bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibration analysis of silica nanoparticle‐reinforced concrete pipes filled with compressible fluid surrounded by soil foundation
Authors: Zamani Nouri Alireza
Published: February 2018

In this article, vibration of nanoparticles reinforced‐concrete pipes surrounded by soil medium is presented. The nanoparticles are silica where the effective material properties of the structure are obtained by Mori–Tanaka model considering agglomeration of nanoparticles. The pipe is filled with a non‐viscous, compressible fluid. The surrounded soil medium is simulated by Winkler medium using spring element. The cylindrical shell model is used for modeling of the structure. Based on the energy method and Hamilton’s principle, the motion equations are derived. Using an exact solution, the frequency of the structure is calculated. The effects of fluid velocity, volume percent and agglomeration of silica nanoparticles, boundary condition, and geometrical parameters of pipe are shown on the instability response of the structure. Results show that considering the agglomeration of silica nanoparticles, the frequency of the concrete pipe is decreased.
Driving the Crystallization of Zeolites
Authors: Lu Peng , Villaescusa L. A. , Camblor M. A.
Published: February 2018

The synthesis of zeolites with new structures and/or improved properties heavily relies on trial and error efforts that are not entirely blind, as the large empirical background accumulated for the last 7 decades can be, to some extent, rationalized and purposefully used to make new materials. The so‐called structure‐directing factors may be combined to promote (or frustrate) the crystallization of a particular structure. This personal account opens with the concept of geoinspiration, as suggested by Prof. Ruiz‐Hitzky, and its application to zeolite synthesis. We then provide a concise overview of structure‐direction in the synthesis of zeolites and detail examples, both new and from the literature, on how they can be combined to drive the crystallization towards (or away from) structures displaying particular features.
An analytical method for mapping alarm information to model of power grid fault diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Xu , Wei Juan , Yue Shuai , Zha Xiaobing
Published: February 2018

Online fault diagnosis systems have recently been applied in power grids. However, the complex modeling and high‐quality requirements for power grid fault diagnosis have restricted the wide application of online systems. This paper proposes an automatic method for mapping alarm information to a fault diagnosis model. First, we automatically extract the basic logic variables from the alarm information. These can be used in power grid fault diagnoses by employing a key character‐matching algorithm. We then build the associative relationship between electrical devices and circuit breakers based on connection analysis. Finally, an associative matrix of all electrical devices is designed to express the cooperative relationship between different devices in a fault event based on the short‐circuit power mark. Based on these modules, cause–effect events expressing the associated relationship between alarms are established according to the protection configuration principle and protective relay setting principle. Expressing the associated relationship between alarms according to the logical requirements of a fault diagnosis model enables the automatic mapping from alarm information to fault diagnosis model to be realized. The validity of the proposed method for online fault diagnosis is verified using a real fault case that occurred in a power grid.
“Because We Are Peers, We Actually Understand”: Third‐Party Participant Assistance in English as a Lingua Franca Classroom Interactions
Authors: Matsumoto Yumi
Published: February 2018

This study qualitatively investigates miscommunication moments during which a teacher of English who speaks a first language other than English and students with various linguacultures collaboratively resolve communicative problems with the assistance of other students in the classroom. These other students, referred to asthird‐party participantsbecause they are not originally part of the miscommunication phenomena, help resolve miscommunication by sharing their interpretations of what their peers say. Combining sequential analysis with ethnographic information, this study examines how students as third‐party participants take initiative in resolving miscommunication by representing their peers' viewpoints and how teachers elicit assistance from these third‐party participants. The analysis reveals that third‐party participants' repair efforts can be effective in multilingual classrooms in various ways, including helping to save face among interlocutors involved in miscommunication, negotiating meaning, creating active class participation patterns, and engendering the class norm that dealing with miscommunication and achieving mutual understanding areeveryone'sresponsibility in multilingual classrooms. The analysis also demonstrates the important role of nonverbal elements (e.g., gaze, smile, and gesture) for enhancing explicitness in English as a lingua franca communication. This study suggests recommendations for second language teacher education regarding the need for second language teachers to develop a mindset for intercultural, multilingual classrooms.
Mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of kenaf filled linear low‐density polyethylene/poly(vinyl alcohol) composites: Effect of chemical treatment
Authors: Pang Ai Ling , Ismail Hanafi , Abu Bakar Azhar
Published: February 2018

The effect of hydrated chromium (III) sulfate ([Cr(H2O)6]2(SO4)3⋅6(H2O)) treated and untreated kenaf (KNF) on the processing torque, functional group, mechanical and morphological properties, water absorption, and thermal stability of KNF filled linear low‐density polyethylene/poly(vinyl alcohol) (LLDPE/PVOH) composites were investigated systematically. It was found that the presence of hydrated chromium (III) sulfate increases the equilibrium torque of treated KNF‐filled LLDPE/PVOH composites. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy analysis indicated that hydroxyl (–OH) and carbonyl (C = O) group could possibly be involved in the mechanism of adsorption of chromium (III) on KNF surface. The tensile strength and tensile modulus of the treated KNF‐filled LLDPE/PVOH composites were found to have improved. The enhancement in the interfacial adhesion between treated KNF and LLDPE/PVOH is confirmed by the Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) analysis. It was observed that with the presence of hydrated chromium (III) sulfate, the water absorption of KNF‐filled LLDPE/PVOH composites was declined. Thermal analysis showed that the treated KNF‐filled LLDPE/PVOH composites exhibited higher thermal stability; as observed from the higher initial and maximum degradation temperatures. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 24:E164–E171, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Molecular simulations in drug delivery: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Katiyar Ratna S. , Jha Prateek K.
Published: February 2018

