bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FREEDOM OF THE HEART
Authors: Helm Bennett W.
Published: August 2017

Philosophical accounts of freedom typically fail to capture an important kind of freedom—freedom to change what one cares about—that is central to our understanding of what it is to be a person. This paper articulates this kind of freedom more clearly, distinguishing it from freedom of action and freedom of the will, and gives an account of how it is possible. Central to this account is an understanding of the role of emotions in determining what we value, thus motivating a rethinking of the importance of emotions in the mental lives of persons.
DIRECT REFERENCE FOR THE NARROW MINDED
Authors: Shier David
Published: August 2017

This paper develops a theory of belief and belief ascription which retains the core of the received Propositionalist theory but which, unlike the Propositionalist theory, is compatible with both Direct Reference and Individualism about belief. The focus is on developing an alternative analysis of belief ascriptions, drawing out its implications, and applying it to some standard problems. On that analysis, ascriptions involving directly referential embedded terms are seen as roughly characterizing, but not specifying, the contents of beliefs. This feature is what makes it possible to maintain both Direct Reference and Individualism.
KANT'S CONCEPTION OF MERIT
Authors: Johnson Robert N.
Published: August 2017

It is standard to attribute to Kant the view that actions from motives other than duty deserve no positive moral evaluation. I argue that the standard view is mistaken. Kant's account of merit in the Metaphysics of Morals shows that he believes actions not performed from duty can be meritorious. Moreover, the grounds for attributing merit to an action are different from those for attributing moral worth to it. This is significant because it shows both that his views are reasonably consistent with our ordinary views, and that he recognized a variety of purposes in evaluating actions, many of which are not furthered by determining whether they were motivated by duty.
Waterlogging tolerance of pea at germination
Authors: Zaman M. S. , Malik A. I. , Kaur P. , Erskine W.
Published: August 2017

Peas (Pisum sativum L.) are exposed to waterlogging at germination when grown as relay in rice‐based cropping. Ninety‐one germplasm accessions were evaluated in relay (sown in waterlogged soil), and subsequently 10 diverse genotypes compared under relay and sole cropping (conventional tillage sowing) over two seasons in Bangladesh. Contrasting genotypes, BM‐3, NL‐2 and Kaspa, were further evaluated in three waterlogging treatments (drained control, 4 and 8 days waterlogging) in the glasshouse. Conspicuous variation in waterlogging tolerance at germination was observed in the field and confirmed under controlled conditions. In relay sowing in 2011, emergence of a few genotypes was affected by waterlogging. In 2012, emergence in relay was severely affected (12 plants/m2) compared to sole sowing (37 plants/m2). Among genotypes BM‐3 had 6 plants/m2 emerge, which all subsequently died, in contrast to NL‐2 in which emergence was 13 plants/m2 with all plants surviving. In the glasshouse, there was 14% emergence in BM‐3, 40% in NL‐2 and 55% in Kaspa after 8 days of waterlogging. Such marked differences in waterlogging tolerance at germination in the model pea are the first reported and illustrate prospects for selection to improve adaptation to relay sowing in South Asia.
Paediatric palliative care and intellectual disability—A unique context
Authors: Duc Jacqueline K , Herbert Anthony Robert , Heussler Helen S
Published: August 2017

Background

Paediatric palliative care is a nuanced area of practice with additional complexities in the context of intellectual disability. There is currently minimal research to guide clinicians working in this challenging area of care.

Method

This study describes the complex care of children with life‐limiting conditions and intellectual disability by means of a literature synthesis and commentary with “best‐practice” guide.

Results

As few articles concerning children with intellectual disability and palliative care needs were identified by formal systematic review, our expert consensus group has drawn from the paediatric palliative, oncology and adult intellectual disability literature to highlight common clinical challenges encountered in the day‐to‐day care of children with intellectual disability and life‐limiting conditions.

Conclusion

A longitudinal child‐ and family‐centred approach is key to ensuring best‐practice care for families of children with life‐limiting conditions and intellectual disability. As highlighted by the great absence of literature addressing this important patient population, further research in this area is urgently required.
To accept or not to accept a job offer: Examining inaction inertia in an organizational context
Authors: Foster Christina C. , Diab Dalia L.
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this research was to investigate inaction inertia in a job offer context. Across two studies, we examined the influence of two situational factors (Study 1) and one dispositional factor (Study 2) on inaction inertia in a job offer context. Participants were asked to imagine they had to pass up an initial offer in which they were interested, but that they received a similar but less attractive offer (lower salary) later. Study 1 findings revealed participants in the loss‐framed condition were more likely to accept the second offer than participants in the neutral condition only when they were asked to imagine they were switching careers, versus being laid off. Study 2 results showed that maximizing tendency significantly and negatively predicted the likelihood to accept the second job offer. Exploratory analyses revealed that anticipated regret did not mediate the relationships between any of the factors and inaction inertia, suggesting that anticipated regret was not the causal mechanism underlying the occurrence of inaction inertia in the current research. Overall, this research shed light on the ways inaction inertia may be experienced in a job offer context.
Association between dental visits for periodontal treatment and type 2 diabetes mellitus in an elderly Japanese cohort
Authors: Saito Mizuki , Shimazaki Yoshihiro , Nonoyama Toshiya , Tadokoro Yasushi
Published: August 2017

Aim

There is an association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and periodontitis. We examined the association between the dental visit status and diabetes status in the Japanese elderly population.

