bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiocarbon Dating Historical Mortars: Lime Lumps and/or Binder Carbonate?
Authors: Lindroos Alf , Ringbom Åsa , Heinemeier Jan , Hodgins Greg , Sonck-Koota Pia , Sjöberg Pia , Lancaster Lynne , Kaisti Riikka , Brock Fiona , Ranta Heikki , Caroselli Marta , Lugli Stefano
Published: April 2018

Lime lumps and bulk mortars show different 14C contamination when analyzed in several CO2 fractions isolated from the effervescence of an ongoing hydrolysis reaction. Age profiles of both materials are therefore highly complementary and together they can provide a reliable date. Furthermore, they can also reveal the complexity of the radiocarbon (14C) distribution within the mortar and thus prevent over-interpretation of the data. The lime lump versus bulk mortar dating data presented here has been collected over 22 years, with only a small fraction of the results so far published internationally. Since there has been an increasing interest in mortar dating over recent years with a special focus on lime lumps, and since many laboratories have just begun mortar dating experiments, we wish to present some of the extensive data that already exist. Previously published data from 15 lime lumps (including 34 14C measurements from sequential dissolution) and 43 new 14C measurements from 17 lime lumps are presented here. The samples are from medieval Finland and Sweden, classical Rome and medieval Italy, and the Roman Jerash (Gerasa), Jordan.
Eliah Benamozegh, Franz Rosenzweig and Their Blueprint of a Jewish Theology of Christianity
Authors: Seidler Meir
Published: April 2018

In Jewish philosophy, be it medieval or modern, a comprehensive Jewish theological discourse about Christianity is conspicuously absent. There are, however, two prominent exceptions to this rule in modern Jewish philosophy: The Italian Sephardic Orthodox Rabbi Eliah Benamozegh (1823–1900) and the German-Jewish philosopher Franz Rosenzweig (1886–1929). In both men's thought, Christianity plays a pivotal (and largely positive) role, so much so that their Jewish philosophies would not be the same without Christianity, which has no precedent in Jewish thought. Though Rosenzweig was not aware of his Sephardic predecessor, there are some striking parallels in the two thinker's Jewish theologies of Christianity that have far-reaching interreligious implications. These parallels concern as well the basic paradigm for a positive evaluation of Christianity—the paradigm of the fire (particularist Judaism) and its rays (universal Christianity)—as well as the central flaw both of them attribute to Christianity: a built-in disequilibrium that threatens the success of its legitimate mission. These parallels are all the more striking as two thinkers arrived at their conclusions independently and by different paths: the one (Benamozegh) took recourse to Kabbalah, the other (Rosenzweig) to proto-existentialist philosophy. A comparative study of these two protagonists’ Jewish theologies of Christianity seems thus imperative.

An “interreligious epilogue” at the end of the article exposes the contemporary need for a reassessment of the relationship between Judaism and Christianity from a Jewish perspective—especially in light of the deep theological revision that characterizes the approach of the Catholic Church towards Jews and Judaism following “Nostra Aetate”—but at the same time delineates the theological limits of the current Christian-Jewish interreligious endeavor. In this light, the pioneering theology of Christianity in the works of Rosenzweig and Benamozegh might yield some relevant insights.
Increased affluence, life history theory, and the decline of shamanism
Authors: Baumard Nicolas
Published: April 2018

I applaud Singh's proposition to use evolutionary psychology to explain the recurrence of shamanistic beliefs. Here, I suggest that evolutionary mechanisms (i.e., life history theory) also can explain the variability of the distribution of shamanism. When resources are abundant, individuals become more patient and more open minded to the point that science becomes cognitively attractive and may replace magic.
Shamanism within a general theory of religious action (no cheesecake needed)
Authors: Beit-Hallahmi Benjamin
Published: April 2018

Singh places the understanding of shamanism within the cognitive/evolutionary psychology of religion but is then sidetracked by presenting unhelpful analogies. The concepts of “superstition” as a general term for religious rituals and of “superstitious learning” as a mechanism accounting for the creation of rituals in humans reflect an underestimation of the human imagination, which is guided by cognitive/evolutionary constraints. Mentalizing, hypervigilance in agent detection, and anthropomorphism explain the behaviors involved in religious illusions (or delusions).
Biological foundations and beneficial effects of trance
Authors: Hove Michael J. , Stelzer Johannes
Published: April 2018

Singh proposes a cultural evolutionary theory of shamanic practices, including trance. We argue that cultural factors are deeply intertwined with biological aspects in shaping shamanic practices, and the underlying biology is critical. We discuss the neural underpinnings of rhythm-induced trance, how they can facilitate insight, and how altered states can promote healing.
Toward a neurophysiological foundation for altered states of consciousness
Authors: Tabatabaeian Shadab , Jennings Carolyn Dicey
Published: April 2018

Singh's cultural evolutionary theory posits that methods of inducing shamanic altered states of consciousness differ, resulting in profoundly different cognitive states. We argue that, despite different methods of induction, altered states of consciousness share neurophysiological features and cause shared cognitive and behavioral effects. This common foundation enables further cross-cultural comparison of shamanic activities that is currently left out of Singh's theory.
The evolution of the shaman's cultural toolkit
Authors: Willard Aiyana K. , Nakawake Yo , Jong Jonathan
Published: April 2018