Molecular simulations are promising tools for in silico design of drug delivery formulations, as they provide a prediction of formulation properties prior to synthesis thus minimizing the need for in vitro and in vivo experimentation. The detailed molecular insight obtained by these simulations is precious and often beyond the reach of sophisticated experimental facilities. Although initially limited to the prediction of single‐molecule behavior (e.g., drug orientation in a bilayer), gradual advances in computing speed and efficient simulation approaches have made it feasible to employ these methods for phenomena occurring at substantially large length and time scales (e.g., carrier‐drug complexation) with modest computational cost and resources. We present a nonmathematical review of molecular simulation methods and their applications in drug delivery, with special emphasis on the use of atomistic and coarse‐grained Monte Carlo (MC) and molecular dynamics (MD) methods and excluding the drug docking studies used in drug discovery. Current capabilities and problems associated with the use of these methods in the context of drug delivery are highlighted, along with a discussion of representative applications of molecular simulations in drug delivery. We conclude that while molecular simulations are expected to play a central role in the future of drug delivery field, we require a concerted effort of computational scientists, experimentalists, and industry personnel working on drug delivery to identify specific areas where these simulations can be especially useful.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Dynamics and Monte‐Carlo Methods

Software > Molecular Modeling
Timing of cognitive decline in CLN3 disease
Authors: Kuper Willemijn F. E. , van Alfen Claudia , Rigterink Roeliene H. , Fuchs Sabine A. , van Genderen Maria M. , van Hasselt Peter M.
Published: February 2018

Background

CLN3 disease is a major cause of childhood neurodegeneration. Onset of visual failure around 6 years of age is thought to precede cognitive deterioration by a few years, but casuistic reports question this paradigm. The aim of our study is to delineate timing of cognitive decline in CLN3 disease.

Methods

Early neurocognitive functioning in CLN3 disease was analyzed using age at onset of visual and cognitive decline and IQ scores from literature‐derived patient descriptions, supplemented with IQ scores and school history from a retrospective referral center cohort. We analyzed protracted and classical CLN3 separately and added a control group of patients diagnosed with juvenile onset macular degeneration (early onset Stargardt disease) to control for possible effects of rapid vision loss on neurocognitive functioning.

Results

Onset of cognitive decline at a mean age of 6.8 years (range 2–13 years, n = 19) paralleled onset of visual deterioration at a mean age of 6.4 years (range 4–9 years, n = 81) as supported by an early decline in IQ scores in classical CLN3 disease. Onset and course of vision loss was similar in patients with protracted CLN3. The decreased IQ levels at diagnosis (mean 68.4, range 57–79, n = 9) in the referral cohort were consistently associated with an aberrant early school history contrasting normal school history and cognition in Stargardt disease patients.

Conclusions

Cognitive dysfunction is universally present around diagnosis in classical CLN3 disease.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Radiological Guide to Common Postsurgical Failure
Authors: Garofalo Fabio , Pescarus Radu , Denis Ronald , Atlas Henri , Garneau Pierre , Philie Michel , Sayegh Karl
Published: February 2018

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most common bariatric procedures worldwide. It has recently gained in popularity because of a low complication rate, satisfactory resolution of comorbidities, and excellent weight loss outcome. This article reviews the surgical technique, expected postsurgical imaging appearance, and imaging findings of common complications after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Understanding of the surgical technique of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and of the normal postsurgical anatomy allows accurate interpretation of imaging findings in cases of insufficient weight loss, weight regain, and postsurgical complications.
Platform for systems medicine research and diagnostic applications in psychotic disorders—The METSY project
Authors: Frank Elisabeth , Maier Dieter , Pajula Juha , Suvitaival Tommi , Borgan Faith , Butz-Ostendorf Markus , Fischer Alexander , Hietala Jarmo , Howes Oliver , Hyötyläinen Tuulia , Janssen Joost , Laurikainen Heikki , Moreno Carmen , Suvisaari Jaana , Van Gils Mark , Orešič Matej
Published: February 2018

