bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-layer structure of the diffusion zone of the AL-NI system
Authors:   “Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Beneficiation” JSC, Ibrayeva G.M. , Sukurov B.M. ,   “Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Beneficiation” JSC, Aubakirova R.K. ,   “Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Beneficiation” JSC, Mansurov Yu.N. ,   Moscow Institute of Steel and Alloys
Published: June 2018

The diffusion zone of Al-Ni system has been studied using the contact melting method. The microstructure and element composition in cross section of samples have been studied by means of scanning electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis (SEM-EPMA). The multilayer structure of intermetallics of Al- Ni system has been formed after isothermal treatment in range of 1000-1300 °С. Due to interaction between Al and Ni the width of diffusion zone is growing along with duration of isothermal treatment. Few layers having different phase compositions and widths are formed in contact zone depending on established concentration of metals. Each of the observed layers has its own clear boundaries and structure pattern. Four compounds with the variable compositions Al51Ni49, Al36Ni64, Al30Ni70 and Al32Ni68 have been revealed at 1000-1300°С due to comparison of element distribution in the depth of diffusion zone with its microstructure. The layers are seemed as homogenous and having more smooth boundaries from Ni side. Meanwhile from Al side the layer structure acquires the island-type form, and boundaries become more irregular with dendrite appearance. The intermetallic compounds have been obtained at various temperatures; they correspond pre-established phases with registered compositions (daltonides): Al3Ni, Аl3Ni2, ΑΙNi(β), ΑlNi3(α’), Аl3Ni5. The agglomerates of pores and cracks could be caused by stresses between the layers are detected. The formation of pores in case of the developed layer microstructure is related to Frenkel effect.
The study the possibility of using waste from wine-alcogol production of by the selective separation of collective copper-lead concentrate
Authors:   “Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Beneficiation” JSC, Turysbekov D. , Syemushkina L.V. ,   “Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Beneficiation” JSC, Narbekova S.M. ,   “Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Beneficiation” JSC, Mukhanova A.A. ,   “Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Beneficiation” JSC, Kaldybayeva Zh.A. ,   “Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Beneficiation” JSC
Published: June 2018

Currently one of the priority objectives in the field of flotation retreatment of complex ores are exploration and the development of effective and selective chemical reagents in order to increase an extraction of valuable components and expenses reduction per output unit. Practical experience of flotation shows that the process diagrams of receiving a collective concentrate of non-ferrous metals with their further selective separation to obtain a lead, copper, zinc concentrate are applied to extract the non-ferrous metals concentrates out of complex ores. The efficiency of selective separation of collective concentrates depends on the range of flotation reagents in many respects. The paper includes the studies of a collective copper-lead concentrate applicability of alcohol waste from «Bacchus» JSC under selective separation. A liquid waste compound was studied for the purpose and sulfite ions content was established that allows replacing sodium sulfite at selective separation of copper and lead by sulfite technology.A complex ore of Artemjevsky deposit was used as an initial matter at the selective flotation separation; the ore contains copper 1.6%, lead 2.6%, zinc, 7.2%, iron 7.8%. The flotation circuit includes a copper-lead cycle with the receiving of a collective copper-lead concentrate and a selection cycle for collective copper-lead concentrate. The waste is used instead of sodium sulfite in the cycle of selection of collective copper-lead concentrate. The liquid waste of alcohol production allows replacing the basic reagent sodium sulfite, at simultaneous keeping of technological parameters of floatation enrichment and contributes expenses reduction for complex raw materials retreatment.
Development of a new filler for discrete reinforcement of cast aluminum-matrix composites by titanium carbide
Authors:   “Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Beneficiation” JSC, Panichkin A.V. , Kshibekova B.B. ,   “Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Beneficiation” JSC, Imbarova A.T. ,   “Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Beneficiation” JSC, Kalashnikov I.E. ,   Institute of Metallurgy and Material Science named after A.A. Baikov
Published: June 2018

