bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor 1 Modulation Attenuates Experimental Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Sun Na , Shen Yi , Han Wei , Shi Kaibin , Wood Kristofer , Fu Ying , Hao Junwei , Liu Qiang , Sheth Kevin N. , Huang DeRen , Shi Fu-Dong
Published: May 2016

Background and Purpose—

Preclinical studies and a proof-of-concept clinical study have shown that sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1PR) modulator, fingolimod, improves the clinical outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, the specific subtype of the S1PRs through which immune modulation provides protection in ICH remains unclear. In addition, fingolimod-induced adverse effects could limit its use in patients with stroke because of interactions with other S1PR subtypes, particularly with S1PR3. RP101075 is a selective S1PR1 agonist with superior cardiovascular safety profile. In this study, we investigated the impact of RP101075 treatment in a mouse model of ICH.

Methods—

ICH was induced by injection of autologous blood in 294 male C57BL/6J and Rag2
−/−
mice. ICH mice randomly received vehicle, RP101075, or RP101075 plus S1PR1 antagonist W146 by daily oral gavage for three consecutive days, starting from 30 minutes after surgery. Neurodeficits, brain edema, brain infiltration of immune cells, blood–brain barrier integrity, and cell death were assessed after ICH.

Results—

RP101075 significantly attenuated neurological deficits and reduced brain edema in ICH mice. W146 blocked the effects of RP101075 on neurodeficits and brain edema. RP101075 reduced the counts of brain-infiltrating lymphocytes, neutrophils, and microglia, as well as cytokine expression after ICH. Enhanced blood–brain barrier integrity and alleviated neuronal death were also seen in ICH mice after RP101075 treatment.

Conclusions—

S1PR1 modulation via RP101075 provides protection in experimental ICH. Together with the advantageous pharmacological features of RP101075, these results warrant further investigations of its mechanisms of action and translational values in ICH patients.
External Validation of the ASTRAL and DRAGON Scores for Prediction of Functional Outcome in Stroke
Authors: Cooray Charith , Mazya Michael , Bottai Matteo , Dorado Laura , Skoda Ondrej , Toni Danilo , Ford Gary A. , Wahlgren Nils , Ahmed Niaz
Published: May 2016

Background and Purpose—

ASTRAL (Acute Stroke Registry and Analysis of Lausanne) and DRAGON (includes dense middle cerebral artery sign, prestroke modified Rankin Scale score, age, glucose, onset to treatment, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score) are 2 recently developed scores for predicting functional outcome after acute stroke in unselected acute ischemic stroke patients and in patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis, respectively. We aimed to perform external validation of these scores to assess their predictive performance in the large multicentre Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke-International Stroke Thrombolysis Register.

Methods—

We calculated the ASTRAL and DRAGON scores in 36 131 and 33 716 patients, respectively, registered in Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke-International Stroke Thrombolysis Register between 2003 and 2013. The proportion of patients with 3-month modified Rankin Scale scores of 3 to 6 was observed for each score point and compared with the predicted proportion according to the risk scores. Calibration was assessed using calibration plots, and predictive performance was assessed using area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic. Multivariate logistic regression coefficients for the variables in the 2 scores were compared with the original derivation cohorts.

Results—

The ASTRAL showed an area under the curve of 0.790 (95% confidence interval, 0.786–0.795) and the DRAGON an area under the curve of 0.774 (95% confidence interval, 0.769–0.779). All ASTRAL parameters except range of visual fields and all DRAGON parameters were significantly associated with functional outcome in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions—

The ASTRAL and DRAGON scores show an acceptable predictive performance. ASTRAL does not require imaging-data and therefore may have an advantage for the use in prehospital patient assessment. Prospective studies of both scores evaluating the impact of their use on patient outcomes after intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular therapy are needed.
Black Hole Sign
Authors: Li Qi , Zhang Gang , Xiong Xin , Wang Xing-Chen , Yang Wen-Song , Li Ke-Wei , Wei Xiao , Xie Peng
Published: May 2016

Background and Purpose—

Early hematoma growth is a devastating neurological complication after intracerebral hemorrhage. We aim to report and evaluate the usefulness of computed tomography (CT) black hole sign in predicting hematoma growth in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

Methods—

Patients with intracerebral hemorrhage were screened for the presence of CT black hole sign on admission head CT performed within 6 hours after onset of symptoms. The black hole sign was defined as hypoattenuatting area encapsulated within the hyperattenuating hematoma with a clearly defined border. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of CT black hole sign in predicting hematoma expansion were calculated. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the presence of the black hole sign and early hematoma growth.

Results—

A total of 206 patients were enrolled. Black hole sign was found in 30 (14.6%) of 206 patients on the baseline CT scan. The black hole sign was more common in patients with hematoma growth (31.9%) than those without hematoma growth (5.8%;
P
<0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of back hole sign in predicting early hematoma growth were 31.9%, 94.1%, 73.3%, and 73.2%, respectively. The time-to-admission CT scan, baseline hematoma volume, and the presence of black hole sign on admission CT independently predict hematoma growth in multivariate model.

