bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Security Critical Properties for the Dynamic Verification of a Processor
Authors: Zhang Rui , Stanley Natalie , Griggs Christopher , Chi Andrew , Sturton Cynthia
Published: May 2017

We present a methodology for identifying security critical properties for use in the dynamic verification of a processor. Such verification has been shown to be an effective way to prevent exploits of vulnerabilities in the processor, given a meaningful set of security properties. We use known processor errata to establish an initial set of security-critical invariants of the processor. We then use machine learning to infer an additional set of invariants that are not tied to any particular, known vulnerability, yet are critical to security.

We build a tool chain implementing the approach and evaluate it for the open-source OR1200 RISC processor. We find that our tool can identify 19 (86.4%) of the 22 manually crafted security-critical properties from prior work and generates 3 new security properties not covered in prior work.
Failure-Atomic Slotted Paging for Persistent Memory
Authors: Seo Jihye , Kim Wook-Hee , Baek Woongki , Nam Beomseok , Noh Sam H.
Published: May 2017

The slotted-page structure is a database page format commonly used for managing variable-length records. In this work, we develop a novel "failure-atomic slotted page structure" for persistent memory that leverages byte addressability and durability of persistent memory to minimize redundant write operations used to maintain consistency in traditional database systems. Failure-atomic slotted paging consists of two key elements: (i) in-place commit per page using hardware transactional memory and (ii) slot header logging that logs the commit mark of each page. The proposed scheme is implemented in SQLite and compared against NVWAL, the current state-of-the-art scheme. Our performance study shows that our failure-atomic slotted paging shows optimal performance for database transactions that insert a single record. For transactions that touch more than one database page, our proposed slot-header logging scheme minimizes the logging overhead by avoiding duplicating pages and logging only the metadata of the dirty pages. Overall, we find that our failure-atomic slotted-page management scheme reduces database logging overhead to 1/6 and improves query response time by up to 33% compared to NVWAL.
Role of apoptosis and autophagy in tuberculosis
Authors: Lam Adam , Prabhu Rohan , Gross Christine M. , Riesenberg Lee Ann , Singh Vinodkumar , Aggarwal Saurabh
Published: May 2017

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the oldest known human diseases and is transmitted by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). TB has a rich history with evidence of TB infections dating back to 5,800 b.c. TB is unique in its ability to remain latent in an individual for decades, with the possibility of later reactivation, causing widespread systemic symptoms. Currently, it is estimated that more than one-third of the world’s population (~2 billion people) are infected with Mtb. Prolonged periods of therapy and complexity of treatment regimens, especially in active infection, have led to poor compliance in patients being treated for TB. Therefore, it is vitally important to have a thorough knowledge of the pathophysiology of Mtb to understand the disease progression, as well as to develop novel diagnostic tests and treatments. Alveolar macrophages represent both the primary host cell and the first line of defense against the Mtb infection. Apoptosis and autophagy of macrophages play a vital role in the pathogenesis and also in the host defense against Mtb. This review will outline the role of these two cellular processes in defense against Mtb with particular emphasis on innate immunity and explore developing therapies aimed at altering host responses to the disease.
Marijuana smoke induces severe pulmonary hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, and emphysema in a predictive mouse model not via CB1 receptor activation
Authors: Helyes Z. , Kemény Á. , Csekő K. , Szőke É. , Elekes K. , Mester M. , Sándor K. , Perkecz A. , Kereskai L. , Márk L. , Bona Á. , Benkő A. , Pintér E. , Szolcsányi J. , Ledent C. , Sperlágh B. , Molnár T. F.
Published: May 2017

Sporadic clinical reports suggested that marijuana smoking induces spontaneous pneumothorax, but no animal models were available to validate these observations and to study the underlying mechanisms. Therefore, we performed a systematic study in CD1 mice as a predictive animal model and assessed the pathophysiological alterations in response to 4-mo-long whole body marijuana smoke with integrative methodologies in comparison with tobacco smoke. Bronchial responsiveness was measured with unrestrained whole body plethysmography, cell profile in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid with flow cytometry, myeloperoxidase activity with spectrophotometry, inflammatory cytokines with ELISA, and histopathological alterations with light microscopy. Daily marijuana inhalation evoked severe bronchial hyperreactivity after a week. Characteristic perivascular/peribronchial edema, atelectasis, apical emphysema, and neutrophil and macrophage infiltration developed after 1 mo of marijuana smoking; lymphocyte accumulation after 2 mo; macrophage-like giant cells, irregular or destroyed bronchial mucosa, goblet cell hyperplasia after 3 mo; and severe atelectasis, emphysema, obstructed or damaged bronchioles, and endothelial proliferation at 4 mo. Myeloperoxidase activity, inflammatory cell, and cytokine profile correlated with these changes. Airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation were not altered in mice lacking the CB1 cannabinoid receptor. In comparison, tobacco smoke induced hyperresponsiveness after 2 mo and significantly later caused inflammatory cell infiltration/activation with only mild emphysema. We provide the first systematic and comparative experimental evidence that marijuana causes severe airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, tissue destruction, and emphysema, which are not mediated by the CB1 receptor.
Transcriptome profiling reveals novel BMI- and sex-specific gene expression signatures for human cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Newman Mackenzie S. , Nguyen Tina , Watson Michael J. , Hull Robert W. , Yu Han-Gang
Published: May 2017

