bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field emergence and the long‐term efficacy of control of Heracleum sosnowskyi plants of different ages in southern Poland
Authors: Klima K , Synowiec A
Published: July 2016

Heracleum sosnowskyi is one of the three so‐called tall or giant hogweeds currently invading Asia, Europe and North America. These plants are dangerous invasive weeds, causing severe skin injuries in humans and animals. In the present study, based on four field experiments, we assessed seedling emergence in the field and evaluated methods for the long‐term mechanical and chemical control of H. sosnowskyi of various ages (1–5 years old). The field experiments were set up in the mountainous regions of southern Poland, on soil not previously infested with H. sosnowskyi seeds. The results showed that the successful eradication of this species from an invaded area is possible. The results revealed that when no new flush of seeds is delivered to the soil seedbank, the longevity of H. sosnowskyi seeds is approximately five years, with the majority of seedlings emerging in the spring of the first year following sowing. Long‐term shoot cutting, particularly the intensity of this technique, is ineffective for the control of H. sosnowskyi. Cutting three times a year for five years resulted in an H. sosnowskyi control outcome of 42–97%. Total control of this weed is obtained either by cutting the roots of plants up to 5 years old at a depth of 15 cm or by continuous (5 years long) herbicide spraying three times during the vegetative season, using a tank mixture of glyphosate and flazasulfuron (1260 g a.i. glyphosate ha−1 + 50 g a.i. flazasulfuron ha−1).
Simultaneous Compensation of the Gain, Phase, and Phase-Slope
Authors: Badri Vahid , Saleh Tavazoei Mohammad
Published: July 2016

This paper deals with the problem of simultaneous compensation of the gain, phase, and phase-slope at an arbitrary frequency by using a fractional-order lead/lag compensator. The necessary and sufficient conditions for feasibility of the problem are derived. Also, the number of existing solutions (i.e., the number of distinct fractional-order lead/lag compensators satisfying the considered compensation requirements) is analytically found. Moreover, as a sample application, it is shown that the obtained results for the considered compensation problem are helpful in tuning fractional-order lead/lag compensators for simultaneously achieving desired phase margin, desired gain cross frequency, and flatness of the Bode phase plot of the loop transfer function at this frequency.
Switched Control of Three-Phase Voltage Source Pulsewidth-Modulated Rectifier Under Dynamic Load: Output Feedback and Robustness
Authors: Ping Zhaowu , Tang Hao , Lu Jun-Guo , Gao Xueying , Tan Qi
Published: July 2016

Three-phase voltage source pulsewidth-modulated (PWM) rectifiers (VSRs) have received great attentions in industrial applications. Recently, some attempt has been made to study the flexible direct current (DC)-bus voltage regulation problem under dynamic load of three-phase VSRs by switched control. Several proportional-integral (PI) controllers are designed for different load resistance range while only one PI controller is implemented for a given time instant by regarding the load resistance as the switching law. However, the existing approach is based on state feedback control, which requires the measurement of source current and DC-bus voltage. In this paper, we will adopt an output feedback control scheme, i.e., only DC-bus voltage should be measured. Compared with the existing result, our design requires less information and reduces the cost. Moreover, the robustness analysis of plant parameters is given when all the states are available. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of our design.
Passive Control of Two-Phase Flow Thermal Instabilities in a Vertical Tube Evaporator
Authors: Mebarki Ghazali , Rahal Samir
Published: July 2016

Passive heat transfer techniques are considered to be one of the most important means to enhance heat transfer in heat exchangers that allow also reducing their size and manufacturing cost. Moreover, this passive technique can also be used to control the thermal instabilities caused by the two-phase flow in the evaporators. The thermal instabilities are undesirable because they can lead to a tube failure. For this purpose, a numerical study of the two-phase flow with evaporation in a vertical tube has been performed in this work. The volume of fluid (VOF) multiphase flow method has been used to model the water vapor–liquid two-phase flow in the tube. A phase-change model, for which source terms have been added in the continuity and energy equation, has been used to model the vaporization. The numerical simulation procedure was validated by comparing the obtained results with those given in the literature. The passive control technique used here is a ring element with square cross section, acting as a vortex generator, which is attached to the tube wall at various positions along the tube. Instabilities of temperature and void fraction at the tube wall have been analyzed using fast Fourier transforms (FFTs). The results show that the attachment of the control element has a significant influence on the value and distribution of the void fraction. Higher positions of the control element along the tube allow reducing the magnitude of void fraction oscillations.
Comparison of Next-Generation Sequencing Technologies for Comprehensive Assessment of Full-Length Hepatitis C Viral Genomes
Authors: Thomson Emma , Ip Camilla L. C. , Badhan Anjna , Christiansen Mette T. , Adamson Walt , Ansari M. Azim , Bibby David , Breuer Judith , Brown Anthony , Bowden Rory , Bryant Josie , Bonsall David , Da Silva Filipe Ana , Hinds Chris , Hudson Emma , Klenerman Paul , Lythgow Kieren , Mbisa Jean L. , McLauchlan John , Myers Richard , Piazza Paolo , Roy Sunando , Trebes Amy , Sreenu Vattipally B. , Witteveldt Jeroen ,   STOP-HCV Consortium, Barnes Eleanor , Simmonds Peter
Published: July 2016

