bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An inverse backward problem for degenerate parabolic equations
Authors: Yang Liu , Deng Zui‐Cha
Published: May 2017

This work studies the inverse problem of reconstructing an initial value function in the degenerate parabolic equation using the final measurement data. Problems of this type have important applications in the field of financial engineering. Being different from other inverse backward parabolic problems, the mathematical model in our article may be allowed to degenerate at some part of boundaries, which may lead to the corresponding boundary conditions missing. The conditional stability of the solution is obtained using the logarithmic convexity method. A finite difference scheme is constructed to solve the direct problem and the corresponding stability and convergence are proved. The Landweber iteration algorithm is applied to the inverse problem and some typical numerical experiments are also performed in the paper. The numerical results show that the proposed method is stable and the unknown initial value is recovered very well.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 1900–1923, 2017
Numerical approximation using evolution PDE variational splines
Authors: Kouibia Abdelouahed , Pasadas Miguel , Belhaj Zakaria
Published: May 2017

This article deals with a numerical approximation method using an evolutionary partial differential equation (PDE) by discrete variational splines in a finite element space. To formulate the problem, we need an evolutionary PDE equation with respect to the time and the position, certain boundary conditions and a set of approximating points. We show the existence and uniqueness of the solution and we study a computational method to compute such a solution. Moreover, we established a convergence result with respect to the time and the position. We provided several numerical and graphic examples of approximation in order to show the validity and effectiveness of the presented method.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 34: 5–18, 2018
The ratio of pericardial to subcutaneous adipose tissues is associated with insulin resistance
Authors: Alman Amy C. , Smith Steven R. , Eckel Robert H. , Hokanson John E. , Burkhardt Brant R. , Sudini Preethi R. , Wu Yougui , Schauer Irene E. , Pereira Rocio I. , Snell‐Bergeon Janet K.
Published: May 2017

Objective

To examine the association between pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) and the ratio of PAT to subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) with insulin resistance in adults with and without type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods

Data for this report came from a substudy of the Coronary Artery Calcification in Type 1 Diabetes cohort (n = 83; 38 with T1D, 45 without T1D). Insulin resistance was measured by hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) was used to measure visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and SAT. PAT was measured from CT scans of the heart.

Results

PAT and the ratio of PAT to SAT was higher in males compared to females. After adjustment for demographics, diabetes, blood pressure and lipid factors, BMI, VAT, and log PAT/SAT ratio, log PAT was positively associated with the glucose infusion rate (GIR) in females only (β = 3.36 ± 1.96, P = 0.097, P for sex interaction = 0.055). Conversely, the log PAT/SAT ratio was significantly associated with decreased GIR in both males and females (β = −2.08 ± 1.03, P = 0.047, P for sex interaction = 0.768).

Conclusions

A significant association between the PAT/SAT ratio and insulin resistance was found, independent of BMI, VAT, and PAT. These results highlight the importance of considering fat distribution independent of volume.
Antibacterial effect and biodegradation of electrosynthesized polymethylolacrylamide films
Authors: Kolzunova Lidia
Published: May 2017

Antibacterial effects of electrosynthesized polymethylolacrylamide films to Staphylococcus aureus and marine biological organisms have been detected. The maximal effect of bacteria growth suppression is observed for freshly prepared samples during 7–14 days. Biocide influence of the films maintained up to 45 days. The toxicity depends on the polymer composition, method of its pretreatment, and duration of exposure to a biological object. It was shown that the antiseptic properties were imparted to the polymer material by formaldehyde as both sorbed by the polymer and included into the polymer chain. It is established that the polymer waste could be utilized by microbial destruction. The toxicological effect of the polymethylolacrylamide films could be applied both in medicine (antiseptic materials and implants) and for protection of equipment against biopollution and biocorrosion and for partial sterilization of organic solutions during baromembrane filtration. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:716–721, 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Design and development of a semi‐autonomous agricultural vineyard sprayer: Human–robot interaction aspects
Authors: Adamides George , Katsanos Christos , Constantinou Ioannis , Christou Georgios , Xenos Michalis , Hadzilacos Thanasis , Edan Yael
Published: May 2017

This article presents the design aspects and development processes to transform a general‐purpose mobile robotic platform into a semi‐autonomous agricultural robot sprayer focusing on user interfaces for teleoperation. The hardware and the software modules that must be installed onto the system are described, with particular emphasis on human–robot interaction. Details of the technology are given focusing on the user interface aspects. Two laboratory experiments and two studies in the field to evaluate the usability of the user interface provide evidence for the increased usability of a prototype robotic system. Specifically, the study aimed to empirically evaluate the type of target selection input device mouse and digital pen outperformed Wiimote in terms of usability. A field experiment evaluated the effect of three design factors: (a) type of screen output, (b) number of views, (c) type of robot control input device. Results showed that participants were significantly more effective but less efficient when they had multiple views, than when they had a single view. PC keyboard was also found to significantly outperform PS3 gamepad in terms of interaction efficiency and perceived usability. Heuristic evaluations of different user interfaces were also performed using research‐based HRI heuristics. Finally, a study on participants’ overall user experience found that the system was evaluated positively on the User Experience Questionnaire scales.
Efficient in‐field plant phenomics for row‐crops with an autonomous ground vehicle
Authors: Underwood James , Wendel Alexander , Schofield Brooke , McMurray Larn , Kimber Rohan
Published: May 2017

