bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum uric acid, kidney function and acute ischemic stroke outcomes in elderly patients: a single-cohort, perspective study
Authors: Falsetti Lorenzo , Capeci William , Tarquinio Nicola , Viticchi Giovanna , Silvestrini Mauro , Catozzo Vania , Fioranelli Agnese , Buratti Laura , Pellegrini Francesco
Published: March 2017

Chronic kidney disease and hyperuricemia have been associated to an increased risk and a worse prognosis in acute ischemic stroke. Several mechanisms, including platelet dysfunction, coagulation disorders, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and an increased risk of atrial fibrillation could be implicated. The role of serum uric acid in this setting is still object of debate. We enrolled all the consecutive patients admitted to our department for acute ischemic stroke. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk of in-hospital death considering serum uric acid levels and all the comorbidities. In the overall sample, hyperuricemia was independently associated to an increased risk of in-hospital mortality. This effect was stronger in patients with chronic kidney disease while, in the group of patients with normal renal function, the relationship between hyperuricemia and increased stroke mortality was not confirmed. Hyperuricemia could be associated to higher in-hospital mortality for ischemic stroke among elderly patients when affected by kidney disease. Survival does not seem to be affected by hyperuricemia in patients with normal kidney function.
Improvement in Excoriation (Skin-Picking) with Use of Risperidone in a Patient with Developmental Disability
Authors: Roi Cody , Bazzano Alessandra
Published: March 2017

Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder present with a heterogeneous mix of features beyond the core symptoms of the disorder. These features can be emotional, cognitive or behavioral. Behavioral symptoms often include self-injury, and this may take the form of repetitive skin-picking. The prevalence of skin-picking disorder in Autism is unknown. Skin-picking may lead to significant medical and psychosocial complications. Recent data suggest that behavioral interventions may be more effective than medications at reducing skin-picking in neurotypical patients. In this case, an 11-year-old male with intellectual disability and autistic spectrum disorder, with self-injurious skin-picking, was treated with risperidone with complete resolution of skin-picking symptoms. risperidone has been approved for irritability and aggression in Autistic spectrum disorder, and may be a valuable treatment option for skinpicking in pediatric patients with developmental disabilities.
The structure and features of the SMS language used in the written work of Communication English I students at a university in South Africa
Authors: Chaka Chaka , Mphahlele Mampa L. , Mann Charles C.
Published: March 2017

Employing an explanatory design, this study set out to investigate the morphosyntactic structures of the SMS language of Communication English I students, and the types of SMS language features used in their written work at a university of technology in South Africa. The study randomly sampled 90 undergraduate students (M = 40; F = 50) enrolled for a national diploma programme during the first academic semester in 2013. Their ages ranged from 19–22 years; they all spoke English as a second language, whilst having one of the five black South African languages as their home language. The study had two types of data: participants’ mobile phone text messages (in two sets), and their writing samples. Two of the findings of the study are: the morphological structure of the textisms used in the participants’ text messages deviated from that applicable to formal, standard English, whereas much of their syntactic structure did not; and, the frequency and proportion of textisms in participants’ writing samples were lower than that reported in studies by Freudenberg (2009) and Rosen et al. (2010).
Percutaneous transhepatic techniques for management of biliary anastomotic strictures in living donor liver transplant recipients
Authors: Kulkarni Chinmay B , Prabhu Nirmal K , Kader Nazar P , Rajeshkannan Ramiah , Pullara Sreekumar K , Moorthy Srikanth
Published: March 2017

Aim: To retrospectively analyze the percutaneous transhepatic techniques and their outcome in the management of biliary strictures in living donor liver transplant (LDLT) recipients. Materials and Methods: We retrieved the hospital records of 400 LDLT recipients between 2007 and 2015 and identified 45 patients with biliary strictures. Among them, 17 patients (37.8%) (Male: female = 13:4; mean age, 36.1 ± 17.5 years) treated by various percutaneous transhepatic biliary techniques alone or in combination with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were included in the study. The technical and clinical success of the percutaneous management was analyzed. Results: Anastomotic strictures associated with leak were found in 12/17 patients (70.6%). Ten out of 12 (83.3%) patients associated with leak had more than one duct-duct anastomoses (range, 2–3). The average duration of onset of stricture in patients with biliary leak was 3.97 ± 2.68 months and in patients with only strictures it was 14.03 ± 13.9 months. In 6 patients, endoscopic-guided plastic stents were placed using rendezvous technique, plastic stent was placed from a percutaneous approach in 1 patient, metallic stents were used in 2 patients, cholangioplasty was performed in 1 patient, N-butyl- 2-cyanoacrylate embolization was done in 1 child with biliary-pleural fistula, internal-external drain was placed in 1 patient, and only external drain was placed in 5 patients. Technical success was achieved in 12/17 (70.6%) and clinical success was achieved in 13/17 (76.5%) of the patients. Posttreatment mean time of follow-up was 19.4 ± 13.7 months. Five patients (29.4%) died (two acute rejections, one metabolic acidosis, and two sepsis). Conclusions: Percutaneous biliary techniques are effective treatment options with good outcome in LDLT patients with biliary complications.
Calcification of the submandibular gland in a patient with chickenpox
Authors: Celenk Cetin , Celenk Peruze
Published: March 2017