Psychotic disorders are associated with metabolic abnormalities including alterations in glucose and lipid metabolism. A major challenge in the treatment of psychosis is to identify patients with vulnerable metabolic profiles who may be at risk of developing cardiometabolic co-morbidities. It is established that both central and peripheral metabolic organs use lipids to control energy balance and regulate peripheral insulin sensitivity. The endocannabinoid system, implicated in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, has been shown to be dysregulated in psychosis. It is currently unclear how these endocannabinoid abnormalities relate to metabolic changes in psychosis. Here we review recent research in the field of metabolic co-morbidities in psychotic disorders as well as the methods to study them and potential links to the endocannabinoid system. We also describe the bioinformatics platforms developed in the EU project METSY for the investigations of the biological etiology in patients at risk of psychosis and in first episode psychosis patients. The METSY project was established with the aim to identify and evaluate multi-modal peripheral and neuroimaging markers that may be able to predict the onset and prognosis of psychiatric and metabolic symptoms in patients at risk of developing psychosis and first episode psychosis patients. Given the intrinsic complexity and widespread role of lipid metabolism, a systems biology approach which combines molecular, structural and functional neuroimaging methods with detailed metabolic characterisation and multi-variate network analysis is essential in order to identify how lipid dysregulation may contribute to psychotic disorders. A decision support system, integrating clinical, neuropsychological and neuroimaging data, was also developed in order to aid clinical decision making in psychosis. Knowledge of common and specific mechanisms may aid the etiopathogenic understanding of psychotic and metabolic disorders, facilitate early disease detection, aid treatment selection and elucidate new targets for pharmacological treatments.
Acquired amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia and red cell aplasia in a patient with thymoma progressing to aplastic anemia successfully treated with allogenic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Simkins Aron , Maiti Abhishek , Short Nicholas J. , Jain Nitin , Popat Uday , Patel Keyur P. , Oo Thein H.
Published: February 2018

Association of pure red-cell aplasia with thymoma is well documented. However, acquired amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia (AAMT) has been rarely associated with thymoma with only five reported cases in literature. We report a patient with thymoma complicated by pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) and AAMT who progressed to develop aplastic anemia (AA). The patient was refractory to 10-months of immunosuppressive therapy with cyclosporine, prednisone, and antithymocyte globulin. She was eventually treated with allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). On Day +323 the patient continues to be transfusion-independent. This case illustrates how in patients with thymoma and AAMT may herald development of AA. This is also the first report of a patient with AAMT progressing to thymoma-associated AA being successfully treated with allo-SCT. The successful outcome suggests allo-SCT as a feasible option similar to other AA patients.
Fecal calprotectin and serum albumin as markers of gastrointestinal graft versus host disease
Authors: Broglie Larisa , Rademaker Alfred , Galvin John , Ray Ayita , Tse William T. , Duerst Reggie , Schneiderman Jennifer , Kletzel Morris , Chaudhury Sonali
Published: February 2018

Background:

Acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) affects approximately 30–60% of patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) and our ability to predict who develops this complication and their response to treatment is limited. Fecal calpro-tectin has recently gained popularity as an effective marker of GI inflammation in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

Methods:

Fecal calprotectin and albumin were evaluated as prognostic and predictive markers of aGVHD in 60 adult and pediatric HCT patients. Stool samples were sent for calprotectin quantification prior to starting conditioning, at day 14 post-HCT, at day 28 post-HCT, and at onset of aGVHD ± 2 days.

Results:

Fecal calprotectin did not differentiate patients with GI-GVHD and non-GI GVHD and did not vary based on severity. However, in patients with steroid-refractory GI aGVHD, significantly higher fecal calprotectin levels were noted. At onset of lower-GI symptoms, steroid refractory patients (n = 3) had a mean fecal calprotectin level of 449 ug/g (range 116–1111 ug/g) and a mean albumin of 1.93 g/dL (range 1.6–2.3 g/dL) compared with a mean fecal calprotectin of 24 ug/g (range 16–31 ug/g) and a mean albumin of 3.3 g/dL (range 2.3–3.9 g/dL) in steroid responsive patients (n = 9) (fecal calprotectin p = 0.032, albumin p = 0.027).

Conclusion:

Patients with steroid-refractory Gl aGVHD had higher fecal calprotectin levels and lower albumin levels than patients with steroid-responsive disease. We recommend further studies to evaluate non-invasive tests with fecal calprotectin in combination with albumin in predicting steroid refractory disease at onset of symptoms to potentially identify patients that may benefit from upfront escalation in GVHD treatment.
Pre-sacral (retrorectal) abnormal tissue and tumours may be described by a new classification – A review article
Authors: Alharbi Mohammad Bukhetan
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

Background:

Many classifications have been proposed to improve our understanding and management approaches. However, the available classifications cannot explain newly discovered cells and tissues.

Methods:

There will be an online search through PubMed, Google Scholar and the Saudi digital library to assess the different classifications available and their competence for current management trends.

Results:

Many cell and tissue types have been described in the retrorectal (pre-sacral) space which cannot be covered by the current available classifications.

Conclusion:

Different tissues discovered in the retrorectal space, especially non-tumour tissues and rare cells originating from the endoderm, can fit into the new proposed classification, which is based on germ layer cells (ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm).