The scientific areas of plant genomics and phenomics are capable of improving plant productivity, yet they are limited by the manual labor that is currently required to perform in‐field measurement, and a lack of technology for measuring the physical performance of crops growing in the field. A variety of sensor technology has the potential to efficiently measure plant characteristics that are related to production. Recent advances have also shown that autonomous airborne and manually driven ground‐based sensor platforms provide practical mechanisms for deploying the sensors in the field. This paper advances the state‐of‐the‐art by developing and rigorously testing an efficient system for high throughput in‐field agricultural row‐crop phenotyping. The system comprises an autonomous unmanned ground‐vehicle robot for data acquisition and an efficient data post‐processing framework to provide phenotype information over large‐scale real‐world plant‐science trials. Experiments were performed at three trial locations at two different times of year, resulting in a total traversal of 43.8 km to scan 7.24 hectares and 2423 plots (including repeated scans). The height and canopy closure data were found to be highly repeatable (r2 = 1.00 N = 280, r2 = 0.99 N = 280, respectively) and accurate with respect to manually gathered field data (r2 = 0.95 N = 470, r2 = 0.91 N = 361, respectively), yet more objective and less‐reliant on human skill and experience. The system was found to be a more labor‐efficient mechanism for gathering data, which compares favorably to current standard manual practices.
Resilience in Complex Systems: An Agent‐Based Approach
Authors: Pumpuni‐Lenss Gloria , Blackburn Timothy , Garstenauer Andreas
Published: May 2017

This paper presents results from a research project on the behavior of complex systems after they experience disruptive events that impact their performance. As systems become more complex, the probability increases that they will exhibit emergent behavior that could lead to system failures or widespread and prolonged service interruptions. A complex adaptive system (CAS) approach is used to conceptualize a complex network system that has been impacted by disruptions and perturbations. A combination of network analysis and agent‐based modeling is used to measure the performance of the system as it responds to disruptive events and restoration efforts. This system‐level behavior is an emergent property of the complex network and represents system resilience. Various resilience measures are used to quantify system resilience and assess the effectiveness of strategies system owners employ to restore the system. We illustrate our techniques by characterizing a critical infrastructure system network as a CAS, and applying an agent‐based simulation with an adaptive algorithm.
A new stall delay algorithm for predicting the aerodynamics loads on wind turbine blades for axial and yawed conditions
Authors: Elgammi Moutaz , Sant Tonio
Published: May 2017

Stall delay is a complicated phenomenon that has gained for many years the attention of industry and academics in the fields of helicopter and wind turbine aerodynamics. Since most of the potential flow theories still rely on the use of 2D aerofoil data for simulating loads on a rotating blade, less degree of accuracy is expected because of 3D rotational effects. In this work, a new model for correcting the 2D steady aerodynamic data for 3D effects is presented. The model can reduce the uncertainty in the blade design process and, subsequently, make wind turbines more cost‐effective. This model combines the stall delay model of Corrigan and Schillings, a modified version of an inviscid stall delay model, a new modification factor to account for the effect of the angle of attack changes and a new tip loss factor. Furthermore, the model applies the use of the separation factor of Du and Selig to evaluate the area on the rotor disc where stall delay is most prominent. The new stall delay model was embedded in a free‐wake vortex model to estimate the aerodynamic loads on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Phase VI rotor blades consisting of the S809 aerofoil sections. The results in this study confirm the validity of the 3D corrections by the proposed new model under both axial and yawed flow conditions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ray tracing and geodesic deviation of the SH and SV reference rays in a heterogeneous generally anisotropic medium which is approximately uniaxial
Authors: Klimeš Luděk , Bulant Petr
Published: May 2017

The coupling ray theory is usually applied to anisotropic common reference rays, but it is more accurate if it is applied to reference rays which are closer to the actual wave paths. If we know that a medium is close to uniaxial (transversely isotropic), it may be advantageous to trace reference rays which resemble the SH–wave and SV–wave rays. This paper is devoted to defining and tracing these SH and SV reference rays of elastic S waves in a heterogeneous generally anisotropic medium which is approximately uniaxial (approximately transversely isotropic), and to the corresponding equations of geodesic deviation (dynamic ray tracing). All presented equations are simultaneously applicable to ordinary and extraordinary reference rays of electromagnetic waves in a generally bianisotropic medium which is approximately uniaxially anisotropic. The improvement of the coupling–ray–theory seismograms calculated along the proposed SH and SV reference rays, compared to the coupling–ray–theory seismograms calculated along the anisotropic common reference rays, has already been numerically demonstrated by the authors in four approximately uniaxial velocity models.
Does an earthworm species acclimatize and/or adapt to soil calcium conditions? The consequences of soil nitrogen mineralization in forest soil
Authors: Kawakami Tomoya , Makoto Kobayashi
Published: May 2017

