bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all in top corporate positions in Brazil?
Authors: Bastos Paula , Behrens Alfredo
Published: May 2018

This article seeks to bring to light the discriminatory issues in Brazilian corporations through the analysis of respondents’ projections to ambiguous pictures. The respondents are top managers from a Brazilian company and MBA students from a Brazilian business school who have the power to promote people and make career path decisions. The survey shows that, in spite of improvements related to female financial independence, influence and leadership power in corporations, there is still a lot to be done to give women and Afro‐descendants the same types of opportunities as white men. Women are perceived as running the show from the sidelines, if at all. The responses also suggest that women are required to fit in a male dominated environment, whether regarding their attire or the decoration of the workplace. White males are seen as having the fastest career path, white women as having a slower one and black men as having the slowest of all three. The dilemma for multinationals settling in Brazil is to pursue their headquarters' equal opportunity policies or blend into local practices, which would not be acceptable under their home directives. Similarly, it is the same for Brazilian corporations expanding abroad.
Performance and Robustness Measures
Authors: Frank Steven A.
Published: May 2018

A theory of design tradeoffs requires broadly applicable measures of cost, performance, stability, and robustness. This chapter introduces the key measures of performance. The following chapters apply these measures to the analysis of particular systems.
Variance in animal longevity: contributions of heterogeneity and stochasticity
Authors: Hartemink Nienke , Caswell Hal
Published: May 2018

Variance in longevity among individuals may arise as an effect of heterogeneity (differences in mortality rates experienced at the same age or stage) or as an effect of individual stochasticity (the outcome of random demographic events during the life cycle). Decomposing the variance into components due to heterogeneity and stochasticity is crucial for evolutionary analyses.In this study, we analyze longevity from ten studies of invertebrates in the laboratory, and use the results to partition the variance in longevity into its components. To do so, we fit finite mixtures of Weibull survival functions to each data set by maximum likelihood, using the EM algorithm. We used the Bayesian Information Criterion to select the most well supported model. The results of the mixture analysis were used to construct an age × stage‐classified matrix model, with heterogeneity groups as stages, from which we calculated the variance in longevity and its components. Almost all data sets revealed evidence of some degree of heterogeneity. The median contribution of unobserved heterogeneity to the total variance was 35%, with the remaining 65% due to stochasticity. The differences among groups in mean longevity were typically on the order of 30% of the overall life expectancy. There was considerable variation among data sets in both the magnitude of heterogeneity and the proportion of variance due to heterogeneity, but no clear patterns were apparent in relation to sex, taxon, or environmental conditions.
Corn steep liquor as a nutritional source for biocementation and its impact on concrete structural properties
Authors: Joshi Sumit , Goyal Shweta , Reddy M Sudhakara
Published: May 2018

Microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) has a potential to improve the durability properties and remediate cracks in concrete. In the present study, the main emphasis is placed upon replacing the expensive laboratory nutrient broth (NB) with corn steep liquor (CSL), an industrial by-product, as an alternate nutrient medium during biocementation. The influence of organic nutrients (carbon and nitrogen content) of CSL and NB on the chemical and structural properties of concrete structures is studied. It has been observed that cement-setting properties were unaffected by CSL organic content, while NB medium influenced it. Carbon and nitrogen content in concrete structures was significantly lower in CSL-treated specimens than in NB-treated specimens. Decreased permeability and increased compressive strength were reported when NB is replaced with CSL in bacteria-treated specimens. The present study results suggest that CSL can be used as a replacement growth medium for MICP technology at commercial scale.
Big data in nanocomposites: ONN approach and mesh-free method for functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composites
Authors: Jalal Mostafa , Moradi-Dastjerdi Rasool , Bidram Morteza
Published: May 2018

In this paper, the concept of big data in composite materials for design purpose with focus on functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composites (FG-CNTRC) has been addressed through mesh-free method and an optimized neural network (ONN) approach. With this regard, mesh-free method as a robust technique was used to analyze the FG-CNTRC for vibrational frequency. The applied nanocomposite is made of aggregated single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that are embedded in an isotropic polymer as matrix. The material properties are estimated based on the Eshelby–Mori–Tanaka approach. Then a new multi-step approach was used to find optimized neural network for accurate modeling of the nanocomposite which can be used for later goals of optimization and design. Computational time and accuracy of various algorithms were investigated and compared for big data modeling of nanocomposite to come up with the optimal model. Comparative study of the results was carried out to examine and compare the accuracy of the developed ONN model relative to mesh-free method. Furthermore, a comprehensive parametric study was also performed to investigate the effect of geometrical dimensions, CNT distribution and volume fraction on vibrational frequency of the nanocomposite.

Highlights Big data in nanocomposites. Analysis of nanocomposite through mesh-free method. Optimized neural network (ONN) for big data mining. Multi-step approach for finding an optimized model. Efficiency of ONN to handle big data.
Early Clinical Outcomes of Intra‐Articular Injections of Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate for the Treatment of Early Osteoarthritis of the Hip and Knee: A Cohort Study
Authors: Rodriguez‐Fontan Francisco , Piuzzi Nicolas S. , Kraeutler Matthew J. , Pascual‐Garrido Cecilia
Published: May 2018

Background

Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMC) is one of the few cell‐based therapies available as a possible biological treatment for early osteoarthritis (OA). Its efficacy, safety, and benefit compared with other treatments are still to be determined.