Conclusions—

The CT black hole sign could be used as a simple and easy-to-use predictor for early hematoma growth in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.
How Schrödinger’s Cat Became a Zombie
Authors: Asprem Egil
Published: May 2016

Research on cultural transfers between science and religion has not paid enough attention to popular science. This article develops models that grasp the complexities of the epidemiology of science-based representations in non-scientific contexts by combining tools from the cognitive science of religion, the history, sociology, and philosophy of science, and the study of new religious movements. The popularization of science is conceptualized as a process of cognitive optimization, which starts with the communication efforts of scientists in science-internal forums and accelerates in popular science. The popularization process narrows the range of scientific representations that reach the public domain in structured ways: it attracts minimally counterintuitive representations, minimizes the massively counterintuitive, and re-represents (or translates) hard-to-process concepts in inferentially rich metaphors. This filtered sample trigger new processes of meaning-making as they are picked up and re-embedded in new cultural contexts.
P. F. Strawson’s Free Will Naturalism
Authors: Campbell Joe
Published: May 2016

This is an explication and defense of P. F. Strawson’s naturalist theory of free will and moral responsibility. I respond to a set of criticisms of the view by free will skeptics, compatibilists, and libertarians who adopt thecore assumption: Strawson thinks that our reactive attitudes provide the basis for a rational justification of our blaming and praising practices. My primary aim is to explain and defend Strawson’s naturalism in light of criticisms based on the core assumption. Strawson’s critiques of incompatibilism and free will skepticism are not intended to provide rational justifications for either compatibilism or the claim that some persons have free will. Hence, the charge that Strawson’s “arguments” are faulty is misplaced. The core assumption resting behind such critiques is mistaken.
The ‘Default View’ of Perceptual Reasons and ‘Closure-Based’ Sceptical Arguments
Authors: Schönbaumsfeld Genia
Published: May 2016

It is a commonly accepted assumption in contemporary epistemology that we need to find a solution to ‘closure-based’ sceptical arguments and, hence, to the ‘scepticism or closure’ dilemma. In the present paper I argue that this is mistaken, since the closure principle does not, in fact, do real sceptical work. Rather, the decisive, scepticism-friendly moves are made before the closure principle is even brought into play. If we cannot avoid the sceptical conclusion, this is not due to closure’s holding it in place, but because we’ve already been persuaded to accept a certain conception of perceptual reasons, which both issues a standing invitation to radical scepticism and is endemic in the contemporary literature. Once the real villain of the piece is exposed, it will become clear that the closure principle has been cast in the role of scapegoat in this debate.
Mud-shrimps of the genus Axianassa Schmitt, 1924 from Panama, with description of two new species (Decapoda: Gebiidea: Laomediidae)
Authors: ANKER ARTHUR , PACHELLE PAULO P.G.
Published: May 2016

Six species of the mud-shrimp genus Axianassa Schmitt, 1924, herein placed in the Laomediidae, are reported from Panama, five species from the Pacific coast and one species from the Caribbean coast. Axianassa mineri Boone, 1931 and A. canalis Kensley & Heard, 1990, both originally described from the Pacific coast of Panama, are reported from new Panamanian localities, with the former species also reported from a new locality on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Additional illustrations complete the original descriptions of these two species. The recently described A. darrylfelderi Anker & Lazarus, 2015, previously known only from the type material from the Pacific coast of Colombia, is reported for the first time from Panama, whereas A. jamaicensis Kensley & Heard, 1990, previously known only from Jamaica, is reported for the first time from the Caribbean coast of Panama. Two species, viz. A. linda sp. nov. and A. christyi sp. nov., are described as new based on material from the Azuero Peninsula and the Las Perlas Archipelago, on the Pacific coast of Panama. Colour photographs are provided for all six species. A revised key to the 13 presently known species of Axianassa is provided, in addition to some taxonomic remarks on the genus and a justification for its placement in the family Laomediidae rather than Axianassidae.
Revalidation of the Brazilian genus Discocyrtanus, with description of two new species (Opiliones: Gonyleptidae: Pachylinae)
Authors: KURY ADRIANO B. , CARVALHO RAFAEL N.
Published: May 2016

The genus Discocyrtanus Roewer, 1929, is herein revalidated from the synonymy of Discocyrtus Holmberg, 1878, to include besides the type species Discocyrtanus goyazius Roewer, 1929, four other Brazilian species, two of them new—Discocyrtanus bugre sp. nov. and Discocyrtanus tocantinensis sp. nov.—and two newly transferred from Discocyrtus: Discocyrtanus oliverioi (H. Soares, 1945) comb. nov., and Discocyrtanus pertenuis (Mello-Leitão, 1935) comb. nov. Three species, Discocyrtus pectinifemur Mello-Leitão, 1937, Discocyrtus fimbriatus Mello-Leitão, 1939, and Discocyrtus canalsi Roewer, 1943, are considered junior subjective synonyms of Discocyrtanus pertenuis comb. nov.. A mix-up between labeling of original illustrations of two species of Discocyrtus described by Mello-Leitão is noted.
Update on the Brazilian coastal species of Bledius Leach (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Oxytelinae) with the description of two new species
Authors: CASTRO JESSICA CRISTINA DE , CARON EDILSON , ROSA LEONARDO CRUZ DA
Published: May 2016