Calcium (Ca)‐rich food can increase feeding of Lumbricidae. Earthworms can be genetically differentiated at a small spatial scale and acclimatize to the local environment during growth. Soil feeding and subsequent cast production by earthworms affects soil N mineralization. Here, we hypothesized that soil feeding and subsequent cast production by Lumbricidae species increases with high soil Ca content and that this increase is stronger in worms from high‐Ca soil. We also hypothesized that changes in the soil feeding of Lumbricidae species along with the Ca content affects the soil N mineralization via changes in the cast production. Using a geophageous earthworm species (Eisenia japonica) originated from two different Ca environments (calcareous soil and sedimentary soil), we investigated cast production and soil N mineralization in three soils (sedimentary soil, sedimentary soil with Ca addition, and calcareous soil). The soil feeding of E. japonica from both origins did not always increase despite the high soil Ca content. We suggest that both the Ca content and other soil conditions (e.g., soil C:N) might be major factors in increasing soil feeding by E. japonica. Furthermore, the influence of Ca addition on cast production varied according to the earthworm origin. As expected, these differences in cast production are linked to soil N mineralization (especially nitrification). In summary, our study suggests that the acclimatization and/or adaptation of Lumbricidae species to local environmental factors not only soil Ca content explains spatially heterogeneous soil N mineralization in forest soil.
Effect of Different Frying Methods on the Total trans Fatty Acid Content and Oxidative Stability of Oils
Authors: Baltacıoğlu Cem
Published: May 2017

The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of different frying oils and frying methods on the formation of trans fatty acids and the oxidative stability of oils. Sunflower, canola and commercial frying oils, the most commonly used oils for frying potatoes in the fast food industry, were used as the frying medium. The value for total polar compounds was highest when commercial frying oil was used in the microwave oven (22.5 ± 1.1). The peroxide value, as an indicator of oil oxidation, was lowest for microwave oven frying (2.53 ± 0.03). The K232 and K270 values were 0.41 ± 0.04 and 0.18 ± 0.02, respectively, for commercial frying oil in the microwave oven. The lowest free fatty acid content was recorded for the commercial frying oil used in the deep‐fat fryer at 190 °C. The highest iodine value was measured for sunflower oil used in the deep‐fat fryer (148.14 ± 0.07), indicating a greater degree of unsaturation. The lowest trans fatty acid value was recorded for sunflower oil in the microwave oven (0.17 ± 0.05), with a higher overall amount of total trans fatty acids observed for oils after frying in the electrical deep‐fat fryer compared to the microwave. Sunflower oil was favourable for both frying methods in terms of the trans fatty acid content.
Bactericidal potential of silver nanoparticles synthesized using cell-free extract of Comamonas acidovorans: in vitro and in silico approaches
Authors: Rudakiya Darshan M. , Pawar Kirti
Published: May 2017

The need to overcome human threats from pathogenic microbes, development of nanomaterials have been provoked for a new generation of antimicrobials. In the present study, biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was acquired using Comamonas acidovorans extract within 72 h under static condition. Electron microscopy studies revealed that the size of AgNPs was ranging from 6–53 nm and had spherical, oval and irregular shapes with smooth surfaces. Prepared AgNPs interacted with proteins, carbohydrates and other aromatic molecules. Biosynthesized AgNPs were bactericidal, which significantly inhibited pathogenic microbes, i.e., Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Higher concentrations of AgNPs (20 μg ml−1) inhibited 92–98% growth of all tested bacteria within 24 h. AgNPs–protein network studies carried out to recognize the protein interactions with AgNPs and to understand probable bactericidal mechanisms. AgNPs may penetrate into cell through membrane proteins and damage them by modifying amino acids. Due to AgNPs–protein interactions, dysfunctions in enzymes obstruct certain metabolic processes, which cause the bacteria to die eventually. In certain pathogenic microbes, cue and cus systems detoxify Ag+ ions, transport through transporter proteins and expel them to the extracellular space, which are mainly responsible for Ag resistance.
Accuracy of Children's Perioperative Memories
Authors: Hackmann Thomas , Haworth Rebecca A. , Hong Paul , Gillespie Joanne , Chorney Jill
Published: May 2017

Children's declarative memories of medical procedures can influence their responses to subsequent events. No previous study has examined the accuracy of children's declarative memories after surgery. We tested the memory of 34 anesthesia‐naïve five‐ to nine‐year‐old children undergoing ambulatory surgery for accuracy of contextual details, pain, and fear two weeks postoperatively. Parents were not present during induction, and we did not use sedative premedication. Children had a mean contextual recall accuracy of 64.5%. Most children (60.6%) remembered a prompt that was given one minute after receiving nitrous oxide. Children's memories of pain and fear were similar to their reported pain and fear on the day of surgery. Of 29 children, 6 (20.7%) exaggerated their memory of fear, and 8 of 22 children (36.4%) exaggerated their memory of pain. Although a small proportion of children had exaggerated memories, there was no evidence of consistent bias in their memory of fear or pain.
The Electoral Success of the Radical Left: Explaining the Least Likely Case of the Communist Party in Graz
Authors: Weisskircher Manès
Published: May 2017