A complete picture of shamanism's cultural evolution requires an understanding of how the professionalization of shamanism affects the distribution of knowledge within societies. We suggest that limiting knowledge to fewer people could impede the accumulation of functional knowledge within shamanism. On this basis, we make further predictions about how the domain of shamanism could change and collapse.
Health-promoting lifestyle and quality of life among Chinese nursing students
Authors: Mak Yim Wah , Kao Angela H. F. , Tam Lucia W. Y. , Tse Virginia W. C. , Tse Don T. H. , Leung Doris Y. P.
Published: April 2018

Aim

This study aimed to examine the relationships between socio-economic status, health-promoting lifestyles, and quality of life among Chinese nursing students.

Background

Nursing students will be future health promoters, but they may not always adopt the recommended healthy lifestyle. Currently, there are insufficient studies examining the health-promoting lifestyles of Chinese nursing students, and the impact of socio-economic status and health-promoting lifestyle on their health.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional survey. Data were collected from nursing students studying in pre-registration nursing programs of a university in Hong Kong. The survey was conducted through a self-administered questionnaire that solicited information regarding their socio-economic status, health-promoting lifestyle, quality of life, and perceptions of the barriers to adopting a health-promoting lifestyle.

Findings

A total of 538 students returned completed questionnaires for analysis. Among the health-promoting lifestyle subscales, the participants performed best in interpersonal relations and worst in physical activity, and the vast majority of them did not actively engage in health-risk behaviors. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that only 5% of the variance in quality of life was explained by socio-economic variables, whereas a total of 24% of the variance was explained when health-promoting lifestyle variables were added. In particular, health responsibility, physical activity, spiritual growth, and stress management were statistically significant predictors of quality of life.

Conclusions

Early concerns about how prepared nurses are to take on the role of promoting health still apply today. School administrators should plan the nursing curriculum to include activities that encourage student nurses to participate in health-promoting lifestyles. Future studies are needed to explore the barriers that prevent students from practicing health-promoting behavior.
Residual Activity of ACCase-Inhibiting Herbicides on Monocot Crops and Weeds
Authors: Lancaster Zachary D. , Norsworthy Jason K. , Scott Robert C.
Published: April 2018

Field experiments were conducted in 2014 and 2015 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to evaluate the residual activity of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase)–inhibiting herbicides for monocot crop injury and weed control. Conventional rice, quizalofop-resistant rice, grain sorghum, and corn crops were evaluated for tolerance to soil applications of six herbicides (quizalofop at 80 and 160 g ai ha–1, clethodim at 68 and 136 g ai ha–1, fenoxaprop at 122 g ai ha–1, cyhalofop at 313 g ai ha–1, fluazifop at 210 and 420 g ai ha–1, and sethoxydim at 140 and 280 g ai ha–1). Overhead sprinkler irrigation of 1.3 cm was applied immediately after treatment to half of the plots, and the crops planted into the treated plots at 0, 7, and 14 d after herbicide treatment. In 2014, injury from herbicide treatments increased with activation for all crops evaluated, except for quizalofop-resistant rice. At 14 d after treatment (DAT) in 2014, corn and grain sorghum were injured 19% and 20%, respectively, from the higher rate of sethoxydim with irrigation activation averaged over plant-back dates. Conventional rice was injured 13% by the higher rate of fluazifop in 2014. Quizalofop-resistant rice was injured no more than 4% by any of the graminicides evaluated in either year. In 2015, a rainfall event occurred within 24 h of initiating the experiment; thus, there were no differences between activation via irrigation or by rainfall. However, as in 2014, grain sorghum and corn were injured 16% and 13%, respectively, by the higher rate of sethoxydim, averaged over plant-back dates. All herbicides provided little residual control of grass weeds, mainly broadleaf signalgrass and barnyardgrass. These findings indicate the need to continue allowing a plant-back interval to rice following a graminicide application, unless quizalofop-resistant rice is to be planted. The plant-back interval will vary by graminicide and the amount of moisture received following the application.
The Halitosis Consequences Inventory: psychometric properties and relationship with social anxiety disorder
Authors: Conceicao Mauricio Duarte da , Giudice Fernanda Salgueiredo , Carvalho Lucas de Francisco
Published: April 2018

Objectives:

Individuals who complain of halitosis experience psychological consequences that can lead to social, professional, and affective limitations. Research has identified social anxiety disorder (SAD) as the most common psychopathology associated to halitosis complaints. Combining these two lines of research, we sought to determine the validity of the Halitosis Consequences Inventory (ICH), a scale designed to assess the psychological consequences of halitosis complaints. We also investigated the relationship between these consequences and SAD.

Materials and methods:

Participants were 436 individuals, including those with and without halitosis complaints (n=411 and n=25, respectively). Measures administered were the ICH, Social Phobia Inventory and its shortened version, the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, Social Avoidance and Distress Scale, and Fear of Negative Evaluation scale.

Results:

The ICH had adequate internal consistency (α=0.93) and could accurately discriminate between participants with and without halitosis complaints. Furthermore, individuals with high scores on the ICH were more likely to have SAD.