Based on the paratype of Bledius caribbeanus, its distribution is corrected, not occurring in Brazil, and its morphology is compared to B. hermani; two new Bledius species from the coast of Brazil are described; B. externus is redescribed and here for the first time recorded in Brazil and the key to identification of Brazilian coastal Bledius is updated.
A new genus of mellitid sand dollar (Echinoidea: Mellitidae) from the eastern Pacific coast of the Americas
Authors: COPPARD SIMON E.
Published: May 2016

Lanthonia gen. nov. Coppard 2016 is a genus of clypeasteroid sand dollar whose members inhabit shallow, sandy waters from Mexico (including the Gulf of California) to Colombia in the tropical and subtropical eastern Pacific. Lanthonia includes Lanthonia longifissa (Michelin, 1858) and Lanthonia grantii (Mortensen, 1948), with L. longifissa hereby designated as the type species. Both L. longifissa and L. grantii were previously placed in the genus Mellita (L. Agassiz, 1841). However, levels of genetic divergence between a lineage containing L. longifissa and L. grantii and a lineage containing all other species of Mellita, including the type species M. quinquiesperforata (Leske, 1778), indicate genus level differentiation. The systematic interpretation of this group also supports the designation of this new genus as it allows the tree topology to be recovered from the nomenclature and clarifies the historical biogeography of these clades. This has resulted in members of both lineages today being sympatric in the eastern Pacific. Members of Lanthonia are morphologically differentiated from the type species of Mellita and all Pacific Mellita in having very narrow ambulacral regions between the food grooves and the ambulacral lunules on the oral surface, these being very broad in both M. quinquiesperforata and M. notabilis. The dentation of the bidentate pedicellariae also differentiate these genera, with small peripheral teeth present along the edge of the blade in species of Lanthonia and one to three enlarged intersecting teeth present distally in all species of Mellita.
An annotated catalog of the Iranian Cimicidae and Largidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) and in memoriam Carl Walter Schaefer (1934–2015)
Authors: GHAHARI HASSAN , MOULET PIERRE , OSTOVAN HADI
Published: May 2016

The Iranian fauna of the Cimicidae and Largidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) is summarized in this paper. In total, 2 species from 2 genera of Cimicidae and single species of Largidae are listed.
The North American Monsoon GPS Transect Experiment 2013
Authors: Serra Yolande L. , Adams David K. , Minjarez-Sosa Carlos , Moker James M. , Arellano Avelino F. , Castro Christopher L. , Quintanar Arturo I. , Alatorre Luis , Granados Alfredo , Vazquez G. Esteban , Holub Kirk , DeMets C.
Published: May 2016

Northwestern Mexico experiences large variations in water vapor on seasonal time scales in association with the North American monsoon, as well as during the monsoon associated with upper-tropospheric troughs, mesoscale convective systems, tropical easterly waves, and tropical cyclones. Together these events provide more than half of the annual rainfall to the region. A sufficient density of meteorological observations is required to properly observe, understand, and forecast the important processes contributing to the development of organized convection over northwestern Mexico. The stability of observations over long time periods is also of interest to monitor seasonal and longer-time-scale variability in the water cycle. For more than a decade, the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS) has been used to obtain tropospheric precipitable water vapor (PWV) for applications in the atmospheric sciences. There is particular interest in establishing these systems where conventional operational meteorological networks are not possible due to the lack of financial or human resources to support the network. Here, we provide an overview of the North American Monsoon GPS Transect Experiment 2013 in northwestern Mexico for the study of mesoscale processes and the impact of PWV observations on high-resolution model forecasts of organized convective events during the 2013 monsoon. Some highlights are presented, as well as a look forward at GPS networks with surface meteorology (GPS-Met) planned for the region that will be capable of capturing a wider range of water vapor variability in both space and time across Mexico and into the southwestern United States.
Tropical Cyclone Diurnal Cycle as Observed by TRMM
Authors: Leppert Kenneth D. , Cecil Daniel J.
Published: May 2016

Previous work has indicated a clear, consistent diurnal cycle in rainfall and cold cloudiness coverage around tropical cyclones. This cycle may have important implications for structure and intensity changes of these storms and the forecasting of such changes. The goal of this paper is to use passive and active microwave measurements from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI) and Precipitation Radar (PR), respectively, to better understand the tropical cyclone diurnal cycle throughout a deep layer of a tropical cyclone’s clouds.

