bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nuclear Export of Ubiquitinated Proteins Determines the Sensitivity of Colorectal Cancer to Proteasome Inhibitor
Authors: Wu Tingyu , Chen Wei , Zhong Yongwang , Hou Xiaodan , Fang Shengyun , Liu Chen-Ying , Wang Guanghui , Yu Tong , Huang Yu-Yang , Ouyang Xuesong , Li Henry Q.X. , Cui Long , Yang Yili
Published: December 2016

Although proteasome inhibitors such as bortezomib had significant therapeutic effects in multiple myeloma and mantel cell lymphoma, they exhibited minimal clinical activity as a monotherapy for solid tumors, including colorectal cancer. We found in this study that proteasome inhibition induced a remarkable nuclear exportation of ubiquitinated proteins. Inhibition of CRM1, the nuclear export carrier protein, hampered protein export and synergistically enhanced the cytotoxic action of bortezomib on colon cancer cells containing wild-type p53, which underwent G2–M cell-cycle block and apoptosis. Further analysis indicated that tumor suppressor p53 was one of the proteins exported from nuclei upon proteasome inhibition, and in the presence of CRM1 inhibitor KPT330, nuclear p53, and expression of its target genes were increased markedly. Moreover, knockdown of p53 significantly reduced the synergistic cytotoxic action of bortezomib and KPT330 on p53+/+ HCT116 cells. In mice, KPT330 markedly augmented the antitumor action of bortezomib against HCT116 xenografts as well as patient-derived xenografts that harbored functional p53. These results indicate that nuclear p53 is a major mediator in the synergistic antitumor effect of bortezomib and KPT330, and provides a rationale for the use of proteasome inhibitor together with nuclear export blocker in the treatment of colorectal cancer. It is conceivable that targeting nuclear exportation may serve as a novel strategy to overcome resistance and raise chemotherapeutic efficacy, especially for the drugs that activate the p53 system. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(4); 717–28. ©2016 AACR.
Parasitic Infections in Children with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
Authors: Arik Yilmaz Ebru , Karaatmaca Betul , Sackesen Cansin , Sahiner Umit Murat , Cavkaytar Ozlem , Sekerel Bulent E. , Soyer Ozge
Published: December 2016

Background: Parasites have been proposed to be an underlying cause of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in childhood, but a clear causal relationship between them has not been established. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of parasitic infection-related CSU (PIRCSU) in children and to determine the factors associated with PIRCSU. Method: Data from 211 children with CSU were analyzed. Information on stool examination, antiparasitic medications received, and response to treatment was recorded. The disappearance of urticaria for more than 6 months is defined as remission, and remission of urticaria after antiparasitic treatment is defined as PIRCSU. Results: Parasites were detected in 21 (10%) patients. Blastocystis hominis was the most common parasite. After antiparasitic medication, all samples became normal; urticaria continued in 5, was reduced in 6, and disappeared in 10 patients. The latter 10 patients were considered as cases of PIRCSU (4.7%). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was significantly higher in patients with PIRCSU than in those without [8.5 mm/h (3.5-14.5) vs. 2 (0-7), p = 0.011]. Gastrointestinal complaints were significantly more frequent in patients with PIRCSU than in those without. The occurrence of abdominal pain was a significant risk factor that increased the probability of PIRCSU [OR = 6.60, 95% CI = 1.35-32.23, p = 0.020]. Conclusion: Parasites may cause CSU even in nontropical countries, and remission may only be possible with the treatment of the parasitic infection. The occurrence of abdominal pain points to parasitic infection in patients with CSU. Therefore, we suggest that parasites should be investigated routinely, especially if the patient has gastrointestinal symptoms of CSU in childhood.
The Reversible Sex of Gonochoristic Fish: Insights and Consequences
Authors: Baroiller Jean-François , D'Cotta Helena
Published: December 2016

Fish sex reversal is a means to understand sex determination and differentiation, but it is also used to control sex in aquaculture. This review discusses sex reversal in gonochoristic fish, with the coexistence of genetic and environmental influences. The different periods of fish sensitivity to sex reversal treatments are presented with the mechanisms implicated. The old players of sex differentiation are revisited with transcriptome data and loss of function studies following hormone- or temperature-induced sex reversal. We also discuss whether cortisol is the universal mediator of sex reversal in fish due to its implication in ovarian meiosis and 11KT increase. The large plasticity in fish for sex reversal is also evident in the brain, with a reversibility existing even in adulthood. Studies on epigenetics are presented, since it links the environment, gene expression, and sex reversal, notably the association of DNA methylation in sex reversal. Manipulations with exogenous factors reverse the primary sex in many fish species under controlled conditions, but several questions arise on whether this can occur under wild conditions and what is the ecological significance. Cases of sex reversal in wild fish populations are shown and their fitness and future perspectives are discussed.
ExPRESS Mini-Shunt as a Treatment Alternative for Medically Uncontrolled Steroid-Induced Glaucoma in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Choy Bonnie Nga Kwan , Wong Mandy Oi Man , Chan Jonathan Cheuk Hung , Lai Connie Hong Yee , Lai Jimmy Shiu Ming
Published: December 2016

