bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On making sense. An exploration of Wundt’s apperceptionist account of meaningful speech
Authors: De Kock Liesbet
Published: October 2018

In the wake of the critical reorientation in the historiography of psychology, a number of scholars challenged the one‐sided structuralist and positivist interpretation of Wilhelm Wundt’s work. This paper aims at contributing to these recent efforts, by providing an analysis of the way in which Wundt’s apperceptionism conditioned his account of the relation between thought and speech, and by extrapolation, of disorganized thought and speech. While Wundt’s pivotal role in the development of the psychology of language is relatively well‐known, discussions on this part of his theorizing tend to focus exclusively on his gestural or motor account of language. This obliterates the complex theoretical background of Wundt’s theory of language and speech, as well as its systematic place within his psychological system. Highlighting this neglected dimension of Wundt’s theorizing, however, could open up a new horizon of pressing research questions in the historiography of psychology.
Synthesis of New Heterocyclic Amino Derivatives of Alantolactone and Their Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Kumar Ashish , Kumar Dharmesh , Maurya Antim K. , Padwad Yogendra S. , Agnihotri Vijai K.
Published: October 2018

In this study, a series of new alantolactone (AL) amino scaffolds (AL1–AL13) had been synthesized and evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity against three human cancer cell lines: human cervical cancer (SiHa), human epidermoid carcinoma (KB), and human lung cancer (A549). The compounds AL 2, 4, 5, 7, and 13 were found to be nearly as equally active as AL against three tested cell lines, whereas AL 1 and 12 against SiHa cells. This study also provides a correlation on the structure activity relationship of AL and derivatized analogues against tested cells. The retention of cytotoxicity with enhanced water solubility in derivatized amino adducts including AL 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, and 13 indicates that these adducts can further be tested for the detailed in vivo safety and anticancer studies.
Size and shape correlation of birds' pelvis and egg: Impact of developmental mode, habitat, and phylogeny
Authors: Shatkovska Oksana V. , Ghazali Maria , Mytiai Ivan S. , Druz Natalia
Published: October 2018

While eggs shapes and sizes have been subject of many studies, we still know little about factors affecting these characteristics of birds' eggs. We revealed that shapes of pelvis and egg correlated less than their respective sizes. Egg measurements (length or diameter) scaled with negative allometry against pelvis size, that is, eggs become relatively larger with decreasing pelvis size. Studied birds with altricial developmental mode had on average the smallest pelvic dimensions and the largest relative size of eggs. However, this is due to the effect of small pelvis size (and body as a whole) of most altricials. At the similar size of the pelvis, birds with altricial developmental mode had a smaller relative size of eggs than their precocial counterparts. Correlation between the shape of egg and pelvis is affected by habitat. Narrow pelvis with an elongated postacetabular region correlated with elongated eggs in diving waterfowl. In raptorial birds, the relatively wide pelvis with the shortened postacetabular region correlated with the nearly rounded shape of eggs.
Fully automatic segmentation on prostate MR images based on cascaded fully convolution network
Authors: Zhu Yi , Wei Rong , Gao Ge , Ding Lian , Zhang Xiaodong , Wang Xiaoying , Zhang Jue
Published: October 2018

Background

Computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) can aid radiologists in quantifying prostate cancer, and MRI segmentation plays an essential role in CAD applications. Clinical experience shows that prostate cancer occurs predominantly in the peripheral zone (PZ) and there exist different evaluation criteria for different regions in the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS).

Purpose

To develop a fully automatic approach to segmenting the prostate outer contour and the PZ contour with high efficacy.

Population

In all, 163 subjects, including 61 healthy subjects and 102 prostate cancer patients. For each subject, all slices that contained prostate gland in diffusion‐weighted images (DWIs) and T2‐weighted images (T2WIs) were selected as the datasets.

Field Strength

T2‐weighted, DWI at 3.0T.

Assessment

The computer‐generated segmentation results were compared with the manual outlining results that were depicted by two experts with more than 5 years' experience. Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), false‐positive rate (FPR), and false‐negative rate (FNR) were used to compared the algorithm and manual segmentation results.

Statistical Tests

A paired t‐test was adopted for comparison between our method and classical U‐Net segmentation methods.

Results

The mean DSC was 92.7 ± 4.2% for the total whole prostate gland and 79.3 ± 10.4% for the total peripheral zone. Compared with classical U‐Net segmentation methods, our segmentation precision was significantly higher (P < 0.001).

Data Conclusion

By cropping the region of interest and cascading the two networks, our method balances the positive and negative sample gradually, and results in higher segmentation accuracy. This fully automatic strategy could provide satisfactory performance in prostate DWIs and T2WIs‐based image segmentation.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1149–1156.
Comparison of quantitative regional perfusion‐weighted phase resolved functional lung (PREFUL) MRI with dynamic gadolinium‐enhanced regional pulmonary perfusion MRI in COPD patients
Authors: Kaireit Till F. , Voskrebenzev Andreas , Gutberlet Marcel , Freise Julia , Jobst Bertram , Kauczor Hans‐Ulrich , Welte Tobias , Wacker Frank , Vogel‐Claussen Jens
Published: October 2018

Background

Perfusion‐weighted noncontrast‐enhanced proton lung MRI during free breathing is maturing as a novel technique for assessment of regional lung perfusion, but has not yet been validated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.