Materials and methods

In total, 14,551 participants, aged 75 or 80 years, who underwent systemic health examinations were analysed. Three independent variables of dental visit status were investigated according to dental claims data, including whether dental treatment was received, type of dental treatment (no visit, periodontal treatment, or other dental treatment), and number of days of periodontal treatment (0, 1–4, or ≥5 days). We performed multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses to examine the relationship between dental visit status and diabetes status.

Results

The multivariate odds ratio (OR) for T2DM was significantly lower (0.74, 95% confidence interval: 0.66–0.82) for subjects who received periodontal treatment compared with those who did not receive dental treatment. Subjects who received periodontal treatment had a significantly lower OR for T2DM, regardless of the number of days of treatment. In the multivariate linear regression model, receiving periodontal treatment was significantly associated with decrease in A1c (p < .05).

Conclusion

Dental visits to receive periodontal treatment were associated with a better diabetes status in the Japanese elderly population.
Open flap debridement of peri‐implantitis with or without adjunctive systemic antibiotics: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hallström Hadar , Persson G. Rutger , Lindgren Susann , Renvert Stefan
Published: August 2017

Aims

To investigate clinical, radiographic and microbiological outcome over 12 months following open flap debridement of peri‐implantitis with or without antibiotics.

Materials and methods

Peri‐implantitis was surgically treated with or without Zithromax® in 19 control and 20 test individuals. Probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival inflammation (BOP), intra‐oral radiographs and microbial samples were studied. Per protocol and intent‐to‐treat analyses were performed.

Results

The mean difference (reduction) in PPD values between baseline and month 12 in the test and control groups was 1.7 mm (SD ± 1.1, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.3, p < .001) and 1.6 mm (SD ± 1.5, 95% CI: 0.8, 2,4, p < .001), respectively. Data analysis failed to show study group differences for BOP, PPD, radiographic bone level and microbial load. Successful treatment (per protocol: PPD ≤ 5 mm, no BOP, no suppuration and no bone loss ≥0.5 mm) at 12 months in test and control groups was 7/15 (46.7%) and 4/16 (25.0%). Bacterial load reduction was similar in study groups with a temporary reduction following treatment.

Conclusions

Surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis with adjunctive systemic azithromycin did not provide 1‐year clinical benefits in comparison with those only receiving open flap debridement.
A 340/380 nm light‐emitting diode illuminator for Fura‐2 AM ratiometric Ca2+ imaging of live cells with better than 5 nM precision
Authors: TINNING P.W. , FRANSSEN A.J.P.M. , HRIDI S.U. , BUSHELL T.J. , MCCONNELL G.
Published: August 2017

We report the first demonstration of a fast wavelength‐switchable 340/380 nm light‐emitting diode (LED) illuminator for Fura‐2 ratiometric Ca2+ imaging of live cells. The LEDs closely match the excitation peaks of bound and free Fura‐2 and enables the precise detection of cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations, which is only limited by the Ca2+ response of Fura‐2. Using this illuminator, we have shown that Fura‐2 acetoxymethyl ester (AM) concentrations as low as 250 nM can be used to detect induced Ca2+ events in tsA‐201 cells and while utilising the 150 s switching speeds available, it was possible to image spontaneous Ca2+ transients in hippocampal neurons at a rate of 24.39 Hz that were blunted or absent at typical 0.5 Hz acquisition rates. Overall, the sensitivity and acquisition speeds available using this LED illuminator significantly improves the temporal resolution that can be obtained in comparison to current systems and supports optical imaging of fast Ca2+ events using Fura‐2.
Sodium appetite elicited by low‐sodium diet is dependent on p44/42 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2) activation in the brain
Authors: Monteiro L. R. N. , Marangon P. B. , Elias L. L. K. , Reis L. C. , Antunes‐Rodrigues J. , Mecawi A. S.
Published: August 2017