This case report illustrates the use of ExPRESS mini-shunt in a pediatric glaucoma patient. We describe the management of steroid-induced glaucoma with ExPRESS mini-shunt in a 9-year-old boy with allergic keratoconjunctivitis. The intraocular pressure of both of his eyes was uncontrolled with medical and laser treatment. Both eyes were treated with ExPRESS mini-shunt and mitomycin-C. Transient overfiltration with postoperative hypotony occurred in both eyes and resolved after 2 weeks. One year postoperatively, intraocular pressure was maintained below 21 mm Hg without medication in 1 eye. Bleb needling with mitomycin-C was done to maintain filtration. The fellow eye received cataract extraction but developed bleb failure a few months afterwards. The intraocular pressure was controlled medically. To conclude, ExPRESS mini-shunt is a new surgical option in selected patients. Bleb failure developed after cataract extraction. Postoperative inflammation should be minimized. Patient selection, such as those with stable ocular condition, is important to increase surgical success.
The impact of CD4+CD28null T-lymphocytes on atrial fibrillation and mortality in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Sulzgruber Patrick , Koller Lorenz , Winter Max-Paul , Richter Bernhard , Blum Steffen , Korpak Magdalena , Hülsmann Martin , Goliasch Georg , Wojta Johann , Niessner Alexander
Published: December 2016

Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents the most common cardiac arrhythmia. Especially in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) the development of AF represents a severe complication resulting in haemodynamic deterioration. While pro-inflammatory cytokines proved to have a pivotal role in the development and progression of both AF and CHF, less attention has been paid to the cellular immunity. Therefore we prospectively enrolled 112 patients with CHF and performed fluorescein-activated cell sorting (FACS). Patients were stratified in two subgroups according to patients presenting with AF (n=56) and patients free of AF (n=56). Comparing AF to non-AF patients we found a significantly lower fraction of regulatory T cells (p<0.001) in patients presenting with AF. However there was a higher fraction of CD4+ cells (p=0.007) and more specifically a significantly higher number of cytotoxic T cells characterised by the loss of CD28 within CD4 T cells (CD4+CD28null; p=0.035) in individuals with AF. After a mean follow-up time of 4.5 years 32 (28.6 %) patients died due to cardiovascular causes. CD4+CD28null cells were significantly associated with cardiovascular mortality in patients presenting with AF, with an adjusted HR per one standard deviation (1-SD) of 1.59 (95 % CI 1.13–2.24; p=0.008), but not in patients free of AF with an adjusted HR per 1-SD of 1.27 (95 % CI 0.86–1.87; p=0.216). We found that the fraction of CD4+CD28null cells proved to be predictive on outcome in CHF-patients presenting with AF. Our results might indicate a potential role of CD4+CD28null cells in the pathogenesis of AF which needs to be confirmed in future studies.

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Prediction of severe bleeding after coronary surgery: the WILL-BLEED Risk Score
Authors: Brascia Debora , Onorati Francesco , Reichart Daniel , Perrotti Andrea , Ruggieri Vito G. , Santarpino Giuseppe , Maselli Daniele , Mariscalco Giovanni , Gherli Riccardo , Rubino Antonino S. , De Feo Marisa , Gatti Giuseppe , Santini Francesco , Dalén Magnus , Saccocci Matteo , Kinnunen Eeva-Maija , Airaksinen Juhani K. E. , D’Errigo Paola , Rosato Stefano , Nicolini Francesco , Biancari Fausto
Published: December 2016

Severe perioperative bleeding after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with poor outcome. An additive score for prediction of severe bleeding was derived (n=2494) and validated (n=1250) in patients from the E-CABG registry. Severe bleeding was defined as E-CABG bleeding grades 2–3 (transfusion of >4 units of red blood cells or reoperation for bleeding). The overall incidence of severe bleeding was 6.4 %. Preoperative anaemia (3 points), female gender (2 points), eGFR <45 ml/min/1.73 m2 (3 points), potent antiplatelet drugs discontinued less than five days (2 points), critical preoperative state (5 points), acute coronary syndrome (2 points), use of low-molecular-weight heparin/fondaparinux/unfractionated heparin (1 point) were independent predictors of severe bleeding. The WILL-BLEED score was associated with increasing rates of severe bleeding in both the derivation and validation cohorts (scores 0–3: 2.9 % vs 3.4 %; scores 4–6: 6.8 % vs 7.5 %; scores>6: 24.6 % vs 24.2 %, both p<0.0001). The WILL-BLEED score had a better discriminatory ability (AUC 0.725) for prediction of severe bleeding compared to the ACTION (AUC 0.671), CRUSADE (AUC 0.642), Papworth (AUC 0.605), TRUST (AUC 0.660) and TRACK (AUC 0.640) bleeding scores. The net reclassification index and integrated discrimination improvement using the WILL-BLEED score as opposed to the other bleeding scores were significant (p<0.0001). The decision curve analysis demonstrated a net benefit with the WILL-BLEED score compared to the other bleeding scores. In conclusion, the WILL-BLEED risk score is a simple risk stratification method which allows the identification of patients at high risk of severe bleeding after CABG.

Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02319083 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02319083)
Discovering How to Describe the World Then and Now: A Review Article
Authors: Ditchfield Simon
Published: December 2016

The three books under review offer the opportunity to consider attempts to write the history of the wider world from the Renaissance to the present day. Although they are vastly different in focus: from a selection of travel narratives and histories; volumes from a multi-authored reference work to the study of a single street; what they all have in common is their comparative methodology and their extended engagement with non-European cultures. The review endorses Christopher Bayly’s contention that we are all global historians now, only some of us don’t know it. To misquote Benedetto Croce: ‘all history is contemporary (but also comparative) history’.
The Early Mosque Revisited: Introduction of the Minbar and Maqṣūra
Authors: Mostafa Heba
Published: December 2016

As the mosque evolved in response to the contested authority of Islam’s early rulers, the dependency of this authority upon the public audience in the mosque gave rise to a series of changes that occurred within the qibla of the mosque. By considering the congregational mosques at Kufa, Basra, Damascus, Wasit, and Madina between 630 and 715, and revisiting the development of their qibla spaces, three changes are presented as embodiments of this shift. This includes the development of the minbar as a platform for the khuṭba (Friday sermon) and of the enclosure screen (maqṣūra) in front of the qibla for the caliph, as well as the provision of direct access to the dār al-imāra via the qibla wall. By situating these developments within the context of contested religious and political authority in early Islam, this study challenges paradigms of formal influence in the interpretation of mosque architecture.
The Enforcement of Intra-EU BIT Awards: Micula v Romania and Beyond
Authors: Wehland Hanno
Published: December 2016

The European Commission and a number of EU Member States have long disputed the compatibility of intra-EU BITs with EU law. As illustrated by the Micula v Romania proceedings, where an investor seeks to enforce an intra-EU BIT award, which is seen as being in conflict with EU law, this can raise questions as to the extent to which an enforcing court should take this kind of conflict into account. The present contribution systematically analyses this issue with regard to both ICSID and non-ICSID awards, differentiating between enforcement proceedings within and outside of the EU. It concludes that within the EU even the enforcement of ICSID awards cannot be entirely taken for granted where such enforcement would lead to the violation of a fundamental provision of EU law.
Whistleblowers Under the Spotlight
Authors: Andreadakis Stelios , Morrison Scott
Published: December 2016

The contemporary prevalence of complex business structures, and the limited resources and time of regulatory authorities charged with policing business organisations has increased the importance of whistleblowers for modern corporate governance. This article aims to contribute to the ongoing discussion in relation to the effectiveness of the existing regulatory regime, a regime that is intended to encourage whistleblowing in general and to provide sufficient safeguards to whistleblowers from dismissal or retaliation. The countries of the uk and Japan have been selected for this comparative study because they exhibit contrasting business and employment practices and because the relevant authorities have adopted distinct regulatory approaches. The comparative analysis intends to support the claim that, irrespective of the primary and secondary legislation in place in these two jurisdictions and the disparate corporate cultures existing in each, whistleblowers all too frequently end up as victims even when they have complied with the requirements and the procedures stipulated by the law, followed their conscience and reported wrongdoing.
“The Other Voice”
Authors: Gottesfeld Dorit
Published: December 2016

This article examines two anthologies of Palestinian women’s literature, published in Ramallah in the 1990s. Its objective is to map the writing trends of new generation Palestinian women writers whose works appear in the anthologies and to highlight the factors and constraints that influence their writing. The article reveals that while only a few stories focus wholly on a description of the female “self”, most of the stories relate to the Palestinian political reality in two principal ways: one which blurs the female presence almost completely, second which portrays the interaction between the political-national reality and the “female” reality. The article also illustrates how the nature of Palestinian women’s literature is influenced by the location of the writer and also by the extent of her desire to be “accepted” culturally and so to be included in anthologies such as those under discussion.
Averroes and Hegel on Religion and Philosophy
Authors: Campanini Massimo
Published: December 2016

In a recent book, Catarina Belo dealt with Ibn Rušd’s and Hegel’s doctrines of the relations between philosophy and religion with special insight on knowledge. She contended that both preferred philosophy to religion as the best way to understand reality. In the article, I argue that the real importance of Ibn Rušd’s philosophy consists in being a means to reform society in connection with religion (Islam); while Hegel’s endorsement of Christianity is ambiguous insofar as the phenomenology of Spirit leads to an Absolute that jeopardizes God’s perfection. Finally, I emphasize that Hegel’s theory is epistemologically at odds with an Islamic outlook.
Revision of the genus Metaterpna Yazaki, 1992 (Lepidoptera, Geometridae, Geometrinae), with description of a new species from China
Authors: JIANG NAN , STÜNING DIETER , XUE DAYONG , HAN HONGXIANG
Published: December 2016