Affordable next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies for hepatitis C virus (HCV) may potentially identify both viral genotype and resistance genetic motifs in the era of directly acting antiviral (DAA) therapies. This study compared the ability of high-throughput NGS methods to generate full-length, deep, HCV sequence data sets and evaluated their utility for diagnostics and clinical assessment. NGS methods using (i) unselected HCV RNA (metagenomics), (ii) preenrichment of HCV RNA by probe capture, and (iii) HCV preamplification by PCR implemented in four United Kingdom centers were compared. Metrics of sequence coverage and depth, quasispecies diversity, and detection of DAA resistance-associated variants (RAVs), mixed HCV genotypes, and other coinfections were compared using a panel of samples with different viral loads, genotypes, and mixed HCV genotypes/subtypes [geno(sub)types]. Each NGS method generated near-complete genome sequences from more than 90% of samples. Enrichment methods and PCR preamplification generated greater sequence depth and were more effective for samples with low viral loads. All NGS methodologies accurately identified mixed HCV genotype infections. Consensus sequences generated by different NGS methods were generally concordant, and majority RAVs were consistently detected. However, methods differed in their ability to detect minor populations of RAVs. Metagenomic methods identified human pegivirus coinfections. NGS provided a rapid, inexpensive method for generating whole HCV genomes to define infecting genotypes, RAVs, comprehensive viral strain analysis, and quasispecies diversity. Enrichment methods are particularly suited for high-throughput analysis while providing the genotype and information on potential DAA resistance.
From suspected Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease to confirmed histoplasma meningitis
Authors: Batra Vivek , Khararjian Armen , Wheat Joseph , Zhang Sean X , Crain Barbara , Baras Alexander
Published: July 2016

A 77-year-old man with chronic obstructive lung disease who was on steroids, presented to the hospital after a fall with subacute headaches and ataxia. During the patient's hospital course, his clinical condition deteriorated with myoclonic jerks, fevers and severe encephalopathy. An extensive workup, including EEG, brain MRI and lumbar puncture, revealed possible Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Unfortunately, the patient failed to improve and died 12 days after admission. A brain-only autopsy revealed he had acute histoplasma meningitis with patchy superficial cerebritis.
Direct transatrial pericardiocentesis for tamponade caused by left atrial perforation after trans-septal puncture
Authors: Picard Fabien , Millán Xavier , de Hemptinne Quentin , L L'allier Philippe
Published: July 2016

Trans-septal puncture is associated with risks of serious complications. We report a case of an obese 52-year-old man with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who underwent preoperative coronary angiography and cardiac catheterisation complicated by left atrial perforation. We describe a direct transatrial pericardiocentesis approach to treating cardiac tamponade.
Remarks on Privileged Words
Authors: Forsyth Michael , Jayakumar Amlesh , Peltomäki Jarkko , Shallit Jeffrey
Published: July 2016

We discuss the notion of privileged word, recently introduced by Kellendonk, Lenz and Savinien. A word w is privileged if it is of length ≤ 1, or has a privileged border that occurs exactly twice in w. We prove the following results: (1) if wk is privileged for some [Formula: see text], then wj is privileged for all [Formula: see text]; (2) the language of privileged words is not context-free; (3) there is a linear-time algorithm to check if a given word is privileged; and (4) there are at least [Formula: see text] privileged binary words of length n.
Novel symmetries in an interacting 𝒩 = 2 supersymmetric quantum mechanical model
Authors: Krishna S. , Shukla D. , Malik R. P.
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we demonstrate the existence of a set of novel discrete symmetry transformations in the case of an interacting [Formula: see text] supersymmetric quantum mechanical model of a system of an electron moving on a sphere in the background of a magnetic monopole and establish its interpretation in the language of differential geometry. These discrete symmetries are, over and above, the usual three continuous symmetries of the theory which together provide the physical realizations of the de Rham cohomological operators of differential geometry. We derive the nilpotent [Formula: see text] SUSY transformations by exploiting our idea of supervariable approach and provide geometrical meaning to these transformations in the language of Grassmannian translational generators on a [Formula: see text]-dimensional supermanifold on which our [Formula: see text] SUSY quantum mechanical model is generalized. We express the conserved supercharges and the invariance of the Lagrangian in terms of the supervariables (obtained after the imposition of the SUSY invariant restrictions) and provide the geometrical meaning to (i) the nilpotency property of the [Formula: see text] supercharges, and (ii) the SUSY invariance of the Lagrangian of our [Formula: see text] SUSY theory.
Evolution of algebraic terms 2: Deep drilling algorithm
Authors: Clark David M. , Keijzer Maarten , Spector Lee
Published: July 2016