The pneumonia virus of chickenpox is now known to cause scattered calcified foci in the lungs, however to our knowledge, recent literature has not discussed calcification in the salivary glands. A 15-year-old boy consulted the department of radiology because of a swelling on the right side of the submandibular area. Radiological assessment included an ultrasonography and computerized tomography scan of the neck area, which demonstrated intraparenchymal amorph calcification, with approximately 13 mm diameter in the right submandibular gland. General condition and oral intake was good without distress in the patient, and hence he was discharged on the seventh day of follow-up treatment.
Infectious pneumonia in the immunocompetent host: What the radiologist should know
Authors: Ghasi Rohini G , Bajaj Sunil
Published: March 2017

Lung infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly because of the rising antimicrobial resistance. According to the clinical setting, they can be categorized as community-acquired pneumonia and hospital-acquired pneumonia. Radiological patterns of lung infections are lobar consolidation, bronchopneumonia, interstitial pattern, and nodular pattern. In addition, typical imaging features of several infections serve as “red flag signs” in reaching a diagnosis or altering the management. It would be prudent for the radiologist to be well informed regarding these aspects of lung infections to be able to make a valuable contribution to the management.
A Parallel, High-Order Direct Discontinuous Galerkin Method for the Navier-Stokes Equations on 3D Hybrid Grids
Authors: Cheng Jian , Liu Xiaodong , Liu Tiegang , Luo Hong
Published: March 2017

A parallel, high-order direct Discontinuous Galerkin (DDG) method has been developed for solving the three dimensional compressible Navier-Stokes equations on 3D hybrid grids. The most distinguishing and attractive feature of DDG method lies in its simplicity in formulation and efficiency in computational cost. The formulation of the DDG discretization for 3D Navier-Stokes equations is detailed studied and the definition of characteristic length is also carefully examined and evaluated based on 3D hybrid grids. Accuracy studies are performed to numerically verify the order of accuracy using flow problems with analytical solutions. The capability in handling curved boundary geometry is also demonstrated. Furthermore, an SPMD (single program, multiple data) programming paradigm based on MPI is proposed to achieve parallelism. The numerical results obtained indicate that the DDG method can achieve the designed order of accuracy and is able to deliver comparable results as the widely used BR2 scheme, clearly demonstrating that the DDG method provides an attractive alternative for solving the 3D compressible Navier-Stokes equations.
Асимптотический метод усреднения обобщенных операторов Бельтрами
Authors: Sirazhudinov Magomed Magomedalievich
Published: March 2017

Изучаются вопросы, связанные с усреднением задачи Римана-Гильберта для обобщенного уравнения Бельтрами с быстро колеблющимися периодическими (с малым периодом $\varepsilon$) коэффициентами. Получены оценки погрешности усреднения в пространствах Лебега и Соболева порядка $\sqrt\varepsilon$. Применяются асимптотические методы усреднения.
Библиография: 16 названий.
Communities of practice as a methodology for grassroots innovation in sustainable adult education
Authors: Ličen Nives , Findeisen Dušana , Fakin Bajec Jasna
Published: March 2017

In this article, we present findings on the characteristics of community of practice appearing in sustainable education in reference to preserving natural and cultural heritage. Our research originated in the poststructuralist theory of practice and in concepts of social learning. Freire’s learning theory was the basis for establishing the thesis that critical awareness is necessary for sustainable innovation. The empirical section of our research is based on an ethnographical collection of data in three different environments. We analysed cases of connected learning and activities, based both in local community and participants’ needs. All three cases join learning with innovative practices that develop social and environmental well-being. Our results reveal that innovative practices develop in connection with transformative learning: the dialogical linking of scientific and local behaviour and the identity of participants.
Los autorretratos de los arquitectos
Authors: Amado Lorenzo Antonio
Published: March 2017

Profundizando en el conocimiento de la personalidad de los arquitectos para comprender mejor su obra, en el artículo se comparan autorretratos de Le Corbusier, Siza y Utzon, reflexionando sobre paralelismos que se observan entre la percepción de su propia identidad y su forma de entender la arquitectura. Se analiza también un autorretrato poco conocido de Borges, que confirma cómo, en otras disciplinas como la literatura, la personalidad del autor también se transmite a su obra.
El dibujo de arquitectura de los años cuarenta en España: un estudio a partir de la Revista Nacional de Arquitectura
Authors: Mendoza Rodríguez Isaac , Álvaro Tordesillas Antonio , Montes Serrano Carlos
Published: March 2017

El estudio de la historia de la representación de la arquitectura en España está aún por escribir. En este ensayo realizamos una primera aproximación al dibujo de los años cuarenta del siglo pasado, tomando como fuente para nuestra investigación las revistas de arquitectura.
El hombre que mira, en 4 dibujos
Authors: Martínez Mindeguía Francisco
Published: March 2017