The genus Metaterpna is revised. The two species known, M. differens (Warren, 1909) and M. thyatiraria (Oberthür, 1913), are redescribed, with emphasis on the considerable variability of M. thyatiraria, and the status of the related type specimen was discussed. In addition, one new species, M. batangensis sp. nov., is described from Batang and Daocheng, Sichuan province, and Lijiang, Yunnan province, southwestern China. M. thyatiraria and M. batangensis show clear distance by DNA barcode sequences. Illustrations of moths and genitalia are presented.
Sensemaking in Military Critical Incidents: The Impact of Moral Intensity
Authors: de Graaff Miriam C. , Giebels Ellen , Meijer Dominique J. W. , Verweij Desiree E. M.
Published: December 2016

This study explores the relationship between moral intensity and the use of different sensemaking strategies in military critical incidents. First, narratives of military personnel were used to select prototypical high/low moral intensity critical incidents. In a follow-up, a scenario study was conducted with active duty military personnel ( N = 325) to examine the relationship between moral intensity (high vs. low) and the use of sensemaking tactics. This study offers three main conclusions. First, the use of sensemaking tactics is strongly tied to the level of moral intensity in the situation. In high-intense situations, the servicemen draw on previous experiences, prediction of consequences, and help of others to recognize and interpret the situation. Less attention goes out to higher level critical thinking (i.e., moral awareness, integrating available information, and analyzing personal biases in the decision-making process). Thus, it seems that in these critical incidents, the servicemen react without giving room for thorough consideration and deliberation. Second, the number of deployments a serviceman experienced influences the perceived seriousness and harmfulness of the situation negatively in low-intense situations. Finally, and in line with earlier studies, the results indicate that the concept of moral intensity is formed out of three rather than the six dimensions originally proposed by Jones (1991). The implications of these findings are discussed.
Evaluation of Two Methods for Modeling Measurement Errors When Testing Interaction Effects With Observed Composite Scores
Authors: Hsiao Yu-Yu , Kwok Oi-Man , Lai Mark H. C.
Published: December 2016

Path models with observed composites based on multiple items (e.g., mean or sum score of the items) are commonly used to test interaction effects. Under this practice, researchers generally assume that the observed composites are measured without errors. In this study, we reviewed and evaluated two alternative methods within the structural equation modeling (SEM) framework, namely, the reliability-adjusted product indicator (RAPI) method and the latent moderated structural equations (LMS) method, which can both flexibly take into account measurement errors. Results showed that both these methods generally produced unbiased estimates of the interaction effects. On the other hand, the path model—without considering measurement errors—led to substantial bias and a low confidence interval coverage rate of nonzero interaction effects. Other findings and implications for future studies are discussed.
The chain rule applied to generalized functions for use in teaching electric circuits
Authors: Cipparrone Flavio AM , Consonni Denise
Published: December 2016

Generalized functions, in particular the Heaviside unit step H( t) and the Dirac delta impulse δ( t), are valuable teaching tools in many contexts of electric circuits. However, engineering undergraduate courses and textbooks normally cover only an introduction to these functions along with their basic properties, without tackling the rigorous mathematical framework of the theory of distributions. In this work, the Heaviside function is used to represent a square wave signal f( t), and the Dirac function appears when the derivative is calculated. The steps for obtaining f ′( t) compare a graphical method with analytical procedures that employ the chain rule. The topic is further extended with the presentation of a theorem and a proposed corollary related to the study of the chain rule applied to general functions involving H( t) and δ( t). Thus, the work provides an appropriate mathematical support for the intuitive graphical method of analysis, which is very familiar in engineering practice.
The mechanical properties of 3D woven composites
Authors: Umer R , Alhussein H , Zhou J , Cantwell WJ
Published: December 2016

In this work, three types of 3D woven fabric (orthogonal, angle interlock, and layer-to-layer) were used to study the effect of weaving architecture on processing and mechanical properties. In order to characterize the fabrics for liquid composite molding processes, the compaction and permeability characteristics of the reinforcements were measured as function of fiber volume fraction. High compaction pressures were required to achieve a target fiber volume fraction of 0.65, due to presence of through-thickness binder yarns that restricts fiber nesting. In-plane permeability experiments were completed and flow front patterns were obtained to understand the anisotropy in the laminates. The resin transfer molding process was then used to manufacture panels that were then tested under quasi-static flexure and low-velocity impact conditions. It was found that the flexural strength and modulus were higher along the weft direction, where high in-plane permeability of the reinforcement was observed, due to fiber alignment. Impact tests on composite plates based on the three types of fabric indicated that the orthogonal system offered a slightly higher perforation resistance and lower levels of damage at any given energy.
Failure mechanism of woven roving fabric/vinyl ester composites in freeze–thaw saline environment
Authors: Toubia Elias A , Emami Sadra , Klosterman Donald
Published: December 2016

