bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on multiferroic properties of single phasic Bi0.85Ho0.05Sm0.1FeO3 ceramics
Authors: Rajesh R. , John Ethilton S. , Ramachandran K. , Giridharan N. V. , Ramesh Kumar K. , Vadla Samba Siva
Published: September 2018

Single-phase polycrystalline Bi[Formula: see text]Ho[Formula: see text]Sm[Formula: see text]FeO3 ceramic is prepared by conventional solid state route. The co-doping of Sm and Ho (via Bi site) in BiFeO3 controls the formation of secondary phases. The Rietveld refinement analysis shows an increasing trend in tilt angle due to the rotation of FeO6 octohedra with respect to host BiFeO3. The remanent polarization and the magnetization of Bi[Formula: see text]Ho[Formula: see text]Sm[Formula: see text]FeO3 ceramic are found to be significantly improved than BiFeO3 and Bi[Formula: see text]Sm[Formula: see text]FeO3 at room-temperature. Considerable variations in the remanent polarization (0.18 to 0.11 [Formula: see text]C/cm2) on magnetic poling and a dielectric anomaly in the vicinity of the antiferromagnetic transition temperature are due to the intrinsic magnetoelectric coupling effect in Bi[Formula: see text]Ho[Formula: see text]Sm[Formula: see text]FeO3 ceramic. The dielectric permittivity increases with increase in applied magnetic field and the coupling coefficient of Bi[Formula: see text]Ho[Formula: see text]Sm[Formula: see text]FeO3 ceramic is found to be 0.91% at 4 kOe.
An evaluation approach for segmentation results of high-resolution remote sensing images based on the degree distribution of land cover networks
Authors: He Jing , Liu Gang , Li Weile , Tang Chuan , Lu Jiayan
Published: September 2018

Identifying the degree distribution of land cover networks is helpful to find analytical methods for characterizing complex land cover, including segmentation techniques of remote sensing images of land cover. After segmentation, we can obtain the geographical objects and corresponding relationships. In order to evaluate the segmentation results, we introduce the concept of land cover network and present an analysis method based on statistics of its degree distribution. Considering the object-oriented segmentation and objects merge-based spectral difference segmentation, we construct the land cover networks for different segmentation scales and spatial resolutions under these two segmentation strategies, and study the degree distribution of each land cover network. Experimental results indicate that, for the object-oriented segmentation, the degree distributions of land cover networks follow approximately a Poisson distribution, regardless of the segmentation scales and spatial resolutions. For the objects-merge method based on spectral difference segmentation, degree distributions exhibit heavy tails. Compared with all the segmentation results, the pattern spots after objects-merge better retain the integrity of geographical features and the land cover network can reflect more accurately the topological properties of real land cover when the threshold of objects merge is suitable. This study shows that we can evaluate the reliability of segmentation results objectively by analyzing the degree distribution pattern of land cover networks.
DESERT: A Continuous SPARQL Query Engine for On-Demand Query Answering
Authors: Karim Farah , Lytra Ioanna , Mader Christian , Auer Sören , Vidal Maria-Esther
Published: September 2018