Recently, scholars have shown a growing interest in radical left parties (RLPs). In terms of electoral success, the rise of the KPÖ Graz, the Communist Party in Austria’s second biggest city, represents perhaps the most counterintuitive case in Western Europe. Adding to previous studies, the rise of the KPÖ Graz contradicts many of the claims made and patterns found about the conditions for the electoral success of RLPs. While the national KPÖ was voted out of parliament in 1959, the Graz branch has been a member of local government since 1998. Since then, the party has managed to gain 20 per cent of the vote in three out of four elections. In 2017, the KPÖ defended its place as the second largest party in local legislature and stayed ahead of the radical right FPÖ, on the rise at the national level. In stark contrast to the Communists’ current strength, however, they did not gain even 2 per cent of the vote in 1983. This analysis shows how the party has managed to ‘own’ the issue of housing and to exploit local political opportunities in order to be electorally successful. The findings point to the importance of agency and the subnational level for RLPs, and highlight more general questions in the study of this party family.
Seawater warming at the northern reach for southern species: Gulf of Genoa, NW Mediterranean
Authors: Bianchi Carlo Nike , Caroli Francesco , Guidetti Paolo , Morri Carla
Published: May 2017

Global warming is facilitating the poleward range expansion of plant and animal species. In the Mediterranean Sea, the concurrent temperature increase and abundance of (sub)tropical non-indigenous species (NIS) is leading to the so-called ‘tropicalization’ of the Mediterranean Sea, which is dramatically evident in the south-eastern sectors of the basin. At the same time, the colder north-western sectors of the basin have been said to undergo a process of ‘meridionalization’, that is the establishment of warm-water native species (WWN) previously restricted to the southern sectors. The Gulf of Genoa (Ligurian Sea) is the north-western reach for southern species of whatever origin in the Mediterranean. Recent (up to 2015) observations of NIS and WWN by diving have been collated to update previous similar inventories. In addition, the relative occurrences of both groups of southern species have been monitored by snorkelling between 2009 and 2015 in shallow rocky reefs at Genoa, and compared with the trend in air and sea surface temperatures. A total of 20 southern species (11 NIS and 9 WWN) was found. Two WWN (the zebra seabream Diplodus cervinus and the parrotfish Sparisoma cretense) and three NIS (the SW Atlantic sponge Paraleucilla magna, the Red Sea polychaete Branchiomma luctuosum, and the amphi-American and amphi-Atlantic crab Percnon gibbesi) are new records for the Ligurian Sea, whereas juveniles of the Indo-Pacific bluespotted cornetfish Fistularia commersonii have been found for the first time. While temperature has kept on increasing for the whole period, with 2014 and 2015 being the warmest years since at least 1950, the number of WWN increased linearly, that of NIS increased exponentially, contradicting the idea of meridionalization and supporting that of tropicalization even in the northern sectors of the Mediterranean basin.
Functional morphology of the gastric mill of the swimming crab Ovalipes trimaculatus (Decapoda: Portunidae)
Authors: de La Barra Paula , Narvarte Maite , Williner Verónica
Published: May 2017

The stomach of Decapod crustaceans is a complex structure with great interspecific variation. Several studies suggest that the anatomy of the gastric mill varies according to the diet of species in different groups. An alternative view suggests the gastric mill's structure is related to phylogenetic aspects rather than to the diet of a species. The morphology of the gastric mill of Ovalipes trimaculatus, a portunid crab target of fisheries in Argentina and Chile, was studied through stereo-microscope and scanning electron microscope images. Ovalipes trimaculatus has a stomach that corresponds to a macrophagous and predatory diet. The gastric mill is similar to that of other portunids, especially those with predominant animal component in their diet. Our results support the idea that this structure has a basic pattern, given by shape and elements forming the gastric mill; and upon that pattern, trophic habits adaptively shape certain traits.
Seabird mortality in the Namibian demersal longline fishery and recommendations for best practice mitigation measures
Authors: Paterson John R. B. , Yates Oliver , Holtzhausen Hannes , Reid Tim , Shimooshili Kaspar , Yates Sarah , Sullivan Benedict J. , Wanless Ross M.
Published: May 2017

Seabird bycatch is widely regarded as the greatest threat globally to procellariiform seabirds. Although measures to reduce seabird–fishery interactions have been in existence for many years, uptake in fleets with high risk profiles remains variable. We recorded seabird bycatch and other interactions in the Namibian demersal longline fishery. Interaction rates were estimated for seasonal and spatial strata and scaled up to fishing effort data. Bycatch rates were 0.77 (95% CI 0.24–1.39) and 0.37 (95% CI 0.11–0.72) birds per 1,000 hooks in winter and summer, respectively. Scaling up to 2010, the most recent year for which complete data are available, suggests 20,567 (95% CI 6,328–37,935) birds were killed in this fishery that year. We compared bycatch rates to those from experimental fishing sets using mitigation measures (one or two bird-scaring lines and the replacement of standard concrete weights with 5 kg steel weights). All mitigation measures significantly reduced the bycatch rate. This study confirms the Namibian longline fishery has some of the highest known impacts on seabirds globally, but implementing simple measures could rapidly reduce those impacts. In November 2015 the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources introduced regulations requiring the use of bird-scaring lines, line weighting and night setting in this fishery. A collaborative approach between NGOs, industry and government was important in achieving wide understanding and acceptance of the proposed mitigation measures in the lead up to the introduction of new fishery regulations.
Cerebral dopamine deficiency, plasma monoamine alterations and neurocognitive deficits in adults with phenylketonuria
Authors: Boot E. , Hollak C. E. M. , Huijbregts S. C. J. , Jahja R. , van Vliet D. , Nederveen A. J. , Nieman D. H. , Bosch A. M. , Bour L. J. , Bakermans A. J. , Abeling N. G. G. M. , Bassett A. S. , van Amelsvoort T. A. M. J. , van Spronsen F. J. , Booij J.
Published: May 2017

Background

Phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic metabolic disorder that is characterized by the inability to convert phenylalanine to tyrosine, leads to severe intellectual disability and other cerebral complications if left untreated. Dietary treatment, initiated soon after birth, prevents most brain-related complications. A leading hypothesis postulates that a shortage of brain monoamines may be associated with neurocognitive deficits that are observable even in early-treated PKU. However, there is a paucity of evidence as yet for this hypothesis.