The Deep Drilling Algorithm (DDA) is an efficient non-evolutionary algorithm, extracted from previous work with evolutionary algorithms, that takes as input a finite groupoid and an operation over its universe, and searches for a term representing that operation. We give theoretical and experimental evidence that this algorithm is successful for all idemprimal term continuous groupoids, which appear to be almost all finite groupoids, and that the DDA is seriously compromised or fails for most finite groupoids not meeting both of these conditions. See our online version of the DDA at http://hampshire.edu/lspector/dda .
Prospects for studying the dark energy at z > 2 with galaxy surveys
Authors: Arkhipova Natalia A. , Pilipenko Sergey V.
Published: July 2016

Now creation of big catalogs of galaxies for measurement of baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) is actively conducted. Existing and planned in the near future surveys are directed on the range of red-shifts of [Formula: see text]. However, some popular models of dark energy (DE) give the maximum deviation from [Formula: see text]CDM at [Formula: see text] therefore we investigated sensitivity of hypothetical high redshift surveys to the model of DE. We have found that with the increase of the number density of detected galaxies at [Formula: see text] high redshift observations may give better constraints of DE parameters.
A MATHEMATICAL FRAMEWORK EXHIBITING THE EMERGENCE OF DYNAMIC EXPANSION OF TASK REPERTOIRE INPHEIDOLE DENTATA
Authors: GRAHAM JASON M. , SIMPSON-KENT IVAN L. , SEID MARC A.
Published: July 2016

The division of labor (DOL) and task allocation (TA) among groups of ants living in a colony is thought to be highly efficient, and key to the robust survival of a colony. A great deal of experimental and theoretical work has been done toward gaining a clear understanding of the evolution of, and underlying mechanisms of these phenomena. Much of this research has utilized mathematical modeling. Here we continue this tradition by developing a mathematical model for a particular aspect of TA, known as age-related repertoire expansion, that has been observed in the minor workers of the ant species Pheidole dentata. In fact, we present a relatively broad mathematical modeling framework based on the dynamics of the frequency with which members of specific age groups carry out distinct tasks. We apply our modeling approach to a specific TA scenario, and compare our theoretical results with experimental data. It is observed that the model predicts perceived behavior, and provides a possible explanation for the aforementioned experimental results.
STRUCTURAL, SURFACE AND TRANSPORT PROPERTIES OF Sn–Ag ALLOYS
Authors: MEYDANERI TEZEL F. , SAATÇI B. , ARI M. , ACER S. DURMUŞ , ALTUNER E.
Published: July 2016

The structural, surface and transport properties of Sn–Ag alloys were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), radial heat flow, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and four-point probe techniques. We observed that the samples had tetragonal crystal symmetry except for the pure Ag sample which had cubic crystal symmetry, and with the addition of Ag the cell parameters increased slightly. Smooth surfaces with a clear grain boundary for the samples were shown on the SEM micrographs. The grain sizes of pure Ag, [Formula: see text]-Sn and the formed Ag3Sn intermetallic compound phase for Sn–[Formula: see text] wt.% Ag [[Formula: see text], 3.5] binary alloys were determined to be 316[Formula: see text]nm, between 92[Formula: see text]nm and 80[Formula: see text]nm and between 36[Formula: see text]nm and 34[Formula: see text]nm, respectively. The values of electrical resistivity for pure Sn, pure Ag and Sn–[Formula: see text] wt.% Ag [[Formula: see text], 3.5] were obtained to be [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m at the temperature range of 300–450[Formula: see text]K, respectively. Thermal conductivity values of pure Sn and Sn–[Formula: see text] wt.% Ag [[Formula: see text], 3.5] binary alloys were found to be 60.60[Formula: see text]3.75, 69.00[Formula: see text]4.27 and 84.60[Formula: see text]5.24[Formula: see text]W/Km. These values slightly decreased with increasing temperature and increase with increasing of the Ag composition. Additionally, the temperature coefficients of thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity and the Lorenz numbers were calculated.
A NOTE ON UTILITY INDIFFERENCE PRICING
Authors: GERER JOHANNES , DORFLEITNER GREGOR
Published: July 2016