Conclusions:

The ICH is an important tool for determining the aversive halitosis consequences, allowing to identify, with some degree of accuracy, individuals who might require screening for SAD. Besides, there´s a linear relationship between the presence of halitosis consequences and SAD.
Ultraviolet laser photolysis of hydrocarbons for nondiamond carbon suppression in chemical vapor deposition of diamond films
Authors: Fan Li-Sha , Constantin Loic , Li Da-wei , Liu Lei , Keramatnejad Kamran , Azina Clio , Huang Xi , Golgir Hossein Rabiee , Lu Yao , Ahmadi Zahra , Wang Fei , Shield Jeffrey , Cui Bai , Silvain Jean-Francois , Lu Yong-Feng
Published: April 2018

In this work, we demonstrate that ultraviolet (UV) laser photolysis of hydrocarbon species alters the flame chemistry such that it promotes the diamond growth rate and film quality. Optical emission spectroscopy and laser-induced fluorescence demonstrate that direct UV laser irradiation of a diamond-forming combustion flame produces a large amount of reactive species that play critical roles in diamond growth, thereby leading to enhanced diamond growth. The diamond growth rate is more than doubled, and diamond quality is improved by 4.2%. Investigation of the diamond nucleation process suggests that the diamond nucleation time is significantly shortened and nondiamond carbon accumulation is greatly suppressed with UV laser irradiation of the combustion flame in a laser-parallel-to-substrate geometry. A narrow amorphous carbon transition zone, averaging 4 nm in thickness, is identified at the film–substrate interface area using transmission electron microscopy, confirming the suppression effect of UV laser irradiation on nondiamond carbon formation. The discovery of the advantages of UV photochemistry in diamond growth is of great significance for vastly improving the synthesis of a broad range of technically important materials.
Correction: Corrigendum: Atrasentan increased the expression of klotho by mediating miR-199b-5p and prevented renal tubular injury in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Kang Wen-Ling , Xu Gao-Si
Published: April 2018

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 19979; published online: 27 January 2016; updated: 06 April 2018. The original version of this Article contained errors in the affiliation list where Wen-Ling Kang was inadvertently affiliated to ‘Medical Center of the Graduate School, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China’ instead of the ‘Department of Nephrology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006 China’.
Injectable self-assembled peptide hydrogels for glucose-mediated insulin delivery
Authors: Fu Mian , Zhang Chenyu , Dai Yuxuan , Li Xue , Pan Miaobo , Huang Wenlong , Qian Hai , Ge Liang
Published: April 2018

Closed-loop glucose-responsive insulin delivery with excellent biocompatibility has the potential to improve the health and quality of life of diabetic patients.
The iron regulatory proteins are defective in repressing translationviaexogenous 5′ iron responsive elements despite their relative abundance in leukemic cellular models
Authors: Pourcelot Emmanuel , Lénon Marine , Charbonnier Peggy , Louis Fiona , Mossuz Pascal , Moulis Jean-Marc
Published: April 2018

Endogenous IRP outnumbers IRE-containing mRNA but fails to bind to transfected exogenous ones.
Co oxide nanostructures for electrocatalytic water-oxidation: effects of dimensionality and related properties
Authors: Gupta S. , Yadav A. , Bhartiya S. , Singh M. K. , Miotello A. , Sarkar A. , Patel N.
Published: April 2018

Single-dimensional nanostructures of Co oxide: a unique opportunity to understand the role of different material-related parameters in water oxidation.
Compressive properties of hollow BN nanoparticles: theoretical modeling and testing using a high-resolution transmission electron microscope
Authors: Firestein Konstantin L. , Kvashnin Dmitry G. , Kovalskii Andrey M. , Popov Zakhar I. , Sorokin Pavel B. , Golberg Dmitri V. , Shtansky Dmitry V.
Published: April 2018

BN nanoparticles display high mechanical stiffness and elastic recovery enabling them to withstand large cyclic deformations and accumulate high strain.
A new strategy to synthesize anisotropic SmCo5 nanomagnets
Authors: Shen Bo , Yu Chao , Su Dong , Yin Zhouyang , Li Junrui , Xi Zheng , Sun Shouheng
Published: April 2018

Anisotropic SmCo5 nanoplates with a large coercivity of 30.1 kOe were synthesized by the reduction of Sm(OH)3–Co nanocomposites.
Evaluating Ylehd, a recombinant epoxide hydrolase from Yarrowia lipolytica as a potential biocatalyst for the resolution of benzyl glycidyl ether
Authors: Bendigiri Chandrika , Harini K. , Yenkar Sajal , Zinjarde Smita , Sowdhamini R. , RaviKumar Ameeta
Published: April 2018

Ylehd, an enantioselective epoxide hydrolase with potential application in resolution of racemic benzyl glycidyl ether.
Homogeneity and tolerance to heat of monolayer MoS2 on SiO2 and h-BN
Authors: Kim Ho-Jong , Kim Daehee , Jung Suyong , Bae Myung-Ho , Yi Sam Nyung , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Chang Soo Kyung , Ha Dong Han
Published: April 2018