In order to improve the method for obtaining cast aluminum-matrix composites dispersion-filled by titanium carbide and to increase characteristics of these materials were investigated the structure and properties of the composites reinforced by in-situ and ex-situ methods. For this aim were used the synthesis of the TiC under the melt layer by the introduction of compacts of pressed mixture of powders of titanium and graphite, titanium and aluminum carbide and mechanical mixing into the aluminum melt of the pre-synthesized powders of TiC and TiC in the Al3Ti matrix. It was found that the in-situ method of reinforcing aluminum and aluminum alloys with discrete particles of titanium carbide has low efficiency, because of intensive wetting of titanium powders by melt in the volume of compacts, when they are introduced. As a result, the actively formed Al3Ti phase prevents the flowing self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) between titanium and carbon or aluminum carbide. It was established, that this method is not suitable for reinforcing aluminum alloys, doped with silicon and magnesium, in view of the almost complete cessation of the synthesis of titanium carbide and the active formation of titanium alumino-silicides and aluminides, which is accompanied by spattering of the melt. The SHS-reaction between Al4C3 and Ti under heating conditions at a rate up to 6000 °C per hour leads to the formation of dispersed TiC and Ti3AlC2 of globular shape in an Al3Ti matrix. With rise of the heating rate and the heat dissipation, the number of non-equilibrium phases formed during the reaction increases. The formation of metallic aluminum found under such conditions allows suggest that the reaction between titanium and aluminum carbide is going by stages. The introduction of briquettes into the aluminum melt after initiation of the SHS-reaction in them does not ensure the dissolution of the matrix and the distribution of titanium carbide in the volume of the melt. This requires their preliminary grinding. Ex-situ aluminum reinforcement with TiC-Al3Ti powders is high efficiency due to good wetting of their surface by aluminum melts and subsequent active dissolution of the Al3Ti matrix. In this case, the Al3Ti phase is recrystallized, and the released titanium carbides are distributed in the form of clusters in the melt volume. The resulting materials are superior to the characteristics of the composites reinforced with ex-situ TiC powders of same dispersity. This allows recommend the usage of TiC-Al3Ti powders as fillers to obtain discretely reinforced aluminum-matrix composite materials.
Coflex interspinous implant placement leading to synovial cyst development: case report
Authors: Ramhmdani Seba , Comair Marc , Molina Camilo A. , Sciubba Daniel M. , Bydon Ali
Published: June 2018

Interspinous process devices (IPDs) have been developed as less-invasive alternatives to spinal fusion with the goal of decompressing the spinal canal and preserving segmental motion. IPD implantation is proposed to treat symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis that improve during flexion. Recent indications of IPD include lumbar facet joint syndrome, which is seen in patients with mainly low-back pain. Long-term outcomes in this subset of patients are largely unknown. The authors present a previously unreported complication of coflex (IPD) placement: the development of a large compressive lumbar synovial cyst. A 64-year-old woman underwent IPD implantation (coflex) at L4–5 at an outside hospital for low-back pain that occasionally radiates to the right leg. Postoperatively, her back and right leg pain persisted and worsened. MRI was repeated and showed a new, large synovial cyst at the previously treated level, severely compressing the patient’s cauda equina. Four months later, she underwent removal of the interspinous process implant, bilateral laminectomy, facetectomy, synovial cyst resection, interbody fusion, and stabilization. At the 3-month follow-up, she reported significant back pain improvement with some residual leg pain. This case suggests that facet arthrosis may not be an appropriate indication for placement of coflex.
Self-referrals versus physician referrals: What new patient visit yields an actual surgical case?
Authors: Herring Eric Z. , Peck Matthew R. , Vonck Caroline E. , Smith Gabriel A. , Mroz Thomas E. , Steinmetz Michael P.
Published: June 2018

OBJECTIVE

Spine surgeons in the United States continue to be overwhelmed by an aging population, and patients are waiting weeks to months for appointments. With a finite number of clinic visits per surgeon, analysis of referral sources needs to be explored. In this study, the authors evaluated patient referrals and their yield for surgical volume at a tertiary care center.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of new patient visits by the spine surgery group at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Spine Health from 2011 to 2016. Data on all new or consultation visits for 5 identified spinal surgeons at the Center for Spine Health were collected. Patients with an identifiable referral source and who were at least 18 years of age at initial visit were included in this study. Univariate analysis was used to identify demographic differences among referral groups, and then multivariate analysis was used to evaluate those referral groups as significant predictors of surgical yield.

RESULTS

After adjusting for demographic differences across all referrals, multivariate analysis identified physician referrals as more likely (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.04–2.10, p = 0.0293) to yield a surgical case than self-referrals. General practitioner referrals (OR 0.5616, 95% CI 0.3809–0.8278, p = 0.0036) were identified as less likely to yield surgical cases than referrals from interventionalists (OR 1.5296, p = 0.058) or neurologists (OR 1.7498, 95% CI 1.0057–3.0446, p = 0.0477). Additionally, 2 demographic factors, including distance from home and age, were identified as predictors of surgery. Local patients (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.13–1.29, p = 0.018) and those 65 years of age or older (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.72–0.87, p = 0.0023) were both more likely to need surgery after establishing care with a spine surgeon.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, referrals from general practitioners and self-referrals are important areas where focused triaging may be necessary. Further research into midlevel providers and nonsurgical spine provider’s role in these referrals for spine pathology is needed. Patients from outside of the state or younger than 65 years could benefit from pre-visit screening as well to optimize a surgeon’s clinic time use and streamline patient care.
Synchronous Epstein-Barr virus–associated skull base and adrenal smooth-muscle tumors in an 8-year-old girl with recent Epstein-Barr virus infection
Authors: Brown Desmond A. , Deep Nicholas L. , Driscoll Colin L. , Link Michael J. , Jentoft Mark E. , Daniels David J.
Published: June 2018