This experimental study investigates the degradation mechanisms of a glass fiber-reinforced plastic material commonly used in civil engineering applications. A substantial reduction in tensile, shear, and compression properties was observed after 100 days of freeze–thaw cycling in saline environment (−20℃ to 20℃). Non-destructive inspection techniques were progressively conducted on unexposed (ambient condition) and exposed (conditioned) specimens. The dynamic mechanical analysis showed permanent decrease in storage modulus that was attributed to physical degradation of the polymer and/or fiber–matrix interface. This indicated the formation of internal cracks inside the exposed glass fiber-reinforced plastic laminate. The 3D X-ray tomography identified preferred damage sites related to intralaminar and interlaminar cracks. The ultrasonic C-scan and optical microscopy showed the nature of the damage and fibers fracture. The thermal cycling events degraded the matrix binding the warp and fill fibers, thus impairing the structural integrity of the cross-ply laminate. The result of this work could benefit a multi-scale durability and damage tolerance model to predict the material state of composite structures under typical service environments.
Severity assessment and scoring for neurosurgical models in rodents
Authors: Pinkernell Sarah , Becker Katrin , Lindauer Ute
Published: December 2016

The most important acute neurological diseases seen at neurosurgery departments are traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAH). In both diseases the pathophysiological sequela are complex and have not been fully understood up to now, and rodent models using rats and mice are most suitable for the investigation of the pathophysiological details. In both models, surgery is performed under anesthesia, followed by assessment of their functional outcome and behavioral testing before brain tissue analysis after euthanasia. Postoperative analgesia is mandatory, and supplementary care is highly recommended for refinement purposes. Pain and stress assessment is mainly based on clinical and behavioral signs, and further research is needed to improve the evaluation of severity in these models.
Recommendation for severity assessment following liver resection and liver transplantation in rats: Part I
Authors: Kanzler S , Rix A , Czigany Z , Tanaka H , Fukushima K , Kögel B , Pawlowsky K , Tolba R H
Published: December 2016

Score sheets were first introduced 30 years ago to assess pain, distress and suffering in animals. To date, however, there is still no general agreement on their use in research practice, and only a few publications can be found on this topic. In the present work, we demonstrate the use of a special score sheet for severity assessment in the first three postoperative days in two showcased studies performed on Wistar and Lewis rats undergoing liver resection or orthotopic liver transplantation, respectively. Scoring of different criteria and the total score were evaluated within each intervention. Additionally, both procedures were compared regarding their degree of severity. Suitability of these score sheets was evaluated for assessing severity of the procedures and these showed a minor severity within each investigated study. A comparison of both studies showed slightly higher scores involving liver transplantation. In contradiction to the common classification of these procedures as a moderate severity grade the score sheets applied here indicates a minor severity grade within each investigated study. Also, limitations and possible improvements in the design of our score sheets for defined interventions are reconsidered.
Trends in Testing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex From US Public Health Laboratories, 2009–2013
Authors: Tyrrell Frances , Stafford Cortney , Yakrus Mitchell , Youngblood Monica , Hill Andrew , Johnston Stephanie
Published: December 2016

Objective:

We investigated data from US public health laboratories funded through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Tuberculosis Elimination and Laboratory Cooperative Agreement to document trends and challenges in meeting national objectives in tuberculosis (TB) laboratory diagnoses.

Methods:

We examined data on workload and turnaround time from public health laboratories’ progress reports during 2009-2013. We reviewed methodologies, laboratory roles, and progress toward rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex through nucleic acid amplification (NAA) testing. We compared selected data with TB surveillance reports to estimate public health laboratories’ contribution to national diagnostic services.

Results:

During the study period, culture and drug susceptibility tests decreased, but NAA testing increased. Public health laboratories achieved turnaround time benchmarks for drug susceptibility tests at lower levels than for acid-fast bacilli smear and identification from culture. NAA positivity in laboratories among surveillance-reported culture-positive TB cases increased from 26.6% (2355 of 8876) in 2009 to 40.0% (2948 of 7358) in 2013. Public health laboratories provided an estimated 50.9% (4285 of 8413 in 2010) to 57.2% (4210 of 7358 in 2013) of culture testing and 88.3% (6822 of 7727 in 2011) to 94.4% (6845 of 7250 in 2012) of drug susceptibility tests for all US TB cases.

