bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Railway ballast damage detection by Markov chain Monte Carlo-based Bayesian method
Authors: Lam Heung F , Yang Jia H , Hu Qin , Ng Ching T
Published: August 2017

This article reports the development of a Bayesian method for assessing the damage status of railway ballast under a concrete sleeper based on vibration data of the in situ sleeper. One of the important contributions of the proposed method is to describe the variation of stiffness distribution of ballast using Lagrange polynomial, for which the order of the polynomial is decided by the Bayesian approach. The probability of various orders of polynomial conditional on a given set of measured vibration data is calculated. The order of polynomial with the highest probability is selected as the most plausible order and used for updating the ballast stiffness distribution. Due to the uncertain nature of railway ballast, the corresponding model updating problem is usually unidentifiable. To ensure the applicability of the proposed method even in unidentifiable cases, a computational efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo–based Bayesian method was employed in the proposed method for generating a set of samples in the important region of parameter space to approximate the posterior (updated) probability density function of ballast stiffness. The proposed ballast damage detection method was verified with roving hammer test data from a segment of full-scale ballasted track. The experimental verification results positively show the potential of the proposed method in ballast damage detection.
Vibration-based damage detection using online learning algorithm for output-only structural health monitoring
Authors: Jin Seung-Seop , Jung Hyung-Jo
Published: August 2017

Damage-sensitive features such as natural frequencies are widely used for structural health monitoring; however, they are also influenced by the environmental condition. To address the environmental effect, principal component analysis is widely used. Before performing principal component analysis, the training data should be defined for the normal condition (baseline model) under environmental variability. It is worth noting that the natural change of the normal condition may exist due to an intrinsic behavior of the structural system. Without accounting for the natural change of the normal condition, numerous false alarms occur. However, the natural change of the normal condition cannot be known in advance. Although the description of the normal condition has a significant influence on the monitoring performance, it has received much less attention. To capture the natural change of the normal condition and detect the damage simultaneously, an adaptive statistical process monitoring using online learning algorithm is proposed for output-only structural health monitoring. The novelty aspect of the proposed method is the adaptive learning capability by moving the window of the recent samples (from normal condition) to update the baseline model. In this way, the baseline model can reflect the natural change of the normal condition in environmental variability. To handle both change rate of the normal condition and non-linear dependency of the damage-sensitive features, a variable moving window strategy is also proposed. The variable moving window strategy is the block-wise linearization method using k-means clustering based on Linde–Buzo–Gray algorithm and Bayesian information criterion. The proposed method and two existing methods (static linear principal component analysis and incremental linear principal component analysis) were applied to a full-scale bridge structure, which was artificially damaged at the end of the long-term monitoring. Among the three methods, the proposed method is the only successful method to deal with the non-linear dependency among features and detect the structural damage timely.
Creating the city: An interview with Antonia Darder and Pepón Osorio
Authors: Herman David , Kraehe Amelia , Bartholomee Lucy , Lewis Tyson
Published: August 2017

Today there is a lot of discussion about creative economies and how cities are the engines driving growth in a variety of industries. But cities are not merely rows of buildings, or sets of laws, such as zoning ordinances or parking regulations. A city is, rather, a set of dynamic experiences that we all participate in as co(labor)ators. As a way to explore issues of urban spaces and art, the authors organized a public dialogue on issues pertaining to arts, community, identity, education, and policy with two leading artists/educators/activists: Pepón Osorio and Antonia Darder. The interview is wide ranging and brings into focus voices and perspectives often left out of policy debates concerning the politics of art, art education, and activism in urban environments. The authors of this article then propose four core principles drawn from the dialogue that can guide policy reforms for the arts in urban schools. Such principles argue that policy must be made from within the creative commonwealth of cities rather than above or outside it.
Gender relations, comic books and children's cultures: Between stereotypes and reinventions
Authors: Silva Marta Regina Paulo da
Published: August 2017

The article discusses the production of children's cultures based on the experiences of 3–5-year-old children with the language of comic books, focusing on gender relations. It is part of a doctoral research project conducted at FE / UNICAMP and investigates a case study in a municipal pre-school in the Greater ABC region in São Paulo, Brazil. It assumes that comic books viewed as media production interfere with children's ways of life, often reinforcing stereotypes found in sex differences. Combining philosophy, sociology and childhood education, it discusses how small children interact with comic books and what they reproduce, invent or reinvent when inspired by such materials. It emphasizes that comic books are part of children's material cultures and unveil symbolic aspects of children's cultures, which they share with each other and with adults in such a way that they observe patterns and identity values ​​being negotiated in the sense that not only do they reproduce stereotypes of heteronormative culture, but also cross the boundaries of gender. In sum, the article sheds light on the challenge of bringing children to the debate about gender relations from the perspective of pedagogical proposals which might overcome sexist practices present in educational institutions.
Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening at an Urban FQHC Using iFOBT and Patient Navigation
Authors: Martin Richard L. , Tully Madelaine , Kos Allison , Frazer David , Williamson Amy , Conlon Amy , Enser James J. , LoConte Noelle K
Published: August 2017