Objective

To assess the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing intra‐articular injection of BMC for the treatment of early knee and hip OA.

Design

Prospective, cohort study.

Setting

Single institution, quaternary level of care.

Patients

Nineteen patients (16 female and 3 male), totaling 25 joints (10 knees, 15 hips), treated with intra‐articular BMC for early OA between 2014 and 2016. The mean age at time of the procedure was 58 ± 12.7 years (range, 30‐80 years). The mean follow‐up was 13.2 ± 6.3 months (range, 6‐24 months). Inclusion criteria included ≥18 years; knee OA, Kellgren–Lawrence grade I‐II; hip OA, Tönnis grade I‐II; first‐time intra‐articular BMC therapy, after unsuccessful symptomatic and conservative treatments (ie, physical therapy, analgesics and anti‐inflammatory drugs) for 6 months. Exclusion criteria included pregnancy; malignancy; rheumatologic diseases; infection; Kellgren–Lawrence grade III‐IV; Tönnis grade III; and previous intra‐articular injections or surgery.

Interventions

All patients had autologous bone marrow aspirate harvested from the iliac crest and centrifuged to achieve BMC, for intra‐articular injection.

Main Outcome Measurements

The hypothesis was formulated before the study. Patient‐reported outcomes measures were assessed preoperatively and at last follow‐up using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index.

Results

Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index improved from a baseline of 40.8 ± 18.3% to 20.6 ± 17% (P < .001) at final follow‐up. The satisfaction rate was 63.2%. The minimal clinically important difference threshold of 9.15 points was reached by 64% of the patients. Two patients were converted to total hip arthroplasty at 8 months after BMC injection.

Conclusions

Intra‐articular injections of BMC for the treatment of early knee or hip OA were safe and demonstrated satisfactory results in 63.2% of patients. Future studies are necessary to determine the efficacy of this technique and its safety profile.

Level of Evidence

II
Different Types of Heater-Cooler Units and Their Risk of Transmission of Mycobacterium chimaera During Open-Heart Surgery: Clues From Device Design
Authors: Kuehl Richard , Banderet Florian , Egli Adrian , Keller Peter M. , Frei Reno , Döbele Thomas , Eckstein Friedrich , Widmer Andreas F.
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVE

Worldwide, Mycobacterium chimaera infections have been linked to contaminated aerosols from heater-cooler units (HCUs) during open-heart surgery. These infections have mainly been associated with the 3T HCU (LivaNova, formerly Sorin). The reasons for this and the risk of transmission from other HCUs have not been systematically assessed.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

University Hospital Basel, Switzerland.

METHODS

Continuous microbiological surveillance of 3 types of HCUs in use (3T from LivaNova/Sorin and HCU30 and HCU40 from Maquet) was initiated in June 2014, coupled with an epidemiologic workup. Monthly water and air samples were taken. Construction design was analyzed, and exhausted airflow was measured.

RESULTS

Mycobacterium chimaera grew in 8 of 12 water samples (66%) and 22 of 24 air samples (91%) of initial 3T HCUs in use, and in 2 of 83 water samples (2%) and 0 of 41 (0%) air samples of new replacement 3T HCUs. Moreover, 7 of 12 water samples (58%) and 0 of 4 (0%) air samples from the HCU30 were positive, and 0 of 64 (0%) water samples and 0 of 50 (0%) air samples from the HCU40 were positive. We identified 4 relevant differences in HCU design compared to the 3T: air flow direction, location of cooling ventilators, continuous cooling of the water tank at 4°C, and an electronic alarm in the HCU40 reminding the user of the next disinfection cycle.

CONCLUSIONS

All infected patients were associated with a 3T HCU. The individual HCU design may explain the different risk of disseminating M. chimaera into the air of the operating room. These observations can help the construction of improved devices to ensure patient safety during cardiac surgery.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;834–840
The modified Myers boundary condition for swirling flow
Authors: Mathews James R. , Masson Vianney , Moreau Stéphane , Posson Hélène
Published: May 2018

This paper gives a modified Myers boundary condition in swirling inviscid flow, which differs from the standard Myers boundary condition by assuming a small but non-zero boundary layer thickness. The new boundary condition is derived and is shown to have the correct quadratic error behaviour with boundary layer thickness and also to agree with previous results when the swirl is set to zero. The boundary condition is initially derived for swirling flow with constant azimuthal velocity, but easily extends to radially varying swirling flow, with terms depending on the boundary layer model. The modified Myers boundary condition is then given in the time domain rather than in the frequency domain. The effect of the boundary layer profile is then considered, and shown to be small compared to the boundary layer thickness. The boundary condition is then used to analyse the eigenmodes and Green’s function in a realistic flow. Modelling the thickness of the boundary layer properly is shown to be essential in order to get accurate results.
Basal conditions at Engabreen, Norway, inferred from surface measurements and inverse modelling
Authors: SOLGAARD ANNE M. , MESSERLI ALEXANDRA , SCHELLENBERGER THOMAS , HVIDBERG CHRISTINE S. , GRINSTED ASLAK , JACKSON MIRIAM , ZWINGER THOMAS , KARLSSON NANNA B. , DAHL-JENSEN DORTHE
Published: May 2018