Conclusions:

Public health laboratories contribute substantially to TB diagnoses in the United States. Although testing volumes mostly decreased, the increase in NAA testing indicates continued progress in rapid M tuberculosis complex detection.
The unique effect of chain entanglements and particle morphology on the sintering of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene
Authors: Hosseinnezhad Ramin , Talebi Saeid , Rezaei Mostafa
Published: December 2016

Nascent ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a thermoplastic material, consisting of nodular-fibrillar structure making it too much porous. At the present work, the effect of both particle morphology and chain entanglements on the sintering of UHMWPE was investigated. Neck growth for particles of three different commercial grades was determined as a function of time at isothermal sintering temperatures. A comparison between the experimental data and predictions from a theoretical model based on Maxwell constitutive equations revealed a complicated effect of particle size and morphology. It was observed that at early stages of sintering, Bellehumeur’s model was in an excellent agreement with the experimental data, while it was deviated at late stages when the neck growth ratio ( y/ a) exceeds 0.8. Unlike commercially entangled samples, melted disentangled powder particles did not flow toward each other even after a long time had elapsed. Disentangled UHMWPE pellets, sintered for 10 min near the melting temperature, showed great transparency indicating low air voids and developing the sintering process, while grain boundaries remained undeveloped for entangled pellets.
Delay-independent sliding mode control of time-delay linear fractional order systems
Authors: Yousefi M , Binazadeh T
Published: December 2016

This paper considers the problem of delay-independent stabilization of linear fractional order (FO) systems with state delay. As in most practical systems in which the value of delay is not exactly known (or is time varying), a new approach is proposed in this paper, which results in asymptotic delay-independent stability of the closed-loop time-delay FO system. For this purpose, a novel FO sliding mode control law is proposed in which its main advantage is its independence to delay. Furthermore, a novel appropriate delay-independent sliding manifold is suggested. Additionally, two theorems are given and proved, which guarantee the occurrence of the reaching phase in finite time and the asymptotic delay-independent stability conditions of the dynamic equations in the sliding phase. Finally, in order to verify the theoretical results, two examples are given and simulation results confirm the performance of the proposed controller.
Performance limitation of networked systems with controller and communication filter co-design
Authors: Wu Jie , Zhan Xi-Sheng , Zhang Xian-He , Han Tao , Gao Hong-Liang
Published: December 2016

This paper addresses the performance limitation problem of networked systems by co-designing the controller and communication filter. The tracking performance index is measured by the energy of the error signal. Explicit expressions of the performance limitation are obtained by applying the controller and communication filter co-design, and the optimal network filter is obtained by applying the frequency domain method. It is shown that the performance limitation is closely related to the unstable poles and the non-minimum phase zeros of a given plant under the one-parameter compensator structure, whereas, under the two-parameter compensator structure, the performance limitation is unrelated to the unstable poles of a given plant. It is also demonstrated that the performance limitation can be improved and the effect of the channel noise can be eliminated by using the controller and communication filter co-design. Finally, some typical examples are presented to illustrate the theoretical results.
Linguistic and socio-cognitive predictors of school-age children’s narrative evaluations about jealousy
Authors: Aldrich Naomi J. , Brooks Patricia J.
Published: December 2016

This study investigated children’s narrative evaluations about jealousy in relation to performance on a higher-order perspective-taking task and assessments of receptive vocabulary and nonverbal intelligence. Eighty children (5;0–11;11) narrated a wordless picture book about a jealous frog, answered probe questions about the plot, and generated a personal narrative about a situation where they had felt like the frog. Each task was coded for evaluative components of jealousy understanding. With age, children were more likely to mention a jealousy-related mental state, relationship interference, and use the term jealous. Although girls used the term jealous more often than boys, the effect of gender on jealousy understanding was significant only in probe-question responses. Regression analyses revealed bi-directional relationships between jealousy understanding and perspective-taking skills in the two narrative tasks, with age and receptive vocabulary independently predicting perspective taking, but not jealousy understanding. That is, effects of vocabulary and age on narrative evaluations of jealousy were fully mediated by development in higher-order perspective-taking skills.
Effect of wetting time in the sorption and in the thermal conductivity of the most commonly used structural materials
Authors: Szodrai Ferenc , Lakatos Ákos
Published: December 2016

During the thermal assessment of buildings, proper understanding and knowledge of the thermal behavior of the materials is required. Certain indoor and outdoor conditions can cause moisture transfer and could change the thermal properties of buildings (e.g. thermal conductivity, resistance, thermal diffusivity, specific heat capacity, etc.). In this technical note, a research report can be found on the measured thermal conductivity after drying and wetting the samples. For the measurements, we used a dry-heat laboratory oven (Venticell 111) apparatus to dry the samples and a climatic chamber (Climacell 111) to wet the materials in order to get the values. By applying these two chambers, we were able to reach the moisture content of different humidity levels and create the kinetic wetting curves for each sample. To measure the thermal conductivity, a heat flow meter type Holometrix 2000 was used. During the measurements, five different types of materials were used (solid brick, lightweight and foam concrete, plasterboard, corkboard). In order to reach acceptable accuracy, three measurement series were carried out on the samples at each wetting times. During one series, the thermal conductivity was measured 10 times, and the average of the 13 thermal conductivity results gave the final value. Moreover, from the measurement results, new equations and functions were created to show the relationship between the thermal conductivity and the moisture content of the materials. Our results showed that after wetting the samples in a climatic chamber at 293 K and at 90% relative humidity, the kinetic function (time dependence) of adsorbed water increased in the cases of all the materials used; however, thermal conductivity only increased considerably in the cases of the two different types of concrete and of the plasterboard.