We investigated the homogeneity and tolerance to heat of monolayer MoS2 using photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy.
Aldehyde group driven aggregation-induced enhanced emission in naphthalimides and its application for ultradetection of hydrazine on multiple platforms
Authors: Meher Niranjan , Panda Swagatika , Kumar Sachin , Iyer Parameswar Krishnan
Published: April 2018

A new concept of formyl group induced ACQ to AIEE transformation is established in naphthalimide congeners. Also, ultradetection of hydrazine via Schiff base complexation over multiple platforms is presented.
Integration of a metal–organic framework with zeolite: a highly sustainable composite catalyst for the synthesis of γ-valerolactone and coumarins
Authors: Rani Poonam , Srivastava Rajendra
Published: April 2018

Zr-BDC-MOF and zeolite Beta were entangled to form an efficient catalyst that exhibited excellent activity towards biomass derived liquid γ-valerolactone fuel and coumarin synthesis.
Fine-tuning the side-chains of non-fullerene small molecule acceptors to match with appropriate polymer donors
Authors: Chang Meijia , Wang Yunchuang , Yi Yuan-Qiu-Qiang , Ke Xin , Wan Xiangjian , Li Chenxi , Chen Yongsheng
Published: April 2018

Side-chain engineering of donor and acceptor materials is an important topic in the field of organic photovoltaics.
An in situ approach for the synthesis of a gum ghatti-g-interpenetrating terpolymer network hydrogel for the high-performance adsorption mechanism evaluation of Cd(ii), Pb(ii), Bi(iii) and Sb(iii)
Authors: Singha Nayan Ranjan , Karmakar Mrinmoy , Mahapatra Manas , Mondal Himarati , Dutta Arnab , Deb Mousumi , Mitra Madhushree , Roy Chandan , Chattopadhyay Pijush Kanti
Published: April 2018

Unorthodox synthesis of natural polymer-g-terpolymer superadsorbent for exclusion of M(ii/iii).
A comprehensive study on carrier mobility and artificial photosynthetic properties in group VI B transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers
Authors: Rawat Ashima , Jena Nityasagar , Dimple Dimple , De Sarkar Abir
Published: April 2018

Artificial photosynthesis in group VI B transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers.
Solid-phase hot-pressing synthesis of POMOFs on carbon cloth and derived phosphides for all pH value hydrogen evolution
Authors: Tang Yu-Jia , Chen Yifa , Zhu Hong-Jing , Zhang A.-Man , Wang Xiao-Li , Dong Long-Zhang , Li Shun-Li , Xu Qiang , Lan Ya-Qian
Published: April 2018

A powerful solid-phase hot-pressing method was applied to grow POMOFs and derived phosphides on carbon cloth rapidly and uniformly.
Controlling enzyme function through immobilisation on graphene, graphene derivatives and other two dimensional nanomaterials
Authors: Ramakrishna Tejaswini R. B. , Nalder Tim D. , Yang Wenrong , Marshall Susan N. , Barrow Colin J.
Published: April 2018

Controlling enzyme function through immobilisation on graphene, graphene derivatives and other two dimensional nanomaterials.
NLRP3 regulates macrophage M2 polarization through up-regulation of IL-4 in asthma
Authors: Liu Ying , Gao Xin , Miao Yi , Wang Yuanyuan , Wang Huan , Cheng Zhe , Wang Xi , Jing Xiaogang , Jia Liuqun , Dai Lingling , Liu Meng , An Lin
Published: April 2018

Activation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome received substantial attention recently in inﬂammatory diseases. Macrophages contribute to allergic inﬂammation in asthma. The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of NLRP3 inflammasome on the polarization of macrophages. We utilized human primary monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages to study the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components (NLRP3, apoptosis-associated specklike protein, and caspase-1) and its downstream cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β). By gain- or loss-of-function assays, we next explored the effects of NLRP3 inflammasome on M1/M2 polarization and secretion of IL-4, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-1β. The results showed increased numbers of M2 cells in asthma. And NLRP3 inflammasome was activated and involved in the inflammation of asthma. Furthermore, silence of NLRP3 down-regulated IL-4 secretion and up-regulated M1/M2. In contrast, overexpression of NLRP3 increased IL-4 and decreased M1/M2. As expected, IL-4 was involved in NLRP3-mediated down-regulation of Ml/M2 ratio. Moreover, NLRP3 interacted with IRF4 and was required for optimal IRF4-dependent IL-4 transcription. Subsequently, deficiency of NLRP3 in ovalbumin-induced allergic asthmatic mice impaired lung inflammation and up-regulated M1/M2, and diminished IL-4 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Collectively, we demonstrated here that activation of NLRP3 was engaged in the promotion of asthma. NLRP3, but not the inflammasome adaptor ASC or caspase-1, promoted the polarization of M2 macrophages through up-regulating the expression of IL-4, thereby contributing to its regulation of asthma.
Exploring the combinatorial space of complete pathways to chemicals
Authors: Wang Lin , Ng Chiam Yu , Dash Satyakam , Maranas Costas D.
Published: April 2018

