generated wave in the Southern California Bight (SCB). Observational data available in this area are used to validate the numerical model results. The model is integrated for 10 years (2004–2013). The comparison of the model results with observations shows that the model well reproduces the wave variations in the SCB. The multiple‐scale variations in the wavefield are examined: interannual, seasonal, intraseasonal, and diurnal. The significant wave height and swell wave height distributions display distinct patterns during different seasons. On the interannual scale, the wave variation in the SCB is influenced by El Niño–Southern Oscillation activities. Intraseasonal scale events occur frequently. Land/sea breezes cause the diurnal variation. The effects of topography (especially islands) and currents on waves are analyzed. The islands in the SCB provide significant sheltering effects to the coast from deep‐ocean waves. The effect of background currents on waves is discussed.
Contemporary GCM Fidelity in Representing the Diurnal Cycle of Precipitation Over the Maritime Continent
Authors: Baranowski Dariusz B. , Waliser Duane E. , Jiang Xianan , Ridout James A. , Flatau Maria K.
Published: December 2018

This paper presents a multimodel assessment of fidelity in representation of the diurnal cycle of precipitation over the Maritime Continent (MC). Daily mean precipitation rate and amplitude and phase of the diurnal cycle are utilized to validate General Circulation Model (GCM) performance with respect to multiyear annual mean and seasonal cycle. The analysis shows that models' 6‐hourly temporal resolution and 2.5° spatial resolution is sufficient to depict key characteristic of diurnal precipitation. Results show that most models are sensitive to the existence of the MC and show different characteristics of subdaily precipitation. However, 19 out of 20 models underestimate the daily mean precipitation over the eastern Indian Ocean and most of them underestimate both daily mean precipitation and amplitude of the diurnal cycle, especially over islands within the region. Observations show that within the MC the diurnal cycle is higher over land than over ocean. Many models decrease this land‐sea contrast. Most models recognize difference in phase of the diurnal cycle between MC islands and surrounding ocean, but some of them show opposite phasing of the diurnal cycle. Results show that modern models perform better than past generation, sometimes comparably to regional models' run in much higher resolution. Although models perform well with respect to the seasonal cycle of the daily mean precipitation, they fail to realistically represent the seasonal evolution of the diurnal cycle amplitude. Additionally, models show no coherence in land‐ocean contrast derived from a multiyear average of daily mean precipitation and amplitude of the diurnal cycle.
On the Intensity of the Magnetic Superstorm of September 1909
Authors: Love Jeffrey J. , Hayakawa Hisashi , Cliver Edward W.
Published: December 2018

Analysis is made of solar observations and ground‐based magnetometer data recording space weather before and during the magnetic superstorm of 25 September 1909. From these data, it is inferred that the storm was initiated by an interplanetary coronal‐mass ejection having a mean Sun‐to‐Earth velocity of ~1,679 km/s. The commencement pressure on the magnetopause was ~32.4 nPa, sufficient to compress the subsolar magnetopause radius to ~5.9 Earth radii. Early on in the evolution of the storm, low‐latitude geomagnetic disturbance exhibited extreme longitudinal asymmetry, something that can be attributed to substorm activity extending to low latitudes. For this storm,Dstattained a minimum of −595 nT, comparable to that of the great magnetic storm of March 1989 (−589 nT; the most intense storm in terms ofDstof the space age). These results inform projects focused on understanding and mitigating the deleterious effects of extreme space‐weather events.