bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downregulation of Endothelial Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 4 Channel and Small-Conductance of Ca
2+
-Activated K
+
Channels Underpins Impaired Endothelium-Dependent Hyperpolarization in Hypertension
Authors: Seki Takunori , Goto Kenichi , Kiyohara Kanako , Kansui Yasuo , Murakami Noboru , Haga Yoshie , Ohtsubo Toshio , Matsumura Kiyoshi , Kitazono Takanari
Published: November 2016

Endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH)–mediated responses are impaired in hypertension, but the underlying mechanisms have not yet been determined. The activation of small- and intermediate-conductance of Ca
2+
-activated K
+
channels (SK
Ca
and IK
Ca
) underpins EDH-mediated responses. It was recently reported that Ca
2+
influx through endothelial transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 channel (TRPV4) is a prerequisite for the activation of SK
Ca
/IK
Ca
in endothelial cells in specific beds. Here, we attempted to determine whether the impairment of EDH in hypertension is attributable to the dysfunction of TRPV4 and S/IK
Ca
, using isolated superior mesenteric arteries of 20-week-old stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) and age-matched Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats. In the WKY arteries, EDH-mediated responses were reduced by a combination of SK
Ca
/IK
Ca
blockers (apamin plus TRAM-34; 1-[(2-chlorophenyl)diphenylmethl]-1
H
-pyrazole) and by the blockade of TRPV4 with the selective antagonist RN-1734 or HC-067047. In the SHRSP arteries, EDH-mediated hyperpolarization and relaxation were significantly impaired when compared with WKY. GSK1016790A, a selective TRPV4 activator, evoked robust hyperpolarization and relaxation in WKY arteries. In contrast, in SHRSP arteries, the GSK1016790A-evoked hyperpolarization was small and relaxation was absent. Hyperpolarization and relaxation to cyclohexyl-[2-(3,5-dimethyl-pyrazol-1-yl)-6-methyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amine, a selective SK
Ca
activator, were marginally decreased in SHRSP arteries compared with WKY arteries. The expression of endothelial TRPV4 and SK
Ca
protein was significantly decreased in the SHRSP mesenteric arteries compared with those of WKY, whereas function and expression of IK
Ca
were preserved in SHRSP arteries. These findings suggest that EDH-mediated responses are impaired in superior mesenteric arteries of SHRSP because of a reduction in both TRPV4 and SK
Ca
input to EDH.
Preclinical and Early Clinical Profile of a Highly Selective and Potent Oral Inhibitor of Aldosterone Synthase (CYP11B2)
Authors: Bogman Katrijn , Schwab Dietmar , Delporte Marie-Laure , Palermo Giuseppe , Amrein Kurt , Mohr Susanne , De Vera Mudry Maria Cristina , Brown Morris J. , Ferber Philippe
Published: November 2016

Primary hyperaldosteronism is a common cause of resistant hypertension. Aldosterone is produced in the adrenal by aldosterone synthase (AS, encoded by the gene CYP11B2). AS shares 93% homology to 11β-hydroxylase (encoded by the gene CYP11B1), responsible for cortisol production. This homology has hitherto impeded the development of a drug, which selectively suppresses aldosterone but not cortisol production, as a new treatment for primary hyperaldosteronism. We now report the development of RO6836191 as a potent (Ki 13 nmol/L) competitive inhibitor of AS, with in vitro selectivity >100-fold over 11β-hydroxylase. In cynomolgus monkeys challenged with synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone, single doses of RO6836191 inhibited aldosterone synthesis without affecting the adrenocorticotropic hormone–induced rise in cortisol. In repeat-dose toxicity studies in monkeys, RO6836191 reproduced the adrenal changes of the AS
−
/−
mouse: expansion of the zona glomerulosa; increased expression of AS (or disrupted green fluorescent protein gene in the AS
−/−
mouse); hypertrophy, proliferation, and apoptosis of zona glomerulosa cells. These changes in the monkey were partially reversible and partially preventable by electrolyte supplementation and treatment with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. In healthy subjects, single doses of RO6836191, across a 360-fold dose range, reduced plasma and urine aldosterone levels with maximum suppression at a dose of 10 mg, but unchanged cortisol, on adrenocorticotropic hormone challenge, up to 360 mg, and increase in the precursors 11-deoxycorticosterone and 11-deoxycortisol only at or >90 mg. In conclusion, RO6836191 demonstrates that it is possible to suppress aldosterone production completely in humans without affecting cortisol production.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01995383.
Therapeutic Potential of Progranulin in Hyperhomocysteinemia-Induced Cardiorenal Dysfunction
Authors: Fu Yi , Sun Yu , Zhou Meng , Wang Xiaojie , Wang Ziying , Wei Xinbing , Zhang Yan , Su Zeyu , Liang Kaili , Tang Wei , Yi Fan
Published: November 2016