The composite coverage by PR reflectivity ≥20 dBZ at various heights as a function of local standard time (LST) and radius suggests the presence of a diurnal signal for radii <500 km through a deep layer (2–10-km height) of the troposphere using 1998–2011 Atlantic tropical cyclones of at least tropical storm strength. The area covered by reflectivity ≥20 dBZ at radii 100–500 km peaks in the morning (0130–1030 LST) and reaches a minimum 1030–1930 LST. Radii between 300 and 500 km tend to reach a minimum in coverage closer to 1200 LST before reaching another peak at 2100 LST. The inner core (0–100 km) appears to be associated with a single-peaked diurnal cycle only at upper levels (8–10 km) with a maximum at 2230–0430 LST. The TMI rainfall composites suggest a clear diurnal cycle at all radii between 200 and 1000 km with peak rainfall coverage and rain rate occurring in the morning (0130–0730 LST).
Using night light emissions for the prediction of local wealth
Authors: Weidmann Nils B , Schutte Sebastian
Published: May 2016

Nighttime illumination can serve as a proxy for economic variables in particular in developing countries, where data are often not available or of poor quality. Existing research has demonstrated this for coarse levels of analytical resolution, such as countries, administrative units or large grid cells. In this article, we conduct the first fine-grained analysis of night lights and wealth in developing countries. The use of large-scale, geo-referenced data from the Demographic and Health Surveys allows us to cover 39 less developed, mostly non-democratic countries with a total sample of more than 34,000 observations at the level of villages or neighborhoods. We show that light emissions are highly accurate predictors of economic wealth estimates even with simple statistical models, both when predicting new locations in a known country and when generating predictions for previously unobserved countries.
Effects of Practice and Psychological Pressure on Interpersonal Coordination Failures
Authors: Ogawa Akane , Sekiya Hiroshi
Published: May 2016

Although sports players in the same team try to manage their interpersonal coordination for improved performance, failures such as hesitations and collisions are often seen in interpersonal coordination between teammates. However, it is unclear what factors influence the occurrence of such hesitations and collisions. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of practice and psychological pressure on the occurrence of hesitations and collisions. A total of 80 right-handed university students (aged 19.1 years ± 0.8; 32 males and 48 females) were randomly assigned into pairs and were instructed to perform a serial-tapping task cooperatively. An apparatus had five buttons in a row, which flashed once in each trial in a quasi-random order. When a flashing button was hit, a corresponding light went off and another button flashed. The participants were instructed that the task was to hit a flashing button as quickly and accurately as possible, and either member of the pair could hit the button. They performed 80 practice trials, 10 trials as a control test, and 10 trials as a pressure test. Before the pressure test, pressure was added by informing them about audience and confiscation of the prize if they could not fulfill a criterion. As a result, the occurrence rates of hesitations and collisions and the performance time significantly decreased from the first 40 trials to the next 40 trials of the practice session. Under pressure, state anxiety, the intention to cooperate, and the occurrence rates of hesitations and collisions increased, though heart rate and performance time did not change. These results suggested that interpersonal coordination improved with practice but deteriorated under pressure.
Chinese College Test Takers’ Individual Differences and Reading Test Performance
Authors: Zhang Limei
Published: May 2016

This study reports on the relationships between test takers’ individual differences and their performance on a reading comprehension test. A total of 518 Chinese college students (252 women and 256 men; M age = 19.26 year, SD = 0.98) answered a questionnaire and sit for a reading comprehension test. The study found that test takers’ L2 language proficiency was closely linked to their test performance. Test takers’ employment of strategies was significantly and positively associated with their performance on the test. Test takers’ motivation was found to be significantly associated with reading test performance. Test anxiety was negatively related to their use of reading strategies and test performance. The results of the study lent support to the threshold hypothesis of language proficiency. The implications for classroom teaching were provided.
Development and validation of a finite element model for road safety barrier impact tests
Authors: Teng Tso-Liang , Liang Cho-Chung , Tran Thanh-Tung
Published: May 2016

Road safety barriers are roadside structures installed on certain sections of the road to improve highway safety by preventing a vehicle from leaving the road and colliding with roadside hazards. Road safety barriers are an effective solution for reducing the risk of injuries on modern roads. A road safety barrier must meet minimum standards of construction and materials design. Normally, they must undergo crash tests according to the European standard EN 1317 or the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. On the basis of these standards, each safety barrier must pass standardized crash tests as mandated in their approval procedures. Currently, computer simulation methods are typically used by researchers to analyze the performance of roadside safety barriers. Advancement in computer technology could facilitate the finite element method in replacing expensive experimental tests. This paper presents an approach for constructing and evaluating a finite element model for road safety barriers according to European standard EN 1317 by using the finite element code LS-DYNA. Excellent agreement between real-world test data and simulation results was achieved for behavior and impact severity values. The results obtained using the model ensure the exactness of the proposed method and prove that the numerical method is a practical approach for eliminating road safety barrier problems. Furthermore, the model was able to replace experimental tests for developing road safety barriers, thus reducing time and money.
A new reduced model of scavenging to optimize cylinder design
Authors: Cagin Stéphanie , Fischer Xavier , Delacourt Eric , Bourabaa Nachida , Morin Céline , Coutellier Daniel , Carré Bertrand , Loumé Sylvain
Published: May 2016