Introduction. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Black Americans suffer even higher incidence and death rates than the general population. Genetics and patient perceptions explain some of this difference, however, modifiable health care system factors such as lack of access to colon cancer screening also contribute. Partnering an academic health center with local community groups, we piloted a colorectal cancer screening program at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving predominately low socioeconomic status Black Americans. The program was designed to identify and remove barriers to screening and improve screening rates. Method. At a single center FQHC, we developed an outreach program centered around (1) patient and provider education, (2) immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) distribution, and (3) patient navigation. We identified 402 eligible patients, of which 228 (56.7%) completed screening. Results. Our 56.7% screening rate represented a twofold increase above prepilot levels at the clinic. Nine (4%) iFOBT returned positive. Three of these nine patients completed colonoscopy. Screening rates and follow through were higher under a single navigator model. Conclusions. Our academic–community partnership provided an effective, evidence based, and sustainable model for increasing colorectal cancer screening in a high risk, low resource community.
Health Education Careers in a Post–Health Reform Era
Authors: Auld M. Elaine
Published: August 2017

Since enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in 2010, health education specialists (HES) have made important contributions in implementing the law’s provisions at the individual, family, and population levels. Using their health education competencies and subcompetencies, HES are improving public understanding of health insurance literacy and enrollment options, conducting community health needs assessments required of nonprofit hospitals, modifying policies or systems to improve access to health screenings and preventive health services, strengthening clinical and community linkages, and working with employee benefit plans. In addition to educating stakeholders about their complementary training and roles with respect to clinical providers, HES must keep abreast of rapid changes catalyzed by the Affordable Care Act in terms of health standards, payment models, government regulations, statistics, and business practices. For continued career growth, HES must continually acquire new knowledge and skills, access and analyze data, and develop interprofessional partnerships that meet the evolving needs of employers as the nation pursues health for all.
Young Men’s Preferences for Design and Delivery of Physical Activity and Nutrition Interventions: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Ashton Lee M. , Morgan Philip J. , Hutchesson Melinda J. , Rollo Megan E. , Collins Clare E.
Published: August 2017

Young adult men are under-represented in health research, and little is known about how to reach and engage them in lifestyle interventions. This mixed-methods study aimed to explore young males’ preferences for recruitment strategies, content, format (delivery mode and program duration and frequency), and facilitator characteristics for future physical activity and nutrition interventions. Ten focus groups involving 61 men (aged 18–25 years) in the Hunter region, New South Wales, Australia and an online survey distributed within Australia were completed by 282 males (aged 18–25 years). Key focus group themes included a preference for recruitment via multiple sources, ensuring images and recruiters were relatable; intervention facilitators to be engaging and refrain from discussing negative consequences of being unhealthy. Key program content preferences included skill development and individualized goals and feedback. Focus groups and the survey confirmed a preference for multiple delivery modes, including; face-to-face (group and individual), with support using eHealth technologies. Survey results confirmed the most favored program content as: “healthy eating on a budget,” “quick and easy meals,” and “resistance training.” Focus group responses suggested a program duration of ≥6 months, with 2–3 combined face-to-face and supportive eHealth sessions per week. Survey intervention duration preference was 3 months with 4 face-to-face sessions per month. Findings can guide the design, conduct, and evaluation of relevant contemporary physical activity and or nutrition interventions for young men. There is a need to identify the most effective ways to address young men’s individual preferences in intervention research.
Variations in Recruitment Yield and Characteristics of Participants Recruited Across Diverse Internet Platforms in an HIV Testing Study of Young Adult Men-Who-Have-Sex-With-Men (YMSM)
Authors: Merchant Roland C. , Romanoff Justin , Clark Melissa A. , Liu Tao , Rosenberger Joshua G. , Bauermeister Jose , Mayer Kenneth H.
Published: August 2017

The Internet is a commonly used medium for recruiting geographically dispersed, smaller populations quickly, such as young adult men-who-have-sex-with-men (YMSM). One approach to improve reach and representativeness is to employ multiple Internet platforms to recruit this hard-to-reach population. The utility of this approach has not been studied adequately, and its impact on the study sample recruited is not yet known. Using data from a study of 18- to 24-year-old HIV-uninfected, Black, Hispanic, and White United States (US) YMSM, this investigation compared advertising and enrollment metrics and participant characteristics of those recruited across Internet platforms. Of the 2,444 participants, their median age was 22 years old; 21% were Black, 37% Hispanic, and 42% White; 90% had been tested for HIV at least once in their life; and 87% reported prior condomless anal intercourse (CAI) with another man. There were noticeable differences across platforms in the number of people accessing the study website, meeting study eligibility requirements, consenting to participate, consenting to participate per day of advertising and per click, as well as costs of advertising per consented participant. Participants recruited also varied across platform by race/ethnicity, geographic area of residence in the US, health-care insurance status, years of formal education, history of HIV testing, and CAI by partner type and sexual positioning. The investigation results indicate that the Internet platforms used for recruitment significantly impact not only enrollment but also diversity and characteristics of the sample obtained and consequently, the observations and conclusions rendered.
Why Comparing? Some Insights from a Comparison of Publications in Educational Journals in England and Germany
Authors: Ertl Hubert , Zierer Klaus
Published: August 2017