Sodium appetite is regulated by several signalling molecules, among which angiotensin II (Ang II) serves as a key driver of robust salt intake by binding to Ang II type 1 receptors (AT1R) in several regions in the brain. The activation of these receptors recruits the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which has previously been linked to Ang II‐induced increases in sodium appetite. Thus, we addressed the involvement of MAPK signalling in the induction of sodium appetite after 4 days of low‐sodium diet consumption. An increase in extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation in the laminae terminalis and mediobasal hypothalamus was observed after low‐sodium diet consumption. This response was reduced by i.c.v. microinjection of an AT1R antagonist into the laminae terminalis but not the hypothalamus. This result indicates that low‐sodium diet consumption activates the MAPK pathway via Ang II/AT1R signalling on the laminae terminalis. On the other hand, activation of the MAPK pathway in the mediobasal hypothalamus after low‐sodium diet consumption appears to involve another extracellular mediator. We also evaluated whether a low‐sodium diet could increase the sensitivity for Ang II in the brain and activate the MAPK pathway. However, i.c.v. injection of Ang II increased ERK phosphorylation on the laminae terminalis and mediobasal hypothalamus; this increase achieved a response magnitude similar to those observed in both the normal and low‐sodium diet groups. These data indicate that low‐sodium diet consumption for 4 days is insufficient to change the ERK phosphorylation response to Ang II in the brain. To investigate whether the MAPK pathway is involved in sodium appetite after low‐sodium diet consumption, we performed i.c.v. microinjections of a MAPK pathway inhibitor (PD98059). PD98059 inhibited both saline and water intake after low‐sodium diet consumption. Thus, the MAPK pathway is involved in promoting the sodium appetite after low‐sodium diet consumption.
The expression, localization and function of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in rat corpus cavernosum
Authors: Faghir-Ghanesefat Hedyeh , Rahimi Nastaran , Yarmohammadi Fatemeh , Mokhtari Tahmineh , Abdollahi Ali Reza , Ejtemaei Mehr Shahram , Dehpour Ahmad R
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR), an emerging pharmacological target for a variety of medical conditions, is expressed in the most mammalian tissues with different effects. So, this study was designed to investigate the expression, localization and effect of α7-nAChR in rat corpus cavernosum (CC).

Methods & Key findings

Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed that α7-nAChR was expressed in rat CC and double immunofluorescence studies demonstrated the presence of α7-nAChR in corporal neurons. The rat CC segments were mounted in organ bath chambers and contracted with phenylephrine (0.1 μm -300 μm) to investigate the relaxation effect of electrical field stimulation (EFS,10 Hz) assessed in the presence of guanethidine (adrenergic blocker, 5 μm) and atropine (muscarinic cholinergic blocker, 1 μm) to obtain non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) response. Cumulative administration of nicotine significantly potentiated the EFS-induced NANC relaxation (-log EC50 = 7.5 ± 0.057). Whereas, the potentiated NANC relaxation of nicotine was significantly inhibited with different concentrations of methyllycaconitine citrate (α7-nAChR antagonist, P < 0.05) in preincubated strips. L-NAME (non-specific nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, 1 μm) completely blocked the neurogenic relaxation induced by EFS plus nicotine.

Conclusion

To conclude α7-nAChR is expressed in rat CC and modulates the neurogenic relaxation response to nicotine.
A novel lipoate attachment enzyme is shared by Plasmodium and Chlamydia species
Authors: Afanador Gustavo A. , Guerra Alfredo J. , Swift Russell P. , Rodriguez Ryan E. , Bartee David , Matthews Krista A. , Schön Arne , Freire Ernesto , Freel Meyers Caren L. , Prigge Sean T.
Published: August 2017

Lipoate is an essential cofactor for enzymes that are important for central metabolism and other processes. In malaria parasites, scavenged lipoate from the human host is required for survival. The Plasmodium falciparum mitochondrion contains two enzymes (PfLipL1 and PfLipL2) that are responsible for activating mitochondrial proteins through the covalent attachment of lipoate (lipoylation). Lipoylation occurs via a novel redox‐gated mechanism that remains poorly understood. We show that PfLipL1 functions as a redox switch that determines which downstream proteins will be activated. Based on the lipoate redox state, PfLipL1 either functions as a canonical lipoate ligase or as a lipoate activating enzyme which works in conjunction with PfLipL2. We demonstrate that PfLipL2 is a lipoyltransferase and is a member of a novel clade of lipoate attachment enzymes. We show that a LipL2 enzyme from Chlamydia trachomatis has similar activity, demonstrating conservation between intracellular pathogens from different phylogenetic kingdoms and supporting the hypothesis that an early ancestor of malaria parasites once contained a chlamydial endosymbiont. Redox‐dependent lipoylation may regulate processes such as central metabolism and oxidative defense pathways.
The contribution of food science to nutrition science through reformulation in the last 50 years and into the future
Authors: Munday H. S. , Bagley L.
Published: August 2017

Eating, shopping and cooking habits have radically changed over the last 50 years. This paper examines a number of food categories that have developed significantly over this time period and highlights where food science and specifically reformulation have played a role in developing foods, to better fit into modern, healthy diets. Underpinned by the growing knowledge and application of food science and technology, changes in food and drink composition in response to increased understanding of the links between diet and health have been significant. This trend is expected to continue into the foreseeable future.
Myxomycetes of the National Nature Park Slobozhanskiy (Ukraine): biodiversity and noteworthy species
Authors: Yatsiuk Iryna I. , Leontyev Dmitry V. , Shlakhter Mykhailo L.
Published: August 2017

We found 77 species of myxomycetes in the oak and pine forests of the National Nature Park Slobozhanskiy in northeastern Ukraine. Among them, Arcyria imperialis, Didymium ovoideum, Lamproderma gulielmae, Trichia subfusca, Oligonema fulvum and Physarum spectabile are new for Ukraine. In addition, a specimen, preliminary identified as Arcyria cf. bulbosa, may represent a species new to science.
Vacuolar processing enzyme 4 contributes to maternal control of grain size in barley by executing programmed cell death in the pericarp
Authors: Radchuk Volodymyr , Tran Van , Radchuk Ruslana , Diaz‐Mendoza Mercedes , Weier Diana , Fuchs Joerg , Riewe David , Hensel Goetz , Kumlehn Jochen , Munz Eberhard , Heinzel Nicolas , Rolletschek Hardy , Martinez Manuel , Borisjuk Ljudmilla
Published: August 2017

The angiosperm embryo and endosperm are limited in space because they grow inside maternal seed tissues. The elimination of cell layers of the maternal seed coat by programmed cell death (PCD) could provide space and nutrition to the filial organs.