Mirar, ver, interpretar y valorar son operaciones comunes que dan resultados diversos en función del sujeto y del período histórico. Decía Goethe que cada mirada atenta dirigida al mundo contiene un razonamiento sobre él. El presente artículo, pretende comparar este razonamiento en cuatro dibujos diferentes, de similar composición.
Parentification – its direction and perceived benefits in terms of connections with late adolescents’ emotional regulation in the situation of marital conflict
Authors: Borchet Judyta , Lewandowska-Walter Aleksandra
Published: March 2017

Background

Parentification means distortion of the roles between family members. A child performs adult tasks and responsibilities for his siblings and/or parents. The aim of the study was to extend the knowledge about parentification and its connections with parental conflict as well as strategies of coping with parental conflict in the group of late adolescents who live with their parents or live on their own.

Participants and procedure

The empirical evidence consisted of the results of 264 volunteer late adolescents. Two questionnaires were used in the study. The first one was the experimental version of the Polish adaptation of Hooper’s Parentification Inventory. It is a scale that enables one to assess the intensity of parentification levels that are judged retrospectively by the subject. The second tool was the experimental version of the Polish adaptation of Davies’ and Forman’s Security in the Interparental Subsystem Scale – Child Report. The scale examines children’s reactions to parental conflict.

Results

The obtained results suggest that intensity of parental conflict and strategies of coping with it influence parentification characteristics. The connections seem to be different in two adolescent groups – those who still live with their parents and those who decided to live on their own.

Conclusions

Thus, parental conflict may foster tightening of the family bonds and intensify parentification at the same time. On the other hand, in order to separate and break excessive family ties, adolescents may move out of the family house.
Infrared thermal imaging in connective tissue diseases
Authors: Chojnowski Marek
Published: March 2017

Infrared thermal imaging (IRT) is a non-invasive, non-contact technique which allows one to measure and visualize infrared radiation. In medicine, thermal imaging has been used for more than 50 years in various clinical settings, including Raynaud’s phenomenon and systemic sclerosis. Imaging and quantification of surface body temperature provides an indirect measure of the microcirculation’s overall performance. As such, IRT is capable of confirming the diagnosis of Raynaud’s phenomenon, and, with additional cold or heat challenge, of differentiating between the primary and secondary condition. In systemic sclerosis IRT has a potential role in assessing disease activity and monitoring treatment response. Despite certain limitations, thermal imaging can find a place in clinical practice, and with the introduction of small, low-cost infrared cameras, possibly become a part of routine rheumatological evaluation.
Wave modulation of the extratropical tropopause inversion layer
Authors: Pilch Kedzierski Robin , Matthes Katja , Bumke Karl
Published: March 2017

Abstract. This study aims to quantify how much of the observed strength and variability in the zonal-mean extratropical tropopause inversion layer (TIL) comes from the modulation of the temperature field and its gradients around the tropopause by planetary- and synoptic-scale waves. By analyzing high-resolution observations, it also puts other TIL enhancing mechanisms into context.Using gridded Global Positioning System radio occultation (GPS-RO) temperature profiles from the COSMIC mission (2007–2013), we are able to extract the extratropical wave signal by a simplified wavenumber–frequency domain filtering method and quantify the resulting TIL enhancement. By subtracting the extratropical wave signal, we show how much of the TIL is associated with other processes, at mid- and high latitudes, for both hemispheres and all seasons.The transient and reversible modulation by planetary- and synoptic-scale waves is almost entirely responsible for the TIL in midlatitudes. This means that wave-mean flow interactions, inertia–gravity waves and the residual circulation are of minor importance for the strength and variability in the midlatitude TIL.At polar regions, the extratropical wave modulation is dominant for the TIL strength as well, but there is also a clear fingerprint from sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) and final warmings in both hemispheres. Therefore, polar vortex breakups are partially responsible for the observed polar TIL strength in winter (if SSWs occur) and spring. Also, part of the polar summer TIL strength cannot be explained by extratropical wave modulation.We suggest that our wave modulation mechanism integrates several TIL enhancing mechanisms proposed in previous literature while robustly disclosing the overall outcome of the different processes involved. By analyzing observations only, our study identifies which mechanisms dominate the extratropical TIL strength and their relative contribution. It remains to be determined, however, which roles the different planetary- and synoptic-scale wave types play within the total extratropical wave modulation of the TIL, as well as what causes the observed amplification of extratropical waves near the tropopause.
Day and night-time formation of organic nitrates at a forested mountain site in south-west Germany
Authors: Sobanski Nicolas , Thieser Jim , Schuladen Jan , Sauvage Carina , Song Wei , Williams Jonathan , Lelieveld Jos , Crowley John N.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. We report in situ measurements of total peroxy nitrates (ΣPNs) and total alkyl nitrates (ΣANs) in a forested–urban location at the top of the Kleiner Feldberg mountain in south-west Germany. The data, obtained using thermal dissociation cavity ring-down spectroscopy (TD-CRDS) in August–September 2011 (PARADE campaign) and July 2015 (NOTOMO campaign), represent the first detailed study of ΣPNs and ΣANs over continental Europe. We find that a significant fraction of NOx (up to 75 %) is sequestered as organics nitrates at this site. Furthermore, we also show that the night-time production of alkyl nitrates by reaction of NO3 with biogenic hydrocarbons is comparable to that from daytime OH-initiated oxidation pathways. The ΣANs ∕ ozone ratio obtained during PARADE was used to derive an approximate average yield of organic nitrates at noon from the OH initiated oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of  ∼  7 % at this site in 2011, which is comparable with that obtained from an analysis of VOCs measured during the campaign. A much lower AN yield,  <  2 %, was observed in 2015, which may result from sampling air with different average air mass ages and thus different degrees of breakdown of assumptions used to derive the branching ratio, but it may also reflect a seasonal change in the VOC mixture at the site.
Water Uptake by Fresh Indonesian Peat Burning Particles is Limited by Water Soluble Organic Matter
Authors: Chen Jing , Budisulistiorini Sri Hapsari , Itoh Masayuki , Lee Wen-Chien , Miyakawa Takuma , Komzaki Yuichi , Yang LiuDongQing , Kuwata Mikinori
Published: March 2017