This paper discusses rationales for comparative work in education and draws on two projects on analysing publications in educational journals internationally. It uses the cases of Germany and England to illustrate the points made. The paper outlines some of the major developments in education in these two countries and identifies their implications for the work of academics in this discipline. The main argument is that the analysis of journal publications provides for tracking of the development of academic disciplines, and that the comparisons of publication patterns in two countries offers insights into the particular starting points and trajectories of a field of study such as education.
Modifiable risk factors associated with bronchiolitis
Authors: Nenna Raffaella , Cutrera Renato , Frassanito Antonella , Alessandroni Claudia , Nicolai Ambra , Cangiano Giulia , Petrarca Laura , Arima Serena , Caggiano Serena , Ullmann Nicola , Papoff Paola , Bonci Enea , Moretti Corrado , Midulla Fabio
Published: August 2017

Background:

We sought to clarify possibly modifiable risk factors related to pollution responsible for acute bronchiolitis in hospitalized infants.

Methods:

For this observational study, we recruited 213 consecutive infants with bronchiolitis (cases: median age: 2 months; age range: 0.5–12 months; boys: 55.4%) and 213 children aged <3 years (controls: median age: 12 months; age range: 0.5–36 months; boys: 54.5%) with a negative medical history for lower respiratory tract diseases hospitalized at ‘Sapienza’ University Rome and IRCCS Bambino Gesù Hospital. Infants’ parents completed a standardized 53-item questionnaire seeking information on social-demographic and clinical characteristics, indoor pollution, eating habits and outdoor air pollution. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were run to assess the independent effect of risk factors, accounting for confounders and effect modifiers.

Results:

In the 213 hospitalized infants the questionnaire identified the following risk factors for acute bronchiolitis: breastfeeding ⩾3 months (OR: 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2–3.6), presence of older siblings (OR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.7–4.7), ⩾4 cohabitants (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1–2.1), and using seed oil for cooking (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2–2.6). Having renovated their home in the past 12 months and concurrently being exposed daily to smoking, involving more than 11 cigarettes and two or more smoking cohabitants, were more frequent factors in cases than in controls ( p = 0.021 and 0.05), whereas self-estimated proximity to road and traffic was similar in the two groups.

Conclusions:

We identified several risk factors for acute bronchiolitis related to indoor and outdoor pollution, including inhaling cooking oil fumes. Having this information would help public health authorities draw up effective preventive measures – for example, teach mothers to avoid handling their child when they have a cold and eliminate exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke.
De Quervain's tenosynovitis
Authors: Katechia Devvrat , Gujral Sameer
Published: August 2017

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a common cause of wrist pain in adults. It is characterised by atraumatic pain or tenderness along the radial side of the wrist and is often associated with overuse or repetitive movements of the wrist or thumb. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis affects the first dorsal compartment of the wrist. Better understanding of this disease can help GPs and their patients manage its sequelae. In this article, the clinical assessment of patients with suspected de Quervain’s tenosynovitis and its conservative and surgical treatment options are discussed.
Digital health in primary care
Authors: Lakshminarayana Rashmi
Published: August 2017

Digital technologies are increasingly being used in healthcare, by both patients and health professionals. Such use is often referred to as ‘digital health’. Digital technologies comprise a range of services that have the potential to improve treatment outcomes and patient experiences, and to lower the costs of healthcare. Digital health can be used to capture longitudinal outcome and experience data. Patient-reported data is increasingly required for health systems payments (an example being payments under the Commissioning for Quality and Innovation system) and outcomes-based contracting in the NHS. In this article, we focus on digital health technologies used in England to support patient-centred primary care. The article will consider an overview of policies leading to the adoption of digital technologies in primary care, current trends in digital health in primary care, case studies, key concerns and possible future developments.
Current trends in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: an internet-based survey
Authors: Ahmad Abd Alrahman , Alhunaidi Omar , Aziz Mohamed , Omar Mohamed , Al-Kandari Ahmed M. , El-Nahas Ahmed , El-Shazly Mohamed
Published: August 2017

Background:

The aim of this study was to report current practices of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) among endourologists.