Purpose

To compare pulmonary parenchymal perfusion assessed by noncontrast‐enhanced perfusion‐weighted phase‐resolved functional lung (PREFUL)‐MRI with lung perfusion determined with dynamic gadolinium‐enhanced (DCE)‐MRI and with lung function test parameters.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

A single‐center subset of the COPD cohort "COPD and SYstemic consequenzes‐COmorbidities NETwork" (COSYCONET). Forty‐seven patients with COPD (median age 66 [57–70] years) were studied.

Field Strength/Sequence

For PREFUL‐MRI a spoiled gradient echo sequence and for DCE‐MRI, a 3D time‐resolved spoiled gradient echo sequence was used at 1.5T.

Assessment

PREFUL‐MRI coronal slices were acquired in free breathing. DCE‐MRI was performed in breath‐hold with administration of 0.025 mmol/kg bodyweight of gadobutrol i.v. at a rate of 4 ml/s and pulmonary blood flow (PBF) maps were calculated. Slices of PREFUL and DCE‐MRI were matched by their ventrodorsal position and corresponding slices were coregistered for evaluation. Perfusion defect percentages (QDP) were calculated for both methods.

Statistical Tests

The obtained parameters were correlated using Spearman's correlation coefficient (r) and Bland–Altman plot analysis.

Results

PREFUL‐QDP showed an absolute and spatial agreement with PBF‐QDP on a global (39.3 (31.8–45.5)% vs. 44.7 (35.4–50.0)% with a spatial overlap of 62.2 (57.2–67.2)%)) as well as on a lobar level and correlated with lung function test parameters (PREFUL‐QDP vs. FEV1, r = –0.75, P < 0.0001). There was a systematic overestimation of PREFUL‐QDP compared with PBF‐QDP, mainly in the lower lobes, resulting in an overall overestimation for the whole lung with a mean difference of 5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.0%; 7.0%; STD 6.8%).

Data Conclusion

PREFUL‐MRI is a promising noninvasive, radiation‐free tool for quantification of regional perfusion in COPD patients.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1122–1132.
Identification of hepatitis B virus genotype I in Thailand
Authors: Holzmayer Vera , Hance Robert , Defechereux Patricia , Grant Robert , Kuhns Mary C. , Cloherty Gavin , Rodgers Mary A.
Published: October 2018

The rare hepatitis B virus genotype I (HBV‐I) classification includes complex A/G/C/U recombinants identified amongst the individuals from China, India, Laos, and Vietnam. Herein we report the first HBV‐I specimen from Thailand, with detectable HBsAg despite a 10–amino‐acid truncation. This HBV‐I genome has a similar recombinant pattern to reference strains, including a C region that branches basal to references, suggesting a premodern era recombination event gave rise to HBV‐I. With an average sequence divergence from other genotypes ranging from 7.66% (standard deviation [SD], 0.42%; C) to 14.27% (SD, 0.31%; H), this new genome supports the HBV‐I classification as a unique genotype.
Decadal variability in summer precipitation over eastern China and its response to sensible heat over the Tibetan Plateau since the early 2000s
Authors: Wang Huan , Li Dongliang
Published: October 2018

This study investigates the decadal variations in summer precipitation over eastern China (SPEC) and its response to the decadal change of sensible heat (SH) flux over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). The results show that SPEC experiences a significant decadal change in approximate 2003, demonstrating positive rainfall anomalies over central China and negative anomalies over northeast, north, and south China. Meanwhile, a noticeable increase in SH over the TP occurs in the early 2000s at the decadal time scale. Further analysis reveals that when spring SH over the TP is abnormally strong, there will be a stronger atmospheric heat source and development of deep convection over the TP in the forthcoming summer. The positive thermal forcing induces an abnormal anticyclonic circulation and airflow divergence in the upper layer and cyclonic circulation and airflow convergence in the mid‐layer over the TP. And the negative vorticity and positive geopotential height anomalies in the upper layer over the TP and south China leads to the strengthening of the South Asian High (SAH) and the northwestern Pacific subtropical high (NWPSH). As a result, cold and dry air from higher latitudes and warm and humid air from the tropics converge over central China and diverge over north and south China. In addition, there exist a strong ascending motion over central China and an anomalous descending motion over south China due to the positive diabatic heating and horizontal temperature advection anomalies over central China and negative anomalies over south China. On the other hand, the circulation conditions strengthen the East Asian summer monsoon and weaken the South China Sea summer monsoon. Ultimately, more moisture is transported into central China, but less into south China, which give rise to positive and negative rainfall amounts in the corresponding areas, respectively.
Features of locally and remotely generated surface gravity waves in the inner‐shelf region of northwestern Bay of Bengal
Authors: Anjali Nair M. , Sanil Kumar V. , Amrutha M. M. , Murty V. S. N.
Published: October 2018

