bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct local building inundation depth determination in 3D point clouds generated from user-generated flood images
Authors: Griesbaum Luisa , Marx Sabrina , Höfle Bernhard
Published: March 2017

Abstract. In recent years, the number of people affected by flooding caused by extreme weather events has increased considerably. In order to provide support in disaster recovery or to develop mitigation plans, accurate flood information is necessary. Particularly pluvial urban floods, characterized by high temporal and spatial variations, are not well documented. This study proposes a new, low-cost approach to determining local flood elevation and inundation depth of buildings based on user-generated flood images. It first applies close-range digital photogrammetry to generate a geo-referenced 3D point cloud. Second, based on estimated camera orientation parameters, the flood level captured in a single flood image is mapped to the previously derived point cloud. The local flood elevation and the building inundation depth can then be derived automatically from the point cloud. The proposed method is carried out once for each of 66 different flood images showing the same building façade. An overall accuracy of 0.05 m  with an uncertainty of ±0.13 m for the derived flood elevation within the area of interest and an accuracy of 0.13 m  ± 0.10 m for the determined building inundation depth is achieved. Our results demonstrate that the proposed method can provide reliable flood information on a local scale using user-generated flood images as input. The approach can thus allow inundation depth maps to be derived even in complex urban environments with relatively high accuracies.
PRELIMINARY PAGES / PÁGINAS PRELIMINARES
Authors: Editors BSJ
Published: March 2017

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Reformas constitucionales y competencia política en Bolivia
Authors: Torrico Mario
Published: March 2017

El presente artículo explica  las  causas  y  efectos del cambio institucional en contextos políticos en los que no hay garantía sobre el cumplimiento estricto de las reglas. Analizando  la  reforma  política de 2005 que posibilitó (por primera vez) que en Bolivia los prefectos o gobernadores puedan ser elegidos por voto popular, se halla evidencia que indica que cuando hay crisis de legitimidad, las coaliciones declinantes impulsan cambios incluyentes que reducen sus futuras pérdidas electorales y no pueden ser revertidos por las coaliciones ascendentes que llegan al poder. No obstante, éstas intentan limitar el grado de inclusión de las reglas a través de cambios normativos de menor nivel que disminuyen la competencia política.
Goldstein, Daniel M. Owners of the Sidewalk: Security and Survival in the Informal City. xiv, 334 pages. Durham, NC.: Duke University Press, 2016. Print.
Authors: DeLoge Alana Nicole
Published: March 2017

Book Review / Reseña
Ficcionalización de Bolivia. La novela/leyenda del siglo diez i nueve 1847-1896. Compilación, estudio, notas y edición de Juan Pablo Soto J., con la colaboración de Máximo Pacheco B. 2 tomos. 2483 páginas. Cochabamba: S/e, 2016.
Authors: Unzueta Fernando
Published: March 2017

Book Review / Reseña
Undergraduate and Graduate Research and Creative Activities: Faculty’s evaluation, time commitment and perceived barriers
Authors: Beer Francisca , Thompson Jeffrey
Published: March 2017

This study evaluates faculty’s perception about research and creative activities conducted by both undergraduate and graduate students. Specifically, it examined the types of research and creative activities faculty are involved in, evaluated the time and effort involved in research and creative activities and reviewed the benefits for students and faculty engaged in research and creative activities. The findings outline some of the barriers faculty encounter in mentoring students but show that faculty members are aware of the benefits for students who engage in research and creative activities. However, they have difficulties promoting these activities due to paucity of time and resources.
First year students’ perceptions of their difficulties
Authors: Brooker Abi , Brooker Sarah , Lawrence Jeanette
Published: March 2017

Scholarly investigations of the first year experience identify various difficulties for students, yet few studies investigate how those difficulties relate to each other or how students’ appraisals help to overcome them. We asked two cohorts of first-year students (109 in 2013, and 98 in 2014) about their experiences with 11 commonly-cited difficulties. They used concept maps to make comparative judgements about their difficulties, appraised their biggest difficulty, and rated how they engaged with that difficulty. The students experienced multiple difficulties at a time. Time management, work load and others’ expectations were the most prevalent and biggest difficulties. Students who appraised their difficulties as challenging or benign were happier with how they addressed their difficulty than those who appraised difficulties as harmful or threatening. Implications include the benefits of addressing more prevalent issues, understanding that students face multiple difficulties, and helping students change their perspectives of their difficulties.
Trialling a 4th Generation Approach to the First Year Experience: The CommUniTI
Authors: Donnison Sharn , Penn-Edwards Sorrel , Greenaway Ruth , Horn Rosemary
Published: March 2017