Hyperhomocysteinemia (hHcys) is an important independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease and end-stage renal disease. Although multiple approaches lowering the levels of homocysteine have been used in experimental studies and clinical trials, there is no effective therapy available to fully prevent homocysteine-induced injury. Therefore, identifying key molecules in the pathogenic pathways may provide clues to develop new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of hHcys-associated injury beyond lowering the plasma homocysteine levels. In this study, we found that the levels of progranulin (PGRN), an autocrine growth factor, were significantly reduced in the kidney and heart from a mouse model of hHcys. We further observed that in hHcys, PGRN-deficient mice significantly exacerbated cardiorenal injury as evidenced by higher levels of urinary albumin excretion, more severe renal morphological injuries, including pronounced glomerular basement membrane thickening and podocyte foot process effacement, and adverse myocardial remodeling versus wild-type mice. Mechanistically, we found that PGRN-medicated Wnt/β-catenin signaling was one of the critical signal transduction pathways that links homocysteine to cardiorenal injury. Importantly, we finally provided direct evidence for the therapeutic potential of PGRN in mice with hHcys by pretreatment with recombinant human PGRN. Collectively, our results suggest that PGRN may be an innovative therapeutic strategy for treating patients with hHcys.
Beastly Diplomacy
Authors: Leira Halvard , Neumann Iver B.
Published: November 2016

Even if beastly iconography has been pervasive in international politics, the study of diplomacy has traditionally focused solely on man as a political animal. Animals in diplomacy have been treated as a curiosity. This article stakes a claim for a more serious engagement with beastly diplomacy, arguing that animals matter through their ontic status; by representing states; as diplomatic subjects; and as objects of diplomacy. The article places particular emphasis on how animals are a special kind of diplomatic gift, with a variety of meanings and functions. Taking animals seriously implies a rethinking of both the process and the outcomes of diplomacy.
Historiographic Counterfactuals and the Philosophy of Historiography
Authors: Tucker Aviezer
Published: November 2016

Philosophers and historians debate not only the correct analysis of historiographic counterfactuals and their possible utilities for historiography and its philosophy but whether they can be more than speculative. This introduction presents the articles in the special issue on historiographic counterfactuals, show how they hang together and what are the main agreements and disagreements among the authors. Finally, it argues that the debate over historiographic counterfactuals spills over now into the debate about applied or practical historiography, what we can learn from historiography.
Historical Explanations Always Involve Counterfactual History
Authors: Sunstein Cass R.
Published: November 2016

Historical explanations are a form of counterfactual history. To offer an explanation of what happened, historians have to identify causes, and whenever they identify causes, they immediately conjure up a counterfactual history, a parallel world. No one doubts that there is a great deal of distance between science fiction novelists and the world’s great historians, but along an important dimension, they are playing the same game.
Myrmeleon almohadarum sp. nov., from Spain and North Africa, with description of the larva (Neuroptera Myrmeleontidae)
Authors: BADANO DAVIDE , ACEVEDO FERNANDO , PANTALEONI ROBERTO A. , MONSERRAT VÍCTOR J.
Published: November 2016

A new antlion (Neuroptera Myrmeleontidae Myrmeleontini), Myrmeleon almohadarum  sp. nov., is described from southern Spain and Tunisia. The new taxon is closely related  to the mostly sympatric M. inconspicuus Rambur and M. mariaemathildae Pantaleoni, Cesaroni & Nicoli Aldini but differing in body pattern, wing venation and larval chaetotaxy. The validity of the new species is also supported by a phylogenetic analysis based on COI sequences. The larva of this new species is described and compared with congeners. M. almohadarum appears to be associated with sandy environments.
Nine new species of the genus Deinopteroloma Jansson, 1946 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Omaliinae: Anthophagini) from China and Vietnam
Authors: SHAVRIN ALEXEY V. , SMETANA ALEŠ
Published: November 2016

Nine new species of the genus Deinopteroloma Jansson, 1946 are described and illustrated: D. bisbisinuatum sp.n. and D. draco sp.n. from China, Sichuan (Gongga Shan), D. emeicola sp.n., D. minor sp.n., D. ruzickai sp.n., D. sextuberculatum sp.n. and D. yinyang sp.n. from China, Sichuan (Emei Shan), D. rougemonti sp.n. from China, Yunnan (Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture) and D. vesiculosum sp.n. from North Vietnam. Three species groups within the genus are identified and characterized and closely relationships among them are briefly discussed. A check-list and key to the species of Deinopteroloma are provided. The distribution of all described and recorded species is mapped. Additional records of D. spectabile Smetana, 1996 from Nepal are given.
Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients Implanted With Biodegradable Polymer Biolimus-Eluting Stents Versus New-Generation Durable Polymer Drug-Eluting Stents: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Choe Jeong Cheon , Cha Kwang Soo , Jang Hye Yoon , Choi Jong Hyun , Kim Bo Won , Ahn Jinhee , Park Jin Sup , Lee Hye Won , Oh Jun-Hyok , Choi Jung Hyun , Lee Han Cheol , Hong Taek Jong , Ahn Youngkeun , Jeong Myung Ho ,   the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry Investigators
Published: November 2016