Engabreen is an outlet glacier of the Svartisen Ice Cap located in Northern Norway. It is a unique glacier due to the Svartisen Subglacial Laboratory which allows direct access to the glacier bed. In this study, we combine both sub- and supraglacial observations with ice-flow modelling in order to investigate conditions at the bed of Engabreen both spatially and temporally. We use the full-Stokes model Elmer/Ice and satellite-based surface-velocity maps from 2010 and 2014 to infer patterns of basal friction. Direct measurements of basal sliding and deformation of lower layers of the ice are used to adjust the ice viscosity and provide essential input to the setup of our model and influence the interpretation of the results. We find a clear seasonal cycle in the subglacial conditions at the higher elevation region of the study area and discuss this in relation to the subglacial hydrological system. Our results also reveal an area with an overdeepening where basal friction is significantly lower than elsewhere on the glacier all year round. We attribute this to either water pooling at the base, or saturated sediments and increased strain heating at this location which softens the ice further.
Floating Voters and the Rise of New Left Parties: Electoral Volatility During Party System Transformation
Authors: Mustillo Thomas
Published: May 2018

Volatility is a central theme of the scholarship on party competition. At the extreme, entire systems collapse. Bolivia, Ecuador, and Venezuela each went through a protracted period of change with the crash of old parties and the rise of new ones, including one representing the “new left.” Average electoral volatility grew by more than 50 percent and remained high for a decade or more. Can this churning surface of party death, birth, and change obscure undercurrents of stabilization in individual voting behavior? This project decomposes electoral volatility into two subtypes: system-level volatility—long-term spatial and temporal trends of change in support (e.g., realignment)—and individual volatility—fluid and cycle-specific fluctuations in support (e. g., electoral swing). It shows that the high volatility through the transformation has been at the system level, not the individual level. The cause is the stronger partisan and ethnic bonds mobilized by the new left.
THE SHADOW OF THE COURT: THE GROWING IMPERATIVE TO REFORM ETHICAL REGULATION OF FORMER JUDGES
Authors: Appleby Gabrielle , Blackham Alysia
Published: May 2018

In recent years there has been a trend towards independent and more transparent ethical regulation for sitting judges, which is said to promote public confidence in the judicial institution, and reflect a move towards accountability and transparency as judicial values. However, regimes governing sitting judges largely fall away when the judge retires from the bench. Increasing longevity and rising numbers of former judges raise complex ethical regulation questions. Drawing on judicial ethics regimes in England and Wales, Australia, the United States and New Zealand, and instances where the conduct of former judges has reflected poorly on the integrity of the judiciary, this article argues that there are strong reasons for extending ethics regulation beyond judicial retirement. By reference to the principles that inform the rules regulating the conduct of sitting judges, we investigate the extent to which misconduct and disciplining regimes should extend to former judges, and whether there is a stronger role for soft instruments and more formalized processes for regulating former judges. In doing so, we propose a model for the development of ethical regulation for former judges.
Who's There? Election Observer Identity and the Local Credibility of Elections
Authors: Bush Sarah Sunn , Prather Lauren
Published: May 2018

Prior research has sought to understand the rise of election observers and their consequences for outcomes such as fraud, protest, and violence. These studies are important but they overlook a significant individual-level dynamic that observers themselves care about: the effect that election observers have on local attitudes about elections. We argue that the activities of election observers can enhance elections' local credibility, but only when locals perceive observers as being both capable of detecting fraud and unbiased in that pursuit. Not all observer groups are seen as equally capable and unbiased. Evidence from a large-scale, nationally representative experiment in Tunisia supports the argument. A key finding is that observers from the Arab League—an organization criticized internationally for low-quality election observation—enhanced credibility the most because they were perceived locally as both relatively capable and unbiased.
African States: Themes Emerging from the Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review
Authors: Etone Damian
Published: May 2018

This article examines the themes emerging from the engagement of African states with the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanisms of the UN Human Rights Council. The underlying principles of universality, cooperation and dialogue that guide the review have given African states a renewed sense of engagement with the international human rights institution. Despite the universality of the process, regionalism and cultural relativism are important aspects in the engagement of African states with the UPR mechanism. This article considers the extent to which regionalism and cultural relativism may prevent UPR from acting as an effective mechanism for human rights enforcement. It examines the potential for UPR to complement other national, regional and international human rights mechanisms, and the danger of state ritualism. These have ramifications for the extent to which UPR can achieve its goal of improving the human rights situation on the ground in Africa.
Molecular profiling of foxtail millet (Setaria italica(L.) P. Beauv) from Central Himalayan Region for genetic variability and nutritional quality
Authors: Trivedi A. K. , Arya L. , Verma S. K. , Tyagi R. K. , Hemantaranjan A. , Verma M. , Sharma V. P. , Saha D.
Published: May 2018