In 2014, we developed a new approach to supporting first year students’ transition into higher education building on the work of Kift, Nelson, and Clarke (2010) whose 3rd Generation Approach is one of transition pedagogy foregrounded by a whole-of-institution transformation. Our 4th Generation Approach focuses on students’ social capital and extends the remit beyond the institution. Our approach recognises students’ social capital as an unexplored resource to be drawn upon to inform the membership of a Community of Practice (CoP). The CoP members collaboratively develop strategies to support the development of students’ important cultural capital, which we consider essential for successful transition. In 2015, we trialled the 4th Generation Approach with a Queensland regional university satellite campus. This paper reports on the implementation of the CoP as one element of the 4th Generation Approach and the important refinements required for future success.
Navigating social integration into university on Facebook: Insights from a longitudinal study
Authors: Barnes Naomi
Published: March 2017

This article reports on the experiences of 26 first year students as they record on Facebook snapshots of their experiences navigating social integration into university. There is still a substantial gap in student transition success research conceptually framed by the understanding that first year transition is about becoming. Transition as becoming expands current conceptions of transition by situating it within the real world rather than just within university. Facebook status updates were used as data because social media are integral to the life experiences of the young people and is a means to hypothesise where and how students were becoming university students. This article reports findings that acknowledge the tumultuous, cyclical, and chaotic experiences of first year students consistent with the idea that university is a part of a person’s becoming.
Editorial Volume 8, Issue 1 2017
Authors: Creagh Tracy , Nelson Karen , Clarke John
Published: March 2017

Welcome to the first issue of Student Success for 2017.  Following the tradition initiated in Volume 7, this editorial has two parts: The first part continues our objective of creating awareness of good practice in scholarly publishing in an Open Access (OA) forum.  Future editorials will briefly discuss other aspects and issues pertaining to the evolving scholarly publishing landscape that this journal adheres to, such as:  Creative Commons Licencing; Considerations of new peer review models and importantly; Measuring research impact in OA publishing.    The second part presents the usual editorial summary of the content of this issue.
A chronicle of just-in-time information: The secret to building first year university student wellbeing and resilience based on a three year initiative.
Authors: Taylor Donnalee
Published: March 2017

To date, little has been published on the provision of student-driven just-in-time information to support first year students. This chronicle of just-in-time curricular and extra-curricular student support information was designed early in 2014 and successfully disseminated to first year biomedical science students over three years at James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia. In 2016, the information was redeveloped to make the support information electronically available to a much broader student audience. This article provides a dissemination template of what just-in-time curricular and extra-curricular information is required by first year university students. In addition, it outlines how students’ need for this information was determined and how information was successfully created and disseminated over these three years to assist the students in their transition to and through university. The intention of this article is to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on student resilience and wellbeing and to provide a guide for anyone interested in supporting their students in a similar manner.
Husserlian Descriptive Phenomenology: A review of intentionality, reduction and the natural attitude
Authors: Christensen Martin , Welch Anthony , Barr Jennie
Published: March 2017

Background and aim: Descriptive phenomenology is widely used in social science research as a method to explore and describe the lived experience of individuals. It is a philosophy and a scientific method and has undertaken many variations as it has moved from the original European movement to include the American movement. The aim of this paper is to describe descriptive phenomenology in the tradition of Edmund Husserl. Integrative literature discussing the nature of descriptive phenomenology was used within this paper to elucidate the core fundamental principles of Husserlian descriptive phenomenology.Methods: This is a methodology paper that provides both an overview of the historical context and the development of descriptive phenomenology in the tradition of Husserl.Results and discussion: Descriptive phenomenology is explained from its historical underpinnings. The principles of the natural attitude, intentionality and the phenomenological reduction are described and using practical examples illustrate how each of these principles is applied within a research context.Conclusions: Understanding the key philosophical foundations of Husserlian descriptive phenomenology as a research method can be daunting to the uninitiated. This paper adds to the discussion around descriptive phenomenology and will assist and inform readers in understanding its key features as a research method.
Applying a balanced score card approach and Multi-Rater feedback strategy to shift from appraising to managing head nurses’ performance at general surgical units-Main Mansoura University Hospital-Egypt
Authors: Gheith Nervana Abdel-Rahman
Published: March 2017

Background and objective: Traditionally, performance appraisal is used to measure behaviors, procedures or actions taken as in head nurse performance plans. Applying balanced score card measures at the nursing administration department level with participating the findings with all nursing staff and patients will help administrators to get all information needed to match head nurses performance plans with nursing administration department as well as hospital goals which help in drawing full shape of performance. The objective was to apply balanced scorecard approach with 360-degree feedback strategy to shift from appraising to managing head nurses’ performance at general surgical units -Main Mansoura University Hospital-Egypt.Methods: Subjects: All supervisors (n = 12), head nurses (n = 10), staff nurses (n = 96) working in general surgical units and all available patients admitted to these units at the time of study (n = 113) were included. Tools: Eight tools that were used for data collection involved feedback questionnaires for patients, head nurses, staff nurses and supervisors, observational checklist, activity analysis checklist, auditing performance appraisal form, and auditing personnel decisions form.Results: There was a statistically significant difference between head nurses, staff nurses and supervisors’ perspectives from one side and among patients’ perspectives from the other side regarding the performance of head nurses’ in general surgical units. In addition, nearly of third of head nurses’ time spent in unclassified activities. However, none of personnel decisions depended on performance appraisal outcomes.Conclusions: The results of the present study indicated that the methods used to measure head nurses’ performance in general surgical units at Main Mansoura University Hospital were not integrated or depend on clear work standards to develop and improve the performance of Head Nurses (HNs).
Development and implementation of a national service learning experience with baccalaureate nursing students: Supporting development of cultural awareness
Authors: Thomas Catherine S. , Konieczny Leona
Published: March 2017