Methods:

An internet survey was administered to Endourological Society members. Responders were distributed into three groups according to the number of PCNL cases per year (<50, 50–100, >100). PCNL technical details as well as opinions regarding specific clinical case scenarios were evaluated and compared between groups.

Results:

We received 300 responses from 47 different countries. Prone position was used in 77% of cases, while 16% used supine position and only 7% used modified lateral decubitus. Most endourologists performed their own access. There were no significant differences between the three groups regarding patient position ( p = 0.1), puncture acquisition by urologist or radiologist ( p = 0.2) and fluoroscopic puncture technique ( p = 0.2). Endourologists with high annual PCNL practice (>100) had least probability to utilize nephrostomy tube ( p = 0.0005) or use balloon dilator ( p = 0.0001). They also had the highest probability of performing mini-PERC ( p = 0.0001).

Conclusions:

The majority of endourologists performing PCNL obtain their own access. Prone positioning is predominant, while totally tubeless PCNL are uncommon. Mini-PERC is gaining more popularity among endourologists. Most endourologists follow the guidelines for their choice of treatment modality in different sizes and locations of upper tract calculi.
Building Foresight Capacity: Toward a Foresight Competency Model
Authors: Hines Andy , Gary Jay , Daheim Cornelia , van der Laan Luke
Published: August 2017

This article introduces the Foresight Competency Model, which addresses the basic question of what one ought to be able to do as a professional futurist. It describes how other fields have used competency models to define what their professionals do, documents how the Association of Professional Futurists (APF) developed this model, explains the interrelated features of the model, and suggests ways that organizations can use the model to enhance the foresight capacity of their talent.
The managerial and relational dimensions of public-nonprofit human service contracting
Authors: McBeath Bowen , Carnochan Sarah , Stuart Marla , Austin Michael J
Published: August 2017

Public-nonprofit contracting for human services is complicated by the difficulty of fully specifying contracts in the face of complex human service delivery issues. To understand how public and nonprofit agencies resolve these complications while serving client populations effectively and meeting public accountability requirements, this article examines the following research question: given the complexity of human service delivery, how do public and nonprofit managers address the challenges of contract management? The study analyzes qualitative data from interviews and focus groups with managers from three San Francisco Bay Area county human service agencies and three nonprofit agencies contracting with these public agencies to deliver human services. Findings uncover the deeply relational and collaborative nature of human service contracting amidst technical challenges that reflect the underlying complexity of human service delivery. The results also show how public and nonprofit managers address these dynamics to inform the task of organizing and delivering human services.
Viability and Tissue Quality of Cartilage Flaps From Patients With Femoroacetabular Hip Impingement: A Matched-Control Comparison
Authors: Rodriguez-Fontan Francisco , Payne Karin A. , Chahla Jorge , Mei-Dan Omer , Richards Abigail , Uchida Soshi , Pascual-Garrido Cecilia
Published: August 2017

Background:

Chondrolabral damage is commonly observed in patients with cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Chondral flap reattachment has recently been proposed as a possible preservation technique.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to determine the viability and tissue quality of chondral flaps from patients with FAI at the time of arthroscopy. It was hypothesized that chondral flaps from patients with cam lesions of the hip would exhibit less viability and greater tissue degeneration than would those of a matched control group.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Patients with cam-type FAI who were treated with hip arthroscopy between 2014 and 2016 were asked to participate in this study. The cartilage lesions were localized and classified intraoperatively according to Beck classification. A chondral flap (study group) and a cartilage sample (control group) were obtained from each patient for histologic evaluation. Cellular viability and tissue quality were examined and compared in both groups. Cellular viability was determined with live/dead staining, and tissue quality was evaluated using safranin O/fast green, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and immunohistochemistry for collagen II. Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) grading was used for quality assessment, and Image J software was used to calculate the percentage of tissue viability and Col II stain.

Results:

A total of 10 male patients with a mean age of 38.4 years (range, 30-55 years) were enrolled. All chondral flaps were classified as Beck grade 4. The mean cellular viability of the chondral flaps was reduced (54.6% ± 25.6%), and they were found to be degenerated (OARSI grade, 4 ± 1.27). Control samples also had reduced viability (38.8% ± 30.3%) and were degenerative (OARSI grade, 3.5 ± 1.38). There was no statistically significant intergroup difference for viability ( P = .203) or OARSI grade ( P = .645), nor was there an intragroup correlation between viability and OARSI grade ( P > .05). A significant negative correlation ( r = −0.9, P = .035) was found between OARSI grade and collagen II percentage scale in 5 selected samples.

