bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteomic analysis of hair shafts from monozygotic twins: Expression profiles and genetically variant peptides
Authors: Wu Pei‐Wen , Mason Katelyn E. , Durbin‐Johnson Blythe P. , Salemi Michelle , Phinney Brett S. , Rocke David M. , Parker Glendon J. , Rice Robert H.
Published: May 2017

Forensic association of hair shaft evidence with individuals is currently assessed by comparing mitochondrial DNA haplotypes of reference and casework samples, primarily for exclusionary purposes. Present work tests and validates more recent proteomic approaches to extract quantitative transcriptional and genetic information from hair samples of monozygotic twin pairs, which would be predicted to partition away from unrelated individuals if the datasets contain identifying information. Protein expression profiles and polymorphic, genetically variant hair peptides were generated from ten pairs of monozygotic twins. Profiling using the protein tryptic digests revealed that samples from identical twins had typically an order of magnitude fewer protein expression differences than unrelated individuals. The data did not indicate that the degree of difference within twin pairs increased with age. In parallel, data from the digests were used to detect genetically variant peptides that result from common nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes expressed in the hair follicle. Compilation of the variants permitted sorting of the samples by hierarchical clustering, permitting accurate matching of twin pairs. The results demonstrate that genetic differences are detectable by proteomic methods and provide a framework for developing quantitative statistical estimates of personal identification that increase the value of hair shaft evidence.
Losing the breast: A meta‐synthesis of the impact in women breast cancer survivors
Authors: Sun Lingshan , Ang Emily , Ang Wei How Darryl , Lopez Violeta
Published: May 2017

Objectives

To summarise qualitative studies exploring the impact of losing the breast in women breast cancer survivors.

Methods

We identify, appraise, and synthesise 12 qualitative studies from 2000 to 2015. Quality appraisal of the studies was examined using the Critical Appraisal Skill Programme Checklist and Sandelowski and Barroso's step to synthesise the findings.

Results

The age of women in these studies ranged from 30 to 77 years. Losing the breast was regarded as disfigurement resulting in a discrepancy between self and societal image of a woman. Two themes were identified: (1) changes in identity and (2) coping with the changes in identity. The findings showed that women breast cancer survivors experienced both negative and positive impact of losing the breast; however, women were able to cope the changes in identity and live with the discrepancy.

Conclusions

The perceptions of losing the breast were filled with contradictions, tensions, and uncertainties while negotiating the discrepancy between the “self and body” and the societal expectations of femininity and womanhood. There is a need to develop personalised care plan for women who are going for mastectomy who may have high risk of developing negative perceptions of losing the breast and continue to support those women who have more positive perceptions of losing the breast.
Exhaled nitric oxide, pulmonary function, and disease activity in children with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Deerojanawong Jitladda , Leartphichalak Pitchaya , Chanakul Ankanee , Sritippayawan Suchada , Samransamruajkit Rujipat
Published: May 2017

Aim

To determine the association among fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), pulmonary function, and disease activity in children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Children aged 7–18 years, diagnosed with SLE under the criteria of the American Rheumatism Association (revised 2012), were enrolled. All eligible participants had disease activity, FENO, and pulmonary function evaluated and re‐evaluated at 6‐month follow‐up.

Results

Twenty‐four children (95.8% female; mean age 15.2 ± 2 years; median disease duration 2.4 years) were studied. The mean FENO1 and FENO2 were 19.6 ± 7.2 parts per billion (ppb) and 17.4 ± 4.5 ppb, respectively. At baseline, 20.8% had abnormal pulmonary functions (all restrictive defects) and increased to 29.2% at follow‐up (isolated restrictive defect 25% and restrictive with diffusion defect 4.2%). Most of their disease activities at baseline and second assessment were non‐active (58.3%, 70.8%) or mild disease activities (20.8% both). There was significant correlation between FENO and disease activity (r = 0.49; P‐value = 0.02). The significant negative correlation between total lung capacity (TLC) and disease activity was detected in children with active SLE (r = −0.71; P‐value = 0.02).

Conclusion

Decreased TLC and high FENO were common in SLE children who had no respiratory symptoms and correlated with disease activity. FENO should be considered as an additional pulmonary function to evaluate disease activity in children with SLE.
T‐type voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels do not contribute to the negative feedback regulation of myogenic tone in murine superior epigastric arteries
Authors: Mullan Brendan , Pettis Jessica , Jackson William F.
Published: May 2017