This case study report provides an overview of a pilot program comprised of the concept and the value of service learning, a discussion of the development process and implementation, and shares the experiences of both the baccalaureate nursing students and faculty. This pilot program provided the opportunity for students to embody the values of the mission of the university which is centered on the development of thoughtful and responsible citizens. The department of nursing mission is congruent with this pursuit. Both missions reinforce the importance of providing students with varied opportunities to make socially significant contributions. This pilot supported the students’ journey in incorporating related program outcomes of social justice with diverse population as a caring nursing professional. Providing care to residents in a culturally and geographically different location within the United States promoted a deeper understanding of cultural awareness and sensitivity and development of nursing identity. This case study discusses the implementation of the pilot which included student orientation, direct care at a mobile health clinic, and post clinic debriefings. Student feedback and faculty evaluation verified this was a positive and valuable service learning opportunity, which resulted in the decision to continue a national service learning experience annually.
Preliminary results of monitoring studies on macrophytes in the area of brine discharge from the creation of gas storage caverns (Puck Bay, Baltic)
Authors: Brzeska-Roszczyk Paulina , Kruk-Dowgiałło Lidia
Published: March 2017

The coastal zone of the Puck Bay (near Mechelinki cottage), located in the area protected within Natura 2000 network (Puck Bay and Hel Peninsula PLH 220032), is subjected to the influence of two media – wastewaters discharged through a collector of the sewage treatment plant in Dębogórze and brine effluent discharged by means of a pipeline as a result of construction of the underground gas storage – UGS Kosakowo. The results of the monitoring studies in 2009, 2012 and 2015 have shown that after 40 years, macrophytes were again noted in the area (in 2012 and 2015). They occur in small amounts, but slightly increase their bottom coverage. It indicates the improvement of the environment state in the area being under pressure of two media, and also points indirectly, that environmentally friendly technical solutions were applied for discharge of the effluents.
April 2017 Problems
Authors: Pelikan Stephan , DeJarnette Anna F. , Phelps Stephen
Published: March 2017

A monthly set of problems is aimed at a variety of ability levels.
A STEM Exploration with Gears
Authors: Deis Timothy , Julius Julie
Published: March 2017

Larry, Moe, and Curly were comedians in the 1930s. Individually, they were competent comedians; as a team, they became The Three Stooges. This team is still recognized today for its slapstick comedy. Science, engineering, and mathematics are fields that many students see as separate entities. But if these fields are combined with technology, they become STEM. In its core policy recommendations, the STEM Education Coalition states:
Making a Picture Frame
Authors: Metz James
Published: March 2017

A real-world problem discusses producing various sizes of picture frames.
Clinical and Microbiological Characteristics of Bacteroides Prosthetic Joint Infections
Authors: Shah Neel , Osmon Douglas , Tande Aaron J. , Steckelberg James , Sierra Rafael , Walker Randall , Berbari Elie F.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients with Bacteroides prosthetic joint infection (PJI) have not been well described in the literature. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to assess the outcome of patients with Bacteroides PJI and to review risk factors associated with failure of therapy. Between 1/1969 and 12/2012, 20 episodes of Bacteroides PJI in 17 patients were identified at our institution. The mean age of the patients in this cohort at the time of diagnosis was 55.6 years; 59% (n=10) had knee involvement. Twenty four percent (n=4) had diabetes mellitus, and 24% had a history of either gastrointestinal (GI) or genitourinary (GU) pathology prior to the diagnosis of PJI. Thirty five percent (n=6) were immunosuppressed. The initial medical/surgical strategy was resection arthroplasty (n=9, 50%) or debridement and implant retention (n=5, 28%). Thirty seven percent (n=7) were treated with metronidazole. Eighty percent (n=4) of patients that failed therapy had undergone debridement and retention of their prosthesis, as compared to none of those treated with resection arthroplasty. Seventy percent (n=14) of patient episodes were infection free at their last date of follow up. In conclusion, a significant proportion of patients with Bacteroides PJI are immunosuppressed and have an underlying GI or GU tract pathology. Retention and debridement of the prosthesis is associated with a higher risk of treatment failure.
Oncometabolite D-2-Hydroxyglutarate enhances gene silencing through inhibition of specific H3K36 histone demethylases
Authors: Janke Ryan , Iavarone Anthony T , Rine Jasper
Published: March 2017