Agriculture in the Central Himalayan Region depends on the availability of suitable germplasm as well as natural conditions. Due to extreme weather conditions, food and nutrition security is a major issue for communities inhabiting these remote and inaccessible areas. Millets are common crops grown in these areas. Foxtail millet (Setaria italica(L.) P. Beauv) is an important crop and forms a considerable part of the diet in this region. The aim of the present study was to explore, collect, conserve and evaluate the untapped genetic diversity of foxtail millet at the molecular level and discover variability in their nutritional traits. A total of 30 accessions having unique traits of agronomic importance were collected and molecular profiling was performed. A total of 63 alleles were generated with an average of 2.52 alleles per locus and average expected heterozygosity of 0.37 ± 0.231. Significant genetic variability was revealed through the genetic differentiation (Fst) and gene flow (Nm) values. Structure-based analysis divided whole germplasm into three sub-groups. Rich variability was found in nutritional traits such as dietary fibre in husked grains, carbohydrate, protein, lysine and thiamine content. The collected germplasm may be useful for developing nutritionally rich and agronomically beneficial varieties of foxtail millet and also designing strategies for utilization of unexploited genetic diversity for food and nutrition security in this and other similar agro-ecological regions.
Whole genome amplification and exome sequencing of archived schistosome miracidia
Authors: Le Clec'h Winka , Chevalier Frédéric D. , McDew-White Marina , Allan Fiona , Webster Bonnie L. , Gouvras Anouk N. , Kinunghi Safari , Tchuem Tchuenté Louis-Albert , Garba Amadou , Mohammed Khalfan A. , Ame Shaali M. , Webster Joanne P. , Rollinson David , Emery Aidan M. , Anderson Timothy J. C.
Published: May 2018

Adult schistosomes live in the blood vessels and cannot easily be sampled from humans, so archived miracidia larvae hatched from eggs expelled in feces or urine are commonly used for population genetic studies. Large collections of archived miracidia on FTA cards are now available through the Schistosomiasis Collection at the Natural History Museum (SCAN). Here we describe protocols for whole genome amplification of Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosome haematobium miracidia from these cards, as well as real time PCR quantification of amplified schistosome DNA. We used microgram quantities of DNA obtained for exome capture and sequencing of single miracidia, generating dense polymorphism data across the exome. These methods will facilitate the transition from population genetics, using limited numbers of markers to population genomics using genome-wide marker information, maximising the value of collections such as SCAN.
Lopinavir, an HIV-1 peptidase inhibitor, induces alteration on the lipid metabolism ofLeishmania amazonensispromastigotes
Authors: Rebello Karina M. , Andrade-Neto Valter V. , Zuma Aline A. , Motta Maria Cristina M. , Gomes Claudia Regina B. , de Souza Marcus Vinícius N. , Atella Geórgia C. , Branquinha Marta H. , Santos André L. S. , Torres-Santos Eduardo Caio , d'Avila-Levy Claudia M.
Published: May 2018

The anti-leishmania effects of HIV peptidase inhibitors (PIs) have been widely reported; however, the biochemical target and mode of action are still a matter of controversy inLeishmaniaparasites. Considering the possibility that HIV-PIs induce lipid accumulation inLeishmania amazonensis, we analysed the effects of lopinavir on the lipid metabolism ofL. amazonensispromastigotes. To this end, parasites were treated with lopinavir at different concentrations and analysed by fluorescence microscopy and spectrofluorimetry, using a fluorescent lipophilic marker. Then, the cellular ultrastructure of treated and control parasites was analysed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the lipid composition was investigated by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Finally, the sterol content was assayed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). TEM analysis revealed an increased number of lipid inclusions in lopinavir-treated cells, which was accompanied by an increase in the lipophilic content, in a dose-dependent manner. TLC and GC–MS analysis revealed a marked increase of cholesterol-esters and cholesterol. In conclusion, lopinavir-induced lipid accumulation and affected lipid composition inL. amazonensisin a concentration–response manner. These data contribute to a better understanding of the possible mechanisms of action of this HIV-PI inL. amazonensispromastigotes. The concerted action of lopinavir on this and other cellular processes, such as the direct inhibition of an aspartyl peptidase, may be responsible for the arrested development of the parasite.
Perimenstrual exacerbation of symptoms in borderline personality disorder: evidence from multilevel models and the Carolina Premenstrual Assessment Scoring System
Authors: Eisenlohr-Moul Tory A. , Schmalenberger Katja M. , Owens Sarah A. , Peters Jessica R. , Dawson Danyelle N. , Girdler Susan S.
Published: May 2018

Background

Individuals with a borderline personality disorder (BPD) suffer from a constellation of rapidly shifting emotional, interpersonal, and behavioral symptoms. The menstrual cycle may contribute to symptom instability among females with this disorder.