This paper presents the development of a new scavenging model to optimize cylinder design. The developed model explicitly integrates some of the cylinder’s design and environmental variables to describe flows during the scavenging process. Then, based on the reduced model, an optimization phase was carried out in order to determine the optimal values of cylinder variables. From computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models to optimal cylinder design, all method steps used are described in this paper. Adaptable to any type of engine, here it is applied to the particular two-stroke diesel engine with ports only. In order to fully understand fluid flow, the methodology integrates a number of CFD calculations with different cylinder configurations to provide data. The CFD results are used as neural network outputs during the training phase, whereas the cylinder variables plus the crankshaft angle are the inputs. The trained network provides the analytical reduced model for gas composition transiting through ports, which characterize the scavenging process. Thanks to these, genetic algorithms are run to define the most suitable values of cylinder variables in order to improve scavenging. The entire process for establishing the reduced model and the optimal design of the chamber is presented in this paper.
Reading ‘Race’ in Bourdieu? Examining Black Cultural Capital Among Black Caribbean Youth in South London
Authors: Wallace Derron
Published: May 2016

This article extends Bourdieu’s notion of cultural capital in relation to ‘race’ and ethnicity by exploring the significance of black cultural capital among middle class black Caribbean young people in a large state school in south London. Black cultural capital is here defined as the appropriation of middle class values by black ethnics. Based on a 14-month-long ethnography, with specific attention to three focus group and 13 in-depth interviews with middle class black Caribbean young people, this piece outlines the benefits of and backlash to black cultural capital that students encounter from white middle class teachers for deploying black middle class tastes and styles in the classroom. The findings suggest that while black middle class pupils draw on black cultural capital to access advantages in formal school settings, they are also invested in challenging the terms of class privilege that marginalise the black working classes.
Q’eqchi’ Mayas and the Myth of “Postconflict” Guatemala
Authors: Knowlton Autumn
Published: May 2016

While Guatemala has commonly been referred to as a “postconflict” setting since the end of the armed conflict of 1960–1996, Guatemalans today experience a new violence that has been described as a symptom of the changes brought about by neoliberal reforms. Q’eqchi’ Mayas’ reports of violent evictions, murders, rapes, and threats of violence point to fissures in the government’s “postconflict” discourse. The state’s counterinsurgency violence has been transformed into a kind of state-supported violence in which government institutions act at the behest of agribusinesses and mining companies to evict Q’eqchi’ from their traditional territories. The resolution of land ownership disputes between communities, the state, and corporations is central to Q’eqchi’ political imaginaries.

Guatemala suele ser catalogada como una sociedad de posconflicto desde el cese del conflicto armado de 1960-1996, pero actualmente los guatemaltecos sufren un nuevo tipo de violencia que ha sido descrita como un síntoma de los cambios causados por las reformas neoliberales. Las denuncias de los Mayas Q’eqchi’ sobre desalojos violentos, asesinatos, violaciones y amenazas de violencia dejan al descubierto las grietas en el discurso de “posconflicto” del gobierno. La violencia de la contrainsurgencia del estado se ha transformado en un tipo de violencia sancionada por las autoridades por medio de la cual las instituciones estatales actúan a instancias de la agroindustria y las compañías mineras para desalojar a los Q’eqchi’ de sus territorios ancestrales. La resolución de las disputas por la propiedad de la tierra entre las comunidades indígenas, el estado y las corporaciones es esencial para el imaginario político Q’eqchi’.
Culturally Conscientious Pain Measurement in Older African Americans
Authors: Booker Staja Q. , Herr Keela A. , Tripp-Reimer Toni
Published: May 2016

Despite considerable pain disparities across the care continuum, pain is an understudied health problem in older ethnic minority groups, such as African Americans. Quality pain measurement is a core task in pain management and a mechanism by which pain disparities may be reduced. Pain measurement includes the methods (e.g., assessment approaches, tools) and metrics that researchers and clinicians use to understand the characteristics of pain. However, there are significant issues and gaps that negatively affect pain measurement in older African Americans. Of concern is insufficient representation in pain research, which impedes the testing and refinement of many standardized self-report, behavioral and surrogate report, physiological, and composite measures of pain. The purposes for this article are to discuss the status of pain measurement and factors that affect our knowledge on pain measurement in older African Americans, and to provide guidance for culturally conscientious pain measurement using the available literature.
Rethinking the individual through Chinese ontology: Implications for International Relations theory and humanitarian intervention
Authors: Karmazin Aleš
Published: May 2016

Through utilizing correlative ontology, which is derived from ancient Chinese philosophy, this article offers a redefinition of the individual (subject), which subsequently helps to problematize the ‘particular versus universal’ distinction. It is then shown how correlative ontology might be useful for criticizing and stimulating the English School of International Relations and its two main views (i.e. solidarism and pluralism) on humanitarian intervention. The significance is that correlative ontology helps to challenge ‘solidarism qua universalism’ and ‘pluralism qua particularism’.
A Journey Towards the Meaningful Inclusion of Children in the Church of the Nazarene
Authors: Jara Reverend Trino
Published: May 2016