Practical application: The role of insulation materials in the building energy and moisture balance is more significant compared to the other materials of the building structures. The high moisture load will require the change of the thermal parameters of the materials. Moisture is a common cause of building degradation. In fact, much of what we know about applied building science today originates from early work investigating moisture impact on buildings, while the severity of moisture problems varies greatly depending on climate. These estimations based on the laboratory measurements of these values of the insulating materials are very important either for the manufacturers or the contractors, planners, and designers.
An efficient approach for optimizing full field development plan using Monte-Carlo simulation coupled with Genetic Algorithm and new variable setting method for well placement applied to gas condensate field in Vietnam
Authors: Jun Jongyoung , Kang Joomyung , Jeong Daein , Lee Haeseon
Published: December 2016

This paper presents an efficient technique to optimize a gas condensate field development plan under economic uncertainties. Many studies have been conducted to optimize development plan but mostly limited to oil field under fixed economic environments and required huge number of simulation runs. It is proved that black oil model can be a reasonable alternative of compositional model to complete field development optimization within acceptable period when reservoir pressure is higher enough than dew point pressure.

This study implements Monte-Carlo simulation to Genetic Algorithm to assess economic uncertainties while optimization procedure is being performed and to avoid duplicating whole optimization procedure by changing economic assumptions. An idea for setting optimization variables for well placement is also introduced to reduce required number of simulation runs.

A real field application confirms that the technique can be applied to optimize a gas condensate field with contractual gas sales obligation, and the idea plays a key role to find the optimized solution with limited resources by reducing the number of simulation runs required during the optimization procedure. The proposed technique can be applied to optimize not only full field development plan but also reservoir management plan and it will be helpful to improve economics of all kinds of E&P projects under lots of uncertainties.
Rethinking Collective Action: The Co-Evolution of the State and Institutional Entrepreneurs in Emerging Economies
Authors: Olsen Tricia D.
Published: December 2016

Why do groups form to influence policy outcomes? Classic notions of collective action tell us that a small number of homogeneous individuals are more likely to organize and thus achieve their preferred policy outcomes. Yet, this is not always reflected in the empirical record as external factors, such as the state, influence the costs of organizing. Instead, the traditional collective action literature largely assumes a purely rational or passive state. While the institutional entrepreneurship literature highlights the key role these actors can play in shaping institutions and, at times, organizational fields, it does not seek to explain why change agents appear in some instances and not others. This article seeks to fill this theoretical gap by drawing on the co-evolution literature, which helps explain the variation in group formation by underscoring how the state and institutional entrepreneurs shape one another. Utilizing rich qualitative data from the microfinance industry in Brazil and Mexico, this research asserts that the formation of microfinance associations is a function of actors’ ability to access the state, which results in distinct processes: co-evolution by isolation or co-optation. This process has subsequent implications for institutional change, policy outcomes, and, ultimately, the distribution of power and prospects of development within emerging economies.
Long-Term Adherence to Low-Sodium Diet in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Chung Misook L. , Park Linda , Frazier Susan K. , Lennie Terry A.
Published: December 2016

Although following a low-sodium diet (LSD) for heart failure (HF) has been recommended for decades, little is known about factors related to long-term patient adherence. The purposes of this study were to (a) compare sodium intake and factors affecting adherence in a long-term adherent group and in a non-adherent group and (b) examine predictors of membership in the long-term adherent group. Patients with HF ( N = 74) collected 24-hr urine samples and completed the Dietary Sodium Restriction Questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Long-term adherence was determined using the Stage of Dietary Behavior Change Scale. The long-term adherent group had lower sodium intake (3,086 mg vs. 4,135 mg, p = .01) and perceived more benefits from LSD than the non-adherent group. Only positive attitudes toward LSD predicted membership in the long-term adherence group (odds ratio [OR] = 1.18, p = .005). Interventions focused on enhancing positive perceptions of the benefits of an LSD may improve long-term dietary adherence in patients with HF.
Rules of telling
Authors: Jackl Jennifer A.
Published: December 2016

This study sought to gain a better understanding of the process narrators embark upon when deciding what version of a story to tell to a particular audience; a process, hereafter, referred to as narrative adaptation. Inductive, open coding of 25 semi-structured interviews resulted in six rules of telling: (1) If an emotionally close relationship exists with the listener(s), then a more detailed story is told; (2) If it is believed that the listener(s) will not wrongfully judge the storyteller, then a more detailed story is told; (3) If the listener(s) display interest in the story, then a more detailed story is told; (4) If the physical setting is not appropriate, then the story is condensed; (5) If the conversational context is not appropriate, then the story is condensed; and (6) If a meaningful purpose will be fulfilled by telling the story, then a more detailed story is told. Implications of studying the process of narrative adaptation are discussed.
A two-pool model to describe the IVIM cerebral perfusion
Authors: Fournet Gabrielle , Li Jing-Rebecca , Cerjanic Alex M , Sutton Bradley P , Ciobanu Luisa , Le Bihan Denis
Published: December 2016