Epstein-Barr virus–associated smooth-muscle tumors are rare tumors seen in immunocompromised patients. Most cases occur in the context of AIDS and organ transplantation, and very rarely in the setting of congenital immunodeficiency, with only 5 case reports of the latter published so far in the literature. The authors report the case of a previously healthy 8-year-old girl with headaches and precocious puberty who was found to have a large skull base lesion. There was a synchronous left adrenal lesion. She underwent resection of the skull base lesion and a left adrenalectomy. Thorough evaluation for immunodeficiency was negative for a known congenital immunodeficiency syndrome. She had a short course of intravenous immunoglobulin and has had no recurrence of disease or new lesions in the 17 months since presentation. Continued surveillance for the development of opportunistic infections and new or recurrent lesions is warranted in this case. Repeat surgery for surgically accessible tumors or chemoradiation would be recommended for any additional lesions.
A Multi-Fidelity Approach for Aerodynamic Performance Computations of Formation Flight
Authors: Singh Diwakar , Antoniadis Antonios F. , Tsoutsanis Panagiotis , Shin Hyo-Sang , Tsourdos Antonios , Mathekga Samuel , Jenkins Karl W.
Published: June 2018

This paper introduces a multi-fidelity computational framework for the analysis of aerodynamic performance of flight formation. The Vortex Lattice and Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes methods form the basis of the framework, as low- and high-fidelity, respectively. Initially, the computational framework is validated for an isolated wing, and then two rectangular NACA23012 wings are considered for assessing the aerodynamic performance of this formation; the optimal relative position is through the multi-fidelity framework based on the total drag reduction. The performance estimates are in good agreement with experimental measurements of the same configuration. Total aerodynamic performance of formation flight is also assessed with respect to attitude variations of the lifting bodies involved. The framework is also employed to determine the optimal position of blended-wing-body unmanned aerial vehicles in tandem formation flight.
Nontraditional Cardiovascular Biomarkers and Risk Factors: Rationale and Future Perspectives
Authors: Traghella Irene , Mastorci Francesca , Pepe Alessia , Pingitore Alessandro , Vassalle Cristina
Published: June 2018

The primary prevention of cardiovascular (CV) disease depends on the capacity to identify subjects at higher risk long before the occurrence of CV clinical manifestations. Traditional risk factors do not cover fully prediction of individual risk. Moreover, there is an area of gray for patients at intermediate CV risk, which offers wide margins of improvement. These observations highlight the need for new additive tools for a more accurate risk stratification. An increasing number of candidate biomarkers have been identified to predict CV risk and events, although they generally give only a moderate increase when added to currently available predictive scores. The approach utilizing a relative small number of biomarkers in multiple combinations, but only weakly related to each other or unrelated, thus belonging to independent-pathways, and so able to catch the multidimensional characteristic of atherosclerosis, appears promising. We discuss vitamin D and bone turnover biomarkers, hepatitis C virus, and psycho-emotional factors that may reflect alternative pathways over those generally considered for atherosclerosis (e.g., aspects directly related to inflammation and thrombosis). These new biomarkers could facilitate a more accurate assessment of CV risk stratification if incorporated in the current risk assessment algorithms.
Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis and Prognosis of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: The Quest Goes on
Authors: Ledda Caterina , Senia Paola , Rapisarda Venerando
Published: June 2018

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MM) is a highly aggressive tumor characterized by a poor prognosis. Although its carcinogenesis mechanism has not been strictly understood, about 80% of MM can be attributed to occupational and/or environmental exposure to asbestos fibers. The identification of non-invasive molecular markers for an early diagnosis of MM has been the subject of several studies aimed at diagnosing the disease at an early stage. The most studied biomarker is mesothelin, characterized by a good specificity, but it has low sensitivity, especially for non-epithelioid MM. Other protein markers are Fibulin-3 and osteopontin which have not, however, showed a superior diagnostic performance. Recently, interesting results have been reported for the HMGB1 protein in a small but limited series. An increase in channel proteins involved in water transport, aquaporins, have been identified as positive prognostic factors in MM, high levels of expression of aquaporins in tumor cells predict an increase in survival. MicroRNAs and protein panels are among the new indicators of interest. None of the markers available today are sufficiently reliable to be used in the surveillance of subjects exposed to asbestos or in the early detection of MM. Our aim is to give a detailed account of biomarkers available for MM.
Respiratory Diagnostic Tools in Neuromuscular Disease
Authors: Chiang Jackie , Mehta Kevan , Amin Reshma
Published: June 2018

Children with neuromuscular disease (NMD) are at risk of acquiring respiratory complications. Both clinical assessments and respiratory diagnostic tests are important to optimize the respiratory health and care of such children. The following respiratory diagnostic tools and their utility for evaluating children with NMD are discussed in this article: lung function testing (spirometry and lung volumes), peak cough flow (PCF), respiratory muscle strength testing, oximetry, capnography, and polysomnography.
Interactive Data Framework and User Interface for Wisconsin’s Oversize-Overweight Vehicle Permits
Authors: Shatnawi Ahmed S. , Coley Nicholas , Titi Hani H.
Published: June 2018