Conclusion:

Despite appearing normal macroscopically, the chondral flaps from patients with cam-type FAI displayed loss of viability and tissue degeneration. In addition, control samples obtained away from the injury area also displayed cartilage damage and degeneration. Careful consideration should be taken when attempting to reattach the chondral flap.
Feminist Perspectives on Post-riot Judicial Inquiry Commissions in India
Authors: Rajeshwari B.
Published: August 2017

This article argues that though communal riots bring different experiences for men and women, yet this reality does not seem to be recognized by post-riot justice mechanisms. Justice post-riots is viewed as a ‘blanket’ term for all the victims irrespective of their gender. In so doing, women’s everyday experiences seem to get pushed under the carpet. Drawing from feminist critique of the legalistic approach to justice, this article problematizes the understanding that there is only one singular, official version of truth in post-riot situations. The article critically examines post-riot judicial commissions that were constituted to inquire into the Mumbai (1992–1993) and Gujarat (2002) riots from a feminist perspective. I argue that the judicial inquiry commissions in their current format are underequipped to deal with gender concerns that emerge after communal riots. And that there is a need for feminist security studies to venture into critically analyzing judicial inquiry commissions.
A Qualitative Exploration of the Challenges Organizations Face while Working with Generation Z Intrapreneurs
Authors: Singh Ghura Amarpreet
Published: August 2017

This article presents preliminary findings of what challenges Indian organizations face when working with generation Z intrapreneurs. Organization will grow at a faster pace if the decision makers in the organization are entrepreneurial in their approach. These entrepreneurs when working within the organization by taking the approval and sanctions to use the organization resources are termed as intrapreneurs. Yet scholars know too little about what challenges Indian organization face while working with generation Z intrapreneurs. The findings reveal that Indian organizations have started hiring generation Z intrapreneurs and are facing challenges working with them. These findings support previous research which concludes organizational supportive environment is a facilitator for organization to spur intrapreneurial culture in the organization.
A centrality measure for urban networks based on the eigenvector centrality concept
Authors: Agryzkov Taras , Tortosa Leandro , Vicent José F , Wilson Richard
Published: August 2017

A massive amount of information as geo-referenced data is now emerging from the digitization of contemporary cities. Urban streets networks are characterized by a fairly uniform degree distribution and a low degree range. Therefore, the analysis of the graph constructed from the topology of the urban layout does not provide significant information when studying topology-based centrality. On the other hand, we have collected geo-located data about the use of various buildings and facilities within the city. This does provide a rich source of information about the importance of various areas. Despite this, we still need to consider the influence of topology, as this determines the interaction between different areas. In this paper, we propose a new model of centrality for urban networks based on the concept of Eigenvector Centrality for urban street networks which incorporates information from both topology and data residing on the nodes. So, the centrality proposed is able to measure the influence of two factors, the topology of the network and the geo-referenced data extracted from the network and associated to the nodes. We detail how to compute the centrality measure and provide the rational behind it. Some numerical examples with small networks are performed to analyse the characteristics of the model. Finally, a detailed example of a real urban street network is discussed, taking a real set of data obtained from a fieldwork, regarding the commercial activity developed in the city.
Risk Factors for Elevated Intraocular Pressure on First Day Postoperative Review Following Pars Plana Vitrectomy
Authors: Rahman Rubina , Marler Jonathan , Stephenson John , Gillibrand Warren
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

To assess the relationship between day 1 postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) and patient demographic information, indication for vitrectomy, lens status, tamponade medium (air, perfluoroethane, sulfur hexafluoride), and laser treatment.

Methods:

A prospective observational study of all patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) by a single surgeon within 1 case study. All patients had IOP recorded 1 day after surgery. None of the patients had postoperative antiglaucoma medications. All patients undergoing PPV were previously pseudophakic or underwent combined surgery.

Results:

Of a final cohort of 161 patients, 6% had raised IOP (defined as >30 mm Hg). A parsimonious regression model showed no strong correlation between raised IOP and type of gas tamponade ( P = .028 for C2F6, P = .067 for SF6, air was the reference category) and a moderate association with the number of laser burns ( P = .067).

Conclusion:

The use of gas tamponade, in particular C2F6, does not constitute justification for pre/postoperative antiglaucoma prophylactic treatment. In addition, we postulate that careful consideration should be given to the frequency of laser burns during PPV.
Current Best Clinical Practices—Management of Neovascular AMD
Authors: Brown David , Heier Jeffrey S. , Boyer David S. , Freund K. Bailey , Kaiser Peter , Kim Judy E. , Sarraf David
Published: August 2017

The hallmark feature of the wet or neovascular form of age-related macular degeneration is the presence of choroidal (or retinal) neovascularization (CNV). If left untreated, CNV may result in significant central vision loss due to complications including exudation, leakage, and ultimately subretinal fibrosis causing remarkable photoreceptor loss. Although the mechanism of development is not fully understood, the process of neovascularization is driven by the upregulation of angiogenic cytokines, principally vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Inhibition of VEGF with intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy has become the standard of care for macular CNV, helping to prevent legal blindness in millions of affected patients worldwide.
Neocortical Sox9+ radial glia generate glutamatergic neurons for all layers, but lack discernible evidence of early laminar fate restriction
Authors: Kaplan E. S. , Ramos-Laguna K. A. , Mihalas A. B. , Daza R. A. M. , Hevner R. F.
Published: August 2017