Highlights:
A unique case of accessory/double nail of middle finger
Authors: Randhawa Muhammad Afzal , Shabbir Naila , Bilal Maliha , Hussain Shahid , Qadir Adnan , Ali Nawab
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

A rudimentary accessory or double nail of the middle finger of hand is extremely rare, although rudimentary accessory or double nail of the toes only described four times before in literature. Most cases are incidentally detected and only few patients seek help because they have discomfort and pain or cosmetic reasons. Some have a positive family history, but most patients cannot give any information concerning heredity or any previous trauma.

Presentation:

28 years male presented with abnormal growth of the nail of middle finger of left hand which was hard. It was causing pain and discomfort to patient when touched. This growth was made of keratinized material and inseparable from nail bed which showed a longitudinal depression corresponding to a slight protuberance of the cuticle of primary nail.

Discussion:

being an extremely rare entity, this situation can lead to difficulty in diagnosis, so its symptoms and pattern of occurrence should be thoroughly noted. surgical excision is the only treatment of choice for patient's symptoms relief and cosmetic concern. Nail unit resection procedure can easily be performed under local anesthesia.

Conclusion:

Accessory nail of finger should be removed surgically due to pain and discomfort or cosmetic reasons and histopathology should be done afterwards.

Highlights:
Performance characteristics of multiparametric-MRI at a non-academic hospital using transperineal template mapping biopsy as a reference standard
Authors: Chau Edwin Michael , Arya Manit , Petrides Neophytos , Aldin Zaid , McKenzie Jolanta , Emberton Mark , Virdi Jaspal , Ahmed Hashim Uddin , Kasivisvanathan Veeru
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

Objectives:

To evaluate diagnostic accuracy of mpMRI in a non-academic hospital using transperineal template prostate mapping (TPM) biopsy as a reference standard. Secondary objectives included evaluating why mpMRI missed significant cancer.

Materials and methods:

101 men received pre-biopsy mpMRI and TPM-biopsy over 16 months. Disease status was assigned at hemigland level. Primary histological definition of clinical significance was Gleason grade >/ = 4 + 3 or maximum cancer core length (MCCL) >/ = 6 mm. Positive mpMRI was defined as Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) score >/ = 3.

Results:

Median age 69 (IQR 62–76). Median PSA 7 ng/ml (IQR 4.6–9.8). mpMRI had sensitivity 76.9%, specificity 60.7%, PPV 40.4% and NPV 88.3% at primary definitions. For detecting any Gleason >/ = 7 mpMRI had sensitivity 73.2%, specificity 60.3%, PPV 41.4% and NPV 85.4%. Mean MCCL was lower where significant cancer was missed compared to those correctly identified (5.8 mm versus 7.7 mm respectively, p = 0.035).

Conclusion:

mpMRI performance characteristics were very encouraging when compared to contemporary clinical trials. In a non-academic hospital setting, negative mpMRI was just as good at ruling-out significant disease, though the ability of positive mpMRI to accurately detect significant disease was lower. An mpMRI-guided diagnostic pathway should be accompanied by appropriate mpMRI protocol optimisation, training, and quality control.

Highlights:
Transitions across cognitive states and death among older adults in relation to education: A multistate survival model using data from six longitudinal studies
Authors: Robitaille Annie , van den Hout Ardo , Machado Robson J.M. , Bennett David A. , Čukić Iva , Deary Ian J. , Hofer Scott M. , Hoogendijk Emiel O. , Huisman Martijn , Johansson Boo , Koval Andriy V. , van der Noordt Maaike , Piccinin Andrea M. , Rijnhart Judith J.M. , Singh‐Manoux Archana , Skoog Johan , Skoog Ingmar , Starr John , Vermunt Lisa , Clouston Sean , Muniz Terrera Graciela
Published: February 2018

Introduction

This study examines the role of educational attainment, an indicator of cognitive reserve, on transitions in later life between cognitive states (normal Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), mild MMSE impairment, and severe MMSE impairment) and death.

Methods

Analysis of six international longitudinal studies was performed using a coordinated approach. Multistate survival models were used to estimate the transition patterns via different cognitive states. Life expectancies were estimated.

Results

Across most studies, a higher level of education was associated with a lower risk of transitioning from normal MMSE to mild MMSE impairment but was not associated with other transitions. Those with higher levels of education and socioeconomic status had longer nonimpaired life expectancies.

Discussion

This study highlights the importance of education in later life and that early life experiences can delay later compromised cognitive health. This study also demonstrates the feasibility and benefit in conducting coordinated analysis across multiple studies to validate findings.
Association of serum nesfatin‐1 concentrations with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Duan Xing‐Liang , Li Lei , Li Ya‐Ni
Published: February 2018

Nesfatin‐1, a newly discovered adipokine, inhibits inflammatory response. Inflammation is involved in the mechanism of atrial fibrillation (AF). We aim to determine the association between serum nesfatin‐1 concentrations and AF. A population of 200 patients with AF and 108 patients without AF were enrolled in this study. These patients were divided into three subgroups of paroxysmal AF, persistent AF, and permanent AF. Serum nesfatin‐1 concentrations were lower in AF patients than in controls. Logistic regression analysis showed that serum nesfatin‐1 concentrations were inversely associated with AF. Serum nesfatin‐1 concentrations in permanent AF patients decreased compared with those in persistent and paroxysmal AF groups. In addition, persistent AF patients showed reduced serum nesfatin‐1 concentrations compared with paroxysmal AF subjects. Serum nesfatin‐1 concentrations were negatively correlated with left atrial diameter. In conclusion, serum nesfatin‐1 concentrations were inversely correlated with AF development.
An oasis of democracy in an authoritarian sea? Civil society, social, and institutional trust in Georgia
Authors: Ishiyama John , Mezvrishvili Lia , Zhgenti Nina
Published: February 2018