Abstract. The relationship between hygroscopic properties and chemical characteristics of Indonesian biomass burning (BB) particles, which are dominantly generated from peatland fires, was investigated using the humidified tandem differential mobility analyzer. In addition to peat, acacia (a popular species at plantation) and fern (a pioneering species after disturbance by fire) were used for experiments. Fresh Indonesian peat burning particles are almost non-hygroscopic (mean hygroscopicity parameter, κ
Drought and flood in the Anthropocene: feedback mechanisms in reservoir operation
Authors: Di Baldassarre Giuliano , Martinez Fabian , Kalantari Zahra , Viglione Alberto
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Over the last few decades, numerous studies have investigated human impacts on drought and flood events, while conversely other studies have explored human responses to hydrological extremes. Yet, there is still little understanding about the dynamics resulting from their interplay, i.e. both impacts and responses. Current quantitative methods therefore can fail to assess future risk dynamics and, as a result, while risk reduction strategies built on these methods often work in the short term, they tend to lead to unintended consequences in the long term. In this paper, we review the puzzles and dynamics resulting from the interplay of society and hydrological extremes, and describe an initial effort to model hydrological extremes in the Anthropocene. In particular, we first discuss the need for a novel approach to explicitly account for human interactions with both drought and flood events, and then present a stylized model simulating the reciprocal effects between hydrological extremes and changing reservoir operation rules. Lastly, we highlight the unprecedented opportunity offered by the current proliferation of big data to unravel the coevolution of hydrological extremes and society across scales and along gradients of social and hydrological conditions.
The Effect of Implementing Some Generative Learning Model Strategies in Teaching Reading Comprehension
Authors: Mahmoud Basaffar Fatima
Published: March 2017

The present study investigates the effect of implementing some Generative Learning Model (GLM) strategies in teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) to foundation year students at King Abdulaziz University (KAU). A total of 120 female students studying English at the English Language Institute (ELI) at KAU preparatory year participated in this study. Participants were divided into two groups, a controlled group and an experimental group. Each group consists of 60 students selected randomly. All students were of the same level at the foundation year according to the institute’s placement test. A reading comprehension pre-test was conducted for the two groups to assure similarities. The test consists of two parts, multiple choice questions (MCQs) and Generative Learning Model question (GLMQs). Generative Learning Model strategies were implemented in class using reading texts that are part of the institute’s curriculum. Students were trained to use some GLM strategies including paraphrasing, generating titles, generating questions, drawing mind-maps and images. Four weeks later, a post-test took place for the experimental as well as for the controlled group. Results indicate a significant improvement in students’ performance as far as the GLMQs were considered. Moreover, a positive attitude was strongly reflected in students’ behavior inside the classroom. In addition, students were asked to reflect on the technique used. Positive feedback was strongly evident in their writings. The method adopted turned the class into an entirely student-centered class. Dealing with challenging reading texts turned to be an exciting experience for both the learners and the teacher.
Overcoming Hermeneutical Injustice: Cultural Self-Appropriation and the Epistemic Practices of the Oppressed
Authors: Serrano Zamora Justo
Published: March 2017

According to Miranda Fricker, through the generation of cognitive confidence that facilitates the free exchange of individual experiences, mobilized groups are able to generate new symbolic resources that overcome existing gaps in the shared hermeneutical resource. In my essay, I aim at showing that an account of conceptual innovation on the side of mobilized groups must take into consideration deeper transformations of their epistemic practices. Drawing on the work of John Dewey, I develop an account of these transformations as a process of collective learning that involves both the emergence of a self-appropriative cultural life and epistemic innovation. I focus on the notion of experimentalism as a paradigm for these epistemic transformations.
Bio-inspired multiobjective clustering optimization: A survey and a proposal
Authors: Cunha Danilo , Cruz Dávila , Politi Alexandre , Castro Leandro Nunes de , Maia Renato Dourado
Published: March 2017