Using the barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seed as a model, we elucidated the role of vacuolar processing enzyme 4 (VPE4) in cereals by using an RNAi approach and targeting the enzymatic properties of the recombinant protein. A comparative characterization of transgenic versus wild‐type plants included transcriptional and metabolic profiling, flow cytometry, histology and nuclear magnetic imaging of grains.

The recombinant VPE4 protein exhibited legumain and caspase‐1 properties in vitro. Pericarp disintegration was delayed in the transgenic grains. Although the VPE4 gene and enzymatic activity was decreased in the early developing pericarp, storage capacity and the size of the endosperm and embryo were reduced in the mature VPE4‐repressed grains.

The persistence of the pericarp in the VPE4‐affected grains constrains endosperm and embryo growth and leads to transcriptional reprogramming, perturbations in signalling and adjustments in metabolism. We conclude that VPE4 expression executes PCD in the pericarp, which is required for later endosperm filling, and argue for a role of PCD in maternal control of seed size in cereals.
The German liberty in England and the Dutch Republic: On the pan‐Protestant literary field and the circulation of a loaded epithet
Authors: Chovanec Kevin
Published: August 2017

In this article, I track the reception of Gustavus Adolphus, Swedish king and hero of the Thirty Years War, across the borders of Northern Europe. I argue that writers in England, the Dutch Republic, and the German territories consciously participated in a ‘pan‐Protestant literary field’, united by shared ambitions, beliefs, and cultural stock. Typology was particularly important in uniting Protestants in the celebration of Gustavus, and it shaped how English and Dutch writers read the war and identified with their suffering co‐religionists. At the same time, terms within the celebration varied radically by context, and I trace the variant understandings of Gustavus's mythic role, ‘Defender of the German Liberty’. German liberty, in both England and the Dutch republic, assumed republican signification only latent in the German materials. I thus suggest that a transnational approach to early modern literature requires a recognition of early modern identifications to better understand how tropes, images, and ideas circulated in the period.
Korean civil engineers: handling of natural disaster management and its implication
Authors: Ha Kyoo‐Man
Published: August 2017

Economic damages, which are influenced by diverse natural disasters, have had quite an impact in Korea. Civil engineers in the country have played a major role in managing floods accompanied by typhoons. This study aims to improve the role of Korean civil engineers in natural disaster management. Comparative perspective was used as the major methodology. Civil engineers' dominance‐oriented management was compared to coordination‐oriented management through four variables, namely civil engineering employees, civil engineering researchers, civil engineering businessmen and other professionals. The key finding is that Korea has to change its civil engineers' dominance‐oriented management into coordination‐oriented management. Similarly, other nations may apply the lessons learned from Korea to their cases via the social impact of disaster, trust relations, participatory approach, various networks, emergency plans, training and exercises and the value of equity.
A Culturally Relevant Teacher Professional Development for Teaching Climate Change to Native American Students
Authors: Kern Anne Liu , Honwad Sameer , McLain Ed
Published: August 2017

The science of climate change is a complex subject to teach. Teachers find climate change a challenging topic to teach due to a myriad of reasons. Gayford, 2010 describes some of the challenges teachers face while teaching climate change science as “first, the controversial nature of the topic; second, it does not relate well to the normal sequencing and division of topics within most science courses; and, third, there are important non-scientific aspects to possible solutions to the problem” (p.1191). This is a particular challenge for teachers with a diverse population. This paper reports on teachers’ understanding of climate change science concepts and how to teach science with a focus on cultural relevance by participating in a three-year teacher profession development program specifically for science teachers teaching a large population of Native American students. Overall teachers demonstrated gains in understanding of how scientists access data to study climate impacts and how to present climate change science concepts that tap into culturally relevant ways.
Hip Abductor Fatigability and Recovery Are Related to the Development of Low Back Pain During Prolonged Standing
Authors: Viggiani Daniel , Callaghan Jack P.
Published: August 2017