We compared outcomes between biodegradable polymer biolimus-eluting stent (BP-BES) and new-generation durable polymer drug-eluting stent (DP-DES) implantations in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). Among 13472 patients with acute MI in a nationwide registry, 557 (64.8%) were in the BP-BES and 303 (35.2%) in the new-generation DP-DES group following coronary reperfusion. The occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE; death, MI, revascularization) and stent thrombosis was compared. Major adverse cardiac events occurred in 53 (6.2%) patients and showed similar rates between the BP-BES and new-generation DP-DES groups (all: 6.6% vs 5.9%, P = .652; propensity score [PS] matched: n = 380, 6.3% vs 5.3%, P = .623). Stent thrombosis did not differ between groups (all: 0.3% vs 0.4%, P = .892; PS matched: 0.5% vs 0.5%, P = 1.000). Major adverse cardiac event-free survival was comparable between groups (all: 93.4% vs 94.1%, log-rank P = .357; PS matched: 93.7% vs 94.7%, log-rank P = .445). Biodegradable polymer biolimus-eluting stent was not associated with MACE (all: hazard ratio [HR], 1.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-3.74; P = 0.212; PS matched: HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.40-2.75; P = .915). In conclusion, in patients with acute MI, BP-BES was equivalent to the new-generation DP-DES in terms of outcomes.
An Analysis of Human Dorsal Hand Skin Texture Using Hyperspectral Imaging Technique for Assessing the Skin Aging Process
Authors: Calin Mihaela Antonina , Parasca Sorin Viorel , Calin Marian Romeo , Petrescu Emil
Published: November 2016

Skin texture has become an important issue in recent research with applications in the cosmetic industry and medicine. In this paper, we analyzed the dependence of skin texture features on wavelength as well as on different parameters (age and gender) of human participants using grey-level co-occurrence matrix and hyperspectral imaging technique for a more accurate quantitative assessment of the aging process. A total of 42 healthy participants (men and women; age range, 20–70 years) was enrolled in this study. A region of interest was selected from the hyperspectral images. The results were analyzed in terms of texture using the gray-level co-occurrence matrix which generated four features (homogeneity, contrast, entropy, and correlation). The results showed that most of these features displayed variations with wavelength (the exception was entropy), with higher variations in women. Only correlation in both sexes and contrast in men proved to vary statistically significant with age, making them the targeted variables in future attempts to characterize aging skin using the complex method of hyperspectral imaging. In conclusion, by using hyperspectral imaging some measure of the degree of damage or the aging process of the hand skin can be obtained, mainly in terms of correlation values. At the present time, reasonable explanations that can link the process of skin aging and the above mentioned features could not be found, but deeper investigations are on the way.
Shortwave Infrared Imaging Spectroscopy for Analysis of Ancient Paintings
Authors: Wu Taixia , Li Guanghua , Yang Zehua , Zhang Hongming , Lei Yong , Wang Nan , Zhang Lifu
Published: November 2016

Spectral analysis is one of the main non-destructive techniques used to examine cultural relics. Hyperspectral imaging technology, especially on the shortwave infrared (SWIR) band, can clearly extract information from paintings, such as color, pigment composition, damage characteristics, and painting techniques. All of these characteristics have significant scientific and practical value in the study of ancient paintings and other relics and in their protection and restoration. In this study, an ancient painting, numbered Gu-6541, which had been found in the Forbidden City, served as a sample. A ground-based SWIR imaging spectrometer was used to produce hyperspectral images with high spatial and spectral resolution. Results indicated that SWIR imaging spectral data greatly facilitates the extraction of line features used in drafting, even using a single band image. It can be used to identify and classify mineral pigments used in paintings. These images can detect alterations and traces of daub used in painting corrections and, combined with hyperspectral data analysis methods such as band combination or principal component analysis, such information can be extracted to highlight outcomes of interest. In brief, the SWIR imaging spectral technique was found to have a highly favorable effect on the extraction of line features from drawings and on the identification of colors, classification of paintings, and extraction of hidden information.
Child Sleep Coaches
Authors: Mindell Jodi A. , Owens Judith A. , Babcock Debra , Crabtree Valerie McLaughlin , Ingram David
Published: November 2016

Given the genuine gaps in the availability of clinical sleep services for children, sleep coaching as a field has emerged and appears to be significantly increasing. Sleep coaches are typically individuals who provide individualized services, often via the Internet or phone, to families of infants and young children (and increasingly to older children, adolescents, and adults as well) with sleep problems. At this time, there is no universally accepted definition of sleep coach, nor are there clear guidelines regarding educational background, training requirements, scope of practice, or credentialing. To start to address the needs of families seeking the services of a sleep coach, educational materials were developed for parents and health care providers regarding issues to consider. Furthermore, there is a need going forward that (1) the designation sleep coach or consultant be clear and well defined, with a clear standard of care and scope of practice; (2) there is a standard core body of knowledge included in all training programs; (3) a certification process is developed for sleep coaches that is reputable and has recognizable and clear standards; and (4) that care for sleep problems in infants and young children are available to diverse populations, irrespective of socioeconomic status.
Historical Persecution Reaction Complex
Authors: Searcy Yan Dominic , Hines Resche D.
Published: November 2016