How obesity or sex may affect the gene expression profiles of human cardiac hypertrophy is unknown. We hypothesized that body-mass index (BMI) and sex can affect gene expression profiles of cardiac hypertrophy. Human heart tissues were grouped according to sex (male, female), BMI (lean<25 kg/m2, obese>30 kg/m2), or left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and non-LVH nonfailed controls (NF). We identified 24 differentially expressed (DE) genes comparing female with male samples. In obese subgroup, there were 236 DE genes comparing LVH with NF; in lean subgroup, there were seven DE genes comparing LVH with NF. In female subgroup, we identified 1,320 significant genes comparing LVH with NF; in male subgroup, there were 1,383 significant genes comparing LVH with NF. There were seven significant genes comparing obese LVH with lean NF; comparing male obese LVH with male lean NF samples we found 106 significant genes; comparing female obese LVH with male lean NF, we found no significant genes. Using absolute value of log2 fold-change > 2 or extremely small P value (10−20) as a criterion, we identified nine significant genes (HBA1, HBB, HIST1H2AC, GSTT1, MYL7, NPPA, NPPB, PDK4, PLA2G2A) in LVH, also found in published data set for ischemic and dilated cardiomyopathy in heart failure. We identified a potential gene expression signature that distinguishes between patients with high BMI or between men and women with cardiac hypertrophy. Expression of established biomarkers atrial natriuretic peptide A (NPPA) and B (NPPB) were already significantly increased in hypertrophy compared with controls.
Chromosome Painting in Trogon s. surrucura (Aves, Trogoniformes) Reveals a Karyotype Derived by Chromosomal Fissions, Fusions, and Inversions
Authors: Degrandi Tiago M. , del Valle Garnero Analía , O'Brien Patricia C.M. , Ferguson-Smith Malcolm A. , Kretschmer Rafael , de Oliveira Edivaldo H.C. , Gunski Ricardo J.
Published: May 2017

Trogons are forest birds with a wide distribution, being found in Africa, Asia, and America, and are included in the order Trogoniformes, family Trogonidae. Phylogenetic studies using molecular data have not been able to determine the phylogenetic relationship among the different genera of trogons. So far, no cytogenetic data for these birds exist. Hence, the aim of this study was to characterize the karyotype of Trogon surrucura surrucura by means of classical and molecular cytogenetics. We found a diploid chromosome number of 2n = 82, similar to most birds, with several derived features compared to chicken and the putative ancestral avian karyotype. T. s. surrucura showed 3 pairs of microchromosomes bearing 18S rDNA clusters. The Z and W sex chromosomes were of similar size but could readily be identified by morphological differences. Using chromosome painting with whole chromosome probes from Gallus gallus and Leucopternis albicollis, we found that the chromosomes homologous to chicken chromosomes 2 and 5 correspond to 2 different pairs in T. s. surrucura and L. albicollis, due to the occurrence of centric fissions. Paracentric inversions were detected in the segment homologous to chicken chromosome 1q, and we confirmed the recurrence of breakpoints when our results were compared to other species of birds already analyzed by FISH or by in silico genome assembly.
A Comparison of Mechanical Thrombectomy in the M1 and M2 Segments of the Middle Cerebral Artery: A Review of 585 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Bhogal Pervinder , Bücke Philipp , AlMatter Muhammad , Ganslandt Oliver , Bäzner Hansjörg , Henkes Hans , Aguilar Pérez Marta
Published: May 2017

Background: Mechanical thrombectomy for anterior-circulation large-vessel occlusion has shown benefit; however, the question of whether this technique is safe and effective in the distal vasculature remains unanswered. We sought to compare the outcome data from mechanical thrombectomy of the M2 branches of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) with those of the M1 segment. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of patients with acute ischaemic stroke undergoing mechanical thrombectomy of isolated M1 or M2 branches of the MCA between August 2008 and August 2016. Results: We identified 585 patients, 479 with M1 occlusions and 106 with M2 occlusions. The average age was 72 ± 12.8 and 68 ± 13.8 years, respectively (p = 0.007). The baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomographic (ASPECT) score was similar in both cohorts, but patients with M1 occlusions presented with higher mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores of 15.7 compared to 11.8 (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the average procedure time for each cohort; fewer thrombectomy attempts were required in the M2 cohort (2.3 vs. 1.8, p = 0.0004), but the overall time to recanalization was longer in the M2 cohort (353 vs. 399 min, p < 0.001). Similar rates of successful reperfusion (Thrombolysis in Ischaemic Stroke score [TICI] ≥2b 88.5 vs. 90.5%, p = 0.612) were seen, but food outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≤2) was lower in M1 occlusions (37.2 vs. 54.3%, p < 0.001). Rates of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage were similar. Conclusion: Good clinical outcomes can be achieved for both groups with no significant differences in procedure length, final TICI recanalization rates or intracranial haemorrhage between the M1 and M2 cohorts.
Materiais e criação em design e arquitetura: compartilhando experiências para a economia criativa
Authors: Dantas Denise , Bertoldi Cristiane Aun , Taralli Cibele Haddad
Published: May 2017