Methods

We therefore assessedin vivostriatal dopamine D2/3receptor (D2/3R) availability and plasma monoamine metabolite levels together with measures of impulsivity and executive functioning in 18 adults with PKU and average intellect (31.2 ± 7.4 years, nine females), most of whom were early and continuously treated. Comparison data from 12 healthy controls that did not differ in gender and age were available.

Results

Mean D2/3R availability was significantly higher (13%;p= 0.032) in the PKU group (n= 15) than in the controls, which may reflect reduced synaptic brain dopamine levels in PKU. The PKU group had lower plasma levels of homovanillic acid (p< 0.001) and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenylglycol (p< 0.0001), the predominant metabolites of dopamine and norepinephrine, respectively. Self-reported impulsivity levels were significantly higher in the PKU group compared with healthy controls (p= 0.033). Within the PKU group, D2/3R availability showed a positive correlation with both impulsivity (r= 0.72,p= 0.003) and the error rate during a cognitive flexibility task (r= 0.59,p= 0.020).

Conclusions

These findings provide further support for the hypothesis that executive functioning deficits in treated adult PKU may be associated with cerebral dopamine deficiency.
He said, she said: effects of bilingualism on cross-talker word recognition in infancy
Authors: SINGH LEHER
Published: May 2017

The purpose of the current study was to examine effects of bilingual language input on infant word segmentation and on talker generalization. In the present study, monolingually and bilingually exposed infants were compared on their abilities to recognize familiarized words in speech and to maintain generalizable representations of familiarized words. Words were first presented in the context of sentences to infants and then presented to infants in isolation during a test phase. During test, words were produced by a talker of the same gender and by a talker of the opposite gender. Results demonstrated that both bilingual and monolingual infants were able to recognize familiarized words to a comparable degree. Moreover, both bilingual and monolingual infants recognized words in spite of talker variation. Results demonstrated robust word recognition and talker generalization in monolingual and bilingual infants at 8 months of age.
Natural Rights Dissected and Rejected: John Lind's Counter to the Declaration of Independence
Authors: York Neil L.
Published: May 2017

James Oliver Robertson intended no sacrilege when he called the Declaration of Independence a sacred text, an essential component of what has become American “holy writ.” It is now venerated as a founding document of the national civil religion. The Declaration, Robertson emphasized, reflects an expectation that the new United States would becomethenation among all nations. As celebrated now, independence then provided the political means to achieve a social end, that social end being a better life for Americans, their new nation acting as an exemplar for the larger world. Or, as Stephen E. Lucas put it, the Declaration of Independence went through an “apotheosis,” through which, over the years, Americans have come to “see its original purpose in universal terms almost wholly divorced from the events of 1776.”
Microstructural characterization of NiTi shape memory alloy produced by rotary hot forging
Authors: Rodrigues P. , Braz Fernandes F. M. , Paula A. S. , Oliveira J. P. , Ribeiro S. B. , Texeira E. N. , Schell N.
Published: May 2017

The thermomechanical processing of NiTi shape memory alloys usually involves several steps of hot and/or cold deformation. The present work presents the structural characterization of a Ni-rich NiTi alloy bar, produced by vacuum-induced melting and thermomechanical processing in laboratory scale, aiming at massive production in the future. This study focused on the first step of hot working at 800 °C during rotary forging. Microstructural characterization was performed using differential scanning calorimetry, high- and low-temperature X-ray diffraction (XRD) using a laboratory source and synchrotron XRD. Thus, it was possible to obtain the phase transformation characteristics of the material: the transformation temperatures and the transformation sequence. Proposed thermomechanical processing is intended for production of bars and wires that will be subsequently drawn to get thin wires, for different applications, including orthodontic arch wires.
Between ‘National Community’ and ‘Milieu’: German Catholics at War, 1939–1945
Authors: BRODIE THOMAS
Published: May 2017

This article examines German Catholics’ sense of community and identity during the Second World War. It analyses how far they were able to reconcile their religious faith with support for Nazism and the German war effort and questions the extent to which Catholicism in the Rhineland and Westphalia represented either a sealed confessional subculture or a homogenising Nazified ‘national community’ (Volksgemeinschaft). The article argues that, in their pure forms, neither of these analytical paradigms accounts for the complexities of German Catholics’ attitudes during this period, which were far more contested and diverse than outlined by much existing historiography. Religious socialisation, Nazi propaganda and older nationalist traditions shaped Catholics’ mentalities during the Third Reich, creating a spectrum of opinion concerning the appropriate relationship between these influences and loyalties. At the level of lived experience, Catholics’ memberships of religious and national communities revealed themselves to be highly compatible, a tendency which in turn exerted a restraining influence on church–state conflict in wartime Germany.
EQUAL CULPABILITY AND THE SCOPE OF THE WILLFUL IGNORANCE DOCTRINE
Authors: Sarch Alexander
Published: May 2017

Courts commonly allow willful ignorance to satisfy the knowledge element of a crime. The traditional rationale for this doctrine is that willfully ignorant misconduct is just as culpable as knowing misconduct. But it is not obvious that this “equal culpability thesis” holds across the board. Is it true in all cases of willful ignorance or only some? This is the question I investigate here.