Utility-based valuation methods are enjoying growing popularity among researchers as a means to overcome the challenges in contingent claim pricing posed by the many sources of market incompleteness. However, we show that under the most common utility functions (including CARA and CRRA), any realistic and actually practicable hedging strategy involving a possible short position has infinitely negative utility. We then demonstrate for utility indifference prices (and also for the related so-called utility-based (marginal) prices) how this problem leads to a severe divergence between results obtained under the assumption of continuous trading and realistic results. The combination of continuous trading and common utility functions is thus not justified in these methods, raising the question of whether and how results obtained under such assumptions could be put to real-world use.
Subspace codes from Ferrers diagrams
Authors: Gorla Elisa , Ravagnani Alberto
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we survey the main known constructions of Ferrers diagram rank-metric codes, and establish new results on a related conjecture by Etzion and Silberstein. We also give a sharp lower bound on the dimension of linear rank-metric anticodes with a given profile. Combining our results with the multilevel construction, we produce examples of subspace codes with the largest known cardinality for the given parameters. We also apply results from algebraic geometry to the study of the analogous problem over an algebraically closed field, proving that the bound by Etzion and Silberstein can be improved in this case, and providing a sharp bound for full-rank matrices.
On weakly c-supplemented subgroups of finite groups
Authors: Asaad Mohamed
Published: July 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite group. If [Formula: see text] is a subgroup of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] a subgroup of [Formula: see text], we say that [Formula: see text] is strongly closed in [Formula: see text] with respect to [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] for any [Formula: see text]. We say that a subgroup [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is strongly closed in [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] is strongly closed in [Formula: see text] with respect to [Formula: see text]. A subgroup [Formula: see text] of a group [Formula: see text] is said to be weakly [Formula: see text]-supplemented in [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] has a subgroup [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is strongly closed in [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we study the structure of a group [Formula: see text] under the assumption, that some subgroups of prime power order are weakly [Formula: see text]-supplemented in [Formula: see text]. Our results extend and generalize several recent results in the literature.
Vertical Dynamic Response of High-Speed Rails During Sudden Deceleration
Authors: Tran Minh Thi , Ang Kok Keng , Luong Van Hai
Published: July 2016

In this paper, a computational study using the moving element method is carried out to investigate the dynamic response of a high-speed rail (HSR) experiencing sudden braking. The train is modeled as a 10-DOF system of interconnected spring-damping units. The Hertz contact theory is employed to account for the nonlinear contact force between the wheel and rail. The railway track is treated as an Euler–Bernoulli beam resting on a two-parameter elastic damped foundation. The effects of wheel sliding, initial train deceleration, initial train speed and the severity of railhead roughness on the dynamic response of the HSR are investigated.
A Study of Heat and Mass Transfer of Nanofluids Arising in Biosciences Using Buongiorno's Model
Authors: Mohyud-Din Syed Tauseef , Usman Muhammad , Bin-Mohsin Bandar
Published: July 2016

Flow in converging/diverging channels under the influence of external magnetic field is presented. The walls of the channels are taken to be stretching/shrinking. Buongiorno's model is used to formulate the problem for nanofluids. It is to be highlighted that such models arise frequently in biosciences. The equations governing the flow are transformed to a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations by employing appropriate similarity transformations. Two efficient techniques variational iteration method (VIM) and variation of parameters method (VPM) are employed to tackle the complexity and nonlinearity of the presented model. Comprehensive discussions on the results obtained are provided. Comparison of the obtained results with existing literature re-confirms the credibility of solution obtained via VIM and VPM.
Optimization of the Process Parameters for the Synthesis Process of Battery-Grade Ferrous Oxalate by Response Surface Method
Authors: Zhang Keyu , Yang Xiaoyan , Wu Jian , Huang Xiaopeng , Yao Yaochun
Published: July 2016

This study investigates the optimal conditions for the synthesis of battery-grade ferrous oxalate as a raw material for preparing cathode material. Ferrous oxalate was prepared by liquid-phase precipitation method using ferrous sulfate and oxalic acid. Central composite design (CCD) was used to determine the effects of three preparation variables on purity and particle size: reaction temperature, aging time and concentration of ferrous sulfate. Based on CCD, the significant factors on each experimental design response identified the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimum ferrous oxalate preparation conditions were obtained reaction temperature of 31.32[Formula: see text]C, aging time of 56.52[Formula: see text]min, and ferrous sulfate concentration of 5%. Under these optimum conditions, ferrous oxalate with purity of 99.69% and particle size of 4.92[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m was obtained as best product which met and exceed the requirements of battery-grade ferrous oxalate. In addition, the special morphologies of ferrous oxalate prepared under different dispersant proportion was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) to analyze the mechanism of synthesis. Morphology control study revealed that the dispersant could effectively change the surface energy between crystallographic planes, then result in anisotropic growth of the crystal structure and change the morphology of synthetic products.
"360° user profiling: past, future, and applications" by Aleksandr Farseev, Mohammad Akbari, Ivan Samborskii and Tat-Seng Chua with Martin Vesely as coordinator
Authors: Farseev Aleksandr , Akbari Mohammad , Samborskii Ivan , Chua Tat-Seng
Published: July 2016

Users in social networks are often encouraged to complete their profile by providing personal attributes such as age, gender, interest, income, etc. Additionally, users are likely to join interest-based groups that are devoted to various topics: "2016 University Graduates", "Accordions Singapore", etc. These profiles and groups are often used as a basis for rendering better online services, marketing, and advertisement. However, in practice, the majority of users are reluctant to provide actual personal attributes, while the group participation is often relevant to their friendship connections, rather than interests. As a solution, user profiling at the individual and group level is explored to mine the demography and mobility information of a user. In this paper, we discuss different user profiling approaches on social networks, highlight the challenges, techniques, and future trends. We explain the weakness and strength of these methods and introduce an analytic platform to bridge the gap between social media users, business intelligence and the Big Data.
Contribution of intravestibular sensory conflict to motion sickness and dizziness in migraine disorders
Authors: Wang Joanne , Lewis Richard F.
Published: July 2016