Certain mutations affecting central metabolism cause accumulation of the oncometabolite D-2-hydroxyglutarate which promotes progression of certain tumors. High levels of D-2-hydroxyglutarate inhibit the TET family of DNA demethylases and Jumonji family of histone demethylases and cause epigenetic changes that lead to altered gene expression. The link between inhibition of DNA demethylation and changes in expression is strong in some cancers, but not in others. To determine whether D-2-hydroxyglutarate can affect gene expression through inhibiting histone demethylases, orthologous mutations to those known to cause accumulation of D-2-hydroxyglutarate in tumors were generated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which has histone demethylases but not DNA methylases or demethylases. Accumulation of D-2-hydroxyglutarate caused inhibition of several histone demethylases. Inhibition of two of the demethylases that act specifically on histone H3K36me2,3 led to enhanced gene silencing. These observations pinpointed a new mechanism by which this oncometabolite can alter gene expression, perhaps repressing critical inhibitors of proliferation.
Action of CMG with strand-specific DNA blocks supports an internal unwinding mode for the eukaryotic replicative helicase
Authors: Langston Lance , O’Donnell Mike
Published: March 2017

Replicative helicases are ring-shaped hexamers that encircle DNA for duplex unwinding. The currently accepted view of hexameric helicase function is by steric exclusion, where the helicase encircles one DNA strand and excludes the other, acting as a wedge with an external DNA unwinding point during translocation. Accordingly, strand-specific blocks only affect these helicases when placed on the tracking strand, not the excluded strand. We examined the effect of blocks on the eukaryotic CMG and, contrary to expectations, blocks on either strand inhibit CMG unwinding. A recent cryoEM structure of yeast CMG shows that duplex DNA enters the helicase and unwinding occurs in the central channel. The results of this report inform important aspects of the structure, and we propose that CMG functions by a modified steric exclusion process in which both strands enter the helicase and the duplex unwinding point is internal, followed by exclusion of the non-tracking strand.
Insights into electrosensory organ development, physiology and evolution from a lateral line-enriched transcriptome
Authors: Modrell Melinda S , Lyne Mike , Carr Adrian R , Zakon Harold H , Buckley David , Campbell Alexander S , Davis Marcus C , Micklem Gos , Baker Clare VH
Published: March 2017

The anamniote lateral line system, comprising mechanosensory neuromasts and electrosensory ampullary organs, is a useful model for investigating the developmental and evolutionary diversification of different organs and cell types. Zebrafish neuromast development is increasingly well understood, but neither zebrafish nor Xenopus is electroreceptive and our molecular understanding of ampullary organ development is rudimentary. We have used RNA-seq to generate a lateral line-enriched gene-set from late-larval paddlefish (Polyodon spathula). Validation of a subset reveals expression in developing ampullary organs of transcription factor genes critical for hair cell development, and genes essential for glutamate release at hair cell ribbon synapses, suggesting close developmental, physiological and evolutionary links between non-teleost electroreceptors and hair cells. We identify an ampullary organ-specific proneural transcription factor, and candidates for the voltage-sensing L-type Cav channel and rectifying Kv channel predicted from skate (cartilaginous fish) ampullary organ electrophysiology. Overall, our results illuminate ampullary organ development, physiology and evolution.
Environment determines evolutionary trajectory in a constrained phenotypic space
Authors: Fraebel David T , Mickalide Harry , Schnitkey Diane , Merritt Jason , Kuhlman Thomas E , Kuehn Seppe
Published: March 2017

Constraints on phenotypic variation limit the capacity of organisms to adapt to the multiple selection pressures encountered in natural environments. To better understand evolutionary dynamics in this context, we select Escherichia coli for faster migration through a porous environment, a process which depends on both motility and growth. We find that a trade-off between swimming speed and growth rate constrains the evolution of faster migration. Evolving faster migration in rich medium results in slow growth and fast swimming, while evolution in minimal medium results in fast growth and slow swimming. In each condition parallel genomic evolution drives adaptation through different mutations. We show that the trade-off is mediated by antagonistic pleiotropy through mutations that affect negative regulation. A model of the evolutionary process shows that the genetic capacity of an organism to vary traits can qualitatively depend on its environment, which in turn alters its evolutionary trajectory.
JAOA/AACOM. Residency Program Directors’ Interview Methods and Satisfaction With Resident Selection Across Multiple Specialties
Authors: VanOrder Tonya , Robbins Wayne , Zemper Eric
Published: March 2017