In this article, we studied the characteristics of locally and remotely generated wind waves in the inner‐shelf region of northwestern Bay of Bengal (BoB) based on the measured wave data. Two well‐differentiated wave systems, one young sea from the east‐southeast and another more developed swell from the south lead to bimodality in the wave spectrum. Wind‐sea predominance is not observed in the monthly average wave spectrum and in all the months swells dominated indicating a swell‐driven wave regime. During the monsoon (JJAS), the wave climate is dominated by long‐period swell from the south‐southeast and the short fetch during the northeast monsoon (ONDJ) leads to weaker easterly swells, while the effects of the sea/land breeze influence on the wave generation are more relevant during this season. During November–April, diurnal variation of 0.15 m in significant wave height (SWH) is observed. The study based on seasonally averaged ERA‐Interim reanalysis data reveals a weak connection between the waves in the northwestern BoB and the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) events. The waves are influenced by ENSO events during June–September and by IOD events during October–January, which consequently caused inter‐annual variations in monthly average SWH. The present study, however, did not show a significant inter‐annual variability in annual mean SWH during 1979–2015.
Vitamin C Status in Hospitalized Adults According to Subjective Global Assessment Method
Authors: Avelino Dewelyn Dias , Maltos André Luiz , Portari Guilherme Vannucchi , Gonçalves Álisson de Carvalho , da Cunha Daniel Ferreira
Published: October 2018

Background

The subjective global assessment (SGA) is a powerful tool for nutrition status assessment. Our aim was to compare vitamin C serum levels among patients classified as A, B, or C in the SGA.

Methods

One hundred‐and‐fifty adults in the wards of the University Hospital participated in this study. Besides SGA, all cases were submitted to anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and 24‐hour dietary recall. Laboratory data included blood hemoglobin, serum ferritin, serum albumin, transferrin, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and vitamin C. Acute phase response was defined by serum CRP > 0.5 mg/dL; low serum vitamin C was defined by serum levels < 0.4 mg/dL. Analysis of variance and χ2 tests were used to compare groups; P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Patients were diagnosed as SGA A (n = 76), B (n = 38), or C (n = 36) and showed different anthropometry and BIA. The same occurred, respectively, with vitamin C (median; range, in mg/day) intake (55.0; 4.7–140.6 vs 34.0; 10.3–244.2 vs 15.8; 2.3–124.0) and high (%) CRP (88.3 vs 65.8 vs 48.7) and low (%) vitamin C serum levels (21.1 vs 34.2 vs 63.9).

Conclusion

Patients with worst nutrition parameters (SGA C) showed lower ascorbic acid serum levels than those classified as SGA A or B. These results are in accordance with reduced vitamin C intake and the presence of acute phase response.
Bacterial biopolymer (polyhydroxyalkanoate) production from low‐cost sustainable sources
Authors: Aljuraifani Amal A. , Berekaa Mahmoud M. , Ghazwani Azzah A.
Published: October 2018

Twenty‐six different bacterial strains were isolated from samples taken from different locations Dammam, Saudi Arabia, for screening of their polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production capability. The initial screening was conducted by staining with Sudan Black B and Nile Red, followed by examination under fluorescence and electron microscopes to characterize PHA granule formation. The PHA‐producing bacterial isolates were identified using 16S rRNA gene analyses; the most potent bacterial strain was identified as Pseudomonas sp. strain‐P(16). The PHA production capability of this strain in the presence of different low‐cost carbon sources, such as rice bran, dates, and soy molasses, was analyzed. PHA production in the presence of rice bran, dates, and soy molasses was 90.9%, 82.6%, and 91.6%, respectively.
Increased dynamin expression precedes proteinuria in glomerular disease
Authors: Khalil Ramzi , Koop Klaas , Kreutz Reinhold , Spaink Herman P , Hogendoorn Pancras CW , Bruijn Jan A , Baelde Hans J
Published: October 2018

Dynamin plays an essential role in maintaining the structure and function of the glomerular filtration barrier. Specifically, dynamin regulates the actin cytoskeleton and the turnover of nephrin in podocytes, and knocking down dynamin expression causes proteinuria. Moreover, promoting dynamin oligomerization with Bis‐T‐23 restores podocyte function and reduces proteinuria in several animal models of chronic kidney disease. Thus, dynamin is a promising therapeutic target for treating chronic kidney disease. Here, we investigated the pathophysiological role of dynamin under proteinuric circumstances in a rat model and in humans. We found that glomerular Dnm2 and Dnm1 mRNA levels are increased prior to the onset of proteinuria in a rat model of spontaneous proteinuria. Also, in zebrafish embryos, we confirm that knocking down dynamin translation results in proteinuria. Finally, we show that the glomerular expression of dynamin and cathepsin L protein is increased in several human proteinuric kidney diseases. We propose that the increased expression of glomerular dynamin reflects an exhausted attempt to maintain and/or restore integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier. These results confirm that dynamin plays an important role in maintaining the glomerular filtration barrier, and they support the notion that dynamin is a promising therapeutic target in proteinuric kidney disease. © 2018 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Exploring the spatiotemporal genetic heterogeneity in metastatic lung adenocarcinoma using a nuclei flow‐sorting approach
Authors: Lorber Thomas , Andor Noemi , Dietsche Tanja , Perrina Valeria , Juskevicius Darius , Pereira Karen , Greer Stephanie U , Krause Arthur , Müller David C , Savic Prince Spasenija , Lardinois Didier , Barrett Michael T , Ruiz Christian , Bubendorf Lukas
Published: October 2018