Migraine is associated with enhanced motion sickness susceptibility and can cause episodic vertigo [vestibular migraine (VM)], but the mechanisms relating migraine to these vestibular symptoms remain uncertain. We tested the hypothesis that the central integration of rotational cues (from the semicircular canals) and gravitational cues (from the otolith organs) is abnormal in migraine patients. A postrotational tilt paradigm generated a conflict between canal cues (which indicate the head is rotating) and otolith cues (which indicate the head is tilted and stationary), and eye movements were measured to quantify two behaviors that are thought to minimize this conflict: suppression and reorientation of the central angular velocity signal, evidenced by attenuation (“dumping”) of the vestibuloocular reflex and shifting of the rotational axis of the vestibuloocular reflex toward the earth vertical. We found that normal and migraine subjects, but not VM patients, displayed an inverse correlation between the extent of dumping and the size of the axis shift such that the net “conflict resolution” mediated through these two mechanisms approached an optimal value and that the residual sensory conflict in VM patients (but not migraine or normal subjects) correlated with motion sickness susceptibility. Our findings suggest that the brain normally controls the dynamic and spatial characteristics of central vestibular signals to minimize intravestibular sensory conflict and that this process is disrupted in VM, which may be responsible for the enhance motion intolerance and episodic vertigo that characterize this disorder.
Control of anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists: overestimation of median time in therapeutic range when assessed by linear interpolation
Authors: van der Meer Felix J. M. , Adriaansen Henk J. , Leebeek Frank W. G. , Kruip Marieke J. H. A. , van den Besselaar A. M. H. P. , Biedermann Joseph S.
Published: July 2016

Patients receiving vitamin K–antagonists are monitored by regular assessment of the International Normalized Ratio (INR). There are two popular methods for therapeutic control of anticoagulation in patient groups: 1) Time in Therapeutic Range (TTR) assessed by linear interpolation of successive INR measurements; 2) the cross-sectional proportion (CSP) of all patients’ last INRs within range. The purpose of the present study is to compare the two methods using data from 53 Dutch Thrombosis Centres and to develop a semi-quantitative model for TTR based on different types of INR change. Different groups of around 400,000 patients in four consecutive years were evaluated: patients in the induction phase, short-term, long-term, low-target range, high-target range, receiving either acenocoumarol or phenprocoumon, and performing self-management. Each Centre provided TTR and CSP results for each patient group. TTR and CSP were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Separately, we analysed the relationship between consecutive INR results regarding in or out of range and their frequency of occurrence in patients of two different cohorts. Good correlation was observed between TTR and CSP (correlation coefficient 0.694–0.950 in low-target range). In long-term acenocoumarol patients (low-target range) the median TTR was significantly higher than CSP (80.0 % and 78.7 %, respectively; p<0.001). In long-term phenprocoumon patients (low-target range) there was no significant difference between median TTR (83.0 %) and median CSP (82.6 %). In conclusion, the correlation between TTR assessed by linear interpolation and CSP was good. TTR assessed by linear interpolation was higher than CSP in patients on acenocoumarol.
Exploratory and predictive logistic modeling of a ring spinning process using historical data
Authors: Alakent Burak , Kunduracıoğlu Issever Reyhan
Published: July 2016

The end breakage rate (EBR), which is one of the most important quality variables used to determine the yield of a spinning process, depends on various process conditions and fiber/yarn properties. In the current study, historical data consisting of more than 10,000 runs from 55 ring spinning machines recorded under normal operation in YUNSA Worsted and Woolen Company in Turkey were analyzed using exploratory and predictive statistical techniques. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to determine subsets of quantitative variables, which vary collectively, forming clusters for different machine types. Correspondence Analysis (CA) was found to be particularly beneficial to determine the association between machines and nominal variables, which make a significant contribution to product quality in textile industries. The current spinning process requires accurate discrimination between acceptable and faulty yarns, determined via a threshold on the EBR, so logistic regression was utilized for the prediction of faulty yarns. The Receiver Operating Characteristic curves showed that the discriminative capacity of the logistic models was at an acceptable level, almost on a par with that of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models. For different types of machines, while yarn count, roving count, lot size, twist level and composition were commonly present in logistic models, the magnitude of their partial effects varied significantly. In conclusion, PCA, CA and logistic regression are suggested, along with ANN models, to be used for textile industries in online monitoring, detecting faulty machines, choosing optimum machines for specific operational conditions and determining the range of process variables for which controlled experiments may be required.
Zika virus infection and once again the risk from other neglected diseases
Authors: Porrino Pedro
Published: July 2016

Since the first cases of Zika were identified and reported in Brazil, the magnitude and consequences of the outbreak in the Americas have increased tremendously, leading the World Health Organization to consider Zika and its link with clusters of microcephaly a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Only a previous large outbreak in French Polynesia was known and no neurological anomalies have been reported. Differences in African and Asian lineage and differences in genetic evolution of the Zika virus may possibly provide an explanation for the development of the recent outbreaks and their variable presentation. However, the similar clinical presentation between Zika and other diseases like Dengue and Chikungunya can support that Zika has been circulating and spreading inadvertently. This hypothesis gains strength when rates of laboratory confirmation diagnosis for Dengue are observed in Brazil and Colombia, two of the most affected countries by Zika virus (ZIKV) infection.