This original study examines the reluctance of oppressed populations to publicly criticize the recognized performance shortcomings of leaders who are members of their identity group. Using critical race theory (CRT), this article utilizes three case examples of Black American leadership that present evidence of what the authors identify as Historical Persecution Reaction Complex (HPRC). HPRC describes four elemental arguments reflecting an oppressed identity group’s attempt to protect itself from perceived further social marginalization, limit the exacerbation of oppression, and to preserve the identity group’s leadership gains in the larger society by supporting leadership despite recognized shortcomings in the leadership. Although asserting HPRC operates as a functional reaction to oppression by serving both as an act of cohesion and resistance to oppressive structures, the authors suggest that HPRC is paradoxically detrimental to oppressed identity groups due to maintaining substandard leadership.
Antimicrobial Peptides: Mechanisms of Action and Resistance
Authors: Bechinger B. , Gorr S.-U.
Published: November 2016

More than 40 antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) are expressed in the oral cavity. These AMPs have been organized into 6 functional groups, 1 of which, cationic AMPs, has received extensive attention in recent years for their promise as potential antibiotics. The goal of this review is to describe recent advances in our understanding of the diverse mechanisms of action of cationic AMPs and the bacterial resistance against these peptides. The recently developed peptide GL13K is used as an example to illustrate many of the discussed concepts. Cationic AMPs typically exhibit an amphipathic conformation, which allows increased interaction with negatively charged bacterial membranes. Peptides undergo changes in conformation and aggregation state in the presence of membranes; conversely, lipid conformation and packing can adapt to the presence of peptides. As a consequence, a single peptide can act through several mechanisms depending on the peptide’s structure, the peptide:lipid ratio, and the properties of the lipid membrane. Accumulating evidence shows that in addition to acting at the cell membrane, AMPs may act on the cell wall, inhibit protein folding or enzyme activity, or act intracellularly. Therefore, once a peptide has reached the cell wall, cell membrane, or its internal target, the difference in mechanism of action on gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria may be less pronounced than formerly assumed. While AMPs should not cause widespread resistance due to their preferential attack on the cell membrane, in cases where specific protein targets are involved, the possibility exists for genetic mutations and bacterial resistance. Indeed, the potential clinical use of AMPs has raised the concern that resistance to therapeutic AMPs could be associated with resistance to endogenous host-defense peptides. Current evidence suggests that this is a rare event that can be overcome by subtle structural modifications of an AMP.
Three-Dimensional Analysis of Enamel Crack Behavior Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Segarra M.S. , Shimada Y. , Sadr A. , Sumi Y. , Tagami J.
Published: November 2016

The aim of this study was to nondestructively analyze enamel crack behavior on different areas of teeth using 3D swept source-optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Ten freshly extracted human teeth of each type on each arch ( n = 80 teeth) were inspected for enamel crack patterns on functional, contact and nonfunctional, or noncontact areas using 3D SS-OCT. The predominant crack pattern for each location on each specimen was noted and analyzed. The OCT observations were validated by direct observations of sectioned specimens under confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Cracks appeared as bright lines with SS-OCT, with 3 crack patterns identified: Type I – superficial horizontal cracks; Type II – vertically (occluso-gingival) oriented cracks; and Type III – hybrid or complicated cracks, a combination of a Type I and Type III cracks, which may or may not be confluent with each other. Type II cracks were predominant on noncontacting surfaces of incisors and canines and nonfunctional cusps of posterior teeth. Type I and III cracks were predominant on the contacting surfaces of incisors, cusps of canines, and functional cusps of posterior teeth. Cracks originating from the dental-enamel junction and enamel tufts, crack deflections, and the initiation of new cracks within the enamel (internal cracks) were observed as bright areas. CLSM observations corroborated the SS-OCT findings. We found that crack pattern, tooth type, and the location of the crack on the tooth exhibited a strong correlation. We show that the use of 3D SS-OCT permits for the nondestructive 3D imaging and analysis of enamel crack behavior in whole human teeth in vitro. 3D SS-OCT possesses potential for use in clinical studies for the analysis of enamel crack behavior.
The Effects of Arrest, Reporting to the Police, and Victim Services on Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Xie Min , Lynch James P.
Published: November 2016

Objectives:

To estimate the effects of three types of responses to intimate partner violence: (1) reporting of crime to the police, (2) arresting the suspect, and (3) receiving services from agencies other than the police that assist victims of crime.

Methods:

We obtained a nationally representative sample of 2,221 victims, using longitudinal records from the area-identified National Crime Victimization Survey from 1996 through 2012. To reduce the threat of nonrandom selection into treatment, we estimated effects using propensity score matched and weighted survival analysis.

Results:

Victims’ probability of repeat victimization is not related to arrest (hazard ratio, 0.87; 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 0.55 to 1.40; p = .57). In contrast, the reporting of crime to the police is associated with a 34 percent reduction in the risk of repeat victimization (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95 percent CI, 0.53 to 0.82; p < .001), and the use of victim services is associated with a 40 percent reduction in the risk of repeat victimization (hazard ratio, 0.60; 95 percent CI, 0.44 to 0.83; p < .01).