Variable tumor cellularity can limit sensitivity and precision in comparative genomics because differences in tumor content can result in misclassifying truncal mutations as region‐specific private mutations in stroma‐rich regions, especially when studying tissue specimens of mediocre tumor cellularity such as lung adenocarcinomas (LUADs). To address this issue, we refined a nuclei flow‐sorting approach by sorting nuclei based on ploidy and the LUAD lineage marker thyroid transcription factor 1 and applied this method to investigate genome‐wide somatic copy number aberrations (SCNAs) and mutations of 409 cancer genes in 39 tumor populations obtained from 16 primary tumors and 21 matched metastases. This approach increased the mean tumor purity from 54% (range 7–89%) of unsorted material to 92% (range 79–99%) after sorting. Despite this rise in tumor purity, we detected limited genetic heterogeneity between primary tumors and their metastases. In fact, 88% of SCNAs and 80% of mutations were propagated from primary tumors to metastases and low allele frequency mutations accounted for much of the mutational heterogeneity. Even though the presence of SCNAs indicated a history of chromosomal instability (CIN) in all tumors, metastases did not have more SCNAs than primary tumors. Moreover, tumors with biallelic TP53 or ATM mutations had high numbers of SCNAs, yet they were associated with a low interlesional genetic heterogeneity. The results of our study thus provide evidence that most macroevolutionary events occur in primary tumors before metastatic dissemination and advocate for a limited degree of CIN over time and space in this cohort of LUADs. Sampling of primary tumors thus may suffice to detect most mutations and SCNAs. In addition, metastases but not primary tumors had seeded additional metastases in three of four patients; this provides a genomic rational for surgical treatment of such oligometastatic LUADs. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term outcome of renal function in children after stem cell transplantation measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate
Authors: Ukeba‐Terashita Yukayo , Kobayashi Ryoji , Hori Daiki , Matsushima Satoru , Sano Hirozumi , Suzuki Daisuke , Nakajima Masahide , Suzuki Masahiko , Ueno Michihiko , Fujita Shoji , Kobayashi Kunihiko
Published: October 2018

Background

Stem cell transplantation (SCT) outcomes have improved over the last three decades, with many patients being rescued with this treatment. However, improved outcomes have led to issues with long‐term sequelae. One of these sequelae in children is renal dysfunction, an index of which is estimated using glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Procedure

We retrospectively analyzed eGFR in 83 pediatric patients who received SCT. Data from all patients extended up to 12 months or more post SCT. The median follow‐up time was 127.7 months (range 12.0‐268.8 months).

Results

Eighteen patients (21.7%) had low eGFR (<90 ml/min/1.73 m2) post SCT. Cumulative incidence of low eGFR was 25.8 ± 2.0%. Nine (10.6%) patients had a low eGFR pre‐SCT. However, pre‐ and post‐SCT incidence of low eGFR were not correlated. Meanwhile, only two patients (2.4%) exhibited severe renal dysfunction, with eGFRs < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Independent risk factors for low eGFR were solid tumor and use of fludarabine. Moreover, age at SCT ≥ 7 years was also a long‐term post‐SCT risk factor for low eGFR in all patients.

Conclusion

Independent post‐SCT long‐term risk factors for low eGFR in children were solid tumor and use of fludarabine. Moreover, age at SCT ≥ 7 years was a post‐SCT long‐term risk factor for low eGFR across all patients.
Racial and ethnic differences in survival of pediatric patients with brain and central nervous system cancer in the United States
Authors: Siegel David A. , Li Jun , Ding Helen , Singh Simple D. , King Jessica B. , Pollack Lori A.
Published: October 2018

Background

Brain and central nervous system (CNS) cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among children and adolescents in the United States. Data from earlier studies suggested racial and ethnic differences in survival among pediatric patients with brain tumor. This study examined racial/ethnic difference in survival using national data and considered the effects of demographic and clinical factors.

Methods

Using National Program of Cancer Registries data, 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year relative survival (cancer survival in the absence of other causes of death) was calculated for patients with brain and CNS cancer aged < 20 years diagnosed during 2001–2008 and followed up through 2013. Racial and ethnic differences in survival were measured by sex, age, economic status, stage, anatomic location, and histology. Adjusted racial and ethnic difference in 5‐year cancer specific survival was estimated using multivariable Cox regression analysis.

Results

Using data from 11 302 patients, 5‐year relative survival was 77.6% for non‐Hispanic white patients, 69.8% for non‐Hispanic black patients, and 72.9% for Hispanic patients. Differences in relative survival by race/ethnicity existed within all demographic groups. Based on multivariable analysis, non‐Hispanic black patients had a higher risk of death at 5 years after diagnosis compared to non‐Hispanic white patients (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.2, 95% confidence interval, 1.1–1.4).