Multiobjective clustering techniques have been used to simultaneously consider several complementary aspects of clustering quality. They optimize two or more cluster validity indices simultaneously, they lead to high-quality results, and have emerged as attractive and robust alternatives for solving clustering problems. This paper provides a brief review of bio-Inspired multiobjective clustering, and proposes a bee-inspired multiobjective optimization (MOO) algorithm, named cOptBees-MO, to solve multiobjective data clustering problems. In its survey part, a brief tutorial on MOO and multiobjective clustering optimization (MOCO) is presented, followed by a review of the main works in the area. Particular attention is given to the many objective functions used in MOCO. To evaluate the performance of the algorithm it was executed for various datasets and the results presented high quality clusters, diverse solutions an the automatic determination of a suitable number of clusters.
The Impact of Consolidation Industrial Jordanian Companies on Profitability and Liquidity Ratios
Authors: Airout Rana M.
Published: March 2017

This research aims to explore and concentrated on the impact of consolidate industrial Jordanian companies, on financial performance reflect on profitability and liquidity ratios and made a comparison between pre consolidate and post consolidate companies, for  four industrial consolidate companies were included in the sample. Three years pre and post-consolidation data is used to test the effect. The Data took from the annual financial statements for these companies, and the data was processed by using SPSS program.The findings indicated that there are significant differences in the profitability of consolidated industrial companies before and after consolidation and there are significant differences in the liquidity of consolidated industrial companies before and after consolidation.
Heat Treatment of Steel Measurement of Hardness and Tensile Strength: A Case Study at the Laboratory
Authors: Zois Athanasios K.
Published: March 2017

The heat treatment of steel changes its microstructure, its hardness and its tensile strength. These issues are of utmost importance as they are closely related to its uses and applications. This article is an experiment, conducted at the university laboratory of physical metallurgy. It assesses the abovementioned issues in the cases of various steel samples, each of which undergoes a different type of heat treatment. Using the appropriate methodology and techniques, various conclusions are drawn. The main objective of this article is to explain this methodology.
Percentages and Milk Fat
Authors: Bu Lingguo , Marjanovich Angel
Published: March 2017

The Milk Fat problem provides a rich context for looking into students' understanding of percentages as well as the complexity of these problems.
Phase Uncertainty in Digital Holographic Microscopy Measurements in the Presence of Solution Flow Conditions
Authors: Brand Alexander S
Published: March 2017

Digital holographic microscopy (DHM) is a surface topography measurement technique with reported sub-nanometer vertical resolution. Although it has been made commercially available recently, few studies have evaluated the uncertainty or noise in the phase measurement by the DHM. As current research is using the DHM to monitor surface topography changes of dissolving materials under flowing water conditions, it is necessary to evaluate the effect of water and flow rate on the uncertainty in the measurement. Uncertainty in this study was concerned with the temporal standard deviation per pixel of the reconstructed phase. Considering the effects of solution flow rate, magnification, objective lens type (air or immersion), and experimental configuration, measurements under static conditions in air and in water with an immersion lens yielded the smallest amount of uncertainty (mean of ≤ 0.5 nm up to 40× magnification). Increasing the water flow rate resulted in an increase in mean uncertainty to ≤ 0.6 nm up to 40× with an immersion lens. Observations of a sample through a glass window at 20× magnification in flowing water also yielded increasing uncertainty, with mean values of ≤ 0.5 nm, ≤ 0.8 nm, and ≤ 1.1 nm for flow rates of 0 mL min−1, 15 mL min−1, and 33 mL min−1. Different hologram acquisition rates (12.5 s−1 and 25 s−1) did not significantly impact the uncertainty in the phase. Collecting holograms in single-wavelength versus dual-wavelength modes did impact the uncertainty, with the mean uncertainty at 10× magnification for the same wavelength being ≤ 0.5 nm from the single-wavelength mode compared to ≤ 1.5 nm from the dual-wavelength mode. When the quantified uncertainty was applied to simulated dissolution data, lower limits of measured dissolution rates were found below which the measured data may not be distinguishable from the uncertainty in the measurement. The limiting surface-normal dissolution velocity is −10−11.7 m s−1 for experiments with an immersion lens in flowing water conditions and −10−11.7 m s−1, −10−11.4 m s−1, and −10−11.0 m s−1 for static (0 mL min−1), slow (≤ 15 mL min−1), and fast (≤ 109 mL min−1) flowing water conditions in experiments with a glass window, respectively. The data presented by this study will allow for better experimental design and methodology for future dissolution or precipitation studies using DHM and will provide confidence in the data produced in postprocessing.
Impact Toughness Modification of NIST Low-Energy Charpy Verification Specimens for Testing at Room Temperature
Authors: Lucon Enrico , Santoyo Ray L
Published: March 2017