Entre 5 e 23 de setembro de 2016 a Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo da Universidade de São Paulo sediou o evento Materiais e Criação em Design e Arquitetura: compartilhando experiências para a economia criativa. Este evento foi organizado em parceria entre o LabDesign FAU USP e o Materiali e Design, do Politecnico di Milano, como parte das atividades do projeto Pesquisa em materiais e inovação para aplicação nas indústrias criativas nos campos do design e da arquitetura: a experiência do Politecnico di Milano trazida para o contexto brasileiro. As atividades contaram com a presença da Profa. Dra. Barbara Del Curto, docente e pesquisadora na área de materiais para o design e coordenadora do acervo Materiali e Design, materioteca na mesma instituição em funcionamento desde o ano 2000.
Móvel popular: design para a nova classe média
Authors: Curcio Gustavo Orlando Fudaba , Santos Maria Cecília Loschiavo dos
Published: May 2017

Este trabalho traz uma avaliação da capacidade de atuação de arquitetos e designers na escolha, distribuição e articulação dos objetos no ambiente da habitação popular no Brasil. Tem-se como grupo social alvo da pesquisa a Nova Classe Média Brasileira. Diante da impossibilidade de contratação dos serviços de um arquiteto ou designer de interiores, seja por falta de capital, seja por questão cultural, a Nova Classe Média, maior consumidora do país, acaba por escolher e comprar objetos e mobiliário doméstico sem o auxílio de um profissional da área. Esse processo empírico de escolha resulta em arranjos ineficazes que dificultam a circulação no espaço e acabam por prejudicar a qualidade de vida dessas famílias. Neste artigo, apresenta-se uma análise do processo de concepção, edição e estratégia de veiculação de revista popular de arquitetura e design pioneira no país, lançada em 2010. Unidades habitacionais do programa federal de produção de moradias Minha Casa, Minha Vida foram usadas como modelos de laboratório no decorrer da investigação. Comunicação, adaptação de linguagem, conceito de produção de conteúdo de arquitetura, design, reforma e construção para a Nova Classe Média e seus efeitos integram os resultados deste trabalho.
Tissue Factor Prothrombotic Activity Is Regulated by Integrin-arf6 Trafficking
Authors: Rothmeier Andrea S. , Marchese Patrizia , Langer Florian , Kamikubo Yuichi , Schaffner Florence , Cantor Joseph , Ginsberg Mark H. , Ruggeri Zaverio M. , Ruf Wolfram
Published: May 2017

Objective—

Coagulation initiation by tissue factor (TF) is regulated by cellular inhibitors, cell surface availability of procoagulant phosphatidylserine, and thiol-disulfide exchange. How these mechanisms contribute to keeping TF in a noncoagulant state and to generating prothrombotic TF remain incompletely understood.

Approach and Results—

Here, we study the activation of TF in primary macrophages by a combination of pharmacological, genetic, and biochemical approaches. We demonstrate that primed macrophages effectively control TF cell surface activity by receptor internalization. After cell injury, ATP signals through the purinergic receptor P2rx7 induce release of TF
+
microvesicles. TF cell surface availability for release onto microvesicles is regulated by the GTPase arf6 associated with integrin α4β1. Furthermore, microvesicles proteome analysis identifies activation of Gα
i2
as a participating factor in the release of microvesicles with prothrombotic activity in flowing blood. ATP not only prevents TF and phosphatidylserine internalization but also induces TF conversion to a conformation with high affinity for its ligand, coagulation factor VII. Although inhibition of dynamin-dependent internalization also exposes outer membrane procoagulant phosphatidylserine, the resulting TF
+
microvesicles distinctly lack protein disulfide isomerase and high affinity TF and fail to produce fibrin strands typical for microvesicles generated by thrombo-inflammatory P2rx7 activation.

Conclusions—

These data show that procoagulant phospholipid exposure is not sufficient and that TF affinity maturation is required to generate prothrombotic microvesicles from a variety of cell types. These findings are significant for understanding TF-initiated thrombosis and should be considered in designing functional microvesicles-based diagnostic approaches.
Management of Patients With Cardiac Arrest Complicating Myocardial Infarction in New York Before and After Public Reporting Policy Changes
Authors: Strom Jordan B. , McCabe James M. , Waldo Stephen W. , Pinto Duane S. , Kennedy Kevin F. , Feldman Dmitriy N. , Yeh Robert W.
Published: May 2017

Background—

In 2010, New York State began excluding selected patients with cardiac arrest and coma from publicly reported mortality statistics after percutaneous coronary intervention. We evaluated the effects of this exclusion on rates of coronary angiography, revascularization, and mortality among patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest.

Methods and Results—

Using statewide hospitalization files, we identified discharges for acute myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest January 2003 to December 2013 in New York and several comparator states. A difference-in-differences approach was used to evaluate the likelihood of coronary angiography, revascularization, and in-hospital mortality before and after 2010. A total of 26 379 patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest (5619 in New York) were included. Of these, 17 141 (65%) underwent coronary angiography, 12 183 (46.2%) underwent percutaneous coronary intervention, and 2832 (10.7%) underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. Before 2010, patients with cardiac arrest in New York were less likely to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention compared with referent states (adjusted relative risk, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.73–0.85;
P
<0.001). This relationship was unchanged after the policy change (adjusted relative risk, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.76–0.89; interaction
P
=0.359). Adjusted risks of in-hospital mortality between New York and comparator states after 2010 were also similar (adjusted relative risk, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.87–1.02;
P
=0.152 for post- versus pre-2010 in New York; adjusted relative risk, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.84–0.92;
P
<0.001 for comparator states; interaction
P
=0.103).