Glutamatergic neurons in the cerebral cortex are derived from embryonic neural stem cells known as radial glial progenitors (RGPs). Early RGPs, present at the onset of cortical neurogenesis, are classically thought to produce columnar clones of glutamatergic neurons spanning the cortical layers. Recently, however, it has been reported that a subset of early RGPs may undergo early commitment to upper layer neuron fates, thus bypassing genesis of deep layer neurons. However, the latter mode of early RGP differentiation was not confirmed in some other studies, and remains controversial. To further investigate the clonal output from early RGPs, we employed genetic lineage tracing driven by Sox9, a transcription factor gene that is expressed in all early RGPs. We found that early RGPs produced columnar clones spanning all cortical layers, with no evidence of significant laminar fate restriction. These data support the classic progressive restriction model of cortical neurogenesis, and suggest that early RGPs do not undergo early commitment to only upper or lower layer fates.
Galectin-8 activates dendritic cells and stimulates antigen-specific immune response elicitation
Authors: Carabelli Julieta , Quattrocchi Valeria , D'Antuono Alejandra , Zamorano Patricia , Tribulatti María Virginia , Campetella Oscar
Published: August 2017

Galectin-8 (Gal-8) is a mammalian β-galactoside-binding lectin, endowed with proinflammatory properties. Given its capacity to enhance antigen-specific immune responses in vivo, we investigated whether Gal-8 was also able to promote APC activation to sustain T cell activation after priming. Both endogenous [dendritic cells (DCs)] and bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) treated with exogenous Gal-8 exhibited a mature phenotype characterized by increased MHC class II (MHCII), CD80, and CD86 surface expression. Moreover, Gal-8-treated BMDCs (Gal-8–BMDCs) stimulated antigen-specific T cells more efficiently than immature BMDCs (iBMDCs). Proinflammatory cytokines IL-3, IL-2, IL-6, TNF, MCP-1, and MCP-5, as well as growth factor G-CSF, were augmented in Gal-8–BMDC conditioned media, with IL-6 as the most prominent. Remarkably, BMDCs from Gal-8-deficient mice (Lgals8−/− BMDC) displayed reduced CD86 and IL-6 expression and an impaired ability to promote antigen-specific CD4 T cell activation. To test if Gal-8-induced activation correlates with the elicitation of an effective immune response, soluble Gal-8 was coadministrated with antigen during immunization of BALB/cJ mice in the experimental foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) model. When a single dose of Gal-8 was added to the antigen formulation, an increased specific and neutralizing humoral response was developed, sufficient to enhance animal protection upon viral challenge. IL-6 and IFN-γ, as well as lymphoproliferative responses, were also incremented in Gal-8/antigen-immunized animals only at 48 h after immunization, suggesting that Gal-8 induces the elicitation of an inflammatory response at an early stage. Taking together, these findings argue in favor of the use of Gal-8 as an immune-stimulator molecule to enhance the adaptive immune response.
A rapid seismic data calibration technique using integrated micro-electro-mechanical system inertial sensor groups for a 3C vertical seismic profile
Authors: Li Huailiang , Tuo Xianguo , Shen Tong , Henderson Mark Julian , Courtois Jérémie
Published: August 2017

Calibration of 3C vertical seismic profile (VSP) data is an exciting challenge because the orientation of the tool is random when only seismic data are considered. We have augmented the sensor package on the VSP tool with micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) inertial sensors and applied a gesture measuring method to determine the tool orientation and calibration. This technique can quickly produce high precision, orientation, and angle information when integrated with the seismometer. The augmented sensor package consists of a low-cost triaxial MEMS gyroscope, an electronic compass, and an accelerometer. The technique to process the gesture information is based on the OpenGL software for 3D modeling. We have tested this approach on a large number of field data sets and it appeared to be faster and more reliable than other approaches.
Elastic reflection-based waveform inversion with a nonlinear approach
Authors: Guo Qiang , Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: August 2017

Full-waveform inversion (FWI) is a highly nonlinear problem due to the complex reflectivity of the earth, and this nonlinearity only increases under the more expensive elastic assumption. In elastic media, we need a good initial P-wave velocity and even better initial S-wave velocity models with accurate representation of the low model wavenumbers for FWI to converge. However, inverting for the low-wavenumber components of P- and S-wave velocities using reflection waveform inversion (RWI) with an objective to fit the reflection shape, rather than produce reflections, may mitigate the limitations of FWI. Because FWI, performing as a migration operator, is preferred of the high-wavenumber updates along reflectors. We have developed an elastic RWI that inverts for the low-wavenumber and perturbation components of the P- and S-wave velocities. To generate the full elastic reflection wavefields, we derive an equivalent stress source made up by the inverted model perturbations and incident wavefields. We update the perturbation and propagation parts of the velocity models in a nested fashion. Applications on the synthetic isotropic models and field data indicate that our method can efficiently update the low- and high-wavenumber parts of the models.
Irving’s Columbus and Hemispheric American History
Authors: Wingate Jordan
Published: August 2017