Context: Competition for postdoctoral training positions is at an all-time high, and residency program directors continue to have little direction when it comes to structuring an effective interview process. Objectives: To examine whether a relationship existed between interview methods used and program director satisfaction with resident selection decisions and whether programs that used methods designed to assess candidate personal characteristics were more satisfied with their decisions. Methods: Residency directors from the Statewide Campus System at the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine were invited to complete a 20-item survey regarding their recent interview methods and proportion of resident selections later regretted. Data analyses examined relationships between interview methods used, frequency of personal characteristics evaluated, and subsequent satisfaction with selected residents. Results: Of the 186 program director surveys distributed, 83 (44.6%) were returned, representing 11 clinical specialty areas. In total, 69 responses (83.1%) were from programs accredited by the American Osteopathic Association only, and 14 (16.9%) were from programs accredited dually by the American Osteopathic Association and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. The most frequent interview method reported was faculty or peer resident interview. No statistically significant correlational relationships were found between type of interview methods used and subsequent satisfaction with selected residents, either within or across clinical specialties. Although program directors rated ethical behavior/honesty as the most highly prioritized characteristic in residents, 27 (32.5%) reported using a specific interview method to assess this trait. Program directors reported later regrets concerning nearly 1 of every 12 resident selection decisions. Conclusion: The perceived success of an osteopathic residency program’s interview process does not appear to be related to methods used and is not distinctively different from that of programs dually accredited. The findings suggest that it may not be realistic to aim for standardization of a common set of best interview methods or ideal personal characteristics for all programs. Each residency program’s optimal interview process is likely unique, more dependent on analyzing why some resident selections are regretted and developing an interview process designed to assess for specific desirable and unwanted characteristics.
JAOA/AACOM. Does Including Public Health Students on Interprofessional Teams Increase Attainment of Interprofessional Practice Competencies?
Authors: Duffy Pamela Ann , Ronnebaum Julie A. , Stumbo Teri A. , Smith Kari Nies , Reimer Rachel A.
Published: March 2017

Context: Interprofessional education (IPE) creates dynamic experiential learning that can address social determinants of health that influence health outcomes. Objective: To examine the effects of including public health students on IPE teams on the interprofessional practice domain constructs (values/ethics, roles/responsibilities, interprofessional communication, and teams and teamwork). Methods: This single-case, mixed-methods study was performed using a grounded theory approach. Students from 8 graduate health sciences programs participated in an asynchronous, 6-week, online IPE learning activity. Three of the 4 interprofessional practice domain constructs were examined as outcome variables: participants’ biomedical vs biopsychosocial patient approach (values/ethics); reported change in attitudes, beliefs, or values about other health professions (roles/responsibilities); and anticipated changes in future professional behaviors/ interactions/approaches (teams and teamwork). Predictor variables were having an MPH participant on the IPE team, participants’ enrollment in a clinical or nonclinical program, and student perception of the online format (interprofessional communication). Results: Three hundred nineteen students were included, 261 from clinical and 58 from nonclinical programs. A significant association was found between having an MPH participant on the IPE teams and participants’ awareness of the influence of social determinants of health (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.13-3.66; P<.05). Program type was also significantly associated with awareness of the influence of social determinants of health, such that participants in nonclinical programs were significantly more likely to report the importance of social determinants of health in the care plan (OR, 3.68; 95% CI, 1.38-9.84; P<.01). Participants were significantly less likely to report future behavior change if they were in clinical programs (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.23-0.86; P<.05) or if they disliked the online format (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.14-0.42; P<.01). The model fit the data well (χ2 3 = 30.80; P<.001). Conclusion: Inclusion of MPH students on IPE teams has the potential to increase clinical participants’ awareness of the influence of social determinants of health and interest in incorporating a biopsychosocial approach to health care.
Isolated guitar transcription using a deep belief network
Authors: Burlet Gregory , Hindle Abram
Published: March 2017

Music transcription involves the transformation of an audio recording to common music notation, colloquially referred to as sheet music. Manually transcribing audio recordings is a difficult and time-consuming process, even for experienced musicians. In response, several algorithms have been proposed to automatically analyze and transcribe the notes sounding in an audio recording; however, these algorithms are often general-purpose, attempting to process any number of instruments producing any number of notes sounding simultaneously. This paper presents a polyphonic transcription algorithm that is constrained to processing the audio output of a single instrument, specifically an acoustic guitar. The transcription system consists of a novel note pitch estimation algorithm that uses a deep belief network and multi-label learning techniques to generate multiple pitch estimates for each analysis frame of the input audio signal. Using a compiled dataset of synthesized guitar recordings for evaluation, the algorithm described in this work results in an 11% increase in the f-measure of note transcriptions relative to Zhou et al.’s (2009) transcription algorithm in the literature. This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of deep, multi-label learning for the task of polyphonic transcription.
Phase field model of fluid‐driven fracture in elastic media: Immersed‐fracture formulation and validation with analytical solutions
Authors: Santillán David , Juanes Ruben , Cueto‐Felgueroso Luis
Published: March 2017