Methods

Fifteen healthy, unmedicated females with BPD and without dysmenorrhea reported daily symptoms across 35 days. Urine luteinizing hormone and salivary progesterone (P4) were used to confirm ovulation and cycle phase. Cyclical worsening of symptoms was evaluated using (1) phase contrasts in multilevel models and (2) the Carolina Premenstrual Assessment Scoring System (C-PASS), a protocol for evaluating clinically significant cycle effects on symptoms.

Results

Most symptoms demonstrated midluteal worsening, a perimenstrual peak, and resolution of symptoms in the follicular or ovulatory phase. Post-hoc correlations with person-centered progesterone revealed negative correlations with most symptoms. Depressive symptoms showed an unexpected delayed pattern in which baseline levels of symptoms were observed in the ovulatory and midluteal phases, and exacerbations were observed during both the perimenstrual and follicular phases. The majority of participants met C-PASS criteria for clinically significant (⩾30%) symptom exacerbation. All participants met the emotional instability criterion of BPD, and no participant met DSM-5 criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Conclusions

Females with BPD may be at elevated risk for perimenstrual worsening of emotional symptoms. Longitudinal studies with fine-grained hormonal measurement as well as hormonal experiments are needed to determine the pathophysiology of perimenstrual exacerbation in BPD.
How the Social Determinants of Indigenous Health became Policy Reality for Australia's National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan
Authors: FISHER MATTHEW , BATTAMS SAMANTHA , MCDERMOTT DENNIS , BAUM FRAN , MACDOUGALL COLIN
Published: May 2018

The paper analyses the policy process which enabled the successful adoption of Australia's National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013–2023 (NATSIHP), which is grounded in an understanding of the Social Determinants of Indigenous Health (SDIH). Ten interviews were conducted with key policy actors directly involved in its development. The theories we used to analyse qualitative data were the Advocacy Coalition Framework, the Multiple Streams Approach, policy framing and critical constructionism. We used a complementary approach to policy analysis. The NATSIHP acknowledges the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (hereafter, Aboriginal) culture and the health effects of racism, and explicitly adopts a human-rights-based approach. This was enabled by a coalition campaigning to ‘Close the Gap’ (CTG) in health status between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. The CTG campaign, and key Aboriginal health networks associated with it, operated as an effective advocacy coalition, and policy entrepreneurs emerged to lead the policy agenda. Thus, Aboriginal health networks were able to successfully contest conventional problem conceptions and policy framings offered by government policy actors and drive a paradigm shift for Aboriginal health to place SDIH at the centre of the NATSIHP policy. Implications of this research for policy theory and for other policy environments are considered along with suggestions for future research.
The Slope of Surfaces with Albanese Dimension One
Authors: VIDUSSI STEFANO
Published: May 2018

Mendes Lopes and Pardini showed that minimal general type surfaces of Albanese dimension one have slopes K2/χ dense in the interval [2,8]. This result was completed to cover the admissible interval [2,9] by Roulleau and Urzua, who proved that surfaces with fundamental group equal to that of any curve of genus g ≥ 1 (in particular, having Albanese dimension one) give a set of slopes dense in [6,9]. In this note we provide a second construction that complements that of Mendes Lopes–Pardini, to recast a dense set of slopes in [8,9] for surfaces of Albanese dimension one. These surfaces arise as ramified double coverings of cyclic covers of the Cartwright–Steger surface.
From Sweden to Singapore: The Relevance of Foreign Models for China's Rise
Authors: Yang Kai , Ortmann Stephan
Published: May 2018

China can be described as a “learning state” which has adapted to changing conditions and frequently turned outward for lessons. In recent years, Sweden and Singapore have drawn particularly strong interest from Chinese academics because the two countries represent two different “third ways” between Communism and capitalism and have been useful for developing a socialism “with Chinese characteristics.” Sweden is seen to symbolize the ideals of social equity and harmony while Singapore is seen as a model of authoritarian state-capitalism. China's transformation has resembled the Southeast Asia city state's model more than the Scandinavian social democratic model. Since Xi Jinping assumed power in 2012, interest in Sweden has reached a nadir, while attentiveness to Singapore has peaked. Although Chinese state-capitalism faces many challenges, including rising inequality and persistent corruption, it will be difficult to find an alternative role model that can successfully combine one-party rule with economic modernization.
Parametric, grammatical, and perceptual iterations on structural design synthesis
Authors: Muslimin Rizal
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a computational design method to analyze and synthesize representation mechanisms in structural design. The role of shape grammar schemas in analyzing parametric and grammatical structural analysis is discussed, and a set of schema to generate novel structural topology is provided.
Shape computations with NURB curves
Authors: Ensari Elif , Özkar Mine
Published: May 2018