T‐type voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels (CaV3.2 VGCC) have been hypothesized to control spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) through large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channels (BKCa), and contribute to the negative‐feedback regulation of myogenic tone. We tested this hypothesis in superior epigastric arteries (SEAs) isolated from male C57BL/6 mice. SEAs were isolated and enzymatically dissociated to obtain single smooth muscle cells (SMCs) for whole‐cell recording of paxilline‐sensitive (PAX, 1 μmol/L) STOCs at −30 mV, or cannulated and studied by pressure myography (80 cm H2O, 37°C). The CaV3.2 blocker Ni2+ (30 μmol/L) had no effect on STOC amplitude (20.1 ± 1.7 pA vs. 20.6 ± 1.7 pA; n = 12, P = 0.6), but increased STOC frequency (0.79 ± 0.15 Hz vs. 1.21 ± 0.22 Hz; n = 12, P = 0.02). Although Ni2+ produced concentration‐dependent constriction of isolated, pressurized SEAs (logEC50 = −5.8 ± 0.09; Emax = 72 ± 5% constriction), block of BKCa with PAX had no effect on vasoconstriction induced by 30 μmol/L Ni2+ (in the absence of PAX = 66 ± 4% constriction vs. in the presence of 1 μmol/L PAX = 65 ± 4% constriction; n = 7, P = 0.06). In contrast to Ni2+, the nonselective T‐type blocker, mibefradil, produced only vasodilation (logEC50 = −6.9 ± 0.2; Emax = 74 ± 8% dilation), whereas the putative T‐type blocker, ML218, had no significant effect on myogenic tone between 10 nmol/L and 10 μmol/L (n = 6–7, P = 0.59). Our data do not support a role for CaV3.2 VGCC in the negative‐feedback regulation of myogenic tone in murine SEAs and suggest that Ni2+ may constrict SEAs by means other than block of CaV3.2 VGCC.
Genetic variation within species and haplotypes of the Wiseana (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae) complex and development of non‐sequenced based identification tools to aid field studies
Authors: Richards Nicola K , Mansfield Sarah , Townsend Richard J , Ferguson Colin M
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Porina is the common name used to describe moths and caterpillars of the seven endemic species and three haplotypes of Wiseana in New Zealand. Several species have adapted to eating introduced pasture plants; however, a paucity of defining morphological characteristics has meant that porina are grouped as indistinguishable species within a complex. This study aimed to develop non‐sequencing identification methods for porina species.

RESULTS

We sequenced 1718 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase genes for all Wiseana species and haplotypes using 75 specimens collected from 42 sites throughout New Zealand. Two identification methods were developed; the high‐resolution melt method uses 106 bp of the cytochrome oxidase I gene, and the restriction fragment polymorphism method uses a larger 700 bp region from the same gene. Validation was performed on a further 275 specimens. Melt curve profiles varied more with population heterogeneity than digest results. In both methods, W. mimica and W. jocosa were inseparable. W. fuliginea grouped with W. mimica and W. jocosa in the restriction method, but the melt curve profile differed.

CONCLUSION

Until now, ecological studies of porina at the species level have been implausible. Our non‐sequencing based methods allow rapid identification of moths and caterpillars to species and haplotype level, paving the way for ecological studies of pasture pest species and the development of species‐specific mitigation strategies. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Delay‐dependent fault‐tolerant controller for time‐delay systems with randomly occurring uncertainties
Authors: Sakthivel Rathinasamy , Sakthivel Ramalingam , Selvaraj Palanisamy , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: May 2017

This paper addresses the passivity‐based
control problem for a class of time‐varying delay systems subject to nonlinear actuator faults and randomly occurring uncertainties via fault‐tolerant controller. More precisely, the uncertainties are described in terms of stochastic variables, which satisfies Bernoulli distribution, and the existence of actuator faults are assumed not only linear but also nonlinear, which is a more general one. The main objective of this paper is to design a state feedback‐reliable controller such that the resulting closed‐loop time‐delay system is stochastically stable under a prescribed mixed
and passivity performance level γ>0 in the presence of all admissible uncertainties and actuator faults. Based on Lyapunov stability method and some integral inequality techniques, a new set of sufficient conditions is obtained in terms of linear matrix inequality (LMI) constraints to ensure the asymptotic stability of the considered system. Moreover, the control design parameters can be computed by solving a set of LMI constraints. Finally, two examples including a quarter‐car model are provided to show the efficiency and usefulness of the proposed control scheme. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Supervisory control of DC‐DC bidirectional converter for advanced aeronautic applications
Authors: Cavallo Alberto , Canciello Giacomo , Guida Beniamino
Published: May 2017

In this paper, a sliding manifold‐based control strategy is used for controlling a bidirectional DC‐DC converter for aeronautic applications. The proposed design follows a 2‐level strategy, where low‐level controllers are designed first, then a high‐level supervisor is used for scheduling the low‐level controllers. Different from previous approaches, each of the low‐level controlled system is a globally exponentially stable closed‐loop system, thus resulting into simpler conditions for the stability of the overall system. Moreover, stability of the supervisory strategy is rigorously proved by using a suitable Lyapunov function. Finally, a switching implementation is also considered. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed strategy is shown by detailed simulations in Matlab/Stateflow/SymPowerSystem.
Free‐Standing Holey Ni(OH)2 Nanosheets with Enhanced Activity for Water Oxidation
Authors: Kong Xiangkai , Zhang Changlin , Hwang Sang Youp , Chen Qianwang , Peng Zhenmeng
Published: May 2017