My essay traces the influence of the Spanish American revolutions (1808–26) on Washington Irving’s early nineteenth-century writings and, in particular, on his popular 1828 biography of Christopher Columbus. Irving’s conception of America as a multinational hemisphere comprised of nation-states with entangled nationalist rhetorics and narratives—including Columbus’s “discovery”—underwrites the biography’s unprecedented critiques of nationalist historiography. Examining the politics motivating this work offers new insights for discussions of the textual morphologies of nineteenth-century nationalist thought.
“A form of life in which art is not art”: “Life in the Iron Mills” and the Artist as Worker in the Nineteenth-Century United States
Authors: Tomc Sandra
Published: August 2017

This essay examines early nineteenth-century US literature that fought for increased compensation and copyright protection for authors. Instead of dismissing this literature as a form of complaint, as many scholars do, I take writers’ concerns seriously, but I also look at the difficulty even professional writers faced in mounting any kind of case for themselves as paid creative personnel. Even when writers made a rational argument to explain why they should be paid more, they tended to undermine themselves, invariably intimating that writers as a group were better off impoverished. These difficulties, I argue, arose not just from the systems of industrial publishing but also from the systems of political value instituted by art in what Jacques Rancière calls the “aesthetic regime.” I pursue this hypothesis by examining contemporary texts that argue for authors’ rights alongside Rebecca Harding Davis’s tale of tragic artistic labor, “Life in the Iron Mills.”
Parasite-altered feeding behavior in insects: integrating functional and mechanistic research frontiers
Authors: Bernardo Melissa A. , Singer Michael S.
Published: August 2017

Research on parasite-altered feeding behavior in insects is contributing to an emerging literature that considers possible adaptive consequences of altered feeding behavior for the host or the parasite. Several recent ecoimmunological studies show that insects can adaptively alter their foraging behavior in response to parasitism. Another body of recent work shows that infection by parasites can change the behavior of insect hosts to benefit the parasite; manipulations of host feeding behavior may be part of this phenomenon. Here, we address both the functional and the underlying physiological frontiers of parasite-altered feeding behavior in order to spur research that better integrates the two. Functional categories of parasite-altered behavior that are adaptive for the host include prophylaxis, therapy and compensation, while host manipulation is adaptive for the parasite. To better understand and distinguish prophylaxis, therapy and compensation, further study of physiological feedbacks affecting host sensory systems is especially needed. For host manipulation in particular, research on mechanisms by which parasites control host feedbacks will be important to integrate with functional approaches. We see this integration as critical to advancing the field of parasite-altered feeding behavior, which may be common in insects and consequential for human and environmental health.
Determining the behavioural dose–response relationship of marine mammals to air gun noise and source proximity
Authors: Dunlop Rebecca A. , Noad Michael J. , McCauley Robert D. , Scott-Hayward Lindsay , Kniest Eric , Slade Robert , Paton David , Cato Douglas H.
Published: August 2017

The effect of various anthropogenic sources of noise (e.g. sonar, seismic surveys) on the behaviour of marine mammals is sometimes quantified as a dose–response relationship, where the probability of an animal behaviourally ‘responding’ (e.g. avoiding the source) increases with ‘dose’ (or received level of noise). To do this, however, requires a definition of a ‘significant’ response (avoidance), which can be difficult to quantify. There is also the potential that the animal ‘avoids’ not only the source of noise but also the vessel operating the source, complicating the relationship. The proximity of the source is an important variable to consider in the response, yet difficult to account for given that received level and proximity are highly correlated. This study used the behavioural response of humpback whales to noise from two different air gun arrays (20 and 140 cubic inch air gun array) to determine whether a dose–response relationship existed. To do this, a measure of avoidance of the source was developed, and the magnitude (rather than probability) of this response was tested against dose. The proximity to the source, and the vessel itself, was included within the one-analysis model. Humpback whales were more likely to avoid the air gun arrays (but not the controls) within 3 km of the source at levels over 140 re. 1 µPa2 s−1, meaning that both the proximity and the received level were important factors and the relationship between dose (received level) and response is not a simple one.
Microvascular Vasodilator Plasticity After Acute Exercise
Authors: Robinson Austin T. , Fancher Ibra S. , Mahmoud Abeer M. , Phillips Shane A.
Published: August 2017