Conclusions—

Exclusion of selected cardiac arrest cases from public reporting was not associated with changes in rates of percutaneous coronary intervention or in-hospital mortality in New York. Rates of revascularization in New York for cardiac arrest patients were lower throughout.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Reduces Infarction Volume and Hemorrhagic Transformation Through ATP/NAD
+
/Sirt1 Pathway in Hyperglycemic Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Rats
Authors: Hu Qin , Manaenko Anatol , Bian Hetao , Guo Zongduo , Huang Jun-Long , Guo Zhen-Ni , Yang Peng , Tang Jiping , Zhang John H.
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose—

Energy depletion is a critical factor leading to cell death and brain dysfunction after ischemic stroke. In this study, we investigated whether energy depletion is involved in hyperglycemia-induced hemorrhagic transformation after ischemic stroke and determined the pathway underlying the beneficial effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO).

Methods—

After 2-hour middle cerebral artery occlusion, hyperglycemia was induced by injecting 50% dextrose (6 mL/kg) intraperitoneally at the onset of reperfusion. Immediately after it, rats were exposed to HBO at 2 atmospheres absolutes for 1 hour. ATP synthase inhibitor oligomycin A, nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase inhibitor FK866, or silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 siRNA was administrated for interventions. Infarct volume, hemorrhagic volume, and neurobehavioral deficits were recorded; the level of blood glucose, ATP, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and the activity of nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase were monitored; the expression of silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1, acetylated p53, acetylated nuclear factor-κB, and cleaved caspase 3 were detected by Western blots; and the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 was assayed by zymography.

Results—

Hyperglycemia deteriorated energy metabolism and reduced the level of ATP and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and exaggerated hemorrhagic transformation, blood–brain barrier disruption, and neurological deficits after middle cerebral artery occlusion. HBO treatment increased the levels of the ATP and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and consequently increased silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1, resulting in attenuation of hemorrhagic transformation, brain infarction, as well as improvement of neurological function in hyperglycemic middle cerebral artery occlusion rats.

Conclusions—

HBO induced activation of ATP/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide/silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 pathway and protected blood–brain barrier in hyperglycemic middle cerebral artery occlusion rats. HBO might be promising approach for treatment of acute ischemic stroke patients, especially patients with diabetes mellitus or treated with r-tPA (recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator).
Clinical Correlates, Ethnic Differences, and Prognostic Implications of Perivascular Spaces in Transient Ischemic Attack and Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Lau Kui-Kai , Li Linxin , Lovelock Caroline E. , Zamboni Giovanna , Chan Tsz-Tai , Chiang Man-Fung , Lo Kin-Ting , Küker Wilhelm , Mak Henry Ka-Fung , Rothwell Peter M.
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose—

Perivascular spaces (PVSs) are considered markers of small vessel disease. However, their long-term prognostic implications in transient ischemic attack/ischemic stroke patients are unknown. Ethnic differences in PVS prevalence are also unknown.

Methods—

Two independent prospective studies were conducted, 1 comprising predominantly whites with transient ischemic attack/ischemic stroke (OXVASC [Oxford Vascular] study) and 1 comprising predominantly Chinese with ischemic stroke (University of Hong Kong). Clinical and imaging correlates, prognostic implications for stroke and death, and ethnic differences in basal ganglia (BG) and centrum semiovale (CS) PVSs were studied with adjustment for age, sex, vascular risk factors, and scanner strength.

Results—

Whites with transient ischemic attack/ischemic stroke (n=1028) had a higher prevalence of both BG and CS-PVSs compared with Chinese (n=974; >20 BG-PVSs: 22.4% versus 7.1%; >20 CS-PVSs: 45.8% versus 10.4%;
P
<0.0001). More than 20 BG or CS-PVSs were both associated with increasing age and white matter hyperintensity, although associations with BG-PVSs were stronger (all
P
<0.0001). During 6924 patient-years of follow-up, BG-PVSs were also independently associated with an increased risk of recurrent ischemic stroke (adjusted hazard ratio compared with <11 PVSs, 11–20 PVSs: HR, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.78–1.68; >20 PVSs: HR, 1.82; 1.18–2.80;
P
=0.011) but not intracerebral hemorrhage (
P
=0.10) or all-cause mortality (
P
=0.16). CS-PVSs were not associated with recurrent stroke (
P
=0.57) or mortality (
P
=0.072). Prognostic associations were similar in both cohorts.