Computational pathway design tools often face the challenges of balancing the stoichiometry of co-metabolites and cofactors, and dealing with reaction rule utilization in a single workflow. To this end, we provide an overview of two complementary stoichiometry-based pathway design tools optStoic and novoStoic developed in our group to tackle these challenges. optStoic is designed to determine the stoichiometry of overall conversion first which optimizes a performance criterion (e.g. high carbon/energy efficiency) and ensures a comprehensive search of co-metabolites and cofactors. The procedure then identifies the minimum number of intervening reactions to connect the source and sink metabolites. We also further the pathway design procedure by expanding the search space to include both known and hypothetical reactions, represented by reaction rules, in a new tool termed novoStoic. Reaction rules are derived based on a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) compatible reaction operator, which allow us to explore natural promiscuous enzymes, engineer candidate enzymes that are not already promiscuous as well as design de novo enzymes. The identified biochemical reaction rules then guide novoStoic to design routes that expand the currently known biotransformation space using a single MILP modeling procedure. We demonstrate the use of the two computational tools in pathway elucidation by designing novel synthetic routes for isobutanol.
Translational science in albuminuria: a new view ofde novoalbuminuria under chronic RAS suppression
Authors: Baldan-Martin Montserrat , Rodríguez-Sánchez Elena , González-Calero Laura , Ruilope Luis M. , Alvarez-Llamas Gloria , Barderas María G. , Ruiz-Hurtado Gema
Published: April 2018

The development of de novo albuminuria during chronic renin–angiotensin system (RAS) suppression is a clinical entity that remains poorly recognized in the biomedical literature. It represents a clear increment in global cardiovascular (CV) and renal risk that cannot be counteracted by RAS suppression. Although not specifically considered, it is clear that this entity is present in most published and ongoing trials dealing with the different forms of CV and renal disease. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms promoting albuminuria, and the predictors and new markers of de novo albuminuria, as well as the potential treatment options to counteract the excretion of albumin. The increase in risk that accompanies de novo albuminuria supports the search for early markers and predictors that will allow practising physicians to assess and prevent the development of de novo albuminuria in their patients.
Laying a Firm Foundation: Embedding Evidence-Based Emergent Literacy Practices Into Early Intervention and Preschool Environments
Authors: Terrell Pamela , Watson Maggie
Published: April 2018

Purpose

As part of this clinical forum on curriculum-based intervention, the goal of this tutorial is to share research about the importance of language and literacy foundations in natural environments during emergent literacy skill development, from infancy through preschool. Following an overview of intervention models in schools by Powell (2018), best practices at home, in child care, and in preschool settings are discussed. Speech-language pathologists in these settings will be provided a toolbox of best emergent literacy practices.

Method

A review of published literature in speech-language pathology, early intervention, early childhood education, and literacy was completed. Subsequently, an overview of the impact of early home and preschool literacy experiences are described. Research-based implementation of best practice is supported with examples of shared book reading and child-led literacy embedded in play within the coaching model of early intervention. Finally, various aspects of emergent literacy skill development in the preschool years are discussed. These include phonemic awareness, print/alphabet awareness, oral language skills, and embedded/explicit literacy.

Results

Research indicates that rich home literacy environments and exposure to rich oral language provide an important foundation for the more structured literacy environments of school. Furthermore, there is a wealth of evidence to support a variety of direct and indirect intervention practices in the home, child care, and preschool contexts to support and enhance all aspects of oral and written literacy.

Conclusions

Application of this “toolbox” of strategies should enable speech-language pathologists to address the prevention and intervention of literacy deficits within multiple environments during book and play activities. Additionally, clinicians will have techniques to share with parents, child care providers, and preschool teachers for evidence-based literacy instruction within all settings during typical daily activities.
A Multiyear Population-Based Study of Kindergarten Language Screening Failure Rates Using the Rice Wexler Test of Early Grammatical Impairment
Authors: Weiler Brian , Schuele C. Melanie , Feldman Jacob I. , Krimm Hannah
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate, over 2 separate school years, the school-district-wide failure rate of kindergartners on a screener of grammatical tense marking—the Rice Wexler Test of Early Grammatical Impairment (TEGI) Screening Test (Rice & Wexler, 2001)—composed of past tense (PT) and third-person singular (3S) probes.

Method

In the fall of 2 consecutive school years, consented and eligible kindergartners (
n
= 148 in Year 1,
n
= 126 in Year 2) in a rural southern school district were administered the TEGI Screening Test. Children who failed the screening test or either of the individual probes (PT or 3S) were administered the Primary Test of Nonverbal Intelligence. All children also completed the Test of Articulation Performance–Screen (Bryant & Bryant, 1983) and, in Year 2, the Get Ready to Read! emergent literacy screener (Whitehurst & Lonigan, 2001).

Results

The screening tool outcome most closely and consistently aligned with the recommended failure rate of approximately 30% (Oetting, Gregory, & Rivière, 2016; based on Tomblin et al., 1997) was the TEGI PT probe. TEGI Screening Test and 3S probe failure rates fell below the recommended level. Most children who failed the PT probe demonstrated nonverbal intelligence skills within the average range. In addition, most children who failed the PT probe would not have been readily identified on the basis of only the results of their articulation or emergent literacy screenings.