Electrochemical water oxidation is the key technology in water‐splitting reactions and rechargeable metal–air batteries, which is very attractive for renewable energy conversion and storage. Replacement of precious catalysts with cost‐effective and highly active alternatives is still a great challenge. Herein, based on theoretical predictions, holey structures are designed and fabricated on the free‐standing conventional 2D OER catalyst. By well‐controlled defects engineering, uniform tiny holes are created on the free‐standing Ni(OH)2 nanosheets via a sol–gel method, with the embedded Zn components as the template for holes production. The whole preparation process is feasible and effective to make full use of the basal plane of 2D nanomaterials, which can provide higher surface area, richer defects, more grain boundaries, and edge sites, as well as greater distorted surfaces. Meanwhile, these holes developed inside the sheet structure can supply tremendous permeable channels for ions adsorption and transportation, enable a fast interfacial charge transfer and accelerate the reaction process. The as‐prepared 2D holey Ni(OH)2 nanostructures exhibit excellent catalytic performance toward electrochemical water oxidation, with lower onset overpotentials and higher current densities compared with the pristine Ni(OH)2 catalyst, suggesting the holey defects engineering is a promising strategy for efficient water‐splitting devices and rechargeable metal–air batteries.
Pilot study of safety and feasibility of DNA microseeding for treatment of spontaneous canine melanoma
Authors: Zuleger Cindy L. , Kang Chulhi , Ranheim Erik A. , Kurzman Ilene D. , Macklin Michael D. , Newton Michael A. , Wolchok Jedd D. , Vail David M. , Eriksson Elof , Albertini Mark R.
Published: May 2017

Spontaneous canine malignant melanoma provides an excellent pre‐clinical model to study DNA vaccines for melanoma immunotherapy. A USDA‐approved xenogeneic human tyrosinase (huTYR) plasmid DNA vaccine delivered intramuscularly induces detectable immune responses and has clinical activity in some dogs with melanoma. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and immunogenicity of huTYR plasmid DNA administered to the skin via microseeding in dogs with spontaneous melanoma. DNA microseeding utilizes a modified tattooing device as an alternate and potentially more potent delivery method for DNA immunization. DNA was delivered to shaved inner thigh skin of six companion dogs with melanoma approximately every 14 days for a planned total of four vaccination time points. An anti‐huTYR ELISA was used to test pre‐ and post‐treatment sera. Biopsies of treated skin were obtained for detection of huTYR transgene expression. DNA microseeding was well tolerated with no significant toxicity detected beyond local site irritation, and there were no signs of autoimmunity. huTYR‐expressing cells were observed in biopsies of huTYR DNA microseeding sites. Increased humoral anti‐huTYR antibodies were seen in two of five evaluable dogs following microseeding compared to baseline. DNA microseeding is well tolerated in companion dogs with melanoma. Further investigation is needed to determine if combining DNA microseeding with other immunotherapy regimens potentiates this delivery platform for cancer immunotherapy.
The best models of metabolism
Authors: Voit Eberhard O.
Published: May 2017

Biochemical systems are among of the oldest application areas of mathematical modeling. Spanning a time period of over one hundred years, the repertoire of options for structuring a model and for formulating reactions has been constantly growing, and yet, it is still unclear whether or to what degree some models are better than others and how the modeler is to choose among them. In fact, the variety of options has become overwhelming and difficult to maneuver for novices and experts alike. This review outlines the metabolic model design process and discusses the numerous choices for modeling frameworks and mathematical representations. It tries to be inclusive, even though it cannot be complete, and introduces the various modeling options in a manner that is as unbiased as that is feasible. However, the review does end with personal recommendations for the choices of default models. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2017, 9:e1391. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1391

This article is categorized under:

Analytical and Computational Methods > Dynamical Methods

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Mechanistic Models

Biological Mechanisms > Metabolism
Black holes and random matrices
Authors: Cotler Jordan S. , Gur-Ari Guy , Hanada Masanori , Polchinski Joseph , Saad Phil , Shenker Stephen H. , Stanford Douglas , Streicher Alexandre , Tezuka Masaki
Published: May 2017

Abstract

We argue that the late time behavior of horizon fluctuations in large anti-de Sitter (AdS) black holes is governed by the random matrix dynamics characteristic of quantum chaotic systems. Our main tool is the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev (SYK) model, which we use as a simple model of a black hole. We use an analytically continued partition function |Z(β + it)|2 as well as correlation functions as diagnostics. Using numerical techniques we establish random matrix behavior at late times. We determine the early time behavior exactly in a double scaling limit, giving us a plausible estimate for the crossover time to random matrix behavior. We use these ideas to formulate a conjecture about general large AdS black holes, like those dual to 4D super-Yang-Mills theory, giving a provisional estimate of the crossover time. We make some preliminary comments about challenges to understanding the late time dynamics from a bulk point of view.
Isolation of Non‐methylene Interrupted or Acetylenic Fatty Acids from Seed Oils Using Semi‐preparative Supercritical Chromatography
Authors: Montañés Fernando , Tallon Stephen , Catchpole Owen
Published: May 2017