With continuing increases in the number of Oversize-Overweight (OSOW) vehicle permits issued in recent years, the management and analysis of OSOW permit data is becoming more inefficient and time-consuming. Large quantities of archived OSOW permit data are held by Departments of Transportation (DOTs) across the United States, and manual extraction and analysis of this data requires significant effort. In this paper, the authors present a new framework for analyzing Wisconsin’s historic OSOW permit program data. This framework provides an interactive, web-based interface to query the OSOW permit data, link OSOW records to geospatial data features, and dynamically visualize query results. The web-based interface offers scalability and broad accessibility to the data across different DOT divisions, and use cases. Furthermore, a user survey and heuristic evaluation of the interface demonstrate the project’s utility, and identify goals for future system development.
A Coupled CFD–DEM Simulation of Slurry Infiltration and Filter Cake Formation during Slurry Shield Tunneling
Authors: Zhang Zixin , Yin Tong
Published: June 2018

Tunneling in highly permeable ground using a slurry shield machine can be challenging because it is difficult to form the so-called filter cake on the tunnel face to transport the support pressure. Consequently, destructive accidents might happen, such as face instability and water inrush. How to form an efficient filter cake in time is crucial during engineering practice, especially in ground with high permeability. Various theoretical and experimental analyses regarding the formation of filter cakes have been conducted. However, due to the complexity of this problem, which has to incorporate the mechanical and hydraulic behaviors of the fluid–solid mixture system, few numerical simulations are found in the literature. In this paper, with the aid of a newly developed numerical tool, a coupled CFD (computational fluid dynamics)–DEM (discrete element method) simulation is established to study the slurry infiltration and filter cake formation during slurry shield tunneling. The slurry infiltration process is simulated by modelling the scheme of the infiltration column test, in which sedimentation behaviors of slurry particles are captured and compared with experimental results. The results show that the sedimentation behaviors of the slurry particles and filter cake formation phenomenon are well captured by simulations and in accordance with the experiments, which indicates the robustness of the coupled CFD–DEM simulation used in present work.
Agility assessment in female futsal and soccer players
Authors: Benvenuti Cinzia , Minganti Carlo , Condello Giancarlo , Capranica Laura , Tessitore Antonio
Published: June 2018

Agility is the player’s capability to perform rapid whole-body movement with change of velocity or direction in response to a stimulus. The aims of this study were as follows: 1) to assess the reliability of a reactive visual stimuli agility field test (RVS-T); and 2) to evaluate differences in RVS-T and planned (PVS-T) agility performances between female soccer and futsal players. Material and methods. Sixty-six female players belonging to Italian teams of regional level were recruited to the study. The experimental apparatus consisted of four lighted spherical visual stimuli connected to a computer able to randomly generate three different sequences. Differences between RVS-T and PVS-T performances were calculated to evaluate the decision-making time (DMT) of players. Results. The intraclass reliability coeffi cient for RVS-T was 0.80. Significant (P<0.05) differences emerged only for RVS-T (futsal, 17.3±0.5 s; soccer, 18.8±1.1 s) and DMT (futsal, 2.6±0.6 s; soccer, 4.1±1.2 s), whereas similar performances between groups resulted for PVS-T (futsal, 14.7±0.6 s; soccer, 14.6±0.6 s). Conclusions. The RVS-T proved to be a reliable tool to evaluate agility in field conditions. Futsal players showed better RVS-T and DMT performances with respect to soccer counterparts, probably due to the higher velocity of actions and faster decision-making of their sport. The lack of difference in PVS-T performances confi rms the importance to evaluate agility capabilities of players in both planned and reactive conditions.
LC-HRMS Metabolomics for Untargeted Diagnostic Screening in Clinical Laboratories: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Rochat Bertrand , Mohamed Rayane , Sottas Pierre-Edouard
Published: June 2018

Today’s high-resolution mass spectrometers (HRMS) allow bioanalysts to perform untargeted/global determinations that can reveal unexpected compounds or concentrations in a patient’s sample. This could be performed for preliminary diagnosis attempts when usual diagnostic processes and targeted determinations fail. We have evaluated an untargeted diagnostic screening (UDS) procedure. UDS is a metabolome analysis that compares one sample (e.g., a patient) with control samples (a healthy population). Using liquid chromatography (LC)-HRMS full-scan analysis of human serum extracts and unsupervised data treatment, we have compared individual samples that were spiked with one xenobiotic or a higher level of one endogenous compound with control samples. After the use of different filters that drastically reduced the number of metabolites detected, the spiked compound was eventually revealed in each test sample and ranked. The proposed UDS procedure appears feasible and reliable to reveal unexpected xenobiotics (toxicology) or higher concentrations of endogenous metabolites. HRMS-based untargeted approaches could be useful as preliminary diagnostic screening when canonical processes do not reveal disease etiology nor establish a clear diagnosis and could reduce misdiagnosis. On the other hand, the risk of overdiagnosis of this approach should be reduced with mandatory biomedical interpretation of the patient’s UDS results and with confirmatory targeted and quantitative determinations.
Whole Genome Analysis of Two Novel Type 2 Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Viruses with Complex Genome Recombination between Lineage 8, 3, and 1 Strains Identified in Southwestern China
Authors: Zhou Long , Kang Runmin , Zhang Yi , Ding Mengdie , Xie Bo , Tian Yiming , Wu Xuan , Zuo Lei , Yang Xin , Wang Hongning
Published: June 2018