Conclusions—

Over and above ethnic differences in frequency of PVSs in transient ischemic attack/ischemic stroke patients, BG and CS-PVSs had similar risk factors, but although >20 BG-PVSs were associated with an increased risk of recurrent ischemic stroke, CS-PVSs were not.
An Embodied Imago Dei
Authors: Joustra Jessica
Published: May 2017

This paper argues that Herman Bavinck’s understanding of the Imago Dei is an important resource in conversations on race. While Bavinck does not specifically discuss racial differences within the context of the Imago Dei, his theology provides valuable resources for constructive conversations on race and diversity. Bavinck’s rejection of unilateral conceptions of the Imago Dei, alongside his understanding of the whole person as the image of God, leads to an affirmation of the spiritual and physical aspects of humanity. Bavinck’s view, a necessarily embodied understanding, has an explicit bearing on our understanding of the body as well as our understanding of social relationships. The particularity and universality of humanity, grounded in Bavinck’s understanding of the Imago Dei, presents a means of holding together an affirmation of the uniqueness and value of racial identity alongside of the deep unity that exists amongst humanity that transcends race.
On Two Reasons Christian Theologians Should Reject The Intermediate State
Authors: Turner James T.
Published: May 2017

Typically, Christian theology includes an understanding of human afterlife consisting of two stages. The first is a disembodied existence as an immaterial being in the time between death and resurrection. Normally, it’s affirmed that some disembodied humans go to Heaven/Paradise between one’s death and resurrection; this is a state I call The Intermediate State. The second stage is the bodily resurrection. In this paper, I focus on The Intermediate State. Though the majority of the Christian tradition affirms it, I think it’s mistaken. To show two reasons why, I argue that a traditional metaphysics of human persons deployed to explicate The Intermediate State brings with it one or the other of at least two untoward consequences for Christian theology.
Statistical Downscaling of a High-Resolution Precipitation Reanalysis Using the Analog Ensemble Method
Authors: Keller Jan D. , Delle Monache Luca , Alessandrini Stefano
Published: May 2017

This study explores the first application of an analog-based method to downscale precipitation estimates from a regional reanalysis. The utilized analog ensemble (AnEn) approach defines a metric with which a set of analogs (i.e., the ensemble) can be sampled from the observations in the training period. From the determined AnEn estimates, the uncertainty of the generated precipitation time series also can easily be assessed. The study investigates tuning parameters of AnEn, such as the choice of predictors or the ensemble size, to optimize the performance. The approach is implemented and tuned on the basis of a set of over 700 rain gauges with 6-hourly measurements for Germany and a 6.2-km regional reanalysis for Europe, which provides the predictors. The obtained AnEn estimates are evaluated against the observations over a 4-yr verification period. With respect to deterministic quality, the results show that AnEn is able to outperform the reanalysis itself depending on location and precipitation intensity. Further, AnEn produces superior results in probabilistic measures against a random-ensemble approach as well as a logistic regression. As a proof of concept, the described implementation allows for the estimation of synthetic probabilistic observation time series for periods for which measurements are not available.
Spatiotemporal Decompositions of Summer Drought in China and Its Teleconnection with Global Sea Surface Temperatures during 1901–2012
Authors: Zhang Yaxin , Wu Mengxi , Li Delong , Liu Yonggang , Li Shuangcheng
Published: May 2017

The teleconnection between the summer (June–August) Palmer drought severity index (PDSI) in China and seasonal global sea surface temperatures (SSTs) is investigated at both spatial and temporal scales during 1901–2012. Three pairs of coupled spatial patterns for China’s PDSI and global SST anomalies are identified using the singular value decomposition (SVD) method. With a combination of ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) and multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis, it is found that the first mode, the sea ice loss–global warming pattern, causes wetness over north and northeastern China and drying over Inner Mongolia. The North Pacific Current (NPC) mode shows that a warmer NPC corresponds to a wetter summer over eastern China and a drier one over the Tibetan Plateau. Both NPC and Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) affect moisture variability in northern China and over the Tibetan Plateau, with the NPC mode more important in the centennial scale, while the PDO mode is more important in the multidecadal scale.
Determination of Metal Elements in Wine Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)
Authors: Bocková Jana , Tian Ye , Yin Hualiang , Delepine-Gilon Nicole , Chen Yanping , Veis Pavel , Yu Jin
Published: May 2017

We developed a method for sensitive elemental analysis of wines using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). In order to overcome the inefficiency of direct ablation of bulk wine (an organic liquid), a thin layer of wine residue was prepared on a metallic target according to an appropriated heating procedure applied to an amount of liquid wine dropped on the target surface. The obtained ensemble was thus ablated. Such a sample preparation procedure used a very small volume of 2 mL of wine and took only 30 min without reagent or solvent. The results show the detection of tens of metal and non-metal elements including majors (Na, Mg, K, Ca), minors, and traces (Li, B, Si, P, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Ba, and Pb) in wines purchased from local supermarkets and from different production places in France. Commercially available wines were then spiked with certified standard solutions of Ti and Fe. Three series of laboratory reference samples were thus prepared using three different wines (a red wine and a white wine from a same production region and a red wine from another production region) with concentrations of Ti and Fe in the range of 1–40 mg/L. Calibration graphs established with the spiked samples allowed extracting the figures-of-merit parameters of the method for wine analysis such as the coefficient of determination ( R2) and the limits of detection and quantification (LOD and LOQ). The calibration curves built with the three wines were then compared. We studied the residual matrix effect between these wines in the determination of the concentrations of Ti and Fe.
Substantivity of Carbodiimide Inhibition on Dentinal Enzyme Activity over Time
Authors: Mazzoni A. , Angeloni V. , Sartori N. , Duarte S. , Maravic T. , Tjäderhane L. , Pashley D.H. , Tay F.R. , Breschi L.
Published: May 2017