Specifically, I argue against several common versions of the equal culpability thesis before defending my own restricted version. First, I argue that the broadest version of the thesis, adopted by many courts, is overinclusive. Then I argue against several restricted versions of the thesis offered by legal theorists including Doug Husak, David Luban, and Deborah Hellman. My own account, by contrast, is premised on a duty of reasonable investigation. If my account is on the right track, the widely employed willful ignorance doctrine stands in need of reform.
Aroma-Home’s edible stories: An urban community garden performs
Authors: Haedicke Susan
Published: May 2017

Aroma-Home, an artist-initiated community garden in Villetaneuse, just outside Paris, France, originated as a way to poeticize damaged urban locations by creating small communally-created pockets of unexpected natural beauty. In 2013, Sarah Harper of Friches Théâtre Urbain joined forces with local inhabitants to reclaim public spaces marred by construction and neglect. Together, they began to alter the urban landscape with whimsical plant-based interventions that sprouted up behind construction fences. This guerrilla gardening soon led to the sowing of a community garden that wove together food-growing, story-telling and place-making and fashioned its particular identity through cultural practices around growing, preparing and sharing food of the multi-ethnic participants. The horticultural-culinary conversations became inextricably connected to gardening activities: edible stories involving food memories and horticultural skills that nourished those who prepared and consumed them. This ‘From the Field’ paper looks at how the community garden/art-making processes of Aroma-Home transformed a bleak construction site into a mini-urban agricultural ‘commons’ where imagining, planting and harvesting the garden and its edible stories were all shared.
UkrVO Astroinformatics Software and Web-services
Authors: Vavilova I. B. , Yatskiv Ya. S. , Pakuliak L. K. , Andronov I. L. , Andruk V. M. , Protsyuk Yu. I. , Savanevych V. E. , Savchenko D. O. , Savchenko V. S.
Published: May 2017

The aim of this paper is to introduce the software and astronomical web-services developed in frame of the Ukraine Virtual Observatory (UkrVO) and VIrtual Roentgen and Gamma Observatory (VIRGO) to the broad astronomical community. We report briefly on such web-services as the public databases “Sky Maps” of X-ray observations by XMM-Newton, the Earth Orbital Parameters for International Earth Rotation System, and the UkrVO Joint Digitized Archive of astroplates. We refer to such software as the “Multi-Column View”, “Variable Stars Calculator”, “FrameSmooth” for variable star’s research and “Collection Light Technology” (CoLiTec) software for search and discovery of new Solar System bodies.
Humor in der psychiatrischen Pflege
Authors: Gutmann Jonathan
Published: May 2017

Zusammenfassung. Stellen Sie sich vor, Sie befragen Mitmenschen auf der Straße zum Thema „Psychiatrische Pflege“. Es ist kaum vorstellbar, dass der Humor und das Lachen dabei als Stichworte fallen. Anscheinend scheint Humor in psychiatrischen Institutionen und im Umgang mit psychisch erkrankten Menschen bisher nicht den Platz zu finden, den er eigentlich verdient hätte. Warum dies so ist, kann viele verschiedene Gründe haben.
Secondary Level Achievement
Authors: McIlroy David , Palmer-Conn Sue , Lawler Bridget , Poole Karen , Faruk Ursavas Ömer
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The study was developed in the context of Personality and Social Cognitive Theory with constructs that encapsulate non-intellective processes of academic achievement. The goal was to explore the role of the Five Factor Model (FFM) of personality in academic performance and to use this model as a reference point to test the incremental validity of two measures of Self-efficacy (Academic and Emotional) and an indicator of Absenteeism. Participants (N = 120) were comprised of 17-year-old male (n = 47) and female (n = 73) opportunistically sampled secondary level college students. A cross-sectional design was used to examine the relationship between the independent variables (FFM, Academic Self-efficacy, Emotional Self-efficacy, and Absenteeism) and the outcome variable, Grade Points Average (GPA). Correlation analysis found that four FFM factors and the two Self-efficacy measures were associated with GPA. In a hierarchical regression analysis, the FFM explained 22% variance on performance and the two Self-efficacy measures added 9% incremental variance followed by 3% for Absenteeism. Overall, the non-intellective constructs explain a substantial 34% variance on achievement and provide focal points for theoretical, empirical, and pedagogical evaluation. Moreover, they are suggestive of the pathways and processes that support learning, augment ability, and enhance achievement.
Must We Suffer to Succeed?
Authors: Strack Juliane , Lopes Paulo , Esteves Francisco , Fernandez-Berrocal Pablo
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Why do some people work best under pressure? In two studies, we examined whether and how people use anxiety to motivate themselves. As predicted, clarity of feelings moderated the relationship between trait anxiety and the tendency to use this emotion as a source of motivation (i.e., anxiety motivation). Furthermore, anxiety motivation mediated the relationship between trait anxiety and outcomes – including academic achievement (Study 1) as well as persistence and job satisfaction (Study 2). These findings suggest that individuals who are clear about their feelings are more likely to thrive on anxiety and eustress and possibly use these to achieve their goals and find satisfaction at work.
Cross-Country Evidence on the Link Between Intelligence and the Environmental Efficiency of Well-Being
Authors: Lv Zhike
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Recent studies have conceptualized sustainability as the environmental efficiency of well-being (EWEB). This paper makes an attempt to investigate the effect of intelligence on EWEB using data from 101 countries. Our results show that countries with high-IQ populations transform environmental consumption into well-being more efficiently. Moreover, we find little evidence in support of an inverted-U curve between economic development and EWEB, and thus our findings shed new light on the economic development-EWEB nexus. These findings are robust to the inclusion of additional explanatory variables and the use of alternative measurements of intelligence.
Cell-free chromatin from dying cancer cells integrate into genomes of bystander healthy cells to induce DNA damage and inflammation
Authors: Mittra Indraneel , Samant Urmila , Sharma Suvarna , Raghuram Gorantla V , Saha Tannistha , Tidke Pritishkumar , Pancholi Namrata , Gupta Deepika , Prasannan Preeti , Gaikwad Ashwini , Gardi Nilesh , Chaubal Rohan , Upadhyay Pawan , Pal Kavita , Rane Bhagyeshri , Shaikh Alfina , Salunkhe Sameer , Dutt Shilpee , Mishra Pradyumna K , Khare Naveen K , Nair Naveen K , Dutt Amit
Published: May 2017