Conclusions:

The results support a model in which the deterrent effect of arrest is not substantively important, but police notification and victim-centered services produce important reductions in repeat victimization.
Five-year study of unidentified/unclaimed and unknown deaths brought for medicolegal autopsy at Premier Hospital in New Delhi, India
Authors: Yadav Abhishek , Kumar Adarsh , Swain Rajanikanta , Gupta Sudhir Kumar
Published: November 2016

Delhi is the second largest city of the world both in terms of population and area, as well as being the capital of India. Every year, thousands of people from different states throng to the capital in search of a job in order to earn a living. When these people die and their bodies are found without any identifying documentation, it is very difficult for the police to establish their identities. These bodies are labelled as unidentified/unclaimed or unknown, and are sent for usually sent for medicolegal autopsy. Invariably, skeletonised bodies are also recovered, which are also subjected to medicolegal autopsy. Female foeticide is another social problem, and whenever such foetuses are disposed of illegally, they are also grouped under this category and brought for medicolegal autopsy. We undertook a five-year retrospective analysis (for the period 2010–2014) of all such cases brought for medicolegal autopsy at our centre, which caters only for the south and south-east districts of Delhi. A total of 7964 cases were brought for medicolegal autopsy, of which unknown cases accounted for about 16%. About 25–30 foetuses and skeletonised bodies were brought each year that was studied. The manner of death was certified as natural in about 71% of cases, with predominant pathology in the lungs. There was a clear predominance of males over females, with the 31- to 50-year age group accounting for half of all cases. There was an increase in the number of deaths during months of extreme temperatures. The average time between the recovery of a body by the police and the post-mortem was about seven days. These findings raise many questions, including the failure of governmental policies, police investigating agencies and social menace. The creation of a national missing-persons database as well as a DNA databank is needed to aid in the identification of unidentified/unclaimed and unknown bodies.
Unique microstructure of kapok fibers in longitudinal microscopic images
Authors: Hu Lixia , Wang Fumei , Xu Guangbiao , Xu Bugao
Published: November 2016

This paper is focused on investigating the microstructure of kapok fiber through the observation of residual deformation and fracture morphology of kapok fibers in longitudinal microscopic images. By comparing the morphology of kapok fibers before and after different treatments, unique weak spiral lines inside the cell wall were found. The spiral lines that divide the cell wall into a wound ribbon appear to be the weak locations (e.g., the fracture or bending points) of the fiber. The damage mechanism of kapok fibers in assemblies was summarized. Details of structures inside the ribbon were also examined to reveal that macro-fibrils of 0.2 µm in diameter and >1.0 µm in length were packed neatly along the fiber axial on the surface. A framework of the multi-assembly structure of kapok fiber was summarized.
Comparison of airf low environmental effects on thermal fabrics
Authors: Tong Jiahui , Zhao Yuanfang , Yang Chenxiao , Li Li
Published: November 2016

Smart thermal textiles are becoming increasingly popular and temperature precision is one of the important targets in their industrialization and commercialization. Some thermal products do not rely on temperature sensors but rather the input electric current pulse to achieve thermal control. In this situation, the surrounding environment, especially ventilation, can greatly affect the thermal control process.

Therefore, in this paper, a case study of an apparel system will be provided to study the effect of airflow on the heating process of thermal fabric. The relationship between temperature precision and ventilation is determined when the air flows at any angle to the surface of the thermal fabric. The results show that the thermal conductivity is proportional to the wind speed when the wind speed is high; in contrast, when the wind speed is near to zero, the thermal conductivity of the thermal fabric will not proportionally tend to zero as the result of self-generated heat transfer. This research also shows that the air inflow angle and the wind direction has little effect on the heat dissipation of thermal fabric. This research may generate the data archive and become a valuable reference for future soft thermal studies. It is expected that the developed system will span multidisciplinary gaps and contribute to a new form in a precise and controllable way within the textile industry.
Automatic foot scanning and measurement based on multiple RGB-depth cameras
Authors: Wu Ge , Li Duan , Hu Pengpeng , Zhong Yueqi , Pan Ning
Published: November 2016

In this paper, a system with six depth cameras was built to scan both feet simultaneously. An improved calibration method based on a T-shaped checkerboard was used to calculate the extrinsic parameters of the cameras. T-shaped virtual checkerboards were introduced to further fine-tune the accuracy of calibration based on the iterative closest point algorithm. Based on the proposed foot scanner, a complete procedure was introduced to measure the foot automatically by locating the anatomical landmarks without manual intervention. Various experiments were presented to validate the performance of the scanner and the measurements. The results verified that the proposed methods were efficient and versatile for three-dimensional foot scanning and measurement.
Effect of silane hydrolysis on the interfacial adhesion of carbon nanotubes/glass fiber fabric-reinforced multiscale composites
Authors: Zeng Shaohua , Shen Mingxia , Duan Pengpeng , Xue Yijiao , Wang Zhuying
Published: November 2016