Preparative scale supercritical fluid chromatography was used for isolating and purifying uncommon non‐methylene interrupted or acetylenic polyunsaturated fatty acids ethyl esters from seed oils. Fractionation of Biota orientalis seed oil ethyl esters was performed by supercritical fluid chromatography to obtain juniperonic acid [(5Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)‐eicosa‐5,11,14,17‐tetraenoic acid], a non‐methylene interrupted polyunsaturated fatty acid. Fractionation of sandalwood seed oil ethyl esters yielded ximenynic acid [(E)‐octadec‐11‐en‐9‐ynoic acid], an acetylenic polyunsaturated fatty acid. The effects of CO2 flow rate, column stationary phase and particle size were explored to optimize ximenynic and juniperonic ethyl ester recovery and purity from ethyl ester mixtures using online UV/Vis detection. Particle size, followed by the stationary phase, were found to be the most important parameters to achieving good separation. Under optimized conditions, ximenynic and juniperonic ethyl ester purities greater than 99 and 95%, respectively, were achieved in a one step process without co‐solvent. The isolation and recovery of juniperonic acid from biota seed oil free fatty acids was also attempted. Using free fatty acids as the feed material, the non‐methylene interrupted polyunsaturated sciadonic acid was also able to be separated from other compounds including juniperonic acid under some conditions, and gave an increase in concentration of more than 17 times.
Provenance of bar-top Sediments at Tons River near Allahabad
Authors: Das S. S. , Singh Atul Kumar , Singh Nisha
Published: May 2017

The bar-top sediments at the Tons river deposited mainly from the suspension current during waning stage condition of river are collected to study their provenance on the basis of clay mineralogy, heavy minerals and magnetic properties. The clay mineral assemblages in samples predominantly consist of illite, with minor amounts of kaolinite, smectite and chlorite. The clay minerals are contributed due to (i) weathering and decomposition of shales, argillaceous limestones and pyroclastic deposits of upper Vindhyan Groups and (ii) weathering and erosion of Banda plain of Gangetic alluvium. The low ZTR index for the studied samples indicates poor sediment maturity, rapid erosion in the source region and short transportation of detritus. The transparent heavy mineral assemblages in the sediment samples predominantly consist of garnet, with minor amounts of tourmaline, zircon, hornblende, enstatite, hypersthene, rutile, tremolite, kyanite, sillimanite, andalusite, chlorite, epidote, wollastonite, and staurolite. The heavy minerals are dominantly angular to sub-angular with some rounded to sub-rounded grains. The rounded grains indicate multicyclicity and derivation from Vindhyan sandstones. The angular grains are either contributed due to erosion of primary rocks of Bundelkhand gneissic complex and or various Gangetic alluviums. The magnetic properties from sediment samples indicate that the antiferro-magnetic minerals (illite, chlorite and smectite) are more concentrated in clay sized particles and it also indicated mixed source rocks for the bar-top sediment of Tons river.
Mineralogy, Petrography and Micro-chemical Characteristics of Enclaves of Mylonitic BIFs within Sukinda Ultramafic Complex, Odisha
Authors: Sharma P. , Mohapatra B. K. , Nayak P. K. , Mishra S. , Singh P. P.
Published: May 2017

Elongated NE-SW trending bodies of iron-rich rock are exposed adjacent to pyroxenite dyke within Sukinda ultramafic complex, Odisha. Field study followed by optical and electron microscopy, XRD and EPMA investigation reveal the rocks to be fine grained, weathered, limonitised; containing quartz, magnetite, hematite/martite and goethite. The rock has suffered from deformation during intrusion of chromiferous magma. It rarely shows banding/lamination, but largely exhibits mylonitic fabric, resulting from magmatic intrusion. The stronger deformation is evident from sub-grain formation, deformed mineral grains; often with orientation, stretching (boudinage) and shortening (folding); presence of porphyroclasts, pull-apart structure, undulose extinction, dynamic recrystallisation etc. From the microstructure and mineral abundance, the rock is designated as “Mylonitic Magentite Quartzite” (MMQ).

Enrichment of some elements like Ni, Mg, Cr in the magnetite phase of MMQ is attributed to solid state diffusion of these elements from chromiferous mafic magma during thermal metamorphism. This is determined from electron probe microanalysis of iron-rich phase in MMQ, which is found to contain 88-90 wt% of FeO(t) with ~1%, NiO, ~1%, MgO and 0.1% Cr2O3 having around 3 mole% of trevorite; 4-6% of magnesioferrite; 0.15-0.3% of chromite; 86-87% of magnetite and 3-4% of wustite. Considering presence of wustite as temperature indicator, the temperature of magma envisaged to be around 950-1100°C.

In a later period, the MMQ has undergone oxidation and lateritisation owing to its prolonged exposure. During this process, new minerals like hematite and goethite substituted magnetite, resulting leaching of iron (FeO: 62-68%) and magnesium (MgO: 0.1-0.35) and enrichment of chromium (Cr2O3:4-7%) and nickel (NiO: 1.6-2.3%). The silica (SiO2: 4-5%), alumina (Al2O3:~1%) are contributed by kaolinite, formed during lateritisation.