Throughout the history of Christianity, children have often been overlooked in the life of the Church. Since its beginning, the Church of the Nazarene International has gone through a journey from ignoring the value of children, to ministry engaged in permanent advocating on behalf of children and youth. As a Christian, Holiness, and Missional people, Nazarenes around the world have developed their perspective on children and youth through the establishment of specific ministries that include children and youth in their core values, and by emphasis on intergenerational connections and making historical changes to their procedures manual. All of this has been critical to the meaningful inclusion of children in the active life of the church. Today the Church of the Nazarene together with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries are actively advocating and educating new generations of pastors and leaders to better understand the importance of children and youth in the life of the church.
The physical modeling legacy of Frei Otto
Authors: Goldsmith Nicholas
Published: May 2016

Physical modeling as a developmental iterative process was one of the primary legacies of Frei Otto in his quest for a formfinding design tool. Exploring first hand knowledge of his sketching, and then incremental physical modeling techniques, we look at Otto’s global approach to problem solving through design. Numerous actual projects of Otto including the BP Dyce Tent in Scotland and the KOCOMMAS project in Saudi Arabia are described in terms of this process as a better way of understanding his approach. A comparison of the formfinding and shape making approach to design is examined. In contrast to Otto’s physical modeling, digital modeling & parametric approaches are also investigated to show Otto`s influence and evolution in contemporary modeling of complex surface geometries, but also to point out the seismic change that is presently occurring in the architectural profession.
A conceptual approach to model co-evolution of urban structures
Authors: Schweitzer Frank , Nanumyan Vahan
Published: May 2016

Urban structures encompass settlements, characterized by the spatial distribution of built-up areas, and also transportation structures, to connect these built-up areas. These two structures are very different in their origin and function, fulfilling complementary needs: (1) to access space and (2) to occupy space. Their evolution cannot be understood by looking at the dynamics of urban aggregations and transportation systems separately. Instead, existing built-up areas feed back on the further development of transportation structures, and the availability of the latter feeds back on the future growth of urban aggregations. To model this co-evolution, we propose an agent-based approach that builds on existing agent-based models for the evolution of trail systems and urban settlements. The key element in these separate approaches is a generalized communication of agents by means of an adaptive landscape. This landscape is only generated by the agents, but once it exists, it feeds back on their further actions. The emerging trail system or urban aggregation results as a self-organized structure from these collective interactions. In our co-evolutionary approach, we couple these two separate models by means of meta-agents that represent humans with their different demands for housing and mobility. We characterize our approach as a statistical ensemble approach, which allows to capture the potential of urban evolution in a bottom-up manner, but can be validated against empirical observations.
Designing and constructing the Olympic roof (Munich 1972)
Authors: Tomlow Jos
Published: May 2016

Designing and building the stadium complex for the International Olympic Games 1972 in Munich in only five years, may be characterized as a singular challenge. The futuristic and huge tensile structure, covered with Plexiglas became to be designed by engineers and architects of different fields: Günther Behnisch, Frei Otto, Fritz Leonhardt, Jörg Schlaich, John Hadji Argyris, Klaus Linkwitz with Carl Mertz responsible for the management. Based on written reports and testimonials from witnesses of the process, the paper analyses all phases, starting from the skepticism of many that the most spectacular part, the roof, would be buildable. After Leonhardt/Schlaich also Otto/Bubner became part of the design team. At the start of building the engineers registered that the technical models of the Frei Otto team could not bring exact data for (all) cutting patterns, which was a crucial problem. Both Argyris and Linkwitz delivered feasible computational methods for calculating cable lengths and joint locations. The executed result was criticized by its authors for different reasons, in the same time respecting the unique mutual achievement. The spectacular Olympic stadium complex was much appreciated by visitors, and critics ranked it as one of the most impressive and innovative examples of German architecture.
Ultra-lightweight construction
Authors: Sobek Werner
Published: May 2016

The search for lightweight constructions is the search for boundaries. Designing the lightest possible constructions can be equated with feeling one’s way towards the limits of what is physically and technically possible. It is about the aesthetics and physics of the minimal, and it is about stepping across the dividing lines between scientific disciplines. Using the concept of ultra-lightweight structures developed by the author, it becomes possible to reduce the use of material to a minimum hitherto considered unachievable. Moreover, it leads to the reduction in distortions and helps to dampen vibrations – an enormous progress opening up interesting new perspectives for architecture. This article describes the theoretical considerations underlying the concept of ultra-lightweight structures and presents a selection of experimental structures demonstrating the potential of this new concept.
Hydrogel-delivered brain-derived neurotrophic factor promotes tissue repair and recovery after stroke
Authors: Cook Douglas J , Nguyen Cynthia , Chun Hyun N , L Llorente Irene , Chiu Abraham S , Machnicki Michal , Zarembinski Thomas I , Carmichael S Thomas
Published: May 2016

Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability. Systemic delivery of candidate neural repair therapies is limited by the blood–brain barrier and off-target effects. We tested a bioengineering approach for local depot release of BDNF from the infarct cavity for neural repair in chronic periods after stroke. The brain release levels of a hyaluronic acid hydrogel + BDNF were tested in several stroke models in mouse (strains C57Bl/6, DBA) and non-human primate ( Macaca fascicularis) and tracked with MRI. The behavioral recovery effects of hydrogel + BDNF and the effects on tissue repair outcomes were determined. Hydrogel-delivered BDNF diffuses from the stroke cavity into peri-infarct tissue over 3 weeks in two mouse stroke models, compared with 1 week for direct BDNF injection. Hydrogel delivery of BDNF promotes recovery of motor function. Mapping of motor system connections indicates that hydrogel-BDNF induces axonal sprouting within existing cortical and cortico-striatal systems. Pharmacogenetic studies show that hydrogel-BDNF induces the initial migration of immature neurons into the peri-infarct cortex and their long-term survival. In chronic stroke in the non-human primate, hydrogel-released BDNF can be detected up to 2 cm from the infarct, a distance relevant to human functional recovery in stroke. The hydrogel can be tracked by MRI in mouse and primate.
Hurricane risk assessment for offshore wind plants
Authors: Kim Eungsoo , Manuel Lance
Published: May 2016

This study describes a framework for estimation of structural damage to offshore wind plants during hurricanes. Related risk assessment is fundamentally dependent on the estimation of hurricane-generated wind speed exceedance probabilities at selected hub heights of wind turbines in the plant and on estimation of associated wind turbine loads. As part of a framework for risk assessment introduced here, synthetic storm tracks are first simulated over the ocean using available historical tropical storm data; then, a hurricane intensity evolution model based on thermodynamic and atmospheric environmental variables is developed for each simulated track as it approaches the chosen wind plant site. Based on this intensity model, a turbulent wind field can be simulated at any location of interest along the hurricane track. The simulated turbulent wind field can then be used to estimate wind speed exceedance probability distributions and, when combined with partially correlated waves, it can also be used in analyzing the response of individual turbines in a wind plant. A framework for the overall risk assessment is presented; individual components that are part of such a framework are described briefly in illustrative applications. Finally, a brief discussion is presented that addresses issues related to the concept of “robustness” checks that are often considered in the context of safe performance-based design. This concept employed in the oil and gas industries provides for a secondary margin for “beyond design-level” external conditions out to more extreme conditions as might accompany hurricanes.
Condition monitoring and fault diagnosis of a small permanent magnet generator
Authors: Cai Hongwei , Sun Qiao , Wood David
Published: May 2016

Small wind turbines are often used in remote locations, making them difficult and expensive to repair. This suggests the need for remote condition monitoring and fault diagnosis which has not been used extensively for small turbines. In order to investigate small direct drive wind turbine generators working at variable speed and develop new condition monitoring and fault diagnosis techniques, a test facility based on a 500 W permanent magnet generator was built. The investigation concentrated on mechanical faults which include ball bearing outer race defect and a rotor imbalance. Electrical load imbalance was also investigated. Imbalance detection was performed through wavelet power spectrum analysis of vibration signals. Three time–frequency analysis techniques were performed on vibration signals and performances are compared. These were short time Fourier transforms, continuous wavelet transform, and order analysis. Order analysis proved to be a simple, intuitive, and reliable technique for vibration analysis under variable speed.
Alternative approach for establishing the Nacelle Transfer Function
Authors: Krishna Vinay B , Ormel Frank , Hansen Kurt S
Published: May 2016

The IEC 61400-12-2:2013 is an alternative for all the power performance measurements and analysis when the requirements of the IEC 61400-12-1:2005 are not met. The methodology in the IEC 61400-12-2 standard is solely based on the nacelle anemometry instead of the more traditional methods involving a met-mast, as per the IEC 61400-12-1 standard. In the IEC 61400-12-2 standard the wind speed, which is the key for all the power performance characteristics, will be measured using an anemometer mounted on or near the wind turbine’s nacelle. Thus the measured wind speed in this location will be strongly affected by the wind turbine’s rotor and the nacelle. Suitable correction against such flow distortion is applied through a nacelle transfer function (NTF). The -12-2 standard requires a self-consistency check performed on such established NTF using the nacelle power curve. Most of these self-consistency checks have failed to meet the criteria listed in the standard. The root cause analysis against such failure showed that the methodology followed by the standard is less accurate in estimating the free stream wind speed. Suitable changes were made in the process of establishing the nacelle transfer function and the subsequent self-consistency checks were found to be clearing the criteria set by the standard.
A review of wind turbine noise measurements and regulations
Authors: Raman Ganesh , Ramachandran Rakesh C , Aldeman Matthew R
Published: May 2016

Related reviews are given of (1) international wind turbine noise regulations and standards and (2) modern experimental methods in aeroacoustic measurement with sample applications. For the latter, specific emphasis has been placed on three measurement techniques: (1) single microphone measurements, (2) phased microphone array measurements, and (3) compact microphone array measurements. Through a description and analysis of recent successful application scenarios of the above techniques, their immense potential utilizing experimental aeroacoustics is explained.
Interprovincial Variation in Antipsychotic and Antidepressant Prescriptions Dispensed in the Canadian Pediatric Population
Authors: Arora Nikita , Knowles Sandra , Gomes Tara , Mamdani Muhammad M. , Juurlink David N. , Carlisle Corine , Tadrous Mina
Published: May 2016

Objective:

Although antidepressants and antipsychotics are valuable medications in the treatment of select psychiatric disorders, there is increasing focus on the balance of risks and benefits of these drugs as prescribed, particularly in the pediatric population. We examined recent national trends and interprovincial variation in dispensing of antipsychotic and antidepressant prescriptions to the Canadian pediatric population.