Three types of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MCNTs)/glass fiber fabrics (MGf) were prepared by dispersing industrial-grade MCNTs onto commercial E-glass fiber fabrics (GFfs) through an ultrasonic-assisted impregnation deposition method. The multiscale MGf-reinforced composites were fabricated by the vacuum infusion process. The effect of γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APS) or APS hydrolysis on the MCNT dispersion and the interfacial bonding between MCNTs and glass fiber were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and their flexural stiffness, respectively. The interfacial adhesion of MGf composites was evaluated by interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The results indicated that MCNTs on the MGf surface could form an interpenetrating network and act as anchors to interlock glass fiber with epoxy. The initial storage modulus and glass transition temperature of the MGf composites clearly increased, while the first loss factor of the MGf composites decreased by 30.0–45.0% compared with that of the GFf composite. Whether or not APS was hydrolyzed, it helped the MCNTs disperse on the GFf surface by chemical bonds. The ILSS of the multiscale composite with APS-treated MCNTs was enhanced significantly, while that with hydrolyzed APS-treated MCNTs (MGf-h) had a slight increase. APS hydrolysis increased the flexural rigidity of the MGf-h.
The Effect of Sample Heterogeneity and Risk Categorization on Area Under the Curve Predictive Validity Metrics
Authors: Howard Philip D.
Published: November 2016

Forensic researchers often assume that the widely used area under the curve (AUC) predictive validity statistic can be readily compared across risk assessment instruments and between studies. From risk distributions for 224,771 convicted English and Welsh offenders, I quantify the extent to which the AUCs of two continuously scored actuarial instruments are dependent upon sample heterogeneity and risk categorization. Sample composition can cause predictive validity to vary by 10% to 20% over chance between subpopulations, with higher AUCs for female subgroups whose scores have high variability, and lower AUCs when sampling is restricted by index offense and/or sentence type. Risk categorization has a potentially large effect on AUCs, which fall when few categories are used, especially when those categories contain unequal numbers of offenders. An improved understanding of how these factors can affect AUCs will inform professionals using risk assessment instruments and researchers comparing the validity of multiple instruments.
Acceleration waveform replication on six-degree-of-freedom redundant electro-hydraulic shaking tables using an inverse model controller with a modelling error
Authors: Shen Gang , Zhu Zhen-Cai , Li Xiang , Wang Qing-Guo , Li Ge , Tang Yu
Published: November 2016

A redundant electro-hydraulic shaking table (REST) of six degrees-of-freedom (6 DOFs) with eight hydraulic actuators is an essential experimental tool in many industrial applications for real-time simulation of actual vibrations, such as structural vibration, earthquake simulation and fatigue testing. In order to obtain a high-fidelity acceleration waveform on the REST, a feed-forward inverse model (FFIM) controller with a modelling error compensator is proposed in this study. A recursive extended least-squares algorithm is employed to identify an acceleration closed-loop transfer function of the REST. A zero phase error compensation technology is employed to guarantee stability of the designed FFIM because the identified acceleration closed-loop transfer function is a typical non-minimum phase system and its direct inverse transfer function is unstable. The modelling error compensator is designed to compensate for the modelling error between the identified transfer function and the actual experimental REST, which deteriorates the acceleration waveform replication accuracy of the REST. A 6 DOF REST experimental system was used to verify the proposed controller. Experimental results demonstrated that the proposed controller gave satisfactory acceleration tracking performances on the REST.
Moralization Through Moral Shock
Authors: Wisneski Daniel C. , Skitka Linda J.
Published: November 2016

The current research tested whether exposure to disgusting images increases moral conviction and whether this happens in the presence of incidental disgust cues versus disgust cues relevant to the target of moralization. Across two studies, we exposed participants to one of the four sets of disgusting versus control images to test the moralization of abortion attitudes: pictures of aborted fetuses, animal abuse, non-harm related disgusting images, harm related disgusting images, or neutral pictures, at either sub- or supraliminal levels of awareness. Moral conviction about abortion increased (compared with control) only for participants exposed to abortion-related images at speeds slow enough to allow conscious awareness. Study 2 replicated this finding, and found that the relationship between attitudinally relevant disgust and moral conviction was mediated by disgust, and not anger or harm appraisals. Findings are discussed in terms of their relevance for intuitionist theories of morality and moral theories that emphasize harm.
Women’s Fertility Status Alters Other Women’s Jealousy and Mate Guarding
Authors: Hurst Ashalee C. , Alquist Jessica L. , Puts David A.
Published: November 2016

Across three studies, we tested the hypothesis that women exhibit greater jealousy and mate guarding toward women who are in the high (vs. low) fertility phase of their cycle. Women who imagined their partner with a woman pictured at high fertility reported more jealousy than women who imagined their partner with a woman pictured at low fertility (Studies 1 and 2). A meta-analysis across studies manipulating fertility status of the pictured woman found a significant effect of fertility status on both jealousy and mate guarding. Women with attractive partners viewed fertile-phase women as less trustworthy, which led to increased mate guarding (Study 2). In Study 3, the closer women were to peak fertility, the more instances they reported of other women acting jealously and mate guarding toward them. These studies provide evidence that women selectively exhibit jealousy and mate guarding toward women who are near peak fertility.
Strangers With Benefits
Authors: Salvatore Joseph F. , Meltzer Andrea L. , March David S. , Gaertner Lowell
Published: November 2016