The field and laboratory studies confirm these iron-rich exposures to be enclaves of BIFs, banded magnetite quartzite (BMQ) in particular, within the Sukinda chromiferous ultra-mafic complex. Micro-structural features and microchemical composition of iron minerals in these exposures are interpreted as the influence of forceful ultramafic intrusion into the existing BMQ and effect of thermal metamorphism followed by oxidation, weathering/lateritisation.
Laws of Formation and Criteria for Predicting Nickel Content in Weathering Crusts of East Kazakhstan
Authors: Dyachkov Boris A. , Amralinova Bakytzhan B. , Mataybaeva Indira E. , Dolgopolova Alla V. , Mizerny Arkady I. , Miroshnikova Anastassiya P.
Published: May 2017

The article considers from the theoretical point of new global tectonics the geological conditions of formation, peculiar features of material composition, and criteria for predicting deposits of nickeliferous weathering crusts of east Kazakhstan. According to geotectonic zoning, this territory includes geological structures of the Big Altai (BA), which is part of the central Asian mobile belt. The ore-controlling role is assigned to the area of global interaction of the Kazakhstan and Siberian paleocontinents during the stage of the Hercynian collision (Ñ1-Ñ3) followed by the formation of the Zaisan suture zone, the structure of which is represented by the Charsky-Gornostaevsky ophiolite belt (suture stitch). During the Hercynian cycle of tectogenesis, main gold fields of the regions appeared in the Zaisan suture (gold-quartz, gold-sulphide, gold-listvenite, etc.) in a collision situation, controlled by a system of deep faults of the crust and mantle type. In similar tectonic environment, large stockwork gold deposits were formed in Rudny Altai, north Kazakhstan, and other regions. During the Cimmerian cycle, the residual weathering crust deposits of Au, Ti-Zr, Ni-Co were formed in the region of continental rifting. The article emphasizes the spatial association of silicate cobalt-nickel deposits to the outputs of serpentinized ultrabasites of the Charsky-Gornostaevsky belt and provides a characteristic of the geological structure and material composition of nickel content in ores of the Belogorskoye and Gornostaevskoye standard deposits. Expansion of prospects depends on the possibility of growth of reserves of cobalt and nickel ores on the flanks and deep horizons of the known ore fields and search for buried deposits in prospective areas determined by geological and geophysical studies.
Evaluation of user-guided semi-automatic decomposition tool for hexahedral mesh generation
Authors: Lu Jean Hsiang-Chun , Quadros William Roshan , Shimada Kenji
Published: May 2017

Volumetric decomposition is essential for all-hexahedral mesh generation. Because fully automatic decomposition methods that can generate high-quality hexahedral meshes for arbitrary volumes have yet to be realized, manual decomposition is still required frequently. Manual decomposition is a laborious process and requires a high level of user expertise. Therefore, a user-guided semi-automatic tool to reduce the human effort and lower the requirement of expertise is necessary. To date, only a few of these approaches have been proposed, and a lack of user evaluation makes it difficult to improve upon this approach. Based on our previous work, we present a user evaluation of a user-guided semi-automatic tool that provides visual guidance to assist users in determining decomposition solutions, accepts sketch-based inputs to create decomposition surfaces, and simplifies the decomposition commands. This user evaluation investigated (1) the usability of the visual guidance, (2) the types of visual guidance essential for decomposition, (3) the effectiveness of the sketch-based decomposition, and (4) the performance differences between beginner and experienced users using the sketch-based decomposition. The result and user feedback indicate that the tool enables users who have limited prior experience or familiarity with the computer-aided engineering software to perform volumetric decomposition more efficiently. The visual guidance increases the success rate of the user's decomposition solution by 28%. The sketch-based decomposition significantly reduces 46% of the user's time on creating decomposition surfaces and setting up decomposition commands.

Highlights Evaluations of the user-guided semi-automatic decomposition tool were performed. The visual guidance lowers the required user's expertise level. Sweeping schemes and sweepable regions are essential visual guidance to guide users. The sketch-based decomposition significantly reduces time cost and human efforts.
Arts Education as a Vehicle for Social Change: An Empirical Study of Eco Arts in the K-12 Classroom
Authors: Sams Jeniffer , Sams Doreen
Published: May 2017

Arts education has been part of the United States K-12 educational system for over a century. However, recent administrative policy decisions addressed theeconomic bottom lineand the 1983 report,A Nation at Risk, and complied with theNo Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001(U.S. Department of Education, 2001). These decisions resulted instandardisationof both core curricula and testing, leaving arts programs to function in a diminished capacity, curtailing both individuality and creative thinking. This study unpacks the role of the arts as change agents with the ability to: address current discourse; question ideologies and culture; convey complex problems in artistic form; engage the viewer in aesthetics; provide a perspective not found in regimented thinking; and empower creative problem solvers. This work also highlights the role of eco-art as a medium for addressing complex environmental challenges. The study also empirically examines, through a self-report survey, K-12 arts educators’ perceptions of integrating eco-arts into curricula. Findings revealed respondents’ desire to integrate eco-arts into the arts curricula and identified the most significantly perceived barriers to integration, as well as the role of policy on practicality. The authors also identify the study's limitations and recommend areas for future research.
Sweet syndrome presenting as a febrile rash in a returning traveller
Authors: Hart Alexander , Plenk Katharina , Carr David
Published: May 2017