Freeform curves are commonly used in contemporary design practices, especially with digital modeling tools. We investigate facilitating shape subtraction and addition with two-dimensional (planar) non-uniform rational basis-spline (NURB) curves with the codes and conventions of modeling while preserving the visual continuity of curved shapes. Our proposed tool, developed in a common digital modeling environment, automates the adjustment of parameters for tangential continuity of curves in shape rule applications. When the user designates a curve range to subtract from an initial shape and provides a new curved shape to add to it, the tool splits the initial shape, scales and aligns the curve to be added to fit into this range, introduces additional control points at the joining ends of the new curve to preserve continuity and redraws the new curve. We present a sample set of design variations produced using this practical approach which can be utilized as a method or become part of an automated NURB curve manipulation tool for designers.
Central coherence and the shaping of expertise in design: evidence from designers with autism spectrum conditions
Authors: Dong Andy , Heylighen Ann
Published: May 2018

This paper proposes to contribute to our understanding of the fundamental cognitive processes essential to designing by exploring the experiences of people who have different information processing behaviors to those found in most people. In particular, we focus on people with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) because they are known to have information processing behaviors that are both maladaptive and exceptional. Central to our study is the question: what can we learn from people with ASC about cognitive processes essential to designing? The scholarship on cognitive behaviors associated with the autism spectrum and narratives on the experiences with design practice by individuals with ASC are discussed in relation to cognitive processes associated with designing. In turn, the individuals commented upon the analysis of cognitive processes associated with designing in light of their personal experiences with design practice. We conclude that the weak central coherence theory of autism provides a useful prediction of the cognitive processes necessary for expertise in design, and that both the framework for expertise in design and the way it is studied may require updating.
Social support for healthy eating: development and validation of a questionnaire for the French-Canadian population
Authors: Carbonneau Elise , Bradette-Laplante Maude , Lamarche Benoît , Provencher Véronique , Bégin Catherine , Robitaille Julie , Desroches Sophie , Vohl Marie-Claude , Corneau Louise , Lemieux Simone
Published: May 2018

Objective

The present study aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire assessing social support for healthy eating in a French-Canadian population.

Design

A twenty-one-item questionnaire was developed. For each item, participants were asked to rate the frequency, in the past month, with which the actions described had been done by family and friends in two different environments: (i) at home and (ii) outside of home. The content was evaluated by an expert panel. A validation study sample was recruited and completed the questionnaire twice. Exploratory factor analysis was performed on items to assess the number of subscales. Internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach’sɑ. Test–retest reliability was evaluated with intraclass correlations between scores of the two completions.

Setting

Online survey.

Subjects

Men and women from the Québec City area (n150).

Results

The content validity assessment led to a few changes, resulting in a twenty-two-item questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure for both environments, resulting in four subscales: supportive actions at home; non-supportive actions at home; supportive actions outside of home; and non-supportive actions outside of home. Two items were removed from the questionnaire due to low loadings. The four subscales were found to be reliable (Cronbach’sɑ=0·82–0·94; test–retest intraclass correlation=0·51–0·70).

Conclusions

The Social Support for Healthy Eating Questionnaire was developed for a French-Canadian population and demonstrated good psychometric properties. This questionnaire will be useful to explore the role of social support and its interactions with other factors in predicting eating behaviours.
Threat and Information Acquisition: Evidence from an Eight Country Study
Authors: Merolla Jennifer L. , Zechmeister Elizabeth J.
Published: May 2018

We assess individuals’ responses to news about threat, compared to news about positive indicators of well-being, using data from nine experiments conducted across eight countries. The general proposition is that exposure to news about threat increases tendencies to “tune in” to information, compared to those presented with news about better times. The evidence strongly supports this expectation: without exception, the average respondent recalls and seeks more information about terrorist threat than good times. Further, this pattern of results generalizes to other threats. The study thematically and geographically extends research on negative information and political learning. It also has broader implications: absorbing newsworthy information is foundational to the types of attitudes citizens express and the extent to which, and how, they engage in the world around them.
State-of-the-art pulmonary arterial imaging – Part 1
Authors: Tanabe Yuki , Landeras Luis , Ghandour Abed , Partovi Sasan , Rajiah Prabhakar
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The pulmonary arteries are affected by a variety of congenital and acquired abnormalities. Multiple state-of-the art imaging modalities are available to evaluate these pulmonary arterial abnormalities, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), echocardiography, nuclear medicine imaging and catheter pulmonary angiography. In part one of this two-part series on state-of-the art pulmonary arterial imaging, we review these imaging modalities, focusing particularly on CT and MRI. We also review the utility of these imaging modalities in the evaluation of pulmonary thromboembolism.
State-of-the-art pulmonary arterial imaging – Part 2
Authors: Goerne Harold , Chaturvedi Abhishek , Partovi Sasan , Rajiah Prabhakar
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Although pulmonary embolism is the most common abnormality of the pulmonary artery, there is a broad spectrum of other congenital and acquired pulmonary arterial abnormalities. Multiple imaging modalities are now available to evaluate these abnormalities of the pulmonary arteries. CT and MRI are the most commonly used cross-sectional imaging modalities that provide comprehensive information on several aspects of these abnormalities, including morphology, function, risk-stratification and therapy-monitoring. In this article, we review the role of state-of-the-art pulmonary arterial imaging in the evaluation of non-thromboembolic disorders of pulmonary artery.
NCAR Release of CAM‐SE in CESM2.0: A Reformulation of the Spectral Element Dynamical Core in Dry‐Mass Vertical Coordinates With Comprehensive Treatment of Condensates and Energy
Authors: Lauritzen P. H. , Nair R. D. , Herrington A. R. , Callaghan P. , Goldhaber S. , Dennis J. M. , Bacmeister J. T. , Eaton B. E. , Zarzycki C. M. , Taylor Mark A. , Ullrich P. A. , Dubos T. , Gettelman A. , Neale R. B. , Dobbins B. , Reed K. A. , Hannay C. , Medeiros B. , Benedict J. J. , Tribbia J. J.
Published: May 2018