Research typically reveals that outgroups are regarded with disinterest at best and hatred and enmity at worst. Working from an evolutionary framework, we identify a unique pattern of outgroup attraction. The small-group lifestyle of pre-human ancestors plausibly limited access to genetically diverse mates. Ancestral females may have solved the inbreeding dilemma while balancing parental investment pressures by mating with outgroup males either via converting to an outgroup or cuckolding the ingroup. A vestige of those mating strategies might manifest in human women as a cyclic pattern of attraction across the menstrual cycle, such that attraction to outgroup men increases as fertility increases across the cycle. Two studies, one using a longitudinal method and the other an experimental method, evidenced the hypothesized linear relationship between attraction to outgroup men and fertility in naturally cycling women.
Does It Pay to Compete Aggressively? Contingent Roles of Internal and External Resources
Authors: Andrevski Goce , Ferrier Walter J.
Published: November 2016

We examine, in hypercompetitive environments, why some firms fail to benefit from competitive aggressiveness while others experience superior profits. We explore the relationship between competitive aggressiveness and performance in a sample of 141 firms from three hypercompetitive industries—personal computers, computer-aided software engineering, and semiconductors—from 1995 to 2006. Contrary to the predominant view within competitive dynamics research, we find that competitive aggressiveness is not a universally effective strategy. For some firms, excessive competitive aggressiveness can escalate costs and diminish performance. Using polynomial regression analysis and response surface methodology, we identify the conditions under which competitive aggressiveness enhances firm performance. Our findings reveal that firms benefit from competitive aggressiveness when they have specialized technological resources and support from a dense network of alliance partners.
Harking, Sharking, and Tharking
Authors: Hollenbeck John R. , Wright Patrick M.
Published: November 2016

In this editorial we discuss the problems associated with HARKing (Hypothesizing After Results Are Known) and draw a distinction between Sharking (Secretly HARKing in the Introduction section) and Tharking (Transparently HARKing in the Discussion section). Although there is never any justification for the process of Sharking, we argue that Tharking can promote the effectiveness and efficiency of both scientific inquiry and cumulative knowledge creation. We argue that the discussion sections of all empirical papers should include a subsection that reports post hoc exploratory data analysis. We explain how authors, reviewers, and editors can best leverage post hoc analyses in the spirit of scientific discovery in a way that does not bias parameter estimates and recognizes the lack of definitiveness associated with any single study or any single replication. We also discuss why the failure to Thark in high-stakes contexts where data is scarce and costly may also be unethical.
Religious beings in fashionable bodies: the online identity construction of hijabi social media personalities
Authors: Kavakci Elif , Kraeplin Camille R
Published: November 2016

A ‘hijabista’ – from the terms hijabi and fashionista – is a Muslim woman who dresses ‘stylishly’ while still adhering to the rules governing ‘modest’ apparel that coincides with Islamic dress code. A handful of these digitally savvy young women have established an online presence, becoming social media personalities with hundreds of thousands, even millions, of ‘followers’ who avidly consume (read) their personal blogs and/or social media posts. This study examines new media, faith, and fragmentation online, where virtual spaces facilitate the construction (re-construction) of a digital identity or persona. We employ an approach that combines netnography and case study to examine the content generated by three high-profile hijabistas, or hijabi fashion and lifestyle bloggers, and build upon identity theory to determine how each has negotiated an online persona that privileges her religious or fashionable self.
Freedom and equality in democracies: Is there a trade-off?
Authors: Giebler Heiko , Merkel Wolfgang
Published: November 2016

In political philosophy, economic theory and public discourse, there is a seemingly endless debate on what the essence of equality and freedom is and what relation between the two is essential to a good political order. Views range from the conviction that too much socio-economic equality jeopardises freedom to the position that a certain level of equality is necessary for the proper realisation of freedom. Building on these conflicting normative claims, we look at data from more than 50 established and emerging democracies for a period of more than 20 years to investigate whether there is indeed a trade-off between freedom and equality or whether they are mutually reinforcing. In the process, we distinguish between two types of equality – political and socio-economic. Our findings suggest that there is a positive relationship between freedom and both types of equality – even if we control for the level of economic development.
E-democracy: A new challenge for measuring democracy
Authors: Kneuer Marianne
Published: November 2016

Digital media is ascribed significant potential for democratizing political communication and processes. There is still, however, a lack of empirical evidence and adequate understanding concerning the question of whether digital media can contribute to an improvement in democratic quality. In response to this question, the present article proposes a concept of e-democracy and an analytical framework for measuring it. The added value of such an e-democracy index is, firstly, that it provides a basis for assessing online-enhanced democratic processes (something which has previously been lacking) and, secondly, that it enables a finer-grained perspective on digital processes in democracies, something which is essential for scholars and practitioners.
A life in comparative politics: Chasing questions in five continents
Authors: Stepan Alfred
Published: November 2016