Sweet syndrome was discovered in 1964 and is now well described in the dermatology literature. Knowledge of this unique febrile and painful dermatosis is important for the emergency physician because the syndrome can be readily identified and is extremely responsive to oral steroid therapy. Early diagnosis can greatly improve patient satisfaction and avoid days of ineffective treatment. An accurate and timely diagnosis of Sweet syndrome is also important to guide investigation into a number of associated diseases.
EXPERT-ORIENTED ABILITIES VS. NOVICE-ORIENTED ABILITIES: AN ALTERNATIVE ACCOUNT OF EPISTEMIC AUTHORITY
Authors: Croce Michel
Published: May 2017

According to a recent account of epistemic authority proposed by Linda Zagzebski (2012), it is rational for laypersons to believe on authority when they conscientiously judge that the authority is more likely to form true beliefs and avoid false ones than they are in some domain. Christoph Jäger (2016) has recently raised several objections to her view. By contrast, I argue that both theories fail to adequately capture what epistemic authority is, and I offer an alternative account grounded in the abilities that different kinds of authorities are required to possess.
Embedding gender equality into institutional strategy
Authors: Ahmed S.
Published: May 2017

The SiS (Sex in Science) Programme on the WGC (Wellcome Genome Campus) was established in 2011. Key participants include the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, EMB-EBI (EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute), Open Targets and Elixir. The key objectives are to catalyse cultural change, develop partnerships, communicate activities and champion our women in science work at a national and international level (http://www.sanger.ac.uk/about/sex-science). In this paper, we highlight some of the many initiatives that have taken place since 2013, to address gender inequality at the highest levels; the challenges we have faced and how we have overcome these, and the future direction of travel.
Towards an Immanent Conception of Economic Agency: Or, A Speech on Metaphysics to its Cultured Despisers
Authors: Yeomans Christopher , Litaker Justin
Published: May 2017

When it comes to social criticism of the economy, Critical Theory has thus far failed to discover specific immanent norms in that sphere of activity. In response, we propose that what is needed is to double down on the idealism of Critical Theory by taking seriously the sophisticated structure of agency developed in Hegel’s own account of freedom as self-determination. When we do so, we will see that the anti-metaphysical gestures of recent Critical Theory work in opposition to its attempts to develop immanent critique. In this paper we first briefly reconsider Axel Honneth’s project as it concerns economic institutions and then respond by returning to the problem of freedom and articulating a view according to which the problem of individual self-determination and the problem of social production are the same problem seen from different angles. Then we present briefly Hegel’s own social theory from this perspective before moving on to trace the outlines of such a critical theory of contemporary capitalism.
Poverty of Spirit within Party and Hookup Culture: Undergraduates' Engagement with Johann Metz
Authors: Beste Jennifer
Published: May 2017

In his work Poverty of Spirit, Johann Metz depicts Jesus Christ as embodying three aspects of poverty of spirit required to become fully human: (1) an affirmation of interdependence on God and others, (2) self-love (accepting human finitude and one's unique calling), and (3) love of neighbor as self. Drawing on a qualitative analysis of 150 students’ reflections on poverty of spirit within the context of party and hookup culture, this article explores the challenges US undergraduates face in following Christ's path of full humanity. Undergraduates’ own insights issue an urgent call to Catholic universities to respond proactively to the dehumanization, injustices, and forms of violence present in party and hookup culture. At stake is the integrity of Catholic higher education's mission to care for the whole person and form students into men and women “for others” who are committed to justice, solidarity, and the common good.
Management of Risks From Water and Ice From Ice Machines for the Very Immunocompromised Host: A Process Improvement Project Prompted by an Outbreak of Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria on a Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (Hsct) Unit
Authors: Guspiel Amanda , Menk Jeremiah , Streifel Andrew , Messinger Keith , Wagner John , Ferrieri Patricia , Kline Susan
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

In 2011, pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients were moved from an older hospital to a new children’s hospital. To minimize bacterial growth in the new hospital’s water during construction, the plumbing system was flushed and disinfected before occupancy. However, 6 months after occupancy, an increased incidence of rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) was detected in clinical cultures. Over 10 months, 15 pediatric HSCT patients were infected, while no pediatric HSCT patients had been infected in the preceding 12 months.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the cause of the outbreak and to interrupt patient acquisition of RGM.

METHODS

Water samples were collected from water entering the hospital and from drinking water and ice machines (DWIMs) from the old and new hospitals. Total heterotrophic plate counts (HPCs, CFU/mL) of water were undertaken, and select isolates were identified as RGM.

RESULTS

The cause of the outbreak was increased bacterial levels in the water (including RGM) in the DWIMs in the new (2011) hospital. Tests revealed higher HPCs in drinking water and ice from the DWIMs in the new hospital than in the DWIMs in the old hospital. Ultimately, HPCs were reduced by several different interventions.