Conclusions

Pediatric brain and CNS cancer survival differed by race/ethnicity, with non‐Hispanic black patients having a higher risk of death than non‐Hispanic white patients. Future investigation of access to care, social and economic barriers, and host genetic factors might identify reasons for disparities in survival.
Pinpointing a potential role for CLEC12B in cancer predisposition through familial exome sequencing
Authors: Derpoorter Charlotte , Vandepoele Karl , Diez‐Fraile Araceli , Vandemeulebroecke Katrien , De Wilde Bram , Speleman Frank , Van Roy Nadine , Lammens Tim , Laureys Geneviève
Published: October 2018

Predisposition to cancer is only partly understood, and thus, the contribution of still undiscovered cancer predisposing variants necessitates further research. In search of such variants, we performed exome sequencing on the germline DNA of a family with two children affected by ganglioneuroma and neuroblastoma. Applying stringent selection criteria, we identified a potential deleterious, missense mutation in CLEC12B, coding for a lectin C‐type receptor that is predicted to regulate immune function. Although further screening in a larger population and functional characterization is needed, we propose CLEC12B as a candidate cancer predisposition gene.
Treatment of hepatic veno‐occlusive disease in children with N‐acetylcysteine
Authors: Lee Anselm Chi‐wai , Aung LeLe
Published: October 2018

In our institution, hepatic veno‐occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (VOD/SOS) has been treated with N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) since 2008—a loading dose of 150 mg/kg, followed by 12 doses of 70 mg/kg 6 hourly. Nine children were diagnosed with hepatic VOD/SOS. Hepatic VOD/SOS occurred in seven children after stem cell transplantation and two were receiving chemotherapy for Wilms tumor. Their clinical severity was classified as moderate in two and severe in seven by the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation criteria. All children recovered and were discharged from 4 to 16 days after diagnosis. No side effects were observed. Intravenous NAC is an effective treatment for hepatic VOD/SOS.
Permanent locking of colloidal crystals composed of core‐brush polymeric nanoparticles
Authors: Kim Dong‐Hyeon , Ishizu Koji , Lee Dong‐Hoon
Published: October 2018

Seed colloidal core particles (CCPs) were prepared by surfactant‐free emulsion polymerization of tert‐butyl methacrylate and the cross‐linker ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) initiated by potassium persulfate. Core‐shell particles (CSPs) were then synthesized by the encapsulation of the CCPs via the living radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate, EGDMA, and N,N‐diethyldithiocarbamate. These CSPs present surface photofunctional dithiocarbamate groups. Core‐poly(methyl methacrylate) brush particles (CBPs) were then prepared by photoinduced atom transfer radical polymerization of MMA initiated by CBP macroinitiators in the presence of a CuCl/bpy catalyst. Colloidal crystals were constructed using these particles and novel locking methods for these colloidal crystals were established. Their optical properties were investigated by measuring their reflection spectra from a viewpoint of structural colors. As a result, structural colors were strongly dependent on particle size (Ds) and effective refractive index (neff). POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1698–1702, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Sustainability, New and Improved Materials a Big Part of 13th SPE AutoEPCON
Authors: Malnati Peggy
Published: October 2018

The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) hosted the Automotive Engineering Plastics Conference (AutoEPCON) in the Motor City suburbs for the 13th time between April 30 and May 1. The event, organized by SPE's Detroit Section and Automotive and Injection Molding Divisions, proved that there is still much interest in the world of engineering thermoplastics and that manufacturers continue to invest in and innovate around this technology segment. Several products made their world or North American debut, and many other grades of recently introduced, higher‐performance engineering thermoplastics were highlighted in technical talks and at displays.
Suite Deals
Authors: Toensmeier Pat
Published: October 2018

Rapid prototyping is synonymous with additive manufacturing. The digital process, also known as 3D printing, is especially valuable because it inverts the economics of product development by generating rapid design iterations at a greatly reduced upfront cost than conventional solid‐modeling methods since it requires no molds or dies. With its ability to eliminate parts through the use of complex geometries and change designs on‐the‐fly, additive manufacturing (AM) is reshaping the process and economics of product design and—importantly—has the potential to do the same for part production
Celebrating Well‐Executed IDEAs
Authors: Grace Robert
Published: October 2018

Two things were clear from the 1,872 entries to this year's International Design Excellence Awards (IDEAs), according to jury chair Michael Kahwaji. One is that China is really stepping up its design game, and the other is that a diverse cross section of high design and functional, everyday products is emerging today
Extrusion Screw Design: A Historical Perspective
Authors: Dray R.F. , Gregory R.B.
Published: October 2018

This historical representation is generated from … actual patents. In technology advances that were not patented, the information shown was given by people who were directly involved at that time
Assessing Damage to Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers Through Acoustic Micro‐Imaging
Authors: Adams Tom
Published: October 2018