Propagation of fluid‐driven fractures plays an important role in natural and engineering processes, including transport of magma in the lithosphere, geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide, and oil and gas recovery from low‐permeability formations, among many others. The simulation of fracture propagation poses a computational challenge as a result of the complex physics of fracture and the need to capture disparate length scales. Phase field models represent fractures as a diffuse interface and enjoy the advantage that fracture nucleation, propagation, branching, or twisting can be simulated without ad hoc computational strategies like remeshing or local enrichment of the solution space. Here we propose a new quasi‐static phase field formulation for modeling fluid‐driven fracturing in elastic media at small strains. The approach fully couples the fluid flow in the fracture (described via the Reynolds lubrication approximation) and the deformation of the surrounding medium. The flow is solved on a lower dimensionality mesh immersed in the elastic medium. This approach leads to accurate coupling of both physics. We assessed the performance of the model extensively by comparing results for the evolution of fracture length, aperture, and fracture fluid pressure against analytical solutions under different fracture propagation regimes. The excellent performance of the numerical model in all regimes builds confidence in the applicability of phase field approaches to simulate fluid‐driven fracture.
Spatial‐temporal evolutions of early aftershocks following the 2013 Mw 6.6 Lushan earthquake in Sichuan, China
Authors: Wu Jing , Yao Dongdong , Meng Xiaofeng , Peng Zhigang , Su Jinrong , Long Feng
Published: March 2017

We perform a comprehensive detection of early aftershocks following the 2013 Mw 6.6 Lushan earthquake, which occurred in the southern Longmenshan Fault Zone in Sichuan Province, China, about 5 years after the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake. We use events in both standard and relocated catalogs as templates to scan through continuous waveforms 2 days before and 3 days after the main shock. We successfully reduce the magnitude of completeness Mc by more than 1 order and obtain up to 6 times more events than listed in both catalogs. Aftershocks in the first hour mostly occur around the main shock slip region, and aftershocks at later times show systematic expansions in the along‐strike, perpendicular‐strike, and updip directions. Although postseismic deformation following the Lushan main shock has not been clearly identified, we suggest that early aftershock expansions are likely driven by afterslip of the Lushan main shock. This is consistent with the observations that most aftershocks were in the stress shadow of the Lushan main shock and that there was significant slip deficit in the top 10 km of the crust. We also find that seismicity on the back thrust fault was activated as soon as 20 min after the main shock, earlier than previously reported. We are unable to detect any clear foreshocks in the last 2 days before the Lushan main shock.
Dietary Intake of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Pain in Spite of Inflammatory Control Among Methotrexate‐Treated Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Lourdudoss Cecilia , Di Giuseppe Daniela , Wolk Alicja , Westerlind Helga , Klareskog Lars , Alfredsson Lars , van Vollenhoven Ronald F. , Lampa Jon
Published: March 2017

Objective

To investigate potential associations between dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (FAs) and pain patterns in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients after 3 months of methotrexate (MTX) treatment.

Methods

We included 591 early RA patients with MTX monotherapy from a population‐based prospective case–control study, the Epidemiological Investigation of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Dietary data on polyunsaturated FAs (food frequency questionnaires) were linked with data on unacceptable pain (visual analog scale [VAS] >40 mm), noninflammatory/refractory pain (VAS >40 mm and C‐reactive protein [CRP] level <10 mg/liter), and inflammatory pain (VAS >40 mm and CRP level >10 mg/liter) after 3 months. Statistical analysis included logistic regression.

Results

After 3 months of MTX treatment, 125 patients (21.2%) had unacceptable pain, of which 92 patients had refractory pain, and 33 patients had inflammatory pain. Omega‐3 FA intake was inversely associated with unacceptable pain and refractory pain (odds ratio [OR] 0.57 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.35–0.95] and OR 0.47 [95% CI 0.26–0.84], respectively). The omega‐6:omega‐3 FA ratio, but not omega‐6 FA alone, was directly associated with unacceptable pain and refractory pain (OR 1.70 [95% CI 1.03–2.82] and OR 2.33 [95% CI 1.28–4.24], respectively). Furthermore, polyunsaturated FAs were not associated with either inflammatory pain or CRP level and erythrocyte sedimentation rate at followup. Omega‐3 FA supplementation was not associated with any pain patterns.

Conclusion

Omega‐3 FA was inversely associated with, and the omega‐6:omega‐3 FA ratio was directly associated with, unacceptable and refractory pain, but not with inflammatory pain or systemic inflammation. The inverse association between omega‐3 FA and refractory pain may have a role in pain suppression in RA.
Enhanced Biological Activity of BMP‐2 Bound to Surface‐Grafted Heparan Sulfate
Authors: Migliorini Elisa , Horn Patrick , Haraszti Tamás , Wegner Seraphine V. , Hiepen Christian , Knaus Petra , Richter Ralf P. , Cavalcanti‐Adam Elisabetta Ada
Published: March 2017