The lack of attention and resources on neglected diseases supposes a huge risk that new lethal pathogens camouflage themselves to spread into large areas and populations.
Predictors of Dropout From Cognitive-Behavioral Group Treatment for Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia
Authors: Bélanger Claude , Courchesne Catherine , Leduc Andrea G. , Dugal Caroline , El-Baalbaki Ghassan , Marchand André , Godbout Natacha , Marcaurelle Roger , Perreault Michel
Published: July 2016

Panic disorder and agoraphobia are both characterized by avoidance behaviors, which are known correlates of treatment discontinuation. The aim of this exploratory study is to distinguish the profile of participants suffering from panic disorder with agoraphobia that complete treatment from those who discontinue therapy by assessing four categories of predictor variables: the severity of the disorder, sociodemographic variables, participants’ expectations, and dyadic adjustment. The sample included 77 individuals diagnosed with panic disorder with agoraphobia who completed a series of questionnaires and participated in a cognitive-behavioral group therapy consisting of 14 weekly sessions. Hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed the importance of anxiety, prognosis, and role expectations as well as some individual variables as predictors of therapeutic dropout, either before or during treatment. Among the most common reasons given by the 29 participants who discontinued therapy were scheduling conflicts, dissatisfaction with treatment, and conflicts with their marital partner. These results suggest that expectations and dyadic relationships have an impact on therapeutic discontinuation. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Race, Family Status, and Young Women’s Residential and Financial Dependency: 1970 to 2010
Authors: Kahn Joan R. , García-Manglano Javier , Goldscheider Frances
Published: July 2016

This article examines the extent to which recent increases in intergenerational coresidence and financial dependency among young Black and White women are associated with declines in marriage and increases in nonmarital parenthood. We use U.S. Census and American Community Survey data for the period 1970 to 2010 to examine how changing family patterns by race have contributed to changes in intergenerational support. We find that compositional shifts in marriage and, to a lesser extent, nonmarital childbearing contribute to rises in coresidence and financial dependency over time, as well as to the growing gap between White and Black women. Controlling for marital and parental status reduces the temporal increase in coresidence and greatly reduces the race difference. Race differences in financial dependency are reversed after controlling for marital and family status, showing that coresiding young Black women are less, not more, likely than similar White women to be financially dependent on their parents.
Is a “critical” area studies possible?
Authors: Koch Natalie
Published: July 2016

At a time when nearly every topic seems to be labeled “critical” in geography, this essay asks why the discipline has lacked a clear commitment to advancing a “critical area studies” agenda. The term “critical” can take many meanings but, I argue, it has generally been an important way to “other” geography’s past, including the encyclopedism of old-fashioned regional studies. With roots in the late 1980s, the idea of joining critical theory and area studies was initially challenged by questions of representation, which are inherent in area studies scholarship. Placing power at the center of their studies, and highly conscious of their own positionality, critical geographers have lacked a coherent approach to the political and ethical issues of representation. Another difficulty lies with critical geography’s general skepticism about engaging the “policy community”, which, especially in the US, tends to be imagined as an uncritical “other”. Given the discipline’s cyclical anxieties about policy relevance that typically surface when funding programs are subject to cuts, this has largely resulted in US geographers speaking past these audiences. With respect to both of these othering practices, I suggest that a critical area studies project would benefit from a more positive framing, stressing “deep listening” in empirically informed work, and actively imagining what a critical policy community might look like.
The Interaction Between Vision and Eye Movements
Authors: Gegenfurtner Karl R.
Published: July 2016

The existence of a central fovea, the small retinal region with high analytical performance, is arguably the most prominent design feature of the primate visual system. This centralization comes along with the corresponding capability to move the eyes to reposition the fovea continuously. Past research on visual perception was mainly concerned with foveal vision while the observers kept their eyes stationary. Research on the role of eye movements in visual perception emphasized their negative aspects, for example, the active suppression of vision before and during the execution of saccades. But is the only benefit of our precise eye movement system to provide high acuity of the small foveal region, at the cost of retinal blur during their execution? In this review, I will compare human visual perception with and without saccadic and smooth pursuit eye movements to emphasize different aspects and functions of eye movements. I will show that the interaction between eye movements and visual perception is optimized for the active sampling of information across the visual field and for the calibration of different parts of the visual field. The movements of our eyes and visual information uptake are intricately intertwined. The two processes interact to enable an optimal perception of the world, one that we cannot fully grasp by doing experiments where observers are fixating a small spot on a display.
Me & My Wishes: Lessons Learned From Prototyping Resident Centered Videos About Care Preferences
Authors: Towsley Gail L. , Beck Susan L. , Ellington Lee , Wong Bob
Published: July 2016