IntraVoxel Incoherent Motion (IVIM) is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique capable of measuring perfusion-related parameters. In this manuscript, we show that the mono-exponential model commonly used to process IVIM data might be challenged, especially at short diffusion times. Eleven rat datasets were acquired at 7T using a diffusion-weighted pulsed gradient spin echo sequence with b-values ranging from 7 to 2500 s/mm2 at three diffusion times. The IVIM signals, obtained by removing the diffusion component from the raw MR signal, were fitted to the standard mono-exponential model, a bi-exponential model and the Kennan model. The Akaike information criterion used to find the best model to fit the data demonstrates that, at short diffusion times, the bi-exponential IVIM model is most appropriate. The results obtained by comparing the experimental data to a dictionary of numerical simulations of the IVIM signal in microvascular networks support the hypothesis that such a bi-exponential behavior can be explained by considering the contribution of two vascular pools: capillaries and somewhat larger vessels.
Facilitating Effects of Emotion on the Perception of Biological Motion: Evidence for a Happiness Superiority Effect
Authors: Lee Hannah , Kim Jejoong
Published: December 2016

It has been reported that visual perception can be influenced not only by the physical features of a stimulus but also by the emotional valence of the stimulus, even without explicit emotion recognition. Some previous studies reported an anger superiority effect while others found a happiness superiority effect during visual perception. It thus remains unclear as to which emotion is more influential. In the present study, we conducted two experiments using biological motion (BM) stimuli to examine whether emotional valence of the stimuli would affect BM perception; and if so, whether a specific type of emotion is associated with a superiority effect. Point-light walkers with three emotion types (anger, happiness, and neutral) were used, and the threshold to detect BM within noise was measured in Experiment 1. Participants showed higher performance in detecting happy walkers compared with the angry and neutral walkers. Follow-up motion velocity analysis revealed that physical difference among the stimuli was not the main factor causing the effect. The results of the emotion recognition task in Experiment 2 also showed a happiness superiority effect, as in Experiment 1. These results show that emotional valence (happiness) of the stimuli can facilitate the processing of BM.
Assessment of extracurricular activities’ effects on automotive engineering education: A cross-national study
Authors: Mariasiu Florin , Raboca Horia M
Published: December 2016

The complexity and dynamics of the automotive industry require highly trained graduates with competencies and skills in various scientific and industrial fields, as well as practical skills. Theory with can be applied to practice in several ways: increasing practical application of labs and workshops, practice activities, race car contests, participation in scientific groups, work on research and development projects, internships, etc. The present paper explores the attitudes and perceptions of students who participated in an international competition for prototype vehicles powered with compressed air. Based on an exploratory questionnaire, uni- and multivariate statistical methods were applied, and the results were used to create a model related to the students’ perception of the usefulness of participating compared to the additional engineering skills learned. The results show that students involved in race car competitions enjoy positive feedback and more (regardless of country of origin) and learn professional skills with high-quality and relevant technical, social, and behavioral competences, which are required in the automotive industry today.
Prioritizing and Funding the Uganda Nutrition Action Plan
Authors: Pomeroy-Stevens Amanda , D’Agostino Alexis , Adero Nancy , Merchant Hannah Foehringer , Muzoora Abel , Mupere Ezekiel , Agaba Edgar , Du Lidan
Published: December 2016

Background:

In 2010, Uganda began developing its first multisectoral nutrition plan, the Uganda Nutrition Action Plan (UNAP), to reduce malnutrition. While the UNAP signals high-level commitment to addressing nutrition, knowledge gaps remain about how to successfully implement such a plan.

Objective:

We tracked the UNAP’s influence on the process of priority setting and funding for nutrition from 2013 to 2015.

Methods:

This study used a longitudinal mixed methods design to track qualitative and budgetary changes related to UNAP processes nationally as well as in 2 study districts. Qualitative changes were assessed through interviews, news content, and meeting notes. Changes in allocations and expenditures were calculated based on budget documents, work plans, and validation interviews.

Results:

Important enabling factors named by stakeholders included identity, human resources, sustainable structures, coordination, advocacy, and adaptation of the UNAP to local needs. Evidence suggests that the UNAP facilitated improvements in the last 3 factors. We found no systematic increases in planned nutrition activities, nor did we find increases in allocations or expenditures for nutrition between fiscal years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015. Expenditure data were not always available for all funding mechanisms. In the 2 study districts, there was little flexibility within financing structures to allow for additional nutrition activities.

Conclusions:

Results suggest the UNAP has played an important role in strengthening the enabling environment for nutrition action. The next UNAP will need to translate these improvements into a greater number of nutrition activities and higher levels of funding at the national and subnational levels.