A prolonged standing exposure can identify asymptomatic adults who have a higher risk of developing clinical low back pain later in life. Hip abductor cocontraction differences can predict low back pain development during standing exposures. This study’s purpose was to determine if hip abductor strength, fatigability, and recovery during prolonged standing were related to standing-induced low back pain. Forty young, asymptomatic adults (50% female) performed two 2-hour standing sessions; a fatiguing hip abductor exercise was performed prior to 1 of the 2 standing sessions. Hip abductor strength and surface electromyography of gluteus medius and tensor fascia latae were measured. Self-reported low back pain differentiated low back pain developing (PD) and nonpain developing (NPD) groups. The PD group hip abductors fatigued before the NPD group, with similar perceived effort and force losses. Mean power frequency decreases with fatigue were similar between pain groups for all muscles measured after the fatiguing exercise. Unlike NPDs, PDs did not recover force losses after 120 minutes of standing. Hip abductor fatigability may be related to the development of low back pain in this population.
HIV-1 Cross-Reactive Primary Virus Neutralizing Antibody Response Elicited by Immunization in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Wang Yimeng , O'Dell Sijy , Turner Hannah L. , Chiang Chi-I , Lei Lin , Guenaga Javier , Wilson Richard , Martinez-Murillo Paola , Doria-Rose Nicole , Ward Andrew B. , Mascola John R. , Wyatt Richard T. , Karlsson Hedestam Gunilla B. , Li Yuxing
Published: August 2017

Elicitation of broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAb) responses is a major goal for the development of an HIV-1 vaccine. Current HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) vaccine candidates elicit predominantly tier 1 and/or autologous tier 2 virus neutralizing antibody (NAb) responses, as well as weak and/or sporadic cross-reactive tier 2 virus NAb responses with unknown specificity. To delineate the specificity of vaccine-elicited cross-reactive tier 2 virus NAb responses, we performed single memory B cell sorting from the peripheral blood of a rhesus macaque immunized with YU2gp140-F trimers in adjuvant, using JR-FL SOSIP.664, a native Env trimer mimetic, as a sorting probe to isolate monoclonal Abs (MAbs). We found striking genetic and functional convergence of the SOSIP-sorted Ig repertoire, with predominant VH4 or VH5 gene family usage and Env V3 specificity. Of these vaccine-elicited V3-specific MAbs, nearly 20% (6/33) displayed cross-reactive tier 2 virus neutralization, which recapitulated the serum neutralization capacity. Substantial similarities in binding specificity, neutralization breadth and potency, and sequence/structural homology were observed between selected macaque cross-reactive V3 NAbs elicited by vaccination and prototypic V3 NAbs derived from natural infections in humans, highlighting the convergence of this subset of primate V3-specific B cell repertories. Our study demonstrated that cross-reactive primary virus neutralizing B cell lineages could be elicited by vaccination as detected using a standardized panel of tier 2 viruses. Whether these lineages could be expanded to acquire increased breadth and potency of neutralization merits further investigation.

IMPORTANCE
Elicitation of antibody responses capable of neutralizing diverse HIV-1 primary virus isolates (designated broadly neutralizing antibodies [bNAbs]) remains a high priority for the vaccine field. bNAb responses were so far observed only in response to natural infection within a subset of individuals. To achieve this goal, an improved understanding of vaccine-elicited responses, including at the monoclonal Ab level, is essential. Here, we isolated and characterized a panel of vaccine-elicited cross-reactive neutralizing MAbs targeting the Env V3 loop that moderately neutralized several primary viruses and recapitulated the serum neutralizing antibody response. Striking similarities between the cross-reactive V3 NAbs elicited by vaccination in macaques and natural infections in humans illustrate commonalities between the vaccine- and infection-induced responses to V3 and support the feasibility of exploring the V3 epitope as a HIV-1 vaccine target in nonhuman primates.
Ptosis, miosis and cats
Authors: Espí­rito Santo Rita , Salgado Catarina , Prata Filipa , Mouzinho Ana
Published: August 2017

Horner’s syndrome (HS) is caused by a disruption in the oculosympathetic pathway. Both congenital and acquired HS are unusual in children. Acquired HS can be caused by trauma, surgical intervention, tumours, vascular malformations or infection.

We describe the case of a 6-year-old boy who was brought to our emergency department with ptosis, miosis, painful cervical lymphadenopathy and a cat scratch on a hand. The diagnosis of a cat scratch disease was confirmed by serology. A full recovery was observed on antibiotic treatment and cervical lymphadenomegaly reduction 3 weeks later.
Injury profile suffered by targets of antipersonnel improvised explosive devices: prospective cohort study
Authors: Smith Shane , Devine Melissa , Taddeo Joseph , McAlister Vivian Charles
Published: August 2017

Objective

To describe pattern 1 injuries caused by the antipersonnel improvised explosive device (AP-IED) in comparison to those previously described for antipersonnel mines (APM).

Design

Prospective cohort study of 100 consecutive pedestrian victims of an AP-IED, with traumatic amputation without regard for gender, nationality or military status.

Setting

Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan.

Participants

One hundred consecutive patients, all male, 6–44 years old.

Main outcome measures

The details of injuries were recorded to describe the pattern and characterise the injuries suffered by the target of AP-IEDs. The level of amputation, the level of soft tissue injury, the fracture pattern (including pelvic fractures) as well as perineal, gluteal, genital and other injuries were recorded.