Bystander cells of the tumor microenvironment show evidence of DNA damage and inflammation that can lead to their oncogenic transformation. Mediator(s) of cell–cell communication that brings about these pro-oncogenic pathologies has not been identified. We show here that cell-free chromatin (cfCh) released from dying cancer cells are the key mediators that trigger both DNA damage and inflammation in the surrounding healthy cells. When dying human cancer cells were cultured along with NIH3T3 mouse fibroblast cells, numerous cfCh emerged from them and rapidly entered into nuclei of bystander NIH3T3 cells to integrate into their genomes. This led to activation of H2AX and inflammatory cytokines NFκB, IL-6, TNFα and IFNγ. Genomic integration of cfCh triggered global deregulation of transcription and upregulation of pathways related to phagocytosis, DNA damage and inflammation. None of these activities were observed when living cancer cells were co-cultivated with NIH3T3 cells. However, upon intravenous injection into mice, both dead and live cells were found to be active. Living cancer cells are known to undergo extensive cell death when injected intravenously, and we observed that cfCh emerging from both types of cells integrated into genomes of cells of distant organs and induced DNA damage and inflammation. γH2AX and NFκB were frequently co-expressed in the same cells suggesting that DNA damage and inflammation are closely linked pathologies. As concurrent DNA damage and inflammation is a potent stimulus for oncogenic transformation, our results suggest that cfCh from dying cancer cells can transform cells of the microenvironment both locally and in distant organs providing a novel mechanism of tumor invasion and metastasis. The afore-described pro-oncogenic pathologies could be abrogated by concurrent treatment with chromatin neutralizing/degrading agents suggesting therapeutic possibilities.
Interactive models of communication at the nanoscale using nanoparticles that talk to one another
Authors: Llopis-Lorente Antoni , Díez Paula , Sánchez Alfredo , Marcos María D. , Sancenón Félix , Martínez-Ruiz Paloma , Villalonga Reynaldo , Martínez-Máñez Ramón
Published: May 2017

‘Communication’ between abiotic nanoscale chemical systems is an almost-unexplored field with enormous potential. Here we show the design and preparation of a chemical communication system based on enzyme-powered Janus nanoparticles, which mimics an interactive model of communication. Cargo delivery from one nanoparticle is governed by the biunivocal communication with another nanoparticle, which involves two enzymatic processes and the interchange of chemical messengers. The conceptual idea of establishing communication between nanodevices opens the opportunity to develop complex nanoscale systems capable of sharing information and cooperating.
JunB is essential for IL-23-dependent pathogenicity of Th17 cells
Authors: Hasan Zafrul , Koizumi Shin-ichi , Sasaki Daiki , Yamada Hayato , Arakaki Nana , Fujihara Yoshitaka , Okitsu Shiho , Shirahata Hiroki , Ishikawa Hiroki
Published: May 2017