Why, as a comparativist, did I find it compelling to carry out field research in over 20 countries on five different continents? Because comparative politics should be question-driven, not driven by methodology or existing data. Good questions led to new countries. My book on how Brazilian civilian elites were complicit in coups led to a comparative book on how to transform such civil–military relations in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. My colleague Juan J Linz and I broadened the scope of questions of democratic transition theory by adding post-communist countries to the transition set. New questions and relevant new countries continue to emerge. What to do if more than one nation exists in a polity pursuing ‘nation-state’ policies? I helped create the concept of ‘state-nation’ and documented how ‘multiple but complementary identities’ were fostered in India. How did polities that respected the ‘twin tolerations’ emerge in Muslim-majority Indonesia, Senegal, and Tunisia?
Estimates of Intraclass Correlation Coefficients and Other Design Parameters for Studies of School-Based Nutritional Interventions
Authors: Juras Randall
Published: November 2016

Introduction:

When cluster randomized trials are used to evaluate school-based nutritional interventions such as school lunch programs, design-stage estimates of the required sample size must take into account the correlation in outcomes among individuals within each cluster (e.g., classrooms, schools, or districts). Estimates of the necessary parameters have been carefully developed for educational interventions, but for nutritional interventions the literature is thin.

Methods:

Using data from two large multi-school, multi-district impact evaluations conducted in the United States, this article calculates estimates of the design parameters required for sizing school-based nutritional studies. The large size of the trials (252 and 1,327 schools) yields precise estimates of the parameters of interest. Variance components are estimated by fitting random-intercept multilevel models in Stata.

Results:

School-level intraclass correlations are similar to those typically found for educational outcomes. In particular, school-level estimates range from less than .01 to .26 across the two studies, and district-level estimates ranged from less than .01 to .19. This suggests that cluster randomized trials of nutritional interventions may require samples with numbers of schools similar to the education studies to detect similar effect sizes.
Cognitive distance in public procurement and public–private partnerships: An analysis of the construction sector
Authors: Caloffi Annalisa , Gambarotto Francesca
Published: November 2016

Public–private partnerships (PPPs) are understood as collaborative devices that can be used to achieve both efficiency and innovation. For this potential to be realized, however, some significant obstacles to effective collaboration must be overcome, such as the cognitive distance that often separates public and private agents. In order to deepen our understanding of the collaboration problem, this article assesses the size and characteristics of cognitive distance by looking at agents operating in the construction industry in Italy and Slovenia. Our analysis detects the presence of different types of cognitive distance in different socio-economic contexts, suggesting that cognitive distance is not simply the outcome of individual intentionality but also of social context. We argue that there is constructive room for policies supporting the efficiency and diffusion of PPPs that will facilitate the emergence of context-specific intermediaries to smooth the progress of collaborative work.
Oxygenator failure in acute myeloid leukaemia. A case report
Authors: Patvardhan Chinmay , Valchanov Kamen
Published: November 2016

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy can be used to rescue patients who develop respiratory failure with acute myeloid leukaemia. We describe a unique case of rapid failure of an oxygenator on ECMO, secondary to high leukocyte count and cell lysis in an adult patient with acute myeloid leukaemia.
Uterine fibroid embolization with acrylamido polyvinyl microspheres: prospective 12-month clinical and MRI follow-up study
Authors: Duvnjak Stevo , Ravn Pernille , Green Anders , Andersen Poul Erik
Published: November 2016

Background

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is an effective minimally invasive treatment aimed to obtain complete fibroid infarction.

Purpose

To evaluate the degree of fibroid infarction after embolization with acrylamido polyvinyl alcohol microspheres (Bead Block).

Material and Methods

This prospective study included 26 pre-menopausal women in the period October 2013 to January 2015. UFE with the use of Bead Block microspheres 700–900 µm was obtained until flow stasis was achieved. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to define residual contrast enhancement in the total fibroid burden and enhancement >10% was defined as insufficient embolization. The dominant fibroid volume and total uterine volume changes were assessed. Clinical outcome was analyzed using the quality of life questionnaire (UFS-QOL).

Results

Twenty-four of the 26 patients (92%) had a technically successful UFE with complete flow-stop in both uterine arteries. Twenty-two of the 26 patients (85%) completed 3 months of MRI control and 20 patients (77%) completed 12 months of MRI control. There were 16 of 22 patients (73%) with complete fibroid burden infarction and/or without residual contrast enhancement of the fibroids of more than 10% at 3 months of control. Six of 22 patients (27%) had insufficient fibroid burden infarction with residual contrast enhancement of more than 10%. Twenty-two and 18 of 26 patients completed the 3-month and 12-month questionnaire, respectively. UFS-QOL analyses showed that 91% of the patients had significant clinical improvement.

Conclusion

Sixteen of the 22 patients had complete fibroid burden infarction using Bead Block microspheres (700–900 µm); however, unacceptably high insufficient fibroid burden infarction in almost one-fourth of the patients were recorded.