Results

Victims of AP-IED were more likely, compared with APM victims, to have multiple amputations (70.0% vs 10.4%; p<0.001) or genital injury (26% vs 13%; p=0.007). Multiple amputations occurred in 70 patients: 5 quadruple amputations, 27 triple amputations and 38 double amputations. Pelvic fracture occurred in 21 victims, all but one of whom had multiple amputations. Severe perineal, gluteal or genital injuries were present in 46 patients. Severe soft tissue injury was universal, with injection of contaminated soil along tissue planes well above entry sites. There were 13 facial injuries, 9 skull fractures and 3 traumatic brain injuries. Eleven eye injuries were seen; none of the victims with eye injuries were wearing eye protection. The casualty fatality rate was at least 19%. The presence of more than one amputation was associated with a higher rate of pelvic fracture (28.6% vs 3.3%; p=0.005) and perineal–gluteal injury (32.6% vs 11.1%; p=0.009).

Conclusion

The injury pattern suffered by the target of the AP-IED is markedly worse than that of conventional APM. Pelvic binders and tourniquets should be applied at the point of injury to patients with multiple amputations or perineal injuries.
Developing design principles for a Virtual Hospice: improving access to care
Authors: Taylor Andrea , French Tara , Raman Sneha
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Providing access to hospice services will become increasingly difficult due to the pressures of an ageing population and limited resources. To help address this challenge, a small number of services called Virtual Hospice have been established. This paper presents early-stage design work on a Virtual Hospice to improve access to services provided by a hospice (Highland Hospice) serving a largely remote and rural population in Scotland, UK.

Methods

The study was structured as a series of Experience Labs with Highland Hospice staff, healthcare professionals and patients. Experience Labs employ a participatory design approach where participants are placed at the centre of the design process, helping to ensure that the resultant service meets their needs. Data from the Experience Labs were analysed using qualitative thematic analysis and design analysis.

Results

A number of themes and barriers to accessing Highland Hospice services were identified. In response, an initial set of seven design principles was developed. Design principles are high-level guidelines that are used to improve prioritisation and decision making during the design process by ensuring alignment with research insights. The design principles were piloted with a group of stakeholders and gained positive feedback.

Conclusions

The design principles are intended to guide the ongoing development of the Highland Hospice Virtual Hospice. However, the challenges faced by Highland Hospice in delivering services in a largely remote and rural setting are not unique. The design principles, encompassing digital and non-digital guidelines, or the design approach could be applied by other hospices in the UK or overseas.
Species comparison of the physical properties of loblolly and slash pine wood and bark
Authors: Eberhardt Thomas L. , Dahlen Joseph , Schimleck Laurence
Published: August 2017

Composition of the southern pine forest is now predominated by two species, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) and slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.), owing to fire suppression activities, natural regeneration on abandoned agricultural lands, and extensive planting. Comparison of the wood and bark physical properties of these pines is of interest in terms of the yields of usable biomass and, for the bark, its ecological functionality on a living tree. Trees from a species comparison study were used to generate wood and bark property data, on a whole-tree basis, and for stem disks collected at breast height. Models were constructed to explain the effect of relative height on wood and bark properties. When comparing the whole-tree data, slash pine wood (0.523 versus 0.498) and bark (0.368 versus 0.311) specific gravity values were higher, both offset by lower moisture contents; slash pine also produced a higher percentage of bark on a dry-mass basis (17% versus 12.5%). Unlike wood properties, bark properties showed significant between-species differences when determined at breast height alone, the exception being moisture content. In terms of yield, harvests of a green tonne of loblolly pine and slash pine would give approximately the same dry mass of wood, but slash pine provides more bark.
Deep planting of Norway spruce seedlings: effects on pine weevil feeding damage and growth
Authors: Viiri Heli , Luoranen Jaana
Published: August 2017

As the use of mounding as a soil preparation method and mechanized planting become more common, the use of deep planting has increased. In deep planting, a greater portion of the stem is buried below the soil surface. However, it is feared that this increases the risk of insect damage, especially damage from the pine weevil Hylobius abietis (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The effects of planting depth on the feeding preference of adult pine weevils in 1.5-year-old Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) seedlings were investigated using choice experiments. Seedlings were planted at two depths in a pot to compare (i) normal planting depth (target depth 3 cm) and (ii) deep planting (8 cm). In deep-planted seedlings, the number of feeding scars on lower stem parts above the soil surface, as well as severe feeding, was effectively reduced. After planting, the aboveground portion of the stem in deep-planted seedlings was clearly shorter and thinner, but the stems grew more both in height and diameter during the 5-week growing period than did normal-planted seedlings. At the end of the experiment, the deep-planted seedlings were still shorter, but there was no difference in diameter. In conclusion, deep planting protected 1.5-year-old seedlings from pine weevil feeding and improved seedling growth.
FRACTAL DIMENSION OF RIEMANN–LIOUVILLE FRACTIONAL INTEGRAL OF CERTAIN UNBOUNDED VARIATIONAL CONTINUOUS FUNCTION
Authors: LI YANG , XIAO WEI
Published: August 2017