Recombination among porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses (PRRSVs) is thought to contribute to the emergence of new PRRSV variants. In this study, two newly emerged PRRSV strains, designated SCcd16 and SCya17, are isolated from lung tissues of piglets in Southwestern China. Genome comparative analysis reveals that SCcd16/SCya17 exhibit 93.1%/93.2%, 86.9%/87.0%, 85.3%/85.7%, and 83.6%/82.0% nucleotide similarity to PRRSVs JXA1, VR-2332, QYYZ and NADC30, respectively. They only exhibit 44.8%/45.1% sequence identity with LV (PRRSV-1), indicating that both emergent strains belong to the PRRSV-2 genotype. Genomic sequence alignment shows that SCcd16 and SCya17 have the same discontinuous 30-amino acid (aa) deletion in Nsp2 of the highly pathogenic Chinese PRRSV strain JXA1, when compared to strain VR-2332. Notably, SCya17 shows a unique 5-nt deletion in its 3’-UTR. Phylogenetic analysis shows that both of the isolates are classified in the QYYZ-like lineage based on ORF5 genotyping, whereas they appear to constitute an inter-lineage between JXA1-like and QYYZ-like lineages based on their genomic sequences. Furthermore, recombination analyses reveal that the two newly emerged PRRSV isolates share the same novel recombination pattern. They have both likely originated from multiple recombination events between lineage 8 (JXA1-like), lineage 1 (NADC30-like), and lineage 3 (QYYZ-like) strains that have circulated in China recently. The genomic data from SCcd16 and SCya17 indicate that there is on going evolution of PRRSV field strains through genetic recombination, leading to outbreaks in the pig populations in Southwestern China.
Improved Assessment of Energy Recovery Potential in Water Supply Systems with High Demand Variation
Authors: Monteiro Laura , Delgado João , Covas Dídia I. C.
Published: June 2018

Enhancing energy efficiency of water supply systems by recovering part of the excessive pressure is currently an issue of growing interest for water companies. The installation of micro hydro plants for energy recovery can be profitable in sites with excessive pressure, though requiring proper technical and economical evaluation. This paper presents a methodology for assessing the energy recovery potential in water supply systems under high seasonal demand variation. The methodology is based on the calculation of head and flow rate conditions that maximize energy production for a specific energy recovery technology, given available head and flow rate ranges. The methodology is applied to the inlet of a storage tank of a water transmission system using hourly collected data over one year. Results show that, in systems of high variability of flow rate, the installation of turbomachines in parallel is necessary for maximizing energy recovery and that the developed methodology returns lower, but more realistic, energy production estimates than other approaches based on average head and flow rate data.
A New Method to Comprehensively Diagnose Shock Waves in the Solar Atmosphere Based on Simultaneous Spectroscopic and Imaging Observations
Authors: Ruan Wenzhi , Yan Limei , He Jiansen , Zhang Lei , Wang Linghua , Wei Yong
Published: June 2018

Shock waves are believed to play an important role in plasma heating. The shock-like temporal jumps in radiation intensity and Doppler shift have been identified in the solar atmosphere. However, a quantitative diagnosis of the shocks in the solar atmosphere is still lacking, seriously hindering the understanding of shock dissipative heating of the solar atmosphere. Here, we propose a new method to realize the goal of the shock quantitative diagnosis, based on Rankine–Hugoniot equations and taking the advantages of simultaneous imaging and spectroscopic observations from, e.g., IRIS (Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph). Because of this method, the key parameters of shock candidates can be derived, such as the bulk velocity and temperature of the plasma in the upstream and downstream, the propagation speed and direction. The method is applied to the shock candidates observed by IRIS, and the overall characteristics of the shocks are revealed quantitatively for the first time. This method is also tested with the help of forward modeling, i.e., virtual observations of simulated shocks. The parameters obtained from the method are consistent with the parameters of the shock formed in the model and are independent of the viewing direction. Therefore, the method we proposed here is applicable to the quantitative and comprehensive diagnosis of the observed shocks in the solar atmosphere.
Adaptation of Darwin Core Standards and Development of New Standards for Geologic Specimens
Authors: Byrd Christina
Published: June 2018

The Darwin Core data standard has rapidly become the go-to standard for biological and paleontological specimens. In order to accommodate all of the timescale data for paleontology specimens, standards for geologic age were developed and incorporated into Darwin Core. At the Sternberg Museum of Natural History (FHSM), digitization of the paleontology collection has been a primary objective. The adoption of the Darwin Core standard for FHSM’s paleontology data spurred the idea to use Darwin Core for the geology collection as well. There are currently no widely accepted data standards for geology specimens, but there are some organizations who have uploaded their data management standards online. Even though Darwin Core was developed for the dissemination of biological information, many of the data fields are applicable to geology. FHSM is working to adopt and adapt Darwin Core standards for its geology collection.