Over the last decade, there has been a growing interest in the development of new materials to improve bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) delivery for tissue regeneration. This study reports the development and application of model surfaces that present BMP‐2 via heparan sulfate (HS), a ubiquitous component of the extracellular matrix (ECM). On these surfaces, HS is grafted by its reducing end, to mimic the natural arrangement of HS proteoglycans in the ECM. The binding of each component on these biomimetic surfaces is highly controlled, in terms of stoichiometry of molecules and BMP‐2/grafted‐HS affinity, as determined by surface‐sensitive techniques. For comparison, this study also uses surfaces presenting immobilized BMP‐2 alone. Functional validations of the surfaces are performed using a murine myoblast cell line (C2C12) and primary human mesenchymal stromal cells. In both cell types, HS‐bound BMP‐2 and surface‐immobilized BMP‐2 significantly prolong SMAD 1/5 phosphorylation, compared to BMP‐2 added to the culture media. Moreover, HS‐bound BMP‐2 enhances p‐SMAD 1/5 levels in C2C12 cells and reduces noggin antagonistic activity. Thus, grafted HS positively affects BMP‐2 cellular activity. This innovative surface design, which mimics natural interactions of growth factors with ECM components, constitutes a promising candidate for future regenerative medicine applications.
Recent Progress on Piezoelectric and Triboelectric Energy Harvesters in Biomedical Systems
Authors: Zheng Qiang , Shi Bojing , Li Zhou , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: March 2017

Implantable medical devices (IMDs) have become indispensable medical tools for improving the quality of life and prolonging the patient's lifespan. The minimization and extension of lifetime are main challenges for the development of IMDs. Current innovative research on this topic is focused on internal charging using the energy generated by the physiological environment or natural body activity. To harvest biomechanical energy efficiently, piezoelectric and triboelectric energy harvesters with sophisticated structural and material design have been developed. Energy from body movement, muscle contraction/relaxation, cardiac/lung motions, and blood circulation is captured and used for powering medical devices. Other recent progress in this field includes using PENGs and TENGs for our cognition of the biological processes by biological pressure/strain sensing, or direct intervention of them for some special self‐powered treatments. Future opportunities lie in the fabrication of intelligent, flexible, stretchable, and/or fully biodegradable self‐powered medical systems for monitoring biological signals and treatment of various diseases in vitro and in vivo.
Localization lifetime of a many‐body system with periodic constructed disorder
Authors: Schecter Michael , Shapiro Michael , Dykman Mark I.
Published: March 2017

We show that, in a many‐body system, all particles can be strongly confined to the initially occupied sites for a time that scales as a high power of the ratio of the bandwidth of site energies to the hopping amplitude. Such time‐domain formulation is complementary to the formulation of the many‐body localization of all stationary states with a large localization length. The long localization lifetime is achieved by constructing a periodic sequence of site energies with a large period in a one‐dimensional chain. The scaling of the localization lifetime is independent of the number of particles for a broad range of the coupling strength. The analytical results are confirmed by numerical calculations.

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Copper‐Catalyzed [2+2+2] Modular Synthesis of Multisubstituted Pyridines: Alkenylation of Nitriles with Vinyliodonium Salts
Authors: Sheng Jinyu , Wang Yong , Su Xiang , He Ru , Chen Chao
Published: March 2017

A [2+2+2] modular synthesis of multisubstituted pyridines, with excellent regioselectivity, has been realized by copper catalysisand involves three distinct components: vinyliodonium salts, nitriles, and alkynes. The reactions proceeded with the facile formation of an aza‐butadienylium intermediate by alkenylation of the nitrile with a vinyliodonium salt. Moreover, the alkynes in the reaction were extended to alkenes, which are an advantage of expense and relative scarceness of alkynes.
Completely Recyclable Monomers and Polycarbonate: Approach to Sustainable Polymers
Authors: Liu Ye , Zhou Hui , Guo Jia‐Zhi , Ren Wei‐Min , Lu Xiao‐Bing
Published: March 2017

It is of great significance to depolymerize used or waste polymers to recover the starting monomers suitable for repolymerization reactions that reform recycled materials no different from the virgin polymer. Herein, we report a novel recyclable plastic: degradable polycarbonate synthesized by dinuclear chromium‐complex‐mediated copolymerization of CO2 with 1‐benzyloxycarbonyl‐3,4‐epoxy pyrrolidine, a meso‐epoxide. Notably, the novel polycarbonate with more than 99 % carbonate linkages could be recycled back into the epoxide monomer in quantitative yield under mild reaction conditions. Remarkably, the copolymerization/depolymerization processes can be achieved by the ON/OFF reversible temperature switch, and recycled several times without any change in the epoxide monomer and copolymer. These characteristics accord well with the concept of perfectly sustainable polymers.
Single crystals of crystalline block copolymers formed in n‐hexanol and methanol/DMF solutions: A comparative study
Authors: Zhuo Wangqian , Li Yanming , Zhang Runke , Huang Runsheng , Zhou Jie , Tong Zaizai , Jiang Guohua
Published: March 2017