Damage inside a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) piece can be imaged and analyzed by the ultrasound generated by acoustic micro‐imaging tools. Imaging may be carried out to find cracks and other gap‐type anomalies that occurred during fabrication, as a result of testing, or during service. Even if the vertical extent of a gap is a tiny fraction of a micron, damage within the CFRT appears in the acoustic image. This is one of the capabilities that makes acoustic micro‐imaging complementary to X‐rays
Drug Regimen Individualization for Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Guidance for Methylphenidate and Dexmethylphenidate Formulations
Authors: Patrick Kennerly Sexton , Radke Jennifer L. , Raymond John R. , Koller Lauren , Nguyen Linda V. , Rodriguez Wendy , Straughn Arthur B.
Published: October 2018

In 2000, the first biphasic modified‐release (MR) formulation of methylphenidate (MPH) was approved for the treatment of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). An immediate‐release (IR) MPH pulse (22% of the dose) facilitates rapid onset of stimulant action, while the remaining MR portion of the dose provides for day‐long duration of efficacy. A wide array of oral MR‐MPH products has subsequently been approved that also allows for once‐daily dosing, though each product is characterized by distinctive exposure time courses. This review compares each member of the current MPH armamentarium to assist in the rational selection of a specific MPH regimen for the individualized treatment of patients with ADHD. The IR portion of biphasic MPH formulations now ranges from 15%, 20%, 22%, 25%, 30%, and 37% IR‐MPH, as well as a 50% IR‐MPH product whose distinctly pulsatile time course closely resembles that of the pre‐century “gold standard” twice‐daily IR‐MPH regimen. Further, transdermal, suspension, and orally disintegrating tablet products are now available to overcome any solid dosage form swallowing difficulties. Most of these formulations are racemic, though in 2001, a chiral switch drug IR‐dexmethylphenidate (dexMPH) was approved, followed by biphasic MR‐dexMPH (50% IR) in 2005. New U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) partial area under the curve (pAUC) bioavailability metrics have improved discrimination between specific generic MR‐MPH products. This has resulted in two Orange Book MR‐MPH products being recoded from “AB” (i.e., meets necessary bioequivalence requirements) to “BX” (i.e., insufficient data to confirm bioequivalence). The metabolic drug interaction between MPH and alcohol, which increases MPH bioavailability, potentiates euphoric effects, and heightens abuse liability, is discussed. This review concludes with brief considerations of pharmacogenomic predictors of ADHD first‐line drug selection, carboxylesterase allelic variants influencing interindividual MPH metabolism, and novel MPH formulations in the regulatory pipeline.
Large‐scale mining, spatial mobility, place‐making and development in the Peruvian Andes
Authors: Castillo Gerardo , Brereton David
Published: October 2018

This paper focuses on population mobility dynamics in and around mining areas in the Peruvian Andes. We use a case study of Rio Tinto's La Granja exploration project in Cajamarca Region to highlight the complexity and fluidity of the population movements around that project and the significant level of agency exercised by local people, as well as how people have been impacted by corporate decisions. We argue that, far from being a relatively static system of social and production relationships, the Andes has long been a place of movement, where individuals and families have used a broad range of mobility strategies to improve their economic well‐being and mitigate the impact of external shocks. In the case of La Granja, the use of such strategies has helped local people to cope with variations in the level of project activity, maintain a connection with the area (even while living outside of it), and to access project‐related benefits such as jobs and compensation payments. At some points in the history of the project, corporate decisions and actions have had a clearly deleterious impact on the local community. However, in more recent times the project also revitalised La Granja as a place, at least for a time, and created new opportunities for individuals and families. In the final section of the paper, we address some broader questions about the role that spatial mobility and family networks can play in diffusing the impacts and benefits of mining projects.
Public contracting for private innovation: Government capabilities, decision rights, and performance outcomes
Authors: Bruce Joshua R. , de Figueiredo John M. , Silverman Brian S.
Published: October 2018

Research Abstract

We examine how the US Federal Government governs R&D contracts with private‐sector firms. The government chooses between two contractual forms: grants and cooperative agreements. The latter provides the government substantially greater discretion over, and monitoring of, project progress. Using novel data on R&D contracts and on the technical expertise available in specific government bureau locations, we test implications from the organizational economics and capabilities literatures. We find that cooperative agreements are more likely to be used for early‐stage projects and those for which local government scientific personnel have relevant technical expertise; in turn, cooperative agreements yield greater innovative output as measured by patents, controlling for endogeneity of contract form. The results are consistent with multitask agency and transaction‐cost approaches that emphasize decision rights and monitoring.