Me & My Wishes are facilitated, resident-centered video-recorded conversations to communicate current and end-of-life care preferences. We describe the video production process of two prototypes in the long-term care (LTC) setting and discuss lessons learned around developing this type of intervention. Partnering with an LTC community allowed us to create videos on-site, document staff time, handle any barriers with video production, and evaluate the process. In this article, we will describe the process of two residents creating Me & My Wishes videos. Both residents responded positively to viewing their edited video (about 20 min), saying the videos would be “good for family or staff to hear feelings about preferences.” Staff members also responded positively to the videos. We discuss two key issues to consider: the possibility that resident preferences may change and the resources to produce and view videos.
Multidisciplinary Enjoyment and Learning in Simulation & Gaming
Authors: Clapper Timothy C.
Published: July 2016

Simulation & Gaming (S&G) remains a valuable source of information for researchers and practitioners throughout the world. Our authors contribute to the literature in numerous ways that show us the value and enjoyment of learning across multiple fields, disciplines, academic settings, and venues.
Psychometric Properties of the Dutch Version of the Signs of Depression Scale
Authors: van Dijk Mariska J. , de Man-van Ginkel Janneke M. , Hafsteinsdóttir Thóra B. , Schuurmans Marieke J.
Published: July 2016

The early detection of depression after stroke is essential for the optimization of recovery in aphasic stroke patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Signs of Depression Scale (SODS), a non-language-based screening instrument. We conducted a cross-sectional study in a sample of 58 stroke patients in a rehabilitation center. The internal consistency and interrater reliability were good (α = .71 and intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = .79). The pre-defined hypotheses confirmed the construct validity, and the correlation between the SODS and the Patient Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ-9) was moderate ( rb = .32). At a cutoff score of ≥1, the sensitivity was 0.80, and the specificity was 0.39. These findings indicate that the SODS is appropriate to screen for depressive symptoms and can be used by nurses to identify symptoms of depression in patients with aphasia who require further assessment.
Improvement in failure prediction algorithm for textile composites
Authors: Hallal Ali , Younes Rafic
Published: July 2016

This study presents an analytical modeling of the mechanical behavior of textile composites. The main objective of this study is to evaluate in-plane and out of plane ultimate strengths for different types of 2D and 3D fabric-reinforced polymer. The proposed analytical model consists of a homogenization method, a failure criterion, and a damaged stiffness model. An improved failure prediction algorithm is presented, which tends to enhance the prediction of ultimate strengths. It is shown that assuming a final failure of undulated yarns for a failure of 90% of subdivisions rather than 100%, alongside assigning a multi-failure mode for the failed subdivision rather than single failure mode is yielding much better results. The predicted elastic properties and ultimate strengths are compared to available experimental and numerical data, where a very good agreement is shown. The proposed model offers a reliable, simple, and easy to use analytical tool.
Histone hyperacetylation modulates spinal type II metabotropic glutamate receptor alleviating stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity in female rats
Authors: Cao Dong-Yuan , Bai Guang , Ji Yaping , Karpowicz Jane , Traub Richard J
Published: July 2016

Stress is often a trigger to exacerbate chronic pain including visceral hypersensitivity associated with irritable bowel syndrome, a female predominant functional bowel disorder. Epigenetic mechanisms that mediate stress responses are a potential target to interfere with visceral pain. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a histone deacetylase inhibitor, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid, on visceral hypersensitivity induced by a subchronic stressor in female rats and to investigate the involvement of spinal glutamate receptors. Three daily sessions of forced swim induced visceral hypersensitivity. Intrathecal suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid prevented or reversed the stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity, increased spinal histone 3 acetylation and increased mGluR2 and mGluR3 expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis revealed enrichment of H3K9Ac and H3K18Ac at several promoter Grm2 and Grm3 regions. The mGluR2/3 antagonist LY341495 reversed the inhibitory effect of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid on the stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity. In surprising contrast, stress and/or suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid had no effect on spinal NMDA receptor expression or function. These data reveal histone modification modulates mGluR2/3 expression in the spinal cord to attenuate stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity. HDAC inhibitors may provide a potential approach to relieve visceral hypersensitivity associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
On the compositional variability of dalyite, K2ZrSi6O15: a new occurrence from Terceira, Azores
Authors: Jeffery A. J. , Gertisser R. , Jackson R. A. , O'Driscoll B. , Kronz A.
Published: July 2016