CD4+T-helper cells producing interleukin-17 (IL-17), known as T-helper 17 (TH17) cells, comprise heterogeneous subsets that exhibit distinct pathogenicity. Although pathogenic and non-pathogenic TH17 subsets share a common RORγt-dependent TH17 transcriptional programme, transcriptional regulatory mechanisms specific to each of these subsets are mostly unknown. Here we show that the AP-1 transcription factor JunB is critical for TH17 pathogenicity. JunB, which is induced by IL-6, is essential for expression of RORγt and IL-23 receptor by facilitating DNA binding of BATF at theRorclocus in IL-23-dependent pathogenic TH17 cells, but not in TGF-β1-dependent non-pathogenic TH17 cells.Junb-deficient T cells fail to induce TH17-mediated autoimmune encephalomyelitis and colitis. However, JunB deficiency does not affect the abundance of gut-resident non-pathogenic TH17 cells. The selective requirement of JunB for IL-23-dependent TH17 pathogenicity suggests that the JunB-dependent pathway may be a therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases.
An avian influenza H7 DNA priming vaccine is safe and immunogenic in a randomized phase I clinical trial
Authors: DeZure Adam D. , Coates Emily E. , Hu Zonghui , Yamshchikov Galina V. , Zephir Kathryn L. , Enama Mary E. , Plummer Sarah H. , Gordon Ingelise J. , Kaltovich Florence , Andrews Sarah , McDermott Adrian , Crank Michelle C. , Koup Richard A , Schwartz Richard M. , Bailer Robert T. , Sun Xiangjie , Mascola John R. , Tumpey Terrence M. , Graham Barney S. , Ledgerwood Julie E.
Published: May 2017

A novel avian influenza subtype, A/H7N9, emerged in 2013 and represents a public health threat with pandemic potential. We have previously shown that DNA vaccine priming increases the magnitude and quality of antibody responses to H5N1 monovalent inactivated boost. We now report the safety and immunogenicity of a H7 DNA-H7N9 monovalent inactivated vaccine prime-boost regimen. In this Phase 1, open label, randomized clinical trial, we evaluated three H7N9 vaccination regimens in healthy adults, with a prime-boost interval of 16 weeks. Group 1 received H7 DNA vaccine prime and H7N9 monovalent inactivated vaccine boost. Group 2 received H7 DNA and H7N9 monovalent inactivated vaccine as a prime and H7N9 monovalent inactivated vaccine as a boost. Group 3 received H7N9 monovalent inactivated vaccine in a homologous prime-boost regimen. Overall, 30 individuals between 20 to 60 years old enrolled and 28 completed both vaccinations. All injections were well tolerated with no serious adverse events. 2 weeks post-boost, 50% of Group 1 and 33% of Group 2 achieved a HAI titer ≥1:40 compared with 11% of Group 3. Also, at least a fourfold increase in neutralizing antibody responses was seen in 90% of Group 1, 100% of Group 2, and 78% of Group 3 subjects. Peak neutralizing antibody geometric mean titers were significantly greater for Group 1 (GMT = 440.61, p < 0.05) and Group 2 (GMT = 331, p = 0.02) when compared with Group 3 (GMT = 86.11). A novel H7 DNA vaccine was safe, well-tolerated, and immunogenic when boosted with H7N9 monovalent inactivated vaccine, while priming for higher HAI and neutralizing antibody titers than H7N9 monovalent inactivated vaccine alone.
Evaluation of the effects of L-carnitine on medaka (Oryzias latipes) fatty liver
Authors: Fujisawa Koichi , Takami Taro , Matsuzaki Aya , Matsumoto Toshihiko , Yamamoto Naoki , Terai Shuji , Sakaida Isao
Published: May 2017

Lifestyle-related diseases have become a major issue in recent years. The increasing incidence of fatty liver underlines the urgency with which the issues of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) need to be addressed. L-carnitine is a compound known to transport fatty acids into the mitochondria to enhance β-oxidation-mediated metabolism of fats. In this study, the effects of L-carnitine administration on fatty liver of medaka (Oryzias latipes) were analysed, to check for disease improvement and metabolic changes. Additionally, the effects of the concomitant administration of L-carnitine and eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3) (EPA) were investigated. Findings indicated reduced lipid deposition, increase in metabolites associated with β-oxidation, and significant reduction in fatty acid levels in the liver, implying improvement in fatty liver condition. Concomitant administration of L-carnitine and EPA resulted in further benefits, via changes in fatty acid composition in the medaka fatty liver model.
Membrane Ballooning in Aggregated Platelets is Synchronised and Mediates a Surge in Microvesiculation
Authors: Agbani Ejaife O. , Williams Christopher M. , Hers Ingeborg , Poole Alastair W.
Published: May 2017

Human platelet transformation into balloons is part of the haemostatic response and thrombus architecture. Here we reveal that in aggregates of platelets in plasma, ballooning in multiple platelets occurs in a synchronised manner. This suggests a mechanism of coordination between cells, previously unrecognised. We aimed to understand this mechanism, and how it may contribute to thrombus development. Using spinning-disc confocal microscopy we visualised membrane ballooning in human platelet aggregates adherent to collagen-coated surfaces. Within an aggregate, multiple platelets undergo ballooning in a synchronised fashion, dependent upon extracellular calcium, in a manner that followed peak cytosolic calcium levels in the aggregate. Synchrony was observed in platelets within but not between aggregates, suggesting a level of intra-thrombus communication. Blocking phosphatidylserine, inhibiting thrombin or blocking PAR1 receptor, largely prevented synchrony without blocking ballooning itself. In contrast, inhibition of connexins, P2Y12, P2Y1 or thromboxane formation had no effect on synchrony or ballooning. Importantly, synchronised ballooning was closely followed by a surge in microvesicle formation, which was absent when synchrony was blocked. Our data demonstrate that the mechanism underlying synchronised membrane ballooning requires thrombin generation acting effectively in a positive feedback loop, mediating a subsequent surge in procoagulant activity and microvesicle release.