CONCLUSION

In response to an RGM outbreak, HSCT patients were banned from ingesting DWIM ice and water and bottled water was provided. Since this interverntion 4 years ago, no additional RGM isolates have been identified in HSCT patient cultures. Our measures to reduce HPCs to goal levels in drinking water from DWIMs were successful, but the HPCs for ice have not consistently reached the goal of <500 CFU/mL.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2017;38:792–800
THE JIANG–SU ALGEBRA AS A FRAÏSSÉ LIMIT
Authors: MASUMOTO SHUHEI
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we give a self-contained and quite elementary proof that the class of all dimension drop algebras together with their distinguished faithful traces forms a Fraïssé class with the Jiang–Su algebra as its limit. We also show that the UHF algebras can be realized as Fraïssé limits of classes of C*-algebras of matrix-valued continuous functions on [0,1] with faithful traces.
Blood fatty acid changes in healthy young Americans in response to a 10-week diet that increasedn-3 and reducedn-6 fatty acid consumption: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Young Andrew J. , Marriott Bernadette P. , Champagne Catherine M. , Hawes Michael R. , Montain Scott J. , Johannsen Neil M. , Berry Kevin , Hibbeln Joseph R.
Published: May 2017

Military personnel generally under-consumen-3 fatty acids and overconsumen-6 fatty acids. In a placebo-controlled, double-blinded study, we investigated whether a diet suitable for implementation in military dining facilities and civilian cafeterias could benefitn-3/n-6 fatty acid status of consumers. Three volunteer groups were provided different diets for 10 weeks. Control (CON) participants consumed meals from the US Military’s Standard Garrison Dining Facility Menu. Experimental, moderate (EXP-Mod) and experimental-high (EXP-High) participants consumed the same meals, but highn-6 fatty acid and lown-3 fatty acid containing chicken, egg, oils and food ingredients were replaced with products having lessn-6 fatty acids and moren-3 fatty acids. The EXP-High participants also consumed smoothies containing 1000 mgn-3 fatty acids per serving, whereas other participants received placebo smoothies. Plasma and erythrocyte EPA and DHA in CON group remained unchanged throughout, whereas EPA, DHA and Omega-3 Index increased in EXP-Mod and EXP-High groups, and were higher than in CON group after 5 weeks. After 10 weeks, Omega-3 Index in EXP-High group had increased further. No participants exhibited changes in fasting plasma TAG, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, mood or emotional reactivity. Replacing high linoleic acid (LA) containing foods in dining facility menus with similar high oleic acid/low LA and highn-3 fatty acid foods can improven-6/n-3 blood fatty acid status after 5 weeks. The diets were well accepted and suitable for implementation in group feeding settings like military dining facilities and civilian cafeterias.
Selenium, selenoproteins and selenometabolites in mothers and babies at the time of birth
Authors: Santos Cristina , García-Fuentes Eduardo , Callejón-Leblic Belén , García-Barrera Tamara , Gómez-Ariza José Luis , Rayman Margaret P. , Velasco Inés
Published: May 2017

The deficiency of Se, an essential micronutrient, has been implicated in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Our study was designed to determine total serum Se, selenoproteins (extracellular glutathione peroxidase (GPx-3), selenoprotein P (SeP)), selenoalbumin (SeAlb) and selenometabolites in healthy women and their newborns at delivery. This cross-sectional study included eighty-three healthy mother–baby couples. Total Se and Se species concentrations were measured in maternal and umbilical cord sera by an in-series coupling of two-dimensional size-exclusion and affinity HPLC. Additional measurements of serum SeP concentration and of serum GPx-3 enzyme activity were carried out using ELISA. Total Se concentration was significantly higher in maternal serum than in cord serum (68·9 (sd15·2) and 56·1 (sd14·6) µg/l, respectively;P<0·01). There were significant correlations between selenoprotein and SeAlb concentrations in mothers and newborns, although they also showed significant differences in GPx-3 (11·2 (sd3·7)v. 10·5 (sd3·5) µg/l;P<0·01), SeP (42·5 (sd9·5)v. 28·1 (sd7·7) µg/l;P<0·01) and SeAlb (11·6 (sd3·6)v. 14·1 (sd4·3) µg/l;P<0·01) concentrations in maternal and cord sera, respectively. Serum GPx-3 activity and concentration were positively correlated in mothers (r0·33;P=0·038) but not in newborns. GPx-3 activity in cord serum was significantly correlated with gestational age (r0·44;P=0·009). SeAlb concentration was significantly higher in babies, whereas SeP and GPx-3 concentrations were significantly higher in mothers. The differences cannot be explained by simple diffusion; specific transfer mechanisms are probably involved. GPx-3 concentrations in mothers, at delivery, are related to maternal Se status, whereas the GPx-3 activity in cord serum depends on gestational age.
On the Sin of Adam and Eve: A Little-Known Defense of Marriage and Childbearing by Ambrosiaster
Authors: Hunter David G.
Published: May 2017