FHSM currently has 84 fields to record geology data. Approximately sixty percent of these data fields directly correspond with Darwin Core terms and have been adopted with the corresponding data format. Seven percent of the fields correspond with Darwin Core terms but require adaptation by adding new shared language within the term. These fields include the classification of rocks and minerals and the addition of “geologicSpecimen” for the Darwin Core term “Basis Of Record”. Fortunately, minerals have a classification system that loosely resembles animal taxonomy. For example, quartz is a mineral species that is part of a group called Tectosilicates, which is subsequently grouped into Silicates. One quarter of the FHSM fields are specific to geology and do not fit within the current Darwin Core data set. When determining terminology for these fields, FHSM staff utilized the terms and standards set by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), an international organization for making open standards for the global geospatial community. The terms adopted from the OGC come from a category called “EarthMaterial.” The remaining fields are specific to FHSM recordkeeping. In order to share these terms with others and hopefully start a larger conversation about data standards for this area of natural history, the terms and definitions will be made available on the FHSM website in the geology section. Using the same terms, formats, and overall standard across the disciplines at FHSM increases usability and uniformity of the different data sets, increases workflow efficiency, and simplifies development of the relational database for paleontological and geological specimens at FHSM.
Longterm Effectiveness of Intraarticular Injections on Patient-reported Symptoms in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Liu Shao-Hsien , Dubé Catherine E. , Eaton Charles B. , Driban Jeffrey B. , McAlindon Timothy E. , Lapane Kate L.
Published: June 2018

Objective.

We examined the longterm effectiveness of corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections in relieving symptoms among persons with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods.

Using Osteoarthritis Initiative data, a new-user design was applied to identify participants initiating corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections (n = 412). Knee symptoms (pain, stiffness, function) were measured using The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). We used marginal structural models adjusting for time-varying confounders to estimate the effect on symptoms of newly initiated injection use compared to nonusers over 2 years of followup.

Results.

Among 412 participants initiating injections, 77.2% used corticosteroid injections and 22.8% used hyaluronic acid injections. About 18.9% had additional injection use after initiation, but switching between injection types was common. Compared to nonusers, on average, participants initiating a corticosteroid injection experienced a worsening of pain (yearly worsening: 1.24 points, 95% CI 0.82–1.66), stiffness (yearly worsening: 0.30 points, 95% CI 0.10–0.49), and physical functioning (yearly worsening: 2.62 points, 95% CI 0.94–4.29) after adjusting for potential confounders with marginal structural models. Participants initiating hyaluronic acid injections did not show improvements of WOMAC subscales (pain: 0.50, 95% CI −0.11 to 1.11; stiffness: −0.07, 95% CI −0.38 to 0.24; and functioning: 0.49, 95% CI −1.34 to 2.32).

Conclusion.

Although intraarticular injections may support the effectiveness of reducing symptoms in short-term clinical trials, the initiation of corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections did not appear to provide sustained symptom relief over 2 years of followup for persons with knee OA.
"Rogue archives: Digital cultural memory and media fandom," by Abigail De Kosnik
Authors: Jamison Anne
Published: June 2018

Review of Abigail De Kosnik. Rogue archives: Digital cultural memory and media fandom. New York: MIT Press, 2016. Hardcover $45 (440 p) (ISBN 9780262034661); e-book $26.49 (7092 KB) (ASIN B01M1HQ1MK).
"Transnational audiences: Media reception on a global scale," by Adrian Athique
Authors: Lee Hye-Kyung
Published: June 2018

Review of Adrian Athique, Transnational audiences: Media reception on a global scale. Cambridge: Polity Press, 2016, hardcover $69.95 (ISBN 978-0745670218), $24.95 paperback (ISBN 978-0745670225), $19.99 e-book (ASIN B01GTYJ4GG) (224p).
A Comparative Study of Privacy Protection Practices in the US, Europe, and Asia
Authors: Ashrafi Noushin , Kuilboer Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2018

This article describes how national and international companies in the US and Europe, as well as newly industrialized countries such as China and India, are striving to gain consumer trust by offering visible and meaningful Privacy Protection Policies (PPP) on their websites. This article deploys large sets of data and descriptive indicators to compare and contrast the extent of the visibility, specificity, and lucidity of privacy policies posted by interactive companies on the Internet. Examining about 2000 Interactive companies in the USA, Europe, and Asia provides a measure of divergent responses to the growing demand for privacy protection. The results of this comparative study should help interested readers from the business world, academics, and administrations get a grasp of the extent of efforts by international corporations to protect personal information privacy in an increasingly global economy.
Leishmania donovani Exploits Tollip, a Multitasking Protein, To Impair TLR/IL-1R Signaling for Its Survival in the Host
Authors: Parmar Naveen , Chandrakar Pragya , Vishwakarma Preeti , Singh Kavita , Mitra Kalyan , Kar Susanta
Published: June 2018