Conclusions

The TEGI PT probe is an efficient and reliable screener that identifies children for monitoring or additional language assessment. Children with language vulnerabilities are not necessarily identified by articulation or emergent literacy screenings at entry to kindergarten. To identify children at risk for language impairment, it is therefore necessary to directly screen oral language.
A Preliminary Examination of Concussion Knowledge by Collegiate Athletes and Non-Athletes
Authors: Knollman-Porter Kelly , Brown Jessica , Flynn Madelaine
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Concussions affect various populations, including collegiate athletes and non-athletes. The purpose of this study was to compare collegiate varsity athletes, recreational athletes, and non-athletes' knowledge of concussion definition, symptoms, and support services available following injury. Preferred method of concussion education delivery was also examined.

Method

We surveyed 306 current college students using an online survey system. The survey included free recall and forced-choice question formats. Quantitative analyses were used to analyze results and compare responses among groups.

Results

Collegiate athletes and non-athletes demonstrate incomplete knowledge of concussion definition, related symptoms, and professionals involved in postinjury management. Varsity athletes rated self-knowledge of concussion parameters significantly higher than the other groups (
p
< .001), though few significant differences in actual knowledge levels were observed. Overall, respondents reported having the highest preference for concussion education delivered by medical professionals.

Conclusion

Knowledge concerning concussion is incomplete in the collegiate population. Varsity athletes' exposure to formal education did not result in higher knowledge levels compared with other groups. Further examination of concussion educational delivery models' effect on change in concussion-related behavior in this population is warranted.
The Impact of Individual Differences on a Bilingual Vocabulary Approach for Latino Preschoolers
Authors: Méndez Lucía I. , Crais Elizabeth R. , Kainz Kirsten
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was twofold: First, we replicated in a new sample our previous findings that a culturally and linguistically responsive (CLR) bilingual approach for English vocabulary instruction for preschool Latino dual language learners was effective. Subsequently, we investigated whether the positive effect of CLR instruction varies as a function of individual child characteristics, including baseline vocabulary levels and gender.

Method

Using a randomized pretest–posttest follow-up group design, we first replicated our previous study (N= 42) with a new sample by randomly assigning 35 Spanish-speaking Latino preschoolers to a CLR bilingual group or an English-only group. The preschoolers received small-group evidence-informed shared readings targeting 30 English words 3 times a week for 5 weeks in their preschools. Vocabulary outcomes were measured using both standardized and researcher-developed measures. We subsequently conducted further studies with the combined sample size of 77 children to examine the variability in intervention effects related to child gender and baseline vocabulary levels.

Results

The direct replication study confirmed findings of our earlier work suggesting that the CLR bilingual approach promoted greater gains in L1 and L2 vocabulary than in an English-only approach. The extension studies revealed that the effect of the CLR bilingual vocabulary approach on English and Spanish vocabulary outcomes was not impacted by gender or vocabulary status at baseline.

Conclusion

This study provides additional evidence of the benefits of strategically combining L1 and L2 for vocabulary instruction over an English-only approach. Our findings also suggest that preschool Latino dual language learners can benefit from a bilingual vocabulary instructional approach regardless of gender or baseline vocabulary levels in L1.
The Impact of Dialect Density on the Growth of Language and Reading in African American Children
Authors: Washington Julie A. , Branum-Martin Lee , Sun Congying , Lee-James Ryan
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The goal of the current study was to examine the impact of dialect density on the growth of oral language and reading skills in a sample of African American English (AAE)-speaking children reared in urban communities.

Method

Eight hundred thirty-five African American children in first through fifth grades participated. Using an accelerated cohort design, univariate and bivariate growth models were employed to examine dialect density, oral language and reading, and the relationships between these variables.

Results

For the univariate models, results indicated that (a) dialect density decreased over time by approximately 5% per year beyond first grade, (b) language skills improved approximately 0.5SDper year, and (c) reading comprehension increased significantly from first to second grade and slowed 23% per year in second through fifth grades. Results from the bivariate models revealed that (a) dialect density and language ability are negatively associated, although dialect density did not affect change in language over time, and (b) higher dialect density is related to slower growth in reading.

Conclusions

Findings from this investigation provide converging evidence for accounts in the extant literature particularly supporting a negative relationship between dialect density and oral language and between dialect density and reading while also contributing novel longitudinal evidence that suggests that changes in dialect use over time may be driven by oral language skills and that reading and dialect have a reciprocal relationship.
Regenerative‐passive snubber two‐switch forward converter
Authors: Soltanzadeh K. , Yousefi M.R.
Published: April 2018

A regenerative‐passive snubber (RPS) for pulse‐width modulation (PWM) two‐switch forward converter (TSFC) is presented. The RPS circuit is recycled the magnetic energy stored in the transformer leakage inductor and is achieved zero voltage switching turn off of power switches. Moreover, the RPS provides the resonant path formed by snubber capacitors and the snubber inductor to achieve zero current switching (ZCS) turn on of switches. In addition, the output diodes turn on/off under ZCS. The proposed RPS‐PWM TSFC is analysed and experimental result for a 160 W, 300 kH prototype at the output voltage of 32 V are obtained to verify the theoretical analysis.
Channel observation‐based scaled backoff mechanism for high‐efficiency WLANs
Authors: Ali R. , Shahin N. , Kim Y.‐T. , Kim B.‐S. , Kim S.W.
Published: April 2018