The possibility for the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) to certify Charpy reference specimens for testing at room temperature (21 °C ± 1 °C) instead of −40 °C was investigated in a previous study, in which a slightly increased likelihood of specimen jamming was observed at the low-energy level (13 J to 20 J). Moreover, there is a concern that the higher impact toughness of low-energy verification specimens at room temperature would not allow the same Charpy machine features to be verified as in the case of low-temperature (−40 °C) tests, namely, the linear elastic behavior of the sample and the very high maximum forces (typically larger than 33 kN). In this paper, we report on the change in the mechanical properties (hardness and absorbed energy) of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 4340 steel low-energy specimens that ensues from the modification of the temperature of the final tempering heat treatment. We established that, if low-energy verification specimens are tempered at 300 °C for 2 h and then air cooled, they exhibit equivalent impact toughness (13 J to 20 J) and postimpact behavior (specimen halves projected backward at high speed) at room temperature as compared to specimens currently on sale for testing at −40 °C. Their hardness is however increased to above 49 HRC on the Rockwell scale. The minimum hardness requirement for low-energy verification specimens, currently set at 44 HRC in NIST specifications, will have to be increased to 49 HRC.
The neuropeptide F/nitric oxide pathway is essential for shaping locomotor plasticity underlying locust phase transition
Authors: Hou Li , Yang Pengcheng , Jiang Feng , Liu Qing , Wang Xianhui , Kang Le
Published: March 2017

Behavioral plasticity is widespread in swarming animals, but little is known about its underlying neural and molecular mechanisms. Here, we report that a neuropeptide F (NPF)/nitric oxide (NO) pathway plays a critical role in the locomotor plasticity of swarming migratory locusts. The transcripts encoding two related neuropeptides, NPF1a and NPF2, show reduced levels during crowding, and the transcript levels of NPF1a and NPF2 receptors significantly increase during locust isolation. Both NPF1a and NPF2 have suppressive effects on phase-related locomotor activity. A key downstream mediator for both NPFs is nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which regulates phase-related locomotor activity by controlling NO synthesis in the locust brain. Mechanistically, NPF1a and NPF2 modify NOS activity by separately suppressing its phosphorylation and by lowering its transcript level, effects that are mediated by their respective receptors. Our results uncover a hierarchical neurochemical mechanism underlying behavioral plasticity in the swarming locust and provide insights into the NPF/NO axis.
Dopamine signaling tunes spatial pattern selectivity in C. elegans
Authors: Han Bicheng , Dong Yongming , Zhang Lin , Liu Yan , Rabinowitch Ithai , Bai Jihong
Published: March 2017

Animals with complex brains can discriminate the spatial arrangement of physical features in the environment. It is unknown whether such sensitivity to spatial patterns can be accomplished in simpler nervous systems that lack long-range sensory modalities such as vision and hearing. Here we show that the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans can discriminate spatial patterns in its surroundings, despite having a nervous system of only 302 neurons. This spatial pattern selectivity requires touch-dependent dopamine signaling, including the mechanosensory TRP-4 channel in dopaminergic neurons and the D2-like dopamine receptor DOP-3. We find that spatial pattern selectivity varies significantly among C. elegans wild isolates. Electrophysiological recordings show that natural variations in TRP-4 reduce the mechanosensitivity of dopaminergic neurons. Polymorphic substitutions in either TRP-4 or DOP-3 alter the selectivity of spatial patterns. Together, these results demonstrate an ancestral role for dopamine signaling in tuning spatial pattern preferences in a simple nervous system.
Mechanotransduction current is essential for stability of the transducing stereocilia in mammalian auditory hair cells
Authors: Vélez-Ortega A Catalina , Freeman Mary J , Indzhykulian Artur A , Grossheim Jonathan M , Frolenkov Gregory I
Published: March 2017

Mechanotransducer channels at the tips of sensory stereocilia of inner ear hair cells are gated by the tension of 'tip links' interconnecting stereocilia. To ensure maximal sensitivity, tip links are tensioned at rest, resulting in a continuous influx of Ca2+ into the cell. Here, we show that this constitutive Ca2+ influx, usually considered as potentially deleterious for hair cells, is in fact essential for stereocilia stability. In the auditory hair cells of young postnatal mice and rats, a reduction in mechanotransducer current, via pharmacological channel blockers or disruption of tip links, leads to stereocilia shape changes and shortening. These effects occur only in stereocilia that harbor mechanotransducer channels, recover upon blocker washout or tip link regeneration and can be replicated by manipulations of extracellular Ca2+ or intracellular Ca2+ buffering. Thus, our data provide the first experimental evidence for the dynamic control of stereocilia morphology by the mechanotransduction current.
An uncertain future for woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou): The impact of climate change on winter distribution in Ontario
Authors: Masood Sara , Van Zuiden Thomas M. , Rodgers Arthur R. , Sharma Sapna
Published: March 2017