Method:

We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study of antidepressant and antipsychotic prescriptions dispensed by Canadian pharmacies to the pediatric population (≤18 years) between 2010 and 2013. Prescription volumes were obtained from IMS Health. Analysis was stratified by drug, year, quarter, and province and population-standardized using age-adjusted population estimates.

Results:

From the first quarter of 2010 to the fourth quarter of 2013, dispensing of antipsychotics to the pediatric population increased 33% (from 34 to 45 prescriptions per 1000) and dispensing of antidepressants increased 63% (from 34 to 55 per 1000). We observed a 1.5-fold interprovincial difference in dispensing rates for antidepressants (range: 189 per 1000 to 275 per 1000) and a 3.0-fold difference for antipsychotics (range: 85 per 1000 to 253 per 1000) in 2013. Among antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were the most dispensed (76%), with fluoxetine being the leading agent. Among antipsychotics, atypical antipsychotics were the most dispensed (97%), with risperidone being the leading agent.

Conclusions:

Antipsychotic and antidepressant dispensing to the Canadian pediatric population increased from 2010 to 2013, with considerable interprovincial variation. Future research is required to explore reasons for observed patterns to optimize care for the Canadian pediatric population.
The Impact of Teaching Presence on Online Engagement Behaviors
Authors: Zhang Huaihao , Lin Lijia , Zhan Yi , Ren Youqun
Published: May 2016

Guided by the Interactive-Constructive-Active-Passive framework, the purpose of the study was to investigate whether teaching presence would impact online learners’ passive, active, constructive, and interactive engagement behaviors. A total of 218 middle-school English teachers participated in an online professional development course. Quantitative data were collected from an online survey and the log files of the online course website. The results of the regression analysis revealed that, by controlling for the potential effects of the demographic variables, learners’ perceived teaching presence had a positive impact on their constructive and interactive engagement behaviors but not on their passive or active engagement behaviors. In light of these findings, implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
The Prostitution Reform Act (2003) and Social Work in Aotearoa/New Zealand
Authors: Wahab Stéphanie , Abel Gillian
Published: May 2016

Social work practice with sex workers in New Zealand occurs within a context of decriminalization since the passing of the Prostitution Reform Act (PRA) in 2003. This article presents the findings of a qualitative study focused on social workers’ perceptions of sex work/ers, the PRA, and its influence on practice with individuals in the sex industry. The findings suggest that social workers hold nuanced perspectives on sex work. While decriminalization creates opportunities that support social work practice with sex workers, challenges to antioppressive, critical social work remain, even within the context of decriminalization.
Spice MyPlate
Authors: D’Adamo Christopher R. , McArdle Patrick F. , Balick Lyssa , Peisach Erin , Ferguson Tenaj , Diehl Alica , Bustad Kendall , Bowden Brandin , Pierce Beverly A. , Berman Brian M.
Published: May 2016

Purpose:

To determine whether an experiential nutrition education intervention focusing on spices and herbs (“Spice MyPlate”) is feasible and improves diet quality and healthy eating attitudes among an urban and predominantly African-American sample of adolescents more than standard nutrition education alone.

Design:

A nonrandomized controlled trial compared standard nutrition education in U.S. Department of Agriculture MyPlate guidelines (control group) with standard nutrition education plus adjuvant Spice MyPlate curriculum (intervention group). Data were collected at baseline and after 3, 6, and 10 weeks.

Setting:

Study setting was two public high schools in Baltimore, Maryland.

Subjects:

A total of 110 students in grades 9 to 12 participated.

Intervention:

The 6-week school-based intervention conducted during health class focused on cooking using spices and herbs to eat healthier diets according to MyPlate.

Measures:

Dietary intake reported on 3-day food records and healthy eating attitudes questionnaires was analyzed.

Analysis:

Differences in diet quality and healthy eating attitudes between study groups were estimated by t-tests, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests, and covariate-adjusted regression models.

Results:

Spice MyPlate was feasible and there were modest but significant improvements ( p ≤ .05) in the Spice MyPlate group compared with control in whole grains (31.2 g/wk) and protein foods (13.2 ounces per week) intake, and attitudes toward eating vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy.

Conclusions:

Although randomized trials are needed, experiential nutrition education focusing on spices and herbs may help urban and predominantly African-American adolescent populations eat healthier diets.