A channel observation‐based scaled backoff (COSB) mechanism for the carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance of high efficiency wireless local area networks (WLANs) is devised. The proposed protocol modifies the blind scaling of contention window (W) in binary exponential backoff (BEB) scheme of currently deployed WLANs. COSB is employed to adaptively scale‐up and scale‐down the W size during the backoff mechanism for collided and successfully transmitted data frames, respectively. It can achieve higher throughput and shorter delay compared to the conventional BEB mechanism in highly dense WLANs.
Almost sure exponential synchronisation of networked harmonic oscillators via intermittent coupling subject to Markovian jumping
Authors: Wang Jingyi , Feng Jianwen , Xu Chen , Zhao Yi
Published: April 2018

Synchronisation behaviours emerge from the interaction of oscillators. This study addresses the problem of almost sure exponential synchronisation for networked harmonic oscillators over switching communication networks. The coupling protocol relies on only the sampled velocity data and is periodical intermittent interactions over networks described by directed graphs subject to Markovian jumping. Next, the leader–following coupling protocol is proposed in order to approach a desired synchronisation trajectory. By using the stability theory of stochastic differential equations, some sufficient conditions are established to guarantee synchronisation in the almost sure sense. The almost sure exponential synchronisation can be achieved even when the coupling network and strength are switched between enabling and disabling the system to achieve complete synchronisation. Some numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Reduced‐order simultaneous state and fault estimator based fault tolerant preview control for discrete‐time linear time‐invariant systems
Authors: Han Kezhen , Feng Jian , Li Yueyang , Li Shi
Published: April 2018

In this study, an integrated fault tolerant preview tracking control framework is proposed based on reduced‐order simultaneous state and fault estimation, robust preview control and fault signal compensation. In general, this work consists of three key design parts. Firstly, the analysis and synthesis conditions of a novel reduced‐order simultaneous state and fault estimator are given based on the equivalent model reconstruction and optimisation of the parametric solution. Note that such a reduced‐order design method can avoid traditional output equation reduction requirement, and has a wider application scope. Secondly, the robust preview tracking control policy is constructed by integrating state‐feedback, preview action, and integral operation. Relying on augmentation modelling technique, a linear quadratic preview control design problem is transformed into an equivalent augmented state‐feedback control design problem. Thirdly, the fault compensation is achieved by using estimated fault to accommodate fault influence. These involved designs are performed at the optimisation level, and thus guarantee the robust tracking performance of closed‐loop systems. The effectiveness of the above conclusions is finally verified via two case studies.
Continuous finite‐time control for uncertain robot manipulators with integral sliding mode
Authors: Zhang Liyin , Liu Linzhi , Wang Zeng , Xia Yuquan
Published: April 2018

This study investigates a continuous sliding mode tracking problem for robot manipulators under the presence of parametric uncertainty and external disturbances. A chattering‐free integral terminal sliding mode control scheme is first proposed by integrating an integral terminal sliding surface with an observer. Lypaunov stability theory is employed to prove the global finite‐time tracking of robotic system. The appealing advantages of the proposed controller are that it is easy to implement with the continuous sliding mode control featuring chattering‐free, fast transient and high steady‐state tracking precision. Extensive simulations on two degree of freedoms (DOFs) are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and improved performance of the proposed approach.
Optimal design of IT2‐FCS‐based STATCOM controller applied to power system with wind farms using Taguchi method
Authors: Hong Ying‐Yi , Nguyen Manh‐Tuan
Published: April 2018

The static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) has attracted considerable attention because it can stabilise severe transients that are caused by power system disturbances. This study presents a novel interval type 2 fuzzy control system (IT2‐FCS)‐based controller for the STATCOM to stabilise bus voltages that are caused by faults or forced wind farm outages in a smart grid. Two IT2‐FCSs are presented to tune increments of the proportional integral (PI) controller, which are optimised by the gradient descent method. The IT2 fuzzy rules, involving upper and lower membership functions, result in a fast and stable system response. Since many possible scenarios may arise in the power system, the Taguchi method is used to design experiments using an orthogonal array, in which all scenarios are mutually independent. A power system that consists of a wind farm and STATCOM is studied. Comparative studies show that the proposed method is superior to traditional PI and type 1 FCS methods.
Fractal triangular search: a metaheuristic for image content search
Authors: Rodrigues Erick O. , Liatsis Panos , Satoru Luiz , Conci Aura
Published: April 2018

This work proposes a variable neighbourhood search (FTS) that uses a fractal‐based local search primarily designed for images. Searching for specific content in images is posed as an optimisation problem, where evidence elements are expected to be present. Evidence elements improve the odds of finding the desired content and are closely associated to it in terms of spatial location. The proposed local search algorithm follows the fashion of a chain of triangles that engulf each other and grow indefinitely in a fractal fashion, while their orientation varies in each iteration. The authors carried out an extensive set of experiments, which confirmed that FTS outperforms state‐of‐the‐art metaheuristics. On average, FTS was able to locate content faster, visiting less incorrect image locations. In the first group of experiments, FTS was faster in seven out of nine cases, being >8% faster on average, when compared to the second best search method. In the second group, FTS was faster in six out of seven cases, and it was >22% faster on average when compared to the approach ranked second best. FTS tends to outperform other metaheuristics substantially as the size of the image increases.
Frequency‐selective substrate integrated waveguide front‐end system for tracking applications
Authors: Salem Hesari Sara , Bornemann Jens
Published: April 2018