It is the purpose of this paper to provide a comprehensive documentation of the new NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research) version of the spectral element (SE) dynamical core as part of the Community Earth System Model (CESM2.0) release. This version differs from previous releases of the SE dynamical core in several ways. Most notably the hybrid sigma vertical coordinate is based on dry air mass, the condensates are dynamically active in the thermodynamic and momentum equations (also referred to as condensate loading), and the continuous equations of motion conserve a more comprehensive total energy that includes condensates. Not related to the vertical coordinate change, the hyperviscosity operators and the vertical remapping algorithms have been modified. The code base has been significantly reduced, sped up, and cleaned up as part of integrating SE as a dynamical core in the CAM (Community Atmosphere Model) repository rather than importing the SE dynamical core from High‐Order Methods Modeling environment as an external code.
Sensitivity of Mountain Hydroclimate Simulations in Variable‐Resolution CESM to Microphysics and Horizontal Resolution
Authors: Rhoades Alan M. , Ullrich Paul A. , Zarzycki Colin M. , Johansen Hans , Margulis Steven A. , Morrison Hugh , Xu Zexuan , Collins William D.
Published: May 2018

Mountains are natural dams that impede atmospheric moisture transport and water towers that cool, condense, and store precipitation. They are essential in the western United States where precipitation is seasonal, and snowpack is needed to meet water demand. With anthropogenic climate change increasingly threatening mountain snowpack, there is a pressing need to better understand the driving climatological processes. However, the coarse resolution typical of modern global climate models renders them largely insufficient for this task, and signals a need for an advanced strategy. This paper continues the assessment of variable‐resolution in the Community Earth System Model (VR‐CESM) in modeling mountain hydroclimatology to understand the role of grid‐spacing at 55, 28, 14, and 7 km and microphysics, specifically the Morrison and Gettelman (, MG1, https://doi.org/10.1175/2008JCLI2105.1) scheme versus the Gettelman and Morrison (, MG2, https://doi.org/10.1175/JCLI-D-14-00102.1) scheme. Eight VR‐CESM simulations were performed from 1999 to 2015 with the F_AMIP_CAM5 component set, which couples the atmosphere‐land models and prescribes ocean data. Refining horizontal grid‐spacing from 28 to 7 km with the MG1 scheme did not improve the simulated mountain hydroclimatology. Substantial improvements occurred with the use of MG2 at grid‐spacings
28 km compared to MG1 as shown with subsequent statistics. Average SWE bias diminished by 9.4X, 4.9X, and 3.5X from 55 to 7 km. The range in minimum (maximum) DJF spatial correlations increased by 0.1–0.2 in both precipitation and SWE. Mountain windward/leeward distributions and elevation profiles improved across hydroclimate variables, however not always with model resolution alone. Disconcertingly, all VR‐CESM simulations exhibited a systemic mountain cold bias that worsened with elevation and will require further examination.
SNAIL is a key regulator of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma tumor growth and differentiation through repression of MYF5 and MYOD function
Authors: Skrzypek Klaudia , Kusienicka Anna , Trzyna Elzbieta , Szewczyk Barbara , Ulman Aleksandra , Konieczny Pawel , Adamus Tomasz , Badyra Bogna , Kortylewski Marcin , Majka Marcin
Published: May 2018

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a mesenchymal tumor of soft tissue in children that originates from a myogenic differentiation defect. Expression of SNAIL transcription factor is elevated in the alveolar subtype of RMS (ARMS), characterized by a low myogenic differentiation status and high aggressiveness. In RMS patients SNAIL level increases with higher stage. Moreover, SNAIL level negatively correlates with MYF5 expression. The differentiation of human ARMS cells diminishes SNAIL level. SNAIL silencing in ARMS cells inhibits proliferation and induces differentiation in vitro, and thereby completely abolishes the growth of human ARMS xenotransplants in vivo. SNAIL silencing induces myogenic differentiation by upregulation of myogenic factors and muscle-specific microRNAs, such as miR-206. SNAIL binds to the MYF5 promoter suppressing its expression. SNAIL displaces MYOD from E-box sequences (CANNTG) that are associated with genes expressed during differentiation and G/C rich in their central dinucleotides. SNAIL silencing allows the re-expression of MYF5 and canonical MYOD binding, promoting ARMS cell myogenic differentiation. In differentiating ARMS cells SNAIL forms repressive complex with histone deacetylates 1 and 2 (HDAC1/2) and regulates their expression. Accordingly, in human myoblasts SNAIL silencing induces differentiation by upregulation of myogenic factors. Our data clearly point to SNAIL as a key regulator of myogenic differentiation and a new promising target for future ARMS therapies.
Crosslinking of fibrous hydrogels
Authors: Schoenmakers Daniël C. , Rowan Alan E. , Kouwer Paul H. J.
Published: May 2018