Lamellar single crystals of poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL)‐based crystalline/liquid‐crystalline block copolymer (BCP) were prepared from two methods: solution crystallization in n‐hexanol as well as addition of methanol dropwise to BCP/DMF solution. The crystalline morphologies of PCL single crystals prepared at different temperatures were investigated. It was observed that well‐developed single crystals were formed in n‐hexanol at high crystallization temperatures, while low crystallization temperatures favored to fabricate well‐developed nanosheets in methanol/DMF. Annealing at the melting temperature of single crystals yielded the crystalline seeds and unimers in n‐hexanol, while it formed spherical micelles in methanol/DMF system. As a result, the size of single crystals in n‐hexanol could be tuned by addition of different ratios of unimer/seed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45089.
Organizations as Open Systems That Need Purpose and Integrated Thinking
Authors: Hurth Victoria
Published: March 2017

The world is changing more rapidly than ever. Here, Victoria Hurth, Associate Professor in Marketing and Business Sustainability at Plymouth University UK, discusses the extent to which the role of the organization has to change within it.
Toward a Requisite Board Competencies Matrix
Authors: Kravatzky Axel
Published: March 2017

Having a competent board is vital to every organization, but what does that mean? Here, Axel Kravatzky—in the first of a two‐part article—examines the necessary collective and individual competencies and advances in the design and use of Board Competency matrices.
First Neutral and Cationic Tungsten Imido Alkylidene N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes
Authors: Imbrich Dominik A. , Elser Iris , Frey Wolfgang , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: March 2017

The synthesis of W(NAr′)(NHC)(=CHR)(2,5‐Me2pyr)2 (1; Ar′: 2,6‐iPr2C6H3; NHC: 1,3‐diisopropylimidazol‐2‐ylidene; 2,5‐Me2pyr: 2,5‐dimethylpyrrolide; R: CMe2Ph), W(NAr′)(NHC)(=CHR)(2,5‐Me2pyr)(OC6F5) (2), W(NAr′)(NHC)(=CHR)(OSiPh3)2 (3), [W(NAr′)(NHC)(=CHR)(OSiPh3))(MeCN)+][B(ArF)4−] (4; B(ArF)4−: B(3,5‐(CF3)2C6H3)4−), [W(NAr′)(NHC)(=CHR)(2,5‐Me2pyr))+][B(ArF)4−] (5), [W(NAr′)(NHC)(=CHR)(OC6F5))(tBuCN)+][B(ArF)4−] (6), W(NAr′)(NHC)(=CHR)(OtBu)2 (7), [W(NAr′)(NHC)(=CHR)(OtBu)+][B(ArF)4−] (8), and W(NAr′)(NHC)(=CHR)(OCMe(CF3)2)2 (9) is described, and the reactivity of the complexes in olefin metathesis and cyclopolymerization is reported. The cationic complexes 4, 5, and 6 showed high productivity and activity in olefin metathesis reactions, with turnover numbers of up to 40 000 and turnover frequencies (TOF5min) of up to 31 s−1, and also substantial functional group tolerance toward esters, nitriles, alcohols, and sulfides, particularly in the cyclopolymerization of α,ω‐diynes.
Mammal responses to human footprint vary with spatial extent but not with spatial grain
Authors: Toews Mary , Juanes Francis , Burton A. Cole
Published: March 2017

Ecological patterns and processes can vary with scale, causing uncertainty when applying small‐scale or single‐scale studies to regional or global management decisions. Conducting research at large extents and across multiple scales can require additional time and effort, but may prove necessary if it uncovers novel patterns or processes. Knowing the degree to which patterns vary between spatial extents and grains can provide insight into the importance of considering scale, particularly in applied research. Across multiple spatial scales, we evaluated variation in the strength and direction of large mammal responses to human footprint, a measure of human infrastructure (e.g., roads, buildings) and landscape change (e.g., agriculture, forestry). We focused on the response of five boreal mammals: gray wolf (Canis lupus), Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis), coyote (Canis latrans), white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and moose (Alces alces). Firstly, we asked how responses measured at the regional extent of the boreal forest of Alberta (approximately 400,000 km2) compared to those measured at a nested subregional extent (40,000 km2) and to those reported in previous studies conducted at smaller spatial extents (median 2400 km2, mean 46,993 km2). Secondly, we tested whether responses differed across three spatial grains of measurement (250 m, 1500 m, or 5000 m radii) at the regional extent. Using the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute's snowtrack survey data (2001–2013) and human footprint map, we created a set of generalized linear mixed‐effects models for each species, which related relative abundance to individual and cumulative effects of human footprint and compared these using an information theoretic approach. We found variation across spatial extents in both direction and strength of estimated mammal responses to human footprint, suggesting that some patterns are scale‐dependent. This reinforces the need for regional studies to complement those conducted at smaller extents in order to fully understand, and thus manage for, the impacts of human footprint on mammalian biodiversity. By contrast, we found little variation in direction and strength of responses across spatial grains, indicating that analyses across multiple grain sizes may be of less importance than those conducted across multiple spatial extents.