Managerial Abstract

When one private firm outsources an R&D project to another, it can use a range of sophisticated contractual provisions to elicit proper innovative effort. However, government entities are often constrained from employing such provisions due to legal and regulatory restrictions. Policymakers thus face a difficult challenge when contracting with private firms for innovation. We study the US Federal government's R&D contracts, which are restricted to two contractual types: “grants,” which offer little in‐process oversight, and “cooperative agreements,” which provide decision rights during the project. We demonstrate that policymakers can enhance outcomes by using cooperative agreements for earlier‐stage, higher‐uncertainty projects, but only when government scientists with relevant expertise are located near the firm's R&D site.
CEO equity risk bearing and strategic risk taking: The moderating effect of CEO personality
Authors: Benischke Mirko H. , Martin Geoffrey P. , Glaser Lotte
Published: October 2018

Research Summary

We draw upon applied psychology literature to explore interagent differences in perceived risk to their equity when making strategic risk decisions. Our theory suggests behavioral agency's predicted negative relationship between equity risk bearing and strategic risk taking is contingent upon four personality traits. Our empirical analyses, based on personality profiles of 158 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of S&P 1,500 firms in manufacturing industries, indicate the relationship between executive risk bearing and strategic risk taking crosses from negative to positive for high extraversion, greater openness, and low conscientiousness. These findings demonstrate that agency based predictions of CEO risk taking in response to compensation—and board attempts at creating incentive alignment using compensation—are enhanced by integrating insights from personality trait literature.

Managerial Summary

We study the effect of CEO personality on their behavioral responses to stock option pay. Our findings reveal that CEOs that score high on extraversion or openness and low on conscientiousness are less likely to decrease their firm's strategic risk taking as the value of their stock options increases. That is, the tendency of CEOs to become more risk averse in their strategic choices as their option wealth increases (due to loss aversion) is weaker for highly extraverted and more open CEOs, but stronger for more conscientiousness CEOs. Overall, our findings suggest that board of directors need to consider personality traits of their CEOs when designing compensation packages with the intention to align incentives of CEOs with shareholder risk preferences.
Protein Amyloid Fibrils as Template for the Synthesis of Silica Nanofibers, and Their Use to Prepare Superhydrophobic, Lotus‐Like Surfaces
Authors: Rima Simonetta , Lattuada Marco
Published: October 2018

In this work, amyloid fibrils are used as a template for the preparation of long silica fibers, with a variety of aspect ratios and surface roughness. Starting with β‐lactoglobulin fibrils with typical diameters of about 20 nm and a length of several micrometers, two different strategies are followed to grow silica: either in water at acidic pH values, or in ethanol–water mixtures under Stöber conditions and an excellent control of both the thickness and the roughness of the silica layer has been achieved. Silica nanofibers with a thickness ranging from a few nanometers to hundreds of nanometers are prepared. As an application, the rough silica nanotubes are used to create superhydrophobic surfaces by mimicking the structure of the lotus leaf. The papillary structure of the lotus leaf is replicated by depositing 10 μm colloidal particles in either a single colloidal crystal, or in a binary colloidal crystal made with smaller sub‐micrometer particles. Then, silica nanofibers are deposited on the binary colloidal crystal surfaces through a layer‐by‐layer deposition procedure to replicate the nanoscale roughness provided by wax nanotubes. Upon hydrophobization of the silica nanotubes, the final surfaces are highly superhydrophobic, with a water contact angle of 165.5°.
Survey of U.S.‐based zoo veterinarians’ attitudes on population management euthanasia
Authors: Powell David M. , Lan Joseph , Eng Curtis
Published: October 2018

Population management euthanasia, or culling, is a recognized tool for managing animal populations in human care. Previous research in zoos has shown that animal care staff attitudes about culling vary based on gender, job type, awareness of culling, the taxon in question for culling, and situational factors, but the attitudes of zoo veterinarians have not been studied previously, despite the fact that they are often tasked with carrying out euthanasia. We surveyed a sample of currently employed, zoo‐based veterinarians in the United States on their knowledge and attitudes about population management euthanasia. Veterinarians demonstrated a high knowledge and awareness of population management euthanasia and were as supportive, if not more supportive, of it than previously surveyed groups. Similar to previous studies, attitudes about culling varied with the type of animal being considered for euthanasia. Female veterinarians and those veterinarians not aware of population management euthanasia events at their facilities were less supportive of the practice, again in agreement with previous studies of other zoo professionals. Veterinarians tended to be either more population‐focused or individual‐focused in their thinking about culling for population management compared to other zoo personnel, who often rated themselves as considering the needs of populations and individuals more equally. Our results suggest that veterinarians are important stakeholders in discussions about population management euthanasia in zoos and are likely to be supportive when information on rationale is presented.
Non-universal gaugino masses in the NMSSM
Authors: Kawamura Junichiro , Kobayashi Tatsuo , Nagata Natsumi
Published: October 2018

Abstract

The Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (NMSSM) provides a natural framework to realize a low-scale supersymmetric (SUSY) model, where a singlet superfield is added to the minimal model to generate a SUSY-scale higgsino mass term with its vacuum expectation value. Due to the presence of the extra singlet field, the vacuum conditions to realize the correct electroweak symmetry-breaking become fairly restrictive especially if we impose universality conditions at the unification scale. In this paper, we show that a non-universal gaugino mass spectrum can significantly relax this restriction even though the scalar masses and trilinear couplings are subject to universality conditions. With the gaugino non-universality, we find that higgsino can be the lightest SUSY particle and its thermal relic abundance can reproduce the observed dark matter density in a wide range of parameter space in which the 125 GeV Higgs-boson mass is obtained. This higgsino-like dark matter may be probed in direct detection experiments. We also find that there is an upper bound on the masses of supersymmetric particles in this scenario, and many model points predict colored particles such as gluino to be within the reach of a future 100 TeV collider. Implications for no-scale/gaugino-mediation models are also discussed.
4d $$ \mathcal{N}=3 $$ indices via discrete gauging
Authors: Bourton Thomas , Pini Alessandro , Pomoni Elli
Published: October 2018