We examine whether the existence of civil society in Georgia has promoted social and institutional trust in the population. As much of the literature suggests, Georgia is different from its neighbors in that civil society development is more advanced. Does participation in civil society lead to more social and institutional trust? Using survey data from the Caucasus Barometer and the World Values Survey, we find that attitudes regarding social and institutional trust are more developed in Georgia than in its neighbors, and that activity in voluntary organizations is positively associated with social and institutional trust in Georgia.
A case of central odontogenic fibroma of the mandible in a nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome patient
Authors: Shimada Yasuyuki , Kawasaki Yohei , Tayama Michita , Kindaichi Junko , Maruoka Yutaka
Published: February 2018

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by tumorigenesis and physical deformities. Although more than 50 clinical manifestations have been described, only two major criteria or one major and two minor criteria are necessary for diagnosis. The most frequently observed manifestation in the oral and the maxillofacial region is an odontogenic keratocyst. In this study, we describe a 14‐year‐old boy with a diagnosis of NBCCS who presented with a central odontogenic fibroma (COF) in the mandible. This report highlights the importance of precise diagnosis and the choice of surgical method for COF.
How Community and Public Health Partnerships Contribute to Disaster Recovery and Resilience
Authors: Acosta Joie D. , Burgette Lane , Chandra Anita , Eisenman David P. , Gonzalez Ingrid , Varda Danielle , Xenakis Lea
Published: February 2018

Objective

To summarize ways that networks of community-based organizations (CBO), in partnership with public health departments, contribute to community recovery from disaster.

Methods

The study was conducted using an online survey administered one and 2 years after Hurricane Sandy to the partnership networks of 369 CBO and the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The survey assessed the structure and durability of networks, how they were influenced by storm damage, and whether more connected networks were associated with better recovery outcomes.

Results

During response and recovery, CBOs provide an array of critical public health services often outside their usual scope. New CBO partnerships were formed to support recovery, particularly in severely impacted areas. CBOs that were more connected to other CBOs and were part of a long-term recovery committee reported greater impacts on the community; however, a partnership with the local health department was not associated with recovery impacts.

Conclusion

CBO partners are flexible in their scope of services, and CBO partnerships often emerge in areas with the greatest storm damage, and subsequently the greatest community needs. National policies will advance if they account for the dynamic and emergent nature of these partnerships and their contributions, and clarify the role of government partners. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:635–643)
Numerical and theoretical analyses of the dynamics of droplets driven by electrowetting on dielectric in a Hele-Shaw cell
Authors: Yamamoto Yasufumi , Ito Takahiro , Wakimoto Tatsuro , Katoh Kenji
Published: February 2018

Droplet movement by electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) in a Hele-Shaw cell is analysed theoretically and numerically. We propose a simple theoretical model for the motion, which describes well the voltage dependency of droplet speed below the saturation voltage as measured experimentally. The simulation method for numerical analyses is constructed by using the Young–Lippmann equation to represent EWOD and the generalised Navier boundary condition to represent the moving contact line in the context of the front-tracking method. With an adjusted slip parameter, the present full three-dimensional numerical simulation reproduces well the shape evolution and movement speed of droplets as observed experimentally. We verify the proposed theoretical model in numerical experiments with various shapes and voltages. Furthermore, we analyse theoretically the behaviour of the contact line at the onset of droplet motion as observed in the simulation and experiment, and we are able to estimate very well the time scale on which the contact angle changes.
Wave-induced mean flows in rotating shallow water with uniform potential vorticity
Authors: Thomas Jim , Bühler Oliver , Shafer Smith K.
Published: February 2018

Theoretical and numerical computations of the wave-induced mean flow in rotating shallow water with uniform potential vorticity are presented, with an eye towards applications in small-scale oceanography where potential-vorticity anomalies are often weak compared to the waves. The asymptotic computations are based on small-amplitude expansions and time averaging over the fast wave scale to define the mean flow. Importantly, we do not assume that the mean flow is balanced, i.e. we compute the full mean-flow response at leading order. Particular attention is paid to the concept of modified diagnostic relations, which link the leading-order Lagrangian-mean velocity field to certain wave properties known from the linear solution. Both steady and unsteady wave fields are considered, with specific examples that include propagating wavepackets and monochromatic standing waves. Very good agreement between the theoretical predictions and direct numerical simulations of the nonlinear system is demonstrated. In particular, we extend previous studies by considering the impact of unsteady wave fields on the mean flow, and by considering the total kinetic energy of the mean flow as a function of the rotation rate. Notably, monochromatic standing waves provide an explicit counterexample to the often observed tendency of the mean flow to decrease monotonically with the background rotation rate.
Driving Transformative Learning within Australian Indigenous Studies
Authors: Bullen Jonathan , Roberts Lynne
Published: February 2018