The rise of asceticism and its impact on Roman society in the fourth century have increasingly attracted the notice of scholars. Recent studies, such as Peter Brown's The Body and Society, have called attention to the transformation of civic and social values brought by the spread of ascetic piety. What is less frequently noted, however, is the degree of Christian resistance to asceticism which emerged in the late fourth century. The ascetic enthusiasm of men such as Jerome and Ambrose was not representative of that “silent majority” of Christians who married, raised children, and remained committed to civic and social life. It may even have been the case, as this study will suggest, that the majority was not as silent as it would appear. One need only recall the controversies surrounding Helvidius, Jovinian, and Vigilantius to be reminded that asceticism encountered vocal opposition in the West during the late fourth century.
How I do it: underwater endoscopic ear surgery for plugging in superior canal dehiscence syndrome
Authors: Yamauchi D , Hara Y , Hidaka H , Kawase T , Katori Y
Published: May 2017

Background:

Underwater endoscopic ear surgery does not require suction and so protects the inner ear from unexpected aeration that may damage its function in the treatment of labyrinthine fistula. A method of underwater endoscopic ear surgery is proposed for the treatment of superior canal dehiscence.

Methods:

Underwater endoscopic ear surgery was performed for plugging of the superior semicircular canal through the transmastoid approach. Saline solution was infused into the mastoid cavity through an Endo-Scrub Lens Cleaning Sheath. The tip of the inserted endoscope was filled completely with saline water.

Results:

Using this underwater endoscopic view, the canal was clearly dissected to expose the semicircular canal membranous labyrinth and dehiscence area. No particular complication occurred during the surgical procedure.

Conclusion:

The underwater endoscopic ear surgery technique for plugging in superior canal dehiscence secures an excellent visual field and protects the inner ear from unexpected aeration.
Solar wind collisional heating
Authors: Pezzi Oreste
Published: May 2017

To properly describe heating in weakly collisional turbulent plasmas such as the solar wind, interparticle collisions should be taken into account. Collisions can convert ordered energy into heat by means of irreversible relaxation towards the thermal equilibrium. Recently, Pezzi et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 116, 2016a, 145001) showed that the plasma collisionality is enhanced by the presence of fine structures in velocity space. Here, the analysis is extended by directly comparing the effects of the fully nonlinear Landau operator and a linearized Landau operator. By focusing on the relaxation towards the equilibrium of an out of equilibrium distribution function in a homogeneous force-free plasma, here it is pointed out that it is significant to retain nonlinearities in the collisional operator to quantify the importance of collisional effects. Although the presence of several characteristic times associated with the dissipation of different phase space structures is recovered in both the cases of the nonlinear and the linearized operators, the influence of these times is different in the two cases. In the linearized operator case, the recovered characteristic times are systematically larger than in the fully nonlinear operator case, this suggesting that fine velocity structures are dissipated more slowly if nonlinearities are neglected in the collisional operator.
Humiliation and Third-Party Aggression
Authors: Barnhart Joslyn
Published: May 2017

There is a growing consensus that status concerns drive state behavior. Although recent attention has been paid to when states are most likely to act on behalf of status concerns, very little is known about which actions states are most likely to engage in when their status is threatened. This article focuses on the effect of publicly humiliating international events as sources of status threat. Such events call into question a state's image in the eyes of others, thereby increasing the likelihood that the state will engage in reassertions of its status. The article presents a theory of status reassertion that outlines which states will be most likely to respond, as well as when and how they will be most likely to do so. The author argues that because high-status states have the most to lose from repeated humiliation, they will be relatively risk averse when reasserting their status. In contrast to prior work arguing that humiliation drives a need for revenge, the author demonstrates that great powers only rarely engage in direct revenge. Rather, they pursue the less risky option of projecting power abroad against weaker states to convey their intentions of remaining a great power. The validity of this theory is tested using an expanded and recoded data set of territorial change from 1816 to 2000. Great powers that have experienced a humiliating, involuntary territorial loss are more likely to attempt aggressive territorial gains in the future and, in particular, against third-party states.
The new politics of energy security and the rise of the catalytic state in southern Europe
Authors: Prontera Andrea
Published: May 2017

European energy security has recently emerged as an important topic of scholarly attention. Many studies have scrutinised the political and institutional innovations triggered by the establishment of the European Union internal energy market and external energy policy. However, the literature indicates a particularly striking gap between growing research and concept development, and only recently have efforts been made to analyse this current dynamic more accurately. By focussing on the security of gas supply and liquefied natural gas development in France, Italy and Spain, and extending the model of the catalytic state to the energy-security realm, this article contributes to the empirical and conceptual debate. In particular, the article argues that the catalytic state model, which emphasises the active role of governments in a liberalised market structure and their wide participation in a networked pattern of energy diplomacy, is better equipped than the regulatory state model to capture the new European politics of energy security.
Sorting, texture and structure
Authors: Barndorff-Nielsen O. E.
Published: May 2017

Synopsis

Sands are sorted by the actions of air and water. A mathematical–physical model for the ensuing spatial and temporal variations in the size distributions of the sand grains is outlined. A crucial element in aeolian sorting and transport of sand is the process that takes place when a saltating grain impinges on the sand surface. This raises the problem of describing the texture of sand surfaces. Some initial empirical and mathematical findings concerning this problem are discussed. A closely connected question is that of how the grains in a sand deposit are packed and how this relates to the size distribution. Voronoi tesselations in combination with random point processes seem to offer one useful approach to the question.