The use of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide HCl (EDC) has recently been investigated for its effectiveness in the prevention of collagen degradation over time and the improvement of resin-dentin bond durability. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a 0.3 M EDC-containing conditioner on endogenous enzymatic activities within the hybrid layer (HL) created by a self-etch or an etch-and-rinse adhesive after 1 y. The activity within the HL was examined using in situ zymography and confocal laser scanning microscopy after 24 h or 1-y storage in artificial saliva. Dentin specimens were bonded with Clearfil SE Bond (CSE) or XP Bond (XPB). For CSE, the self-etching primer was applied and treated with 0.3 M EDC for 1 min, and then the bonding agent was applied. For XPB, dentin was etched and treated with 0.3 M EDC for 1 min and then bonded with the primer-bonding agent. Control specimens were prepared without EDC treatment. Slices containing the adhesive-dentin interface were covered with fluorescein-conjugated gelatin and observed with a multiphoton confocal microscope. Fluorescence intensity emitted by hydrolyzed fluorescein-conjugated gelatin was quantified, and the amount of gelatinolytic activity was represented by the percentage of green fluorescence emitted within the HL. After 24 h of storage, enzymatic activity was detected by in situ zymography within the HLs of both tested adhesives, with XPB higher than CSE ( P < 0.05). Almost no fluorescence signal was detected when specimens were pretreated with EDC compared to controls ( P < 0.05). After 1 y of storage, enzymatic activities significantly increased for all groups (excluding XPB control) compared to 24-h storage ( P < 0.05), with EDC pretreated specimens exhibiting significantly lower activity than controls ( P < 0.05). The present study showed, for the first time, that the use of EDC for both the self-etch and the etch-and-rinse approaches results in the reduction but not complete inhibition of matrix-bound collagenolytic enzyme activities over time in the HL.
An Analysis of First-Grade Writing Profiles and Their Relationship to Compositional Quality
Authors: Coker David L. , Ritchey Kristen D. , Uribe-Zarain Ximena , Jennings Austin S.
Published: May 2017

To help all students meet the writing expectations of the Common Core State Standards, researchers need a deeper understanding of the characteristics of struggling writers. The purpose of this study was to explore the writing profiles of students including those who have or are at risk for writing disabilities. First-grade students ( N = 391) were assessed at the end of the school year using three writing assessments (spelling, sentence writing fluency, writing achievement). The researchers used latent profile analysis to identify students as fitting into one of five profiles (At Risk, Low Fluency, Low Writing, Average, and Above Average). Students also wrote narrative and descriptive texts that were scored multiple ways. The researchers used confirmatory factor analysis to identify four common factors: quality/length, spelling, mechanics, and syntax. Students in the At Risk profile wrote narratives and descriptions that scored lower on all aspects of writing when compared to students in the Average and Above Average profiles. These findings provide further evidence of the distinct difference among writers as early as first grade, and they offer insight into the characteristics of at-risk writers. The implications of these findings for instruction and assessment and directions for future research are described.
Effect of surface density and fiber length on the porosity and permeability of nonwoven flax reinforcement
Authors: Habibi Mohamed , Ruiz Édu , Lebrun Gilbert , Laperrière Luc
Published: May 2017

This paper presents an experimental study and modeling of the influence of surface density and fiber length on the permeability of novel nonwoven flax fiber manufactured by the paper making process. Firstly, the relation between surface density, fiber lengths and pore size distribution measured with a porometer capillary instrument is reported in this study. The results show that higher surface density gives a denser fibrous network with a low porosity rate and longer fiber decreases the total number of fibers and increases the pore size for a given surface density. A liquid permeability study was then carried out to identify the impact of surface density, short fiber length and fiber volume fraction on in-plane impregnation of the reinforcement. Permeability was found to be inversely proportional to the reinforcement of surface density. In contrast, an increase of the fiber length increases the in-plane permeability of the reinforcement. Finally, a mathematical modeling is proposed to predict the permeability behavior of these innovative natural fiber webs.
Durable superhydrophobic and antimicrobial cotton fabrics prepared by electrostatic assembly of polyhexamethylene biguanide and subsequent hydrophobization
Authors: Patil Amol J , Zhao Yan , Liu Xin , Wang Xungai
Published: May 2017