Australian undergraduate programmes implementing Indigenous studies courses suggest transformative educational outcomes for students; however, the mechanism behind this is largely unknown. To begin to address this, we obtained baseline data upon entry to tertiary education (Time 1) and follow-up data upon completion of an Indigenous studies health unit (Time 2) on student learning approaches, student-teacher rapport, classroom community, critical reflection (CR) and transformative experiences within the unit. Three-hundred-thirty-six health science first-year students (273 females, 63 males) completed anonymous in-class paper questionnaires at both time points. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that (a) CR was the strongest predictor of transformative learning experiences, (b) the relationship between deep learning approach upon entry to tertiary education and transformative learning experiences was mediated by CR and (c) rapport and classroom community accounted for significant variance in CR. These results suggest that students benefit from tutors’ ability to develop rapport and classroom community, leading to greater capacity for student CR. This in turn promotes transformative learning possibilities within the Indigenous studies learning environment. These findings provide a further rationale for institutions to embed Indigenous knowledge into courses and highlight the importance of evaluating their effect and quality.
GROUPS OF FINITE NORMAL LENGTH
Authors: DE GIOVANNI FRANCESCO , RUSSO ALESSIO
Published: February 2018

Let $k$ be a nonnegative integer. A subgroup $X$ of a group $G$ has normal length $k$ in $G$ if all chains between $X$ and its normal closure $X^{G}$ have length at most $k$, and $k$ is the length of at least one of these chains. The group $G$ is said to have finite normal length if there is a finite upper bound for the normal lengths of its subgroups. The aim of this paper is to study groups of finite normal length. Among other results, it is proved that if all subgroups of a locally (soluble-by-finite) group $G$ have finite normal length in $G$, then the commutator subgroup $G^{\prime }$ is finite and so $G$ has finite normal length. Special attention is given to the structure of groups of normal length $2$. In particular, it is shown that finite groups with this property admit a Sylow tower.
Helminth community from Azara's grass mouse (Akodon azarae) in three habitats with different land use in farming systems of Argentina
Authors: Miño M.H. , Rojas Herrera E.J. , Notarnicola J. , Hodara K.
Published: February 2018

In the Pampa region of Argentina, farming activities have been performed since the beginning of the 20th century, but in the 1990s, land-use patterns rapidly changed towards intensive agriculture and poultry breeding. This study compares the helminth community ofAkodon azarae(Rodentia) among three habitats with different land use in pampean agroecosystems: poultry farms, mono-cultivated fields and abandoned fields (not used for 35 years), under the prediction that there will be greater helminth richness and diversity in mice from abandoned fields compared to those from the other habitats. Nevertheless, the highest abundance ofA. azaraeoccurred on poultry farms, the habitat most disturbed by human activity, while cultivated fields showed the lowest. Helminth richness and diversity were significantly higher on poultry farms than in the other habitats, due to the presence ofTrichuris laevitestis,Protospirura numidica criceticolaand cysts ofTaenia taeniaeformis. We suggest that the helminth fauna ofA. azaraecan survive on poultry farms despite disturbance from farming activities, because rodents can move and get shelter within farm perimeter fences, where dense and high vegetation grows. This farm area could offer good conditions for geohelminth development, while chicken sheds could attract insects that are intermediate hosts of helminths with indirect life cycles. On the contrary, agrochemicals applied in cultivated fields would negatively influence helminth diversity and composition, by decreasing host populations (arthropods and rodents) and affecting free larval stages of geohelminths.
Molecular data confirm the taxonomic position of Hymenolepis erinacei (Cyclophyllidea: Hymenolepididae) and host switching, with notes on cestodes of Palaearctic hedgehogs (Erinaceidae)
Authors: Binkienė R. , Miliūtė A. , Stunžėnas V.
Published: February 2018

The cestode Hymenolepis erinacei is regarded as a widely distributed parasite in European hedgehogs of the genus Erinaceus, although the taxonomic position of this hymenolepidid has been debated for a considerable period of time. We present the first molecular data for this cestode, including partial DNA sequences of mitochondrial 16S and nuclear 28S ribosomal genes. Molecular phylogenetic analysis clusters H. erinacei in one clade together with representatives of the genus Hymenolepis from rodents. Characteristic morphological features, including the oval embryophore without filaments and shape of the embryonic hooks of H. erinacei are described. Features of these cestode eggs are proposed as a basis for non-invasive detection of parasitic infections in small mammal populations. The present study explores phylogenetic relationships within the genus Hymenolepis and the host switching related to H. erinacei. Cases of host switching in other genera of the family Hymenolepididae are reviewed. A short critical review of cestodes parasitizing hedgehogs in the Palaearctic is presented.
QML INFERENCE FOR VOLATILITY MODELS WITH COVARIATES
Authors: Francq Christian , Thieu Le Quyen
Published: February 2018