IL-1R/TLR signaling plays a significant role in sensing harmful foreign pathogens and mounting effective innate and adaptive immune responses. However, the precise mechanism by which Leishmania donovani, an obligate intramacrophagic pathogen, breaches IL-1R/TLR signaling and host-protective immunity remains obscure. In this study, we report the novel biphasic role of Toll-interacting protein (Tollip), a negative regulator of the IL-1R/TLR pathway, in the disease progression of experimental visceral leishmaniasis. We observed that during early hours of infection, L. donovani induced phosphorylation of IRAK-1, resulting in the release of Tollip from the IL-1R–associated kinase (IRAK)-1 complex in J774 macrophages, which then acted as an endocytic adaptor on cell surface IL-1R1 and promoted its lysosomal degradation. In the later stage, Tollip shuttled back to IRAK-1, thereby inhibiting IRAK-1 phosphorylation in association with IRAK-M to neutralize downstream TLR signaling in infected macrophages. Moreover, during late infection, L. donovani enhanced nuclear translocation and recruitment of transcription factors early growth response protein 2, NF erythroid 2–related factor 2, and Ahr on Tollip promoter for its induction. Small interfering RNA–mediated silencing of Tollip in infected macrophages significantly enhanced NF-κB activation and induced host-defensive IL-12 and TNF-α synthesis, thereby reducing amastigote multiplication. Likewise, abrogation of Tollip in L. donovani–infected BALB/c mice resulted in STAT-1–, IRF-1–, and NF-κB–mediated upregulation of host-protective cytokines and reduced organ parasite burden, thereby implicating its role in disease aggravation. Taken together, we conclude that L. donovani exploited the multitasking function of Tollip for its own establishment through downregulating IL-1R1/TLR signaling in macrophages.
Criteria of Optimal Portfolio Selection: Evidence From Private Investors in Greece, Turkey, Italy
Authors: Diakomihalis Mihail N , Parra Katerina A , Di Vaio Assunta , Atlay Isik Derya
Published: June 2018

What are the criteria for private investors when they decide to invest their savings in to different investment products? Do these criteria differ between investors from different countries? We are investigating the investment portfolios determinants between private investors from Greece, Turkey and Italy. The study is grounded in the current and potential criteria and sub-criteria influencing investors in selecting financial investment products. The methodology applied in order to satisfy the research aims is the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The results show that there are considerable differences in the ranking and significance of factors that determine the selection of financial investment products in these three countries. We conclude that differences in the ranking and significance are related to country-specific rather than investor factors and they are justified by the differences of the three countries, one of which is a member of the Eurozone facing a long time of economic crisis, another a candidate EU member, with unforeseeable political system which influences the economic environment as well, and one is highly developed country which belongs to G20.
SOIL CHEMICAL ATTRIBUTES AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION OF YERBA MATE LEAVES
Authors: Toppel Fernando Vaccari , Junior Agenor Maccari , Motta Antônio Carlos Vargas , Frigo Cleiton , Magri Ederlan , Barbosa Julierme Zimmer
Published: June 2018

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) is a raw material used in making a beverage whose chemical composition can be altered by the growing environment and the management adopted during its cultivation. Thus, it is essential that scientific studies are undertaken to understand the chemical composition of yerba mate related to its growing environment. The aim of this work was to determine the elemental composition in the leaves of yerba mate from native cultivations that had never received fertilization and liming, from the Southern Region of the state of Paraná, Brazil. Soil and leaf samples were collected at 11 sites located in the municipalities of São Mateus do Sul, Mallet, São João do Triunfo, and Lapa. Leaf analyzes were performed in an Optical Emission Spectrometer with Inductively Coupled Plasma. The mean concentrations observed (mg kg-1), in decreasing order, were: Ca – 7880; K – 7310; Mn – 2418; - Mg – 820; P – 720; Al – 474; Fe – 231; B – 78; Zn – 62; Ba - 62; Cu – 8.9; Ni – 5.6; Cr – 0.82; V – 0.53; Co – 0.17. The Mn concentrations were directly correlated with Al3+ saturation and inversely correlated with base saturation, pH, and the available Ca2+, demonstrating that changes among these soil components can significantly modify the Mn concentrations in the yerba mate leaves. The high concentrations of Mn and Al in the leaves of yerba mate demonstrate the adaptation of this species to acidic soils with high saturation of Al3+.
Does External Supervision Reduce the Risk Preference on Shadow Banking? (Note 1)——Evidence from Quasi-Natural Experiment Based on “Document No.107” of the State Council and National Audit Notice
Authors: Jiahua Wang , Yuanfang Cao , Xiaoling Yang , Yue Wang
Published: June 2018

The rapid development of shadow banking and its high-risk problems have got highly concerned from the supervision departments, and they have been supervised from various external aspects. The purpose of this study is to examine whether the administrative supervision can reduce the risk preference of shadow banking effectively from two aspects such as the “Document No.107” of the State Council and national audit. This study quantifies the effect of “Document No. 107” and national audit by the non-observed-effect panel data model and the PSM—DID. The results show that “Document No.107” and national audit can regulate shadow banking significantly by controlling other factors, which is reflected by the fact that the decreasing of shadow banking’s scale and the improvement in risk structure can significantly reduce the risk preference of shadow banking. Since administrative supervision and national audit have different supervisory means and functional mechanisms, the cooperation and complementation between them must be necessary in the future during the regulation of shadow banking. Finally, this paper puts forward corresponding policy recommendations based on financial stability objectives.
The Influence of Social Media on the Empathy Levels of Chinese Secondary Students
Authors: Shen Chen
Published: June 2018