In the present paper, a one-dimensional continuous function of unbounded variation on the interval [Formula: see text] has been constructed. Box dimension of this function has been proved to be 1. Furthermore, Box dimension of its Riemann–Liouville fractional integral of any order has also been proved to be 1.
Concrete Curved Box Girders Interacted with Vehicles in Braking or Acceleration
Authors: Huang Xinyi , Fu Chung C. , Zhuo Weidong , Yan Quanzhe , Sun Ying
Published: August 2017

In this study, an experimentally validated spatial analysis method for the vehicle–bridge interaction system was modified to include the features of vehicle braking and accelerating. The effect of braking or accelerating was considered as external force acting on the vehicular center of gravity and was quasi-statically distributed to every tandem, for which the formulae of load redistribution were derived. The effect of centrifugal force was also incorporated in the model. Based on the modified spatial analysis method, the dynamic responses of a three-span continuous concrete box girder bridge due to vehicle braking and accelerating were studied. Impact factors, including deflection, bending moment, torsional moment and shear force, were examined. The results show that vehicle braking has considerable effect on dynamic responses and the impact factors are related to braking rise time and braking position, but cases of vehicle braking do not always cause larger effects. While the increase in initial speed can produce higher maximum dynamic responses and corresponding impact factors, the dynamic responses in the first span of a multi-span bridge are smaller than those in other spans due to vehicle accelerating.
Two-Mass Vehicle Model for Extracting Bridge Frequencies
Authors: Yang Judy P. , Chen Bo-How
Published: August 2017

The dynamic response of a moving vehicle has been utilized to extract the frequencies of the supporting bridge. In most previous studies, the vehicle was modeled as a single-degree-of-freedom sprung mass moving over a simple beam, which suffers from the drawback that the sprung mass may be affected by the vehicle motion. To overcome this drawback, this paper presents a two-mass vehicle model for extracting the bridge frequencies, which contains a sprung mass (vehicle body) and an unsprung mass (axle mass). By using the response of the unsprung mass, the bridge response can be more realistically extracted. The main findings of the present study are as follows: (1) the use of unsprung mass in the vehicle model can faithfully reveal the dynamic responses of both the vehicle and bridge, (2) the increase in the unsprung mass can effectively help the extraction of bridge frequencies, including the second frequency, (3) under high levels of road roughness, the proposed model can identify the bridge frequencies, while the single-mass model cannot, and (4) in the presence of vehicle damping, the proposed model can identify the bridge frequencies under high levels of road roughness without additional techniques of processing.
Steady State Creep of Isotropic Rotating Composite Disc Under Thermal Gradation
Authors: Bose Tania , Rattan Minto , Chamoli Neeraj
Published: August 2017

An attempt has been made to investigate steady state creep behavior of thermally graded isotropic discs rotating at elevated temperatures. For this purpose, composite discs of aluminum matrix reinforced with silicon carbide particulate have been taken. Modeling of stress and strain rate distributions for discs operating under linear thermal gradient has been done using von Mises’ yield criterion and threshold stress-based creep law. Similarly modeling has been done for discs operating under non-linear thermal gradient. The results are compared with the disc having a uniform temperature profile from inner to outer radius and are displayed graphically in designer friendly format for the said temperature profiles. A small variation is observed for radial and tangential stresses for the said thermal gradations. However, the strain rates vary significantly in the presence of thermal gradations as compared to a disc having uniform temperature throughout the radial distance. Thus, it is observed that there is a need to extend the domain of thermal gradation for designing rotating discs.
A Review on Acoustic Black-Holes (ABH) and the Experimental and Numerical Study of ABH-Featured 3D Printed Beams
Authors: Chong Bernard Mun Poh , Tan Long Bin , Lim Kian Meng , Lee Heow Pueh
Published: August 2017

In the recent decade, there are increasing numbers of reported studies on the use of acoustic black hole (ABH) effects for the damping of flexural vibrations in engineering structures. This effect can be obtained by the use of a high-order power-law profile change in the thickness of the structure to induce a gradual decrease in incident wave velocity, to almost zero, along the propagation distance. ABHs have great potential for mitigating vibrations and noise. This paper covers the review of one- and two-dimensional ABHs and the experimental and numerical study of 3D printed beams with embedded ABH features. Specimens fabricated with the 3D additive manufacturing process were studied due to its expanding applications towards aerospace and automotive industries. However, limitations to the smoothness of the end product may affect the ABH effect, since the printing is typically via bottom-up layering where geometric accuracy is only up to the layer thickness. The vibration response of the 3D printed ABH beams, which has not been reported previously, is analyzed using the mean quadratic velocity and structural intensity parameters.
Flexible Integration Points Coupled with Smoothed Strain in Elasticity Problems
Authors: Li Eric , Liao W. H.
Published: August 2017