Abstract

A class of 4d

$$ \mathcal{N}=3 $$

N
=
3

SCFTs can be obtained from gauging a discrete subgroup of the global symmetry group of

$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$

N
=
4

Super Yang-Mills theory. This discrete subgroup contains elements of both the SU(4) R-symmetry group and the SL(2, ℤ) S-duality group of

$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$

N
=
4

SYM. We give a prescription for how to perform the discrete gauging at the level of the superconformal index and Higgs branch Hilbert series. We interpret and match the information encoded in these indices to known results for rank one

$$ \mathcal{N}=3 $$

N
=
3

theories. Our prescription is easily generalised for the Coulomb branch and the Higgs branch indices of higher rank theories, allowing us to make new predictions for these theories. Most strikingly we find that the Coulomb branches of higher rank theories are generically not-freely generated.
An Efficient Rule-Based Distributed Reasoning Framework for Resource-bounded Systems
Authors: Rakib Abdur , Uddin Ijaz
Published: October 2018

Over the last few years, context-aware computing has received a growing amount of attention among the researchers in the IoT and ubiquitous computing community. In principle, context-aware computing transforms a physical environment into a smart space by sensing the surrounding environment and interpreting the situation of the user. This process involves three major steps: context acquisition, context modelling, and context-aware reasoning. Among other approaches, ontology-based context modelling and rule-based context reasoning are widely used techniques to enable semantic interoperability and interpreting user situations. However, implementing rich context-aware applications that perform reasoning on resource-bounded mobile devices is quite challenging. In this paper, we present a context-aware systems development framework for smart spaces, which includes a lightweight efficient rule engine and a wide range of user preferences to reduce the number of rules while inferring personalized contexts. This shows rules can be reduced in order to optimize the inference engine execution speed, and ultimately to reduce total execution time and execution cost.
Correction to: Deflating the “DBS causes personality changes” bubble
Authors: Gilbert Frederic , Viaña J. N. M. , Ineichen C.
Published: October 2018

The article Deflating the "DBS causes personality changes" bubble, written by Frederic Gilbert, J. N. M. Viaña and C. Ineichen, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 19 June 2018 without open access.
Analysis of question text properties for equality monitoring
Authors: Zahra Daniel , Burr Steven A.
Published: October 2018

Introduction Ongoing monitoring of cohort demographic variation is an essential part of quality assurance in medical education assessments, yet the methods employed to explore possible underlying causes of demographic variation in performance are limited. Focussing on properties of the vignette text in single-best-answer multiple-choice questions (MCQs), we explore here the viability of conducting analyses of text properties and their relationship to candidate performance. We suggest that such analyses could become routine parts of assessment evaluation and provide an additional, equality-based measure of an assessment’s quality and fairness.

Methods We describe how a corpus of vignettes can be compiled, followed by examples of using Microsoft Word’s native readability statistics calculator and the koRpus text analysis package for the R statistical analysis environment for estimating the following properties of the question text: Flesch Reading Ease (FRE), Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (Grade), word count, sentence count, and average words per sentence (WpS). We then provide examples of how these properties can be combined with equality and diversity variables, and the process automated to provide ongoing monitoring.

Conclusions Given the monitoring of demographic differences in assessment for assurance of equality, the ability to easily include textual analysis of question vignettes provides a useful tool for exploring possible causes of demographic variations in performance where they occur. It also provides another means of evaluating assessment quality and fairness with respect to demographic characteristics.
Time‐scale separation and stochasticity conspire to impact phenotypic dynamics in the canonical and inverted Bacillus subtilis core genetic regulation circuits
Authors: Hao Lijie , Yang Zhuoqin , Turcotte Marc
Published: October 2018

Background

In this work, we study two seemingly unrelated aspects of core genetic nonlinear dynamical control of the competence phenotype in Bacillus subtilis, a common Gram‐positive bacterium living in the soil.

Methods

We focus on hitherto unchartered aspects of the dynamics by exploring the effect of time‐scale separation between transcription and translation and, as well, the effect of intrinsic molecular stochasticity. We consider these aspects of regulatory control as two possible evolutionary handles.

Results

Hence, using theory and computations, we study how the onset of oscillations breaks the excitability‐based competence phenotype in two topologically close evolutionary‐competing circuits: the canonical “wild‐type” regulation circuit selected by Evolution and the corresponding indirect‐feedback inverted circuit that failed to be selected by Evolution, as was shown elsewhere, due to dynamical reasons.

Conclusions

Relying on in‐silico perturbation of the living state, we show that the canonical core genetic regulation of excitability‐based competence is more robust against switching to phenotype‐breaking oscillations than the inverted feedback organism. We show how this is due to time‐scale separation and stochasticity.