In contrast to most synthetic hydrogels, biological gels are made of fibrous networks. This architecture gives rise to unique properties, like low concentration, high porosity gels with a high mechanical responsiveness as a result of strain-stiffening. Here, we used a synthetic polymer model system, based on polyisocyanides, that we crosslinked selectively inside the bundles. This approach allows us to lock in the fibrous network present at the crosslinking conditions. At minimum crosslink densities, we are able to freeze in the architecture, as well as the associated mechanical properties. Rheology and X-ray scattering experiments show that we able to accurately tailor network mechanics, not by changing the gel composition or architecture, but rather by tuning its (thermal) history. Selective crosslinking is a crucial step in making biomimetic networks with a controlled architecture.
The matrix proteins aggrecan and fibulin-1 play a key role in determining aortic stiffness
Authors: Yasmin  , Maskari Raya Al , McEniery Carmel M. , Cleary Sarah E. , Li Ye , Siew Keith , Figg Nichola L. , Khir Ashraf W. , Cockcroft John R. , Wilkinson Ian B. , O’Shaughnessy Kevin M.
Published: May 2018

Stiffening of the aorta is an important independent risk factor for myocardial infarction and stroke. Yet its genetics is complex and little is known about its molecular drivers. We have identified for the first time, tagSNPs in the genes for extracellular matrix proteins, aggrecan and fibulin-1, that modulate stiffness in young healthy adults. We confirmed SNP associations with ex vivo stiffness measurements and expression studies in human donor aortic tissues. Both aggrecan and fibulin-1 were found in the aortic wall, but with marked differences in the distribution and glycosylation of aggrecan reflecting loss of chondroitin-sulphate binding domains. These differences were age-dependent but the striking finding was the acceleration of this process in stiff versus elastic young aortas. These findings suggest that aggrecan and fibulin-1 have critical roles in determining the biomechanics of the aorta and their modification with age could underpin age-related aortic stiffening.
Audible Feedback Improves Internal Model Strength and Performance of Myoelectric Prosthesis Control
Authors: Shehata Ahmed W. , Scheme Erik J. , Sensinger Jonathon W.
Published: May 2018

Myoelectric prosthetic devices are commonly used to help upper limb amputees perform activities of daily living, however amputees still lack the sensory feedback required to facilitate reliable and precise control. Augmented feedback may play an important role in affecting both short-term performance, through real-time regulation, and long-term performance, through the development of stronger internal models. In this work, we investigate the potential tradeoff between controllers that enable better short-term performance and those that provide sufficient feedback to develop a strong internal model. We hypothesize that augmented feedback may be used to mitigate this tradeoff, ultimately improving both short and long-term control. We used psychometric measures to assess the internal model developed while using a filtered myoelectric controller with augmented audio feedback, imitating classification-based control but with augmented regression-based feedback. In addition, we evaluated the short-term performance using a multi degree-of-freedom constrained-time target acquisition task. Results obtained from 24 able-bodied subjects show that an augmented feedback control strategy using audio cues enables the development of a stronger internal model than the filtered control with filtered feedback, and significantly better path efficiency than both raw and filtered control strategies. These results suggest that the use of augmented feedback control strategies may improve both short-term and long-term performance.
Whole-genome sequencing and antimicrobial resistance in Brucella melitensis from a Norwegian perspective
Authors: Johansen Tone B. , Scheffer Lonneke , Jensen Veronica K. , Bohlin Jon , Feruglio Siri L.
Published: May 2018

Brucellosis is a rarely encountered infection in Norway. The aim of this study was to explore allBrucella melitensisisolates collected in Norway from 1999 to 2016 in relation to origin of infection and antimicrobial resistance patterns. A total of 23 isolates were analysed by whole-genome sequencing and compared with selected sequences ofB. melitensisavailable from NCBI. Additionally, SNP analysis in antibiotic resistance determining genes was performed. The majority belonged to the East Mediterranean clade (genotype II), while the remaining isolates belonged to the African clade (genotype III). These results indicate that human brucellosis in Norway is related to travels or migration from the Middle East, Asia or Africa, in accordance with results from Germany, Denmark and Sweden. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns were determined by broth microdilution method and/or gradient strip method. All isolates were susceptible for all tested antibiotics, except for rifampicin where phenotypical results indicated resistance or intermediate resistance in all isolates based on broth microdilution method, and in four isolates based on gradient strip testing. In contrast, screening of therpoBgene did not reveal any mutations in the previously describedrpoB“hot spot” regions related to rifampicin resistance, indicating overestimation of resistance based on phenotypical results.