In this paper, alpha finite element method ([Formula: see text]FEM) with modified integration rule ([Formula: see text]FEM-MIR) using quadrilateral elements is developed. The key feature of [Formula: see text]FEM-MIR is to combine the smoothed strain and compatible strain using flexible integration points. With simple adjustment of integration points in the stiffness, it is found that the softening or stiffening effect of [Formula: see text]FEM-MIR model can be altered. In addition, the exact, upper and lower bound solutions of strain energy in the [Formula: see text]FEM-MIR model with different integration points are examined for both overestimation and underestimation problems. Furthermore, the displacement solutions can be improved significantly compared with traditional integration points in the standard finite element method (FEM) and [Formula: see text]FEM models. In this work, the strategy to overcome the volumetric locking and hourglass issues are also analyzed using different integration points. In addition, it is found that the stability of discretized model is proportional to parameter [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]controls the locations of integration points of stiffness) in the [Formula: see text]FEM-MIR model. Extensive numerical studies have been conducted to confirm the properties of the proposed [Formula: see text]FEM-MIR, and an excellent performance has been observed in comparing traditional [Formula: see text]FEM and FEM.
IMPACT AND ADAPTATION OF SOUTH-EAST ASIAN FARMERS TO CLIMATE CHANGE: INTRODUCTION
Authors: KURUKULASURIYA PRADEEP , MENDELSOHN ROBERT
Published: August 2017

This special issue examines the impact of climate on agriculture as well as the economics of farmer adaptation in South-East Asia. An extensive survey was undertaken of small farmers in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Ricardian studies were undertaken to measure the likely impact of climate change on these farmers. Adaptation studies were undertaken to measure how farmers would likely change their behavior (choices) as climate changed. Perceptions were asked to gauge farmer awareness of climate change and their plans to adapt. The overall study provides many useful analyses into the climate sensitivity of agriculture in the region as well as how farmers might adapt to climate changes.
THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON NOMADIC LIVESTOCK HUSBANDRY IN MONGOLIA
Authors: BATSUURI TSENDSUREN , WANG JINXIA
Published: August 2017

This study conducts cross-sectional analysis to investigate impact of climate change on livestock sector in Mongolia using data gathered from a household survey and aggregate soum (district) level data. The soum-level analysis reveals the marginal effect of precipitation has a positive effect on livestock/ha up to 26[Formula: see text]mm/mo and thereafter a harmful effect. The marginal effect of warming on livestock/ha is not significant until annual temperatures exceed 0.4[Formula: see text]C whereupon warming is strictly harmful. The household-level analysis suggests warming will decrease earnings per animal while overall earnings per household increases with a small change in climate but declines with larger changes. However, the household data also suggests warming would increase the total value of livestock. The results of the different analyses are therefore conflicting suggesting one or more of the analyses are plagued by missing variables.
Promoting Green and Low-Carbon Development to Address Challenges of Climate Change
Authors: XIE Zhenhua
Published: August 2017

A general consensus has been developed to proactively address climate change and promote green and low-carbon development in the international community. China, as a responsible major developing country, takes green and low-carbon development not only as its due international obligation to tackle global climate change, but also a priority in the implementation of the “Five Key Concepts for Development” ( http://keywords.china.org.cn/2016-03/01/content_37907679.htm ) and the realization of the “Two Centenary Goals” ( http://www.china.org.cn/china/china_key_words/2014-11/18/content_34158771.htm ). In this paper, the author reviews the major progress in tackling climate change worldwide in recent years, explores the nature of climate change based on the experiences of developed countries and China’s choice of development path, and analyzes China’s achievements and future development potential in green and low-carbon development.
A Meta-Analysis of Pair-Programming in Computer Programming Courses
Authors: Umapathy Karthikeyan , Ritzhaupt Albert D.
Published: August 2017

Several experiments on the effects of pair programming versus solo programming in the context of education have been reported in the research literature. We present a meta-analysis of these studies that accounted for 18 manuscripts with 28 independent effect sizes in the domains of programming assignments, exams, passing rates, and affective measures. In total, our sample accounts for
N
= 3,308 students either using pair programming as a treatment variable or using traditional solo programming in the context of a computing course. Our findings suggest positive results in favor of pair programming in three of four domains with exception to affective measures. We provide a comprehensive review of our results and discuss our findings.
When does law enforcement's demand to read your data become a demand to read your mind?
Authors: Conway Andrew , Eckersley Peter
Published: August 2017

On cryptographic backdoors and prosthetic intelligence.
Scribe
Authors: Lasecki Walter S. , Miller Christopher D. , Naim Iftekhar , Kushalnagar Raja , Sadilek Adam , Gildea Daniel , Bigham Jeffrey P.
Published: August 2017

Quickly converting speech to text allows deaf and hard of hearing people to interactively follow along with live speech. Doing so reliably requires a combination of perception, understanding, and speed that neither humans nor machines possess alone. In this article, we discuss how our Scribe system combines human labor and machine intelligence in real time to reliably convert speech to text with less than 4s latency. To achieve this speed while maintaining high accuracy, Scribe integrates automated assistance in two ways. First, its user interface directs workers to different portions of the audio stream, slows down the portion they are asked to type, and adaptively determines segment length based on typing speed. Second, it automatically merges the partial input of multiple workers into a single transcript using a custom version of multiple-sequence alignment. Scribe illustrates the broad potential for deeply interleaving human labor and machine intelligence to provide intelligent interactive services that neither can currently achieve alone.