The asymptotic distribution of the Gaussian quasi-maximum likelihood estimator (QMLE) is obtained for a wide class of asymmetric GARCH models with exogenous covariates. The true value of the parameter is not restricted to belong to the interior of the parameter space, which allows us to derive tests for the significance of the parameters. In particular, the relevance of the exogenous variables can be assessed. The results are obtained without assuming that the innovations are independent, which allows conditioning on different information sets. Monte Carlo experiments and applications to financial series illustrate the asymptotic results. In particular, an empirical study demonstrates that the realized volatility can be a helpful covariate for predicting squared returns.
Outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease associated with cooling towers at a California state prison, 2015
Authors: Lucas K. D. , Wheeler C. , McLendon P. , Leistikow B. N. , Mohle-Boetani J. C.
Published: February 2018

A large outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease occurred at a California state prison in August 2015. We conducted environmental and epidemiological investigations to identify the most likely source of exposure and characterise morbidity. Sixty-four inmates had probable Legionnaires’ disease; 14 had laboratory-confirmed legionellosis. Thirteen (17%) inmates were hospitalised; there were no deaths. Ill inmates were more likely to be ⩾65 years old (P < 0.01), have the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P < 0.01), diabetes mellitus (P = 0.02), hepatitis C infection (P < 0.01), or end-stage liver disease (P < 0.01). The case-patients were in ten housing units throughout the prison grounds. All either resided in or were near the central clinical building (for appointments or yard time) during their incubation periods. Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 was cultured from three cooling towers on top of the central medical clinic (range, 880–1200 cfu/ml). An inadequate water management program, dense biofilm within the cooling towers, and high ambient temperatures preceding the outbreak created an ideal environment for Legionella sp. proliferation. All state prisons were directed to develop local operating procedures for maintaining their cooling towers and the state health department added a review of the maintenance plans to their environmental inspection protocol.
Chinese women’s experiences, emotions and expectations of breast-feeding in public: a qualitative study
Authors: Zhao Ya , Ouyang Yan-Qiong , Redding Sharon R
Published: February 2018

Objective

To explore Chinese mothers’ experiences, emotions and expectations of breast-feeding in public places.

Design

Exploratory qualitative study. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants and face-to-face interviews were conducted. Themes were identified by content analysis.

Setting

Two different geographical communities in Wuhan, Hubei Province, central China, March–May 2016.

Subjects

A total of twenty-seven mothers aged 23–33 years, who had one child under 3 years of age and had experience of breast-feeding in public places.

Results

Seven themes emerged from the interviews: struggling to balance infant’s needs and personal feelings; embarrassed or natural emotion regarding breast-feeding in public places; effect of cultural and social norms; internalized concerns going beyond actual social reaction; measures to make breast-feeding in public places easier; desire for more public facilities; and expecting emotional support from society members.

Conclusions

More positive social support, favourable policies and necessary facilities were desired to enable mothers to breast-feed in an appropriate public location. Women expected increased public acceptance of breast-feeding practices and support from government health officials to ensure women’s success in breast-feeding in public settings.
Introduction to Book Review Section on Gender and Conservatism
Authors: Kaufman-Osborn Timothy
Published: February 2018

As noted in the introduction to this issue of Politics & Gender, for this Special Issue on Gender and Conservatism, we have coordinated the book review section with the thematics of the volume's four research articles. This lends the volume an intellectual cohesion that we hope will prove engaging, as it also expands the purview of topics that come into play where the intersections of conservatism and feminism are concerned. The books reviewed here suggest the rich diversity of the scholarly work that is now being generated on this question.
Institutional solutions to free-riding in peer-to-peer networks: a case study of online pirate communities
Authors: HARRIS COLIN
Published: February 2018

This paper provides a case study of online pirate communities who use peer-to-peer networks to share copyrighted material illegally. Early scholars of peer-to-peer networks posited the possibility of a total network collapse due to issues of free-riding. When these networks are used to distribute copyrighted material illegally, the increased risk of legal punishment adds a further disincentive to contribute. This paper uses Ostrom's (2005) framework to categorize the rules used in pirate communities to solve collective action problems, evidencing the applicability and robustness of Ostrom's framework for self-governance under less favorable conditions. Through the use of boundary, position, information, and payoff rules, pirate communities are able to mitigate free-riding in the network.
Earwigs (Dermaptera) from the Mesozoic of England and Australia, described from isolated tegmina, including the first species to be named from the Triassic
Authors: Kelly Richard S. , Ross Andrew J. , Jarzembowski Edmund A.
Published: February 2018