The rare potassium zirconium silicate dalyite has been identified for the first time on Terceira, Azores, within syenitic ejecta of the Caldeira-Castelinho Ignimbrite Formation. New quantitative analyses of this dalyite were combined with the small number of published analyses from various locations worldwide to evaluate the mineral's compositional variability. Additionally, solid-state modelling has been applied to assess the site allocations of substituting elements. The new analyses yield the average formula (K1.84Na0.15)∑=1.99(Zr0.94Ti0.012Hf0.011Fe0.004)∑=0.967Si6.03O15. Model results predict the placement of substituting Hf and Ti in the octahedral site, and highlight the overall complexity in the incorporation of Fe, Mg and Ba. The combined dataset reveals that dalyite found within peralkaline granites and syenites is generally defined by higher Na↔K substitution and lower Ti↔Zr substitution relative to dalyite from highly potassic rocks. The Terceira dalyite exhibits a bimodal variation in the degree of Na↔K substitution which is attributed to a K-enrichment trend induced by late-stage pore wall crystallization and albitization, coupled with the control of pore size upon the degree of supersaturation required to initiate nucleation of dalyite in pores of varying size.
Integrating clinical features and genetic lesions in the risk assessment of patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
Authors: Elena Chiara , Gallì Anna , Such Esperanza , Meggendorfer Manja , Germing Ulrich , Rizzo Ettore , Cervera Jose , Molteni Elisabetta , Fasan Annette , Schuler Esther , Ambaglio Ilaria , Lopez-Pavia Maria , Zibellini Silvia , Kuendgen Andrea , Travaglino Erica , Sancho-Tello Reyes , Catricalà Silvia , Vicente Ana I. , Haferlach Torsten , Haferlach Claudia , Sanz Guillermo F. , Malcovati Luca , Cazzola Mario
Published: July 2016

Key Points

Risk assessment is crucial in patients with CMML because survival may range from a few months to several years. Integrating clinical features, morphology, and genetic lesions significantly improves risk stratification in CMML.
An investigation to assess ankle mobility in healthy individuals from the application of multi‐component compression bandages and compression hosiery
Authors: Atkin Leanne , Stephenson John , Parfitt Grace , Reel Sarah , Ousey Karen , Fallon Brandon
Published: July 2016

Background

An investigation was undertaken to compare the effect of multi‐component compression bandages and compression hosiery kits on individuals' range of ankle motion whilst wearing typical and medical footwear, and barefoot.

Methods

A convenience sample of 30 healthy individuals recruited from the staff and student population at the University of Huddersfield, UK. Plantarflexion/dorsiflexion range of ankle motion (ROAM) was measured in participants over 6 steps in every combination of typical, medical and no footwear; and multi‐component bandages, compression hosiery and no garments.

Results

Controlling for age, gender and garments, the use of typical footwear was associated with a mean increase in ROAM of 2.54° at best estimate compared with barefoot; the use of medical footwear was associated with a mean decrease in ROAM of 1.12° at best estimate compared with barefoot. Controlling for age, gender and footwear, the use of bandaging was associated with a mean decrease in ROAM of 2.51° at best estimate compared with no garments. Controlling for age, gender and footwear, the use of hosiery was not associated with a significant change in ROAM compared with no garments.

Conclusions

Bandages appear to restrict ROAM more than hosiery when used in conjunction with a variety of footwear types.
Human mesenchymal stromal/stem cells acquire immunostimulatory capacity upon cross-talk with natural killer cells and might improve the NK cell function of immunocompromised patients
Authors: Cui Rongtao , Rekasi Heike , Hepner-Schefczyk Monika , Fessmann Kai , Petri Robert M. , Bruderek Kirsten , Brandau Sven , Jäger Marcus , Flohé Stefanie B.
Published: July 2016

Background

The suppressive effect of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) on diverse immune cells is well known, but it is unclear whether MSCs additionally possess immunostimulatory properties. We investigated the impact of human MSCs on the responsiveness of primary natural killer (NK) cells in terms of cytokine secretion.

Methods

Human MSCs were generated from bone marrow and nasal mucosa. NK cells were isolated from peripheral blood of healthy volunteers or of immunocompromised patients after severe injury. NK cells were cultured with MSCs or with MSC-derived conditioned media in the absence or presence of IL-12 and IL-18. C-C chemokine receptor (CCR) 2, C-C chemokine ligand (CCL) 2, and the interferon (IFN)-γ receptor was blocked by specific inhibitors or antibodies. The synthesis of IFN-γ and CCL2 was determined.

Results

In the absence of exogenous cytokines, trace amounts of NK cell-derived IFN-γ licensed MSCs for enhanced synthesis of CCL2. In turn, MSCs primed NK cells for increased release of IFN-γ in response to IL-12 and IL-18. Priming of NK cells by MSCs occurred in a cell–cell contact-independent manner and was impaired by inhibition of the CCR2, the receptor of CCL2, on NK cells. CD56brightNK cells expressed higher levels of CCR2 and were more sensitive to CCL2-mediated priming by MSCs and by recombinant CCR2 ligands than cytotoxic CD56dimNK cells. NK cells from severely injured patients were impaired in cytokine-induced IFN-γ synthesis. Co-culture with MSCs or with conditioned media from MSCs and MSC/NK cell co-cultures from healthy donors improved the IFN-γ production of the patients’ NK cells in a CCR2-dependent manner.

Conclusions

A positive feedback loop driven by NK cell-derived IFN-γ and MSC-derived CCL2 increases the inflammatory response of cytokine-stimulated NK cells not only from healthy donors but also from immunocompromised patients. Therapeutic application of MSCs or their soluble factors might thus improve the NK function after severe injury.