Habitat alteration and climate change are two important environmental stressors posing increasing threats to woodland caribou, Rangifer tarandus caribou, in Ontario. Our first objective was to identify the importance of linear features, habitat, and climate on the occurrence of woodland caribou during the winter season using over 30 years of records (1980-2012). Our second objective was to forecast the impacts of climate change on the future occurrence and range of woodland caribou. Woodland caribou occurrence and environmental data collected during 1980 to 2012 were obtained from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR). Logistic regression models were used to identify the importance of linear features, habitat, and climate on woodland caribou. We then forecast future caribou occurrences using 126 future climate projections. Woodland caribou preferred coniferous forests and mixed forests that tended to be associated with increased lichen coverage, and regions with colder winters. Woodland caribou also avoided anthropogenically disturbed regions, such as areas associated with high road density or developed areas. Caribou range extent was projected to contract by 57.2-100% by 2050 and 58.9-100% by 2070. Furthermore, all 126 climate change scenarios forecast a range loss of at least 55% for woodland caribou in Ontario by 2050. We project complete loss of woodland caribou in Ontario if winter temperatures increase by more than 5.6°C by 2070. We found that woodland caribou in Ontario are sensitive to changes in climate and forecasted that an average of 95% of Ontario’s native wood­land caribou could become extirpated by 2070. The greatest extirpations were projected to occur in the northernmost regions of Ontario as well as northeastern Ontario, while regions in western Ontario were projected to have the lowest rates of extirpation. This underscores the importance of mitigating greenhouse gases as a means to protect this iconic species.
Total Syntheses of Sesterterpenoid Ansellones A and B, and Phorbadione
Authors: Zhang Wei , Yao Hongliang , Yu Jingxun , Zhang Zhihong , Tong Rongbiao
Published: March 2017

Ansellane‐type sesterterpenoids including, ansellones A‐G and (+)‐phorbadione are structurally novel marine secondary metabolites which exhibit anticancer and anti‐HIV activity. The first, asymmetric total syntheses of three structurally representative members, (−)‐ansellones A and B and (+)‐phorbadione, were accomplished in 16–23 steps from (+)‐sclareolide. The route features the first regioselective cyclization of vinyl epoxides with internal alcohol nucleophiles in a 1,4‐addition manner (SN2′). Additionally, the allylic C−H oxidation was exploited at a late stage of the synthesis of (−)‐ansellone A and (+)‐phorbadione. This strategy is expected to be applicable to the synthesis of other ansellane sesterterpenoids.
Bioengineered three‐dimensional co‐culture of cancer cells and endothelial cells: A model system for dual analysis of tumor growth and angiogenesis
Authors: Chiew Geraldine Giap Ying , Wei Na , Sultania Samiksha , Lim Sierin , Luo Kathy Qian
Published: March 2017

Angiogenesis marks the transformation of a benign local tumor into a life‐threatening disease. Many in vitro assays are available on two‐dimensional (2D) platforms, however, limited research has been conducted to investigate the behavior of tumors and endothelial cells (ECs) grown on three‐dimensional (3D) platforms. This study provides a 3D co‐culture spheroid of tumor cells with ECs to study the interplay between ECs and tumor cells. In a 3D co‐culture with HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, ECs differentiate to form tubule networks when in co‐culture. Addition of angiogenic factors or angiogenesis inhibitors to the model system enhanced or inhibited endothelial differentiation in the 3D model, enabling investigations of the cellular signaling pathways utilized in HCC development. The 3D model demonstrated similar protein expression levels as a HCC xenograft, as well as exhibited upregulation of essential signaling proteins such as Akt/mTor in the 3D model, which is not reflected in the 2D model. The effects of several anti‐angiogenic agents, such as sorafenib, sunitinib, and axitinib were analyzed in the 3D co‐culture model by utilizing fluorescent proteins and a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)‐based caspase‐3 sensor in the ECs, which can detect apoptosis in real time. The apoptotic capability of a drug to inhibit angiogenesis in the 3D model can be easily distinguished via the FRET sensor, and dual screening of anti‐angiogenesis and anti‐tumor drugs can be achieved in a single step via the 3D co‐culture model. In summary, a 3D co‐culture model is constructed, where a HCC tumor microenvironment with a hypoxic core and true gradient penetration of drugs is achieved for drug screening purposes and in vitro studies utilizing a small HCC tumor. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1865–1877. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A framework for scalable real‐time anomaly detection over voluminous, geospatial data streams
Authors: Budgaga Walid , Malensek Matthew , Lee Pallickara Sangmi , Pallickara Shrideep
Published: March 2017

This study presents a framework to enable distributed detection, storage, and analysis of anomalies in voluminous data streams. Individual observations within these streams are multidimensional, with each dimension corresponding to a feature of interest. We consider time‐series geospatial datasets generated by remote and in situ observational devices. Three aspects make this problem particularly challenging: (1) the cumulative volume and rates of data arrivals, (2) evolution of the datasets over time, and (3) spatiotemporal correlations associated with the data. Further, solutions must minimize user intervention and be amenable to distributed processing to ensure scalability.