Social media today exerts a substantial impact on how people view various social issues, especially among secondary students, the heaviest users of social media. This paper, based on empirical studies on the time and frequency of teenagers’ social media use, as well as the way they use social media to "follow" certain topics, attempts to address how social media influences the levels of empathy in secondary students. First-hand data of questionnaires and interviews are collected among secondary students in Foshan, Guangdong, China. The data is used to analyze the extent to which using different media platforms or following different content can result in different empathy levels.
Presentación
Authors: Pérez-Maldonado Cristina
Published: June 2018

Presentación del volumen 54/2: Estrategias y herramientas en educación superior.
Spiritual Exercise in the Proem to Augustine’s Confessions
Authors: Stróżyński Mateusz ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: June 2018

This article investigates the relationship between Neoplatonism and Christianity in Augustine’s conception of spiritual exercises. It focuses on the proem to the Confessions, where, in nuce, Augustine mentions many of the great themes of his work. The relationship between Neoplatonism and Christianity in this section seems to be complex, dynamic, and far from “either / or,” a detail which confirms some trends in the recent literature. This article contributes to better understanding of Augustine’s spiritual exercises as well as to the long-running dispute about the role played by Neoplatonism within Augustine’s Christian philosophy.
Political Agents as Relational Selves
Authors: Dewandre Nicole ,   DePaul University
Published: June 2018

In this article, I argue that Hannah Arendt’s well-known but controversial distinction between labour, work, and action provides, perhaps unexpectedly, a conceptual grounding for transforming politics and policy-making at the EU level. Beyond the analysis and critique of modernity, Arendt brings the conceptual resources needed for the EU to move beyond the modern trap it fell into thirty years ago. At that time, the European Commission shifted its purpose away from enhancing interdependence among Member States with a common market towards achieving an internal market in the name of boosting growth and creating jobs. Arendt provides the conceptual tools to transform the conceptualisation of relations and of agents that fuels the growing dissatisfaction among many Europeans with EU policy-making. This argument is made through stretching and re-articulating Arendt’s labour-work-action distinction and taking seriously both the biological and plural dimensions of the human condition, besides its rational one. By applying this shift in an EU context, EU policies could change their priorities and better address the needs and expectations of plural political agents and of European citizens.
Between Individual Rights and Group Rights
Authors: Cohen Almagor Raphael
Published: June 2018

The politicization of ethnocultural diversity and the demands posed by minority cultures for greater public recognition of their distinctive identities, and greater freedom and opportunity to retain and develop their distinctive cultural practices challenge liberal democracies. In response to these demands, new and creative mechanisms are being adopted in many countries for accommodating difference. This paper discusses some of the issues raised by these demands, focusing in particular on the difficulties that arise when the minority seeking accommodation is illiberal.
Anglophone and Civilian Legal Cultures: Two understandings of human trust for the global age
Authors: Garske Joseph P.
Published: June 2018

The principle of human trust works in both the Anglophone and Civilian legal cultures, but does so in two opposite ways. Although not explicitly stated in either legal tradition, the element of trust is of central importance in both. The two traditions began in the medieval period, but in very different circumstances. They had entirely different understandings of what law was and the purposes for which it worked. Their modern incarnations, together with implicit attitudes toward human trust, took shape during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries--in ways that reinforced their original differences. Their contradictory ideas of trust derived from opposing concepts of human nature: a Humanist confidence in the capacity of men as compared with a Calvinist belief in the depravity of men. Eighteenth century Continental jurists rejected religion as the educative basis of rule. Instead, they embraced an Optimistic philosophic view of human nature, expressed in the Sensus Communis. During the same period England retained a deeply established Puritan ethos. It separated Church and State but, unlike the more secular Continent, it retained an amorphous religiosity as the legitimizing basis of its rule. In Continental legal culture, the ideological and educative half of governance was emphasized. Public cultivation and learning, and the faculty of human reason, were relied on as the ultimate basis of order. By contrast, Anglophone legality, resting on an assumption of human turpitude, promised freedom—but within enforced limits. Its hierarchical Rule of Law was founded on public faith in judicial authority. The project to construct a global law brings these traditions into confrontation. A resolution reached by them will determine the meaning and importance of human trust in the global age.
The Principles of the Equity and the Rightful Person’s Personality in the Democratic Context
Authors: Iovan Marţian
Published: June 2018

The author analyzes and compares various meanings of the concept of equity such as they were conceived by prominent personalities of the history of the juridical, ethical and philosophical ideas in order to deduct their common contents. Having ethical and juridical connotations, the vision on equity and on applying its principles into the law-making process, into achieved the act of justice and in all kind of public authorities decision-taking process are differently designed at micro-groups level compared to the macro-social layer. The practical achievement of equity and justice is the privilege of the just person. The rightful person’s personality in the contemporary democratic societies may be considered as an ideal prototype which should be found in a larger extent, in the effective functioning of the institutions under the rule of law – at the level of human resources, with as much possible appropriate compliance with this prototype.