Endothelium-dependent vasodilation is reduced after acute exercise or after high intraluminal pressure in isolated arterioles from sedentary adults but not in arterioles from regular exercisers. The preserved vasodilation in arterioles from exercisers is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) dependent, whereas resting dilation is nitric oxide (NO) dependent. We hypothesize chronic exercise elicits adaptations allowing for maintained vasodilation when NO bioavailability is reduced.
Imaging in Sternal Tumours: A Pictorial Review
Authors: Singh Anuradha , Chandrashekhara Sheragaru Hanumanthappa , Triveni Gowramma Sannanaik , Kumar Pawan
Published: August 2017

The sternum is an uncommon site for neoplastic involvement and metastases are far commoner than primary neoplasms. Of the primary tumours, malignant lesions are more frequent than the benign lesions. Early diagnosis and treatment is prudent in such neoplasms not only to halt disease progression but also to prevent circulatory compromise resulting from the mass effect on the mediastinum. Sound knowledge of neoplasms affecting the sternum and their imaging appearance is essential to arrive at an early diagnosis and also to obviate biopsy in cases with classical imaging findings. Neoplastic involvement of the sternum is extremely unusual and should be considered malignant unless proven otherwise. Imaging may help in arriving at the diagnosis of these lesions, together with other factors such as patient's age, type of lesion (lytic/sclerotic or mixed), matrix mineralization, multiplicity and involvement of other sites.
Stable Matching for Dynamic Ride-Sharing Systems
Authors: Wang Xing , Agatz Niels , Erera Alan
Published: August 2017

Dynamic ride-sharing systems enable people to share rides and increase the efficiency of urban transportation by connecting riders and drivers on short notice. Automated systems that establish ride-share matches with minimal input from participants provide convenience and the most potential for system-wide performance improvement, such as reduction in total vehicle-miles traveled. Indeed, such systems may be designed to match riders and drivers to maximize system performance improvement. However, system-optimal matches may not provide the maximum benefit to each individual participant. In this paper, we consider a notion of stability for ride-share matches and present several mathematical programming methods to establish stable or nearly stable matches, where we note that ride-share matching optimization is performed over time with incomplete information. Our numerical experiments using travel demand data for the metropolitan Atlanta region show that we can significantly increase the stability of ride-share matching solutions at the cost of only a small degradation in system-wide performance.
Age-Related Changes in the Chorioretinal Junction: An Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Gupta Tulika , Saini Narbada , Arora Jasbir , Sahni Daisy
Published: August 2017

The chorioretinal junction comprises the retinal pigment epithelium, Bruch’s membrane (BM), and adjacent choroidal capillaries. Its significance lies in its ability to support the retina mechanically and metabolically. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to record the senescent changes affecting all the constituents of the chorioretinal junction in 40 histological specimens across the whole spectrum of the adult age range. This study included light microscopy, with hematoxylin and eosin and PAS stains, and fluorescent microscopy. Immunohistochemistry was done using antibodies against neurofilament, synaptophysin, S-100, and collagen IV. The descriptive microanatomy was corroborated by morphometry. The amount of melanin and lipofuscin granule and drusens were noted. The ratio of thickness of BM to capillary diameter reduced from 1:6 or less in the 2nd decade to 1:3 in the 10th decade. Complete hyalinization of intercapillary pillars was seen in the 10th decade. The accumulation of lipofuscin with age was documented with the diminution in the size of epithelial cells. The subepithelial accumulation of drusen was first noted in the specimen from the late 60s. We have described all senescent changes in the chorioretinal junction chronologically. Similar changes are found in a more pronounced form in age-related macular degeneration. These data might serve as a reference baseline for clinicians and pathologists.
Periodos de retorno de lluvias torrenciales para el estado de Tamaulipas, México
Authors: Gutiérrez Lozano Joel , Vargas Tristán Virginia , Romero Rodríguez Moisés , Plácido de la Cruz José Manuel , Aguirre Bortoni Manuel De Jesús , Silva Espinoza Hugo Tomás
Published: August 2017

En esta investigación se aplicó la función Gumbel a una base de datos de lluvias torrenciales, de 140 estaciones meteorológicas del estado de Tamaulipas, México. Las estaciones climatológicas se ubicaron con un geoposicionador (GPS) de calidad submétrica, cuya información se analizó en ambiente de sistemas de información geográfica (SIG). Las variables Z correspondieron a los periodos de retorno a 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 y 100 años. Los resultados mostraron que las áreas donde se puede esperar un máximo de precipitación diaria extrema se localizan en dos porciones del sur del estado de Tamaulipas, una pegada a la Costa del Golfo de México, en los municipios de Soto la Marina y Aldama y otra hacia la porción suroeste del estado en los municipios de Ocampo, Antiguo Morelos, Nuevo Morelos, Llera, Xicoténcatl y Gómez Farías, zonas consideradas de alto riesgo, debido a que se pudieran presentar lluvias torrenciales hasta de 335.4 en el mes de septiembre y de 407.3 mm a nivel anual.