A K‐band frequency‐selective front‐end system for monopulse tracking applications is presented on a single layer of a substrate‐integrated waveguide (SIW). The circuit comprises an antenna array of two Vivaldi antennas, a frequency‐selective power combiner, and two frequency‐selective SIW crossovers, which eliminate the need for subsequent filtering. Its performance is demonstrated in terms of sum and difference patterns, gain, and scattering parameters. In order to validate the design procedure, the monopulse tracking front end is fabricated and measured. It has a bandwidth of 540 MHz with an operating frequency range of 23.63–24.17 GHz. The sum and difference patterns are provided by in‐phase and out‐of‐phase electric fields. The maximum achievable gain is 6.2 dB at the mid‐band frequency, and a 30‐degree field of view is obtained. The measurements are found to be in good agreement with simulations.
Low‐fidelity model considerations for simulation‐based optimisation of miniaturised wideband antennas
Authors: Koziel Slawomir , Unnsteinsson Sigmar D. , Bekasiewicz Adrian
Published: April 2018

Here, variable‐fidelity electromagnetic (EM)‐based design optimisation of miniaturised antennas is discussed. The authors focus on an appropriate selection of discretisation density of the low‐fidelity EM model, which results in good performance of the optimisation algorithm in terms of its computational complexity and reliability. Trust‐region gradient search with low‐fidelity model corrected by means of non‐linear frequency scaling and multiplicative output space mapping is utilised as a benchmark optimiser. Comprehensive studies are conducted for several structures of planar wideband antennas, optimised for best matching and minimum size. The results indicate that appropriate low‐fidelity model set‐up can be determined by means of a correlation analysis based on selected characteristic points of the antenna responses and sparsely allocated test designs.
Boost–flyback converter with interleaved input current and output voltage series connection
Authors: Brockveld Sergio Luis , Waltrich Gierri
Published: April 2018

This study proposed a high‐gain dc–dc converter with an interleaved current at the input stage and voltage series connection at the output stage. This converter was designed based on the boost–flyback topology, which has as main characteristic high voltage gain. Normally, the boost–flyback is designed with the low input voltage, and therefore, the current at this stage reaches high current values, limiting the converter design. Therefore, paralleling the input connection allows the current division between the semiconductors, reducing the switching stress. As part of the converter analysis, in this study, the static and the dynamic converter model are obtained to further design the converter controllers. Furthermore, simulations and experimental results for the proposed converter, operating in closed‐looping control, were designed for a peak power of 1.2 kW, reaching a maximum efficiency of 97.5%.
Fractal‐based lightning model for shielding failure rate calculation of transmission lines
Authors: Rahiminejad Abolfazl , Vahidi Behrooz
Published: April 2018

In this study, performance of lightning shielding system of transmission lines is investigated by means of a new fractal‐based model of simulated lightning. A new lightning downward stepped leader based on fractal approach is introduced in this study. The zigzag movement of lightning downward leader as well as branching nature are simulated using the proposed model. Moreover, a new charge distribution is proposed for branched lightning channel. In addition, the branch fading during lightning downward movement is also simulated in order to simulate the lightning closer to reality. The proposed method is applied for calculating the striking distance for a transmission line and the results are compared with those of leader progression model and different models of electrogeometric model. Furthermore, the shielding failure rate of some practical structures obtained by the proposed method is compared with the field observations. The results are discussed and superiority of the proposed simulated lightning model is concluded.
Study on FDS characteristics of oil‐immersed paper insulation bushing under non‐uniform moisture content
Authors: Zhang Daning , Zhao Haoxiang , Yun Hao , Liu Xiaowei , Han Yanhua , Mu Haibao , Zhang Guan‐jun
Published: April 2018

Capacitive high‐voltage bushing is one of the typical oil‐immersed paper insulation equipment, which is an indispensable external connection component for power transformers. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of frequency domain spectroscopy (FDS) for diagnosing moisture content of oil‐immersed paper insulation bushing, this article studied the frequency‐domain dielectric characteristics of oil‐immersed paper insulation samples and field bushing. At the same time, the basic principle of interfacial polarisation is used to analyse the samples and field bushing with non‐uniform moisture content. The results show that the moisture content affects the whole frequency band of the FDS curve. When the distribution of moisture content is non‐uniform, the paper with high moisture content has a great influence on the whole FDS curve of oil‐immersed paper insulation. In addition, the FDS curves will show a significant loss peak. The frequency of the peak point gradually moves towards the high frequency as the non‐uniformity of the moisture content distribution increases. The experimental results show that the variation law of oil‐immersed paper insulation can be used to quantitatively evaluate the moisture content and moisture type of oil–paper insulation power equipment.