Our approach achieves accurate, high‐throughput classifications in real time, which we demonstrate with our reference anomaly detector implementations. We also provide interfaces that allow new implementations to be developed and parallelized automatically, ensuring applicability across problem domains. To help quantify the magnitude of anomalous observations, detector implementations provide a corresponding degree of irregularity. We have incorporated these algorithms into our distributed storage platform, Galileo, and profiled their suitability through empirical analysis that demonstrates high throughput (10 000 observations per‐second, per‐node) on a real‐worl Petabyte dataset.
An experimental study on tuning the consistency of NoSQL systems
Authors: Huang Xiangdong , Wang Jianmin , Yu Philip S. , Bai Jian , Zhang Jinrui
Published: March 2017

The eventual consistency model has been widely adopted in NoSQL systems. By tolerating weak consistency, these systems attain high throughput and availability while sustaining side effects on user experience and developer friendliness. Trading off consistency from latency has been a common consensus. An important but widely ignored problem is how to control the consistency of an existing system without the necessity of modifying the system implementation. In this paper, we present a systematic study on the client‐centric consistency of a NoSQL system, Cassandra, and disclose how the consistency can be substantially enhanced by tuning the system configurations when users use partial quorum settings. We use session guarantee as the consistency model and analyze the root cause of consistency violation, testifying that the length of the write queue is a reasonable indicator for consistency quantification. For inconsistency mitigation, we show through extensive experiments how the consistency is affected by the read and write processes of the system, and how the consistency can be improved by tuning system configurations. In particular, we provide developers with recommended configurations by changing the write thread number and the fine‐grained quorum setting for enhanced consistency control. Because consistency anomalies do not occur uniformly, we discuss how to stabilize the consistency by analyzing system logs.
A high output power and low phase noise GaN HEMT VCO with array of switchable inductors
Authors: Kao Hsuan‐Ling , Yeh Chih‐Sheng , Chiu Hsien‐Chin , Cho Cheng‐Lin , Cheng Chun‐Hu
Published: March 2017

This paper presents cross‐coupled voltage‐controlled oscillators (VCOs) involving array of switchable inductors (i.e., N = 1 and N = 2 switchable inductors) and implemented using gallium‐nitride high electron mobility transistors on Si substrate technology for worldwide interoperability for microwave access applications. Band selection and coarse frequency tuning were achieved using the array of switchable inductors, whereas fine tuning was controlled using varactors. Two bands were obtained using the one‐stage switchable inductor VCO operating in the ranges 3.41–3.57 GHz and 3.85–3.94 GHz. The VCO output power (Pout) was 21.8 dBm at 3.57 GHz from a 10‐V power supply. Four continuous bands were obtained using the two‐stage switchable inductors VCO operating in the range of 3.16–3.4, 3.25–3.64, 3.48–3.71 and 3.64–3.9 GHz, respectively. An additional band was generated by fine‐tuning the inductance through mutual coupling between the transmission line and one of the inductors. The proposed two‐stage switchable inductors VCO provided a 21% tuning range at frequencies ranging with a control voltage ranging from 12 to 20 V, a low phase noise of −123 dBc/Hz at a 1‐MHz offset from a 3.3‐GHz carrier and a Pout of 21 dBm at 3.5 GHz from a 10‐V power supply. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Attitudes toward orthorexia nervosa relative to DSM‐5 eating disorders
Authors: Simpson Courtney C. , Mazzeo Suzanne E.
Published: March 2017

Objective

A pattern of disordered eating involving a pathological fixation with healthy food consumption, labeled orthorexia nervosa (ON), has recently generated attention; however, research has not yet investigated perceptions of ON‐related behaviors. This study examined potential stigmatization of ON, compared with DSM‐5 ED diagnoses.

Method

Participants (N = 505) were randomly assigned to read a vignette depicting a woman with anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge‐eating disorder (BED), or ON. They then answered questions about the individual depicted in the vignette. A series of MANOVAs investigated whether opinions and beliefs about the person depicted varied as a function of the disorder described in the vignette.

Results

Individuals with ON were perceived as less likely to “improve with treatment” than individuals with BN, and less likely to “pull themselves together,” than individuals with BED. Individuals with ON and AN were viewed as “hard[er] to talk to” and more of a “danger to others” compared with individuals with BED. ON was viewed as less distressing, less likely to evoke sympathy, and more acceptable than the other disorders. Finally, “poor living choices” were perceived as contributing more substantially to ON. Participants' attributions of various personality characteristics did not differ based on ED diagnosis.

Discussion

Results suggest that ON is viewed as less severe, more desirable, and more often the result of personal life choices. However, findings also imply that ON is associated with stigma, similar to DSM‐5 EDs. These negative attitudes might reinforce ON behaviors, and limit awareness of their potential complications.