Dermaptera (earwigs) are described from the Triassic of Australia and England, and from the Jurassic and Cretaceous of England.Phanerogramma heeri(Giebel) is transferred from Coleoptera and it andBrevicula gradusWhalley are re-described. Seven new taxa are named based on tegmina:Phanerogramma australissp. nov. andP. dunstanisp. nov. from the Late Triassic of Australia;P. gouldsbroughisp. nov. from the Triassic/Jurassic of England;Brevicula maculatasp. nov. andTrivenapteron mooreigen.etsp. nov. from the Early Jurassic of England; andDimapteron coramigenetsp. nov. andValdopteron woodigen.etsp. nov. from the Early Cretaceous of England.Phanerogramma,DimapteronandValdopteronare tentatively placed in the family Dermapteridae, andTrivenapteronisincertae sedis. Most of the specimens ofPhanerogramma heeriare from the Brodie Collection and labelled ‘Lower Lias'; however, some were collected from the underlying Penarth Group, thus this species spans the Triassic/Jurassic boundary. The palaeobiogeography of the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic of England is discussed.
Lysogeny is prevalent and widely distributed in the murine gut microbiota
Authors: Kim Min-Soo , Bae Jin-Woo
Published: February 2018

Bacteriophages are central members and potential modulators of the gut microbiome; however, the ecological and evolutionary relationships of gut bacteria and phages are poorly understood. Here we investigated the abundance and diversity of lysogenic bacteria (lysogens) in the bacterial community of C57BL/6J mice by detecting integrated prophages in genomes reconstructed from the metagenome of commensal bacteria. For the activities of lysogens and prophages, we compared the prophage genomes with the metagenome of free phages. The majority of commensal bacteria in different taxa were identified as lysogens. More lysogens were found among Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, than among Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. The prophage genomes shared high sequence similarity with the metagenome of free phages, indicating that most lysogens appeared to be active, and that prophages are spontaneously induced as active phages; dietary interventions changed the composition of the induced prophages. By contrast, CRISPR-Cas systems were present in few commensal bacteria, and were rarely active against gut phages. The structure of the bacteria-phage infection networks was “nested-modular”, with modularity emerging across taxonomic scales, indicating that temperate phage features have developed over a long phylogenetic timescale. We concluded that phage generalists contribute to the prevalence of lysogeny in the gut ecosystem.
Phylogenetic clustering of small low nucleic acid-content bacteria across diverse freshwater ecosystems
Authors: Proctor Caitlin R , Besmer Michael D , Langenegger Timon , Beck Karin , Walser Jean-Claude , Ackermann Martin , Bürgmann Helmut , Hammes Frederik
Published: February 2018

Here we used flow cytometry (FCM) and filtration paired with amplicon sequencing to determine the abundance and composition of small low nucleic acid (LNA)-content bacteria in a variety of freshwater ecosystems. We found that FCM clusters associated with LNA-content bacteria were ubiquitous across several ecosystems, varying from 50 to 90% of aquatic bacteria. Using filter-size separation, we separated small LNA-content bacteria (passing 0.4 µm filter) from large bacteria (captured on 0.4 µm filter) and characterized communities with 16S amplicon sequencing. Small and large bacteria each represented different sub-communities within the ecosystems’ community. Moreover, we were able to identify individual operational taxonomical units (OTUs) that appeared exclusively with small bacteria (434 OTUs) or exclusively with large bacteria (441 OTUs). Surprisingly, these exclusive OTUs clustered at the phylum level, with many OTUs appearing exclusively with small bacteria identified as candidate phyla (i.e. lacking cultured representatives) and symbionts. We propose that LNA-content bacteria observed with FCM encompass several previously characterized categories of bacteria (ultramicrobacteria, ultra-small bacteria, candidate phyla radiation) that share many traits including small size and metabolic dependencies on other microorganisms.
Genome-wide analysis of self-reported risk-taking behaviour and cross-disorder genetic correlations in the UK Biobank cohort
Authors: Strawbridge Rona J. , Ward Joey , Cullen Breda , Tunbridge Elizabeth M. , Hartz Sarah , Bierut Laura , Horton Amy , Bailey Mark E. S. , Graham Nicholas , Ferguson Amy , Lyall Donald M. , Mackay Daniel , Pidgeon Laura M. , Cavanagh Jonathan , Pell Jill P. , O’Donovan Michael , Escott-Price Valentina , Harrison Paul J. , Smith Daniel J.
Published: February 2018

Risk-taking behaviour is a key component of several psychiatric disorders and could influence lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol use, and diet. As a phenotype, risk-taking behaviour therefore fits within a Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) approach, whereby identifying genetic determinants of this trait has the potential to improve our understanding across different psychiatric disorders. Here we report a genome-wide association study in 116,255 UK Biobank participants who responded yes/no to the question “Would you consider yourself a risk taker?” Risk takers (compared with controls) were more likely to be men, smokers, and have a history of psychiatric disorder. Genetic loci associated with risk-taking behaviour were identified on chromosomes 3 (rs13084531) and 6 (rs9379971). The effects of both lead SNPs were comparable between men and women. The chromosome 3 locus highlights CADM2, previously implicated in cognitive and executive functions, but the chromosome 6 locus is challenging to interpret due to the complexity of the HLA region. Risk-taking behaviour shared significant genetic risk with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as with smoking and total obesity. Despite being based on only a single question, this study furthers our understanding of the biology of risk-taking behaviour, a trait that has a major impact on a range of common physical and mental health disorders.