Growing evidence shows that healthcare textiles act as reservoirs of pathogens responsible for healthcare-associated infections. Fabrics fortified with antimicrobial and superhydrophobic properties are slowly emerging as an ideal weapon to tackle these infections, because of their bactericidal and fluid-repellent functionalities. In this work, such dual functional fabrics were developed by depositing polyhexamethylene biguanide on cotton fabrics, followed by inclusion of an epoxy alkane/epoxy cross-linker. A layer-by-layer technique was employed for the incorporation of polyhexamethylene biguanide in place of the conventional single layer ionic (carboxylate anions of cellulose and cationic polyhexamethylene biguanide) interaction. The role of the epoxy cross-linker is paramount as it achieves cross-linking of polyhexamethylene biguanide chains and also ensures the anchoring of epoxyalkane to polyhexamethylene biguanide chains through amine–epoxy reaction. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of polyhexamethylene biguanide and epoxyhexadecane on the fabric surfaces. The fabric surfaces exhibited high static water contact angles (>150°) and lower water shedding angle (<20°). The fabrics demonstrated impressive antimicrobial performance against Escherichia coli bacterial species. Importantly, in a separate protocol, the fabrics also decreased attachment of Escherichia coli cells by 70%, thus confirming their potential in the prevention of biofilm formation. Both the antimicrobial property and superhydrophobicity were retained after 50 equivalent home laundering cycles.
The Role of Augmented Reality for Experience-Influenced Environments: The Case of Cultural Heritage Tourism in Korea
Authors: Chung Namho , Lee Hyunae , Kim Jin-Young , Koo Chulmo
Published: May 2017

In cultural heritage sites around the globe, augmented reality (AR) is being utilized as a tool to provide visitors with better experiences while preserving the integrity of the sites. However, little research has examined the impact of AR on customers’ attitudes and behavioral intentions toward the sites. By integrating the post-acceptance model of information systems (IS) continuance, balance theory, and the theory of reasoned action (TRA), we investigate the causal mechanism underlying consumers’ beliefs about AR (perceived advantage, aesthetic experience, and perceived enjoyment) and AR satisfaction in conjunction with the attitudes and behavioral intentions toward the destination. The results show that the perceived advantage and aesthetics of AR influence AR satisfaction. In turn, AR satisfaction affects behavioral intentions toward the heritage destination, indirectly via the attitude toward the destination through AR. Based on these findings, we present theoretical and practical implications as well as suggestions for future research.
An Integrated Model of Pop Culture Fans’ Travel Decision-Making Processes
Authors: Lee SoJung , Song HakJun , Lee Choong-Ki , Petrick James F.
Published: May 2017

This study integrated the Model of Goal-directed Behavior (MGB) and the Attention, Interest, Desire, and Actions (AIDA) model into a conceptual framework to examine how pop culture influences decisions to visit a pop culture–featured destination. Findings revealed that visit intentions were significantly influenced by variables in the two models (MGB and AIDA), highlighting that attention to pop culture and positive anticipated emotions played important roles in unifying them. Results suggest that the integrated framework offers a comprehensive and coherent perspective on the complicated decision-making process of pop culture fans, which enhances the explanatory power for predicting future intentions. Thus, this paper offers an innovative approach to integrating models from the disciplines of psychology and advertising.
Characterization of cenosphere-reinforced vinyl ester composites
Authors: Vimalathithan PK , Vijayakumar CT
Published: May 2017

Vinyl ester resin particulate composite plates having varying loading of cenosphere (150 µm) were fabricated using highly polished glass plates as moulds. The addition of cenosphere in the vinyl ester matrix has a significant effect on thermal, mechanical and dielectric properties. From the thermogravimetric analysis of the composites, one can infer that both the thermal degradation mechanism and the rate of thermal degradation are not affected by the incorporation of cenospheres in the vinyl ester resin, which can be credited both to the high thermal stability and the chemical inertness of cenospheres. The high specific strength and the probable uniform distribution of the cenospheres in the cured matrix are found to have an impact on the mechanical properties (tensile strength and flexural modulus) of the composites, with the optimum strength being observed when the loading of cenospheres in the matrix is 2–7% of weight proportion. The inhomogeneity between the cenosphere and the vinyl ester matrix can be related to the variation in the dielectric breakdown strength and dielectric constant of the composite.
Putting Yourself on the Line: Self-Esteem and Expressing Affection in Romantic Relationships
Authors: Luerssen Anna , Jhita Gugan Jote , Ayduk Ozlem
Published: May 2017

Although expressing affection is an important way to connect to a romantic partner, it also involves putting yourself on the line—revealing dependence on your partner. Extending the risk-regulation model, we hypothesized that individuals with lower self-esteem (SE), who are concerned about vulnerability in relationships, experience less rewarding reactions to expressing affection, and believe that their partners respond less positively to receiving affection. We assessed these predictions across two studies that measured retrospective reports, reactions to an in vivo exchange and responses in daily life. We found that participants with lower SE expressed less affection and experienced less positive emotional, cognitive, and physiological reactions when doing so. Participants with lower SE believed that their partners derived fewer benefits from their affection despite that their partners experienced normative boosts in positive emotion and relationship satisfaction during these exchanges. The consequences of these findings for relationship functioning and SE are discussed.
Parameter Recovery in Multidimensional Item Response Theory Models Under Complexity and Nonnormality
Authors: Svetina Dubravka , Valdivia Arturo , Underhill Stephanie , Dai Shenghai , Wang Xiaolin
Published: May 2017

Information about the psychometric properties of items can be highly useful in assessment development, for example, in item response theory (IRT) applications and computerized adaptive testing. Although literature on parameter recovery in unidimensional IRT abounds, less is known about parameter recovery in multidimensional IRT (MIRT), notably when tests exhibit complex structures or when latent traits are nonnormal. The current simulation study focuses on investigation of the effects of complex item structures and the shape of examinees’ latent trait distributions on item parameter recovery in compensatory MIRT models for dichotomous items. Outcome variables included bias and root mean square error. Results indicated that when latent traits were skewed, item parameter recovery was generally adversely impacted. In addition, the presence of complexity contributed to decreases in the precision of parameter recovery, particularly for discrimination parameters along one dimension when at least one latent trait was generated as skewed.
The Palestinian Knot: The ‘New Anti-Semitism’, Islamophobia and the Question of Postcolonial Europe
Authors: Bobako Monika
Published: May 2017

In the course of 20th-century European history Jews and Arabs, as well as Jews and Muslims, were put in the position of a ‘civilizational’ conflict that is not only political but also quasi-metaphysical. This article examines an impact of the conflict on the attitudes towards anti-Semitism and Islamophobia and considers Islamophobic implications of the ‘new anti-Semitism’ discourse. A thesis of the text is that both the struggle against anti-Semitism and Islamophobia and the one against the mechanism creating, in certain circumstances, a kind of negative feedback loop between them requires not only opposing the anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim prejudices, but also a deep, critical reconsideration of the concepts of Europeanness that lie at their foundation. The author suggests that a good starting point for this reconsideration might be the postcolonial reading of the Jewish intellectual tradition, especially the one focusing on the figure of the Mizrahi Jew.
Could Sci-Hub become a quicksand for authors?
Authors: Novo Luís A. B. , Onishi Viviani C.
Published: May 2017

Sci-Hub has shaken the pillars of scholarly publishing, providing free access to millions of paywall-protected scientific articles. Along the way, it has also challenged the hegemony of major publishers and a system propelled by scientometrics. Here we posit a scenario in which the myriad of papers offered by Sci-Hub could trigger a sudden flip to gold open-access, dragging authors into an even more restricting paywall.
Invasive Front Grading and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Canine Oral and Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Nagamine E. , Hirayama K. , Matsuda K. , Okamoto M. , Ohmachi T. , Uchida K. , Kadosawa T. , Taniyama H.
Published: May 2017

Oral and cutaneous tissues are the most frequent origin in canine squamous cell carcinoma (SSC). In SCC, changes in adhesion molecule expression and transition from epithelial to mesenchymal phenotype are thought to be important in development of invasive behavior of neoplastic cells at the leading front of the tumor. We therefore investigated histological invasive front grading and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in both oral SCCs and cutaneous SCCs. EMT was assessed by evaluating immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin, β-catenin, desmoglein, vimentin, and N-cadherin. Regardless of the anatomic location, invasive front grading resulted in higher histological grades than grading of the surface. Most oral SCCs were of significantly higher histologic grade than cutaneous SCCs ( P < .01). Expression of E-cadherin, β-catenin, and desmoglein was significantly lower in oral SCC compared with cutaneous SCC ( P < .01). A significant association was found between invasive front grading and loss of E-cadherin, β-catenin, and desmoglein ( P < .01). Also, vimentin-positive neoplastic cells had low immunoreactivity of these adhesion molecules, and a few of these neoplastic cells were positive for N-cadherin. These results suggest not only E-cadherin and β-catenin but also desmoglein as markers for predicting biological behavior of canine SCC. Depending on their primary sites, EMT correlates with biological behavior and therefore histological grade of canine SCC. We suggest that combining invasive front grading with assessment of immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin, β-catenin, and desmoglein may allow more accurate prediction of biological behavior of canine SCCs.
Learning to Labor, Love, and Live: Shaping the Good Neoliberal Citizen in State Work and Marriage Programs
Authors: Randles Jennifer , Woodward Kerry
Published: May 2017

Promoting work and marriage were primary aims of the 1996 welfare reform bill, yet implementation of these dual goals has not been analyzed comparatively. In analyzing our respective ethnographic data from government-funded work and marriage classes, we identified similarities in the programs’ focus on teaching the cognitive and emotional skills presumed to comprise what we call the good neoliberal citizen. Drawing on the programs’ curricula and our class observations, we reveal how both pillars of welfare reform sought to promote individual responsibility and economic self-sufficiency among poor parents by teaching skill-based strategies for regulating participants’ thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. We argue that by framing economic mobility as the result of learned capacities for skillful self-regulation and proper planning in the realms of work and family, welfare programs’ attempts to create good neoliberal citizens obscure the structural factors that sustain poverty and the need for welfare.
Examining Federal Criminal Sentencing of White-Collar and Common Property Offenders: The Case of Embezzlement and Larceny
Authors: Testa Alexander
Published: May 2017

This study addresses the question of whether those charged with embezzlement—an offense characterized as a white-collar crime—are punished leniently, severely, or approximately the same compared with similarly situated larceny offenders—an offense characterized as a non–white-collar property crime—in federal criminal proceedings. To assess this question, the current study uses propensity score matching techniques to create a comparable sample of embezzlement and larceny offenders. Using data from the United States Sentencing Commission on individuals sentenced from years 2005 to 2010, the current study finds embezzlement offenders are more likely to be sentenced to incarceration relative to larceny offenders. In addition, the findings suggest that embezzlement offenders did not have a significantly higher likelihood of receiving a sentence of incarceration in the years following the onset of the Global Financial Crisis.