The Internet of Things (IoT) has been rapidly adopted in many domains ranging from household appliances e.g. ventilation, lighting, and heating, to industrial manufacturing and transport networks. Despite the, enormous benefits of optimization, monitoring, and maintenance rendered by IoT devices, an ample amount of data is generated continuously. Semantically describing IoT generated data using ontologies enables a precise interpretation of this data. However, ontology-based descriptions tremendously increase the size of IoT data and in presence of repeated sensor measurements, a large amount of the data are duplicates that do not contribute to new insights during query processing or IoT data analytics. In order to ensure that only required ontology-based descriptions are generated, we devise a knowledge-driven approach named DESERT that is able to on-[Formula: see text]emand factoriz[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]emantically [Formula: see text]nrich st[Formula: see text]eam da[Formula: see text]a. DESERT resorts to a knowledge graph to describe IoT stream data; it utilizes only the data that is required to answer an input continuous SPARQL query and applies a novel method of data factorization to reduce duplicated measurements in the knowledge graph. The performance of DESERT is empirically studied on a collection of continuous SPARQL queries from SRBench, a benchmark of IoT stream data and continuous SPARQL queries. Furthermore, data streams with various combinations of uniform and varying data stream speeds and streaming window size dimensions are considered in the study. Experimental results suggest that DESERT is capable of speeding up continuous query processing while creates knowledge graphs that include no replications.
Preliminary non-intrusive geophysical electrical resistivity tomography surveys of a mock-up scale monitoring of an engineered barrier system at URL Tournemire
Authors: Lopes Bruna de Carvalho Faria Lima , Sachet Cédric , Sentenac Philippe , Beneš Vojtěch , Dick Pierre , Bertrand Johan , Tarantino Alessandro
Published: September 2018

Geophysical electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is a promising measurement technique for non-intrusive monitoring of an engineered barrier system (EBS) during the operational phase of geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste. Electrical resistivity is sensitive to water content and temperature, which are the key variables characterizing the response of the EBS. In order to assess the technology readiness level of the ERT technique for EBS operational monitoring, a field demonstrator has been developed at the underground research laboratory (URL) in Tournemire (France) within the project ‘Modern 2020’. Preliminary ERT surveys were carried out in January and November 2017 to establish the background resistivity of the experimental area and assess the quality of electrode installation and survey protocols. Results of the surveys confirmed that the resistivity of the host rock in the demonstrator area is quite homogenous and lower than 100 Ωm in accordance with independent measurements carried out in previous campaigns. In addition, the lesson learned from the blank tests allowed identifying key requirements for effective ERT measurements. These include the need for a 3D electrode configuration, bespoke measurement protocols designed on the basis of the sensitivity analysis of the geometric factor and the collection of reciprocal data for enhanced data quality control.
Automatic interpretation of geophysical well logs
Authors: Alcolea Rodríguez Andrés , Marschall Paul , Nussbaum Christophe , Becker Jens Karl
Published: September 2018

Stratigraphic sequences in boreholes are commonly estimated by interpreting combinations of well logs. The interpretation is generally tedious and is made some time after log completion, which often leads to a loss of valuable first-hand information gathered on-site. This may lead to delayed or potentially poor on-site decisions. To make things worse, the standard interpretation of well logs is, at least to a certain degree, subjective and based on the manipulation of data, which may be difficult to trace in the long term. Small changes in lithology are often disregarded and alternating thin layers presenting different lithologies are often combined in one single (notably thicker) stratigraphic unit. Therefore an automatic parameter-based and thus traceable and objective quick look at the lithology immediately after log completion represents both a valuable tool to help with on-site decisions and a solid, mathematically based starting point for further physically based interpretations carried out by log analysts. We present a workflow for the interpretation of well logs defined as an optimization problem. The workflow is applied to the characterization of metre- to decametre-scale stratigraphic units along 13 boreholes in northern Switzerland (one-dimensional resolution) and to millimetre-scale features over a wall at the Mont Terri underground rock laboratory in Switzerland (two-dimensional resolution). The results show that: (1) the workflow accurately maps lithological changes; (2) the interaction with the analyst is minimized, which reduces the subjectivity of the interpretation; and (3) outputs are available for on-site decisions.
Targeted HFpEF therapy based on matchmaking of human and animal models
Authors: Barandiarán Aizpurua Arantxa , Schroen Blanche , van Bilsen Marc , van Empel Vanessa
Published: September 2018

The diversity in clinical phenotypes and poor understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is the main reason why no effective treatments have been found yet. Targeted, instead of one size fits all, treatment seems the only promising approach for treating HFpEF. To be able to design a targeted, phenotype-specific HFpEF treatment, the matrix relating clinical phenotypes and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms has to be clarified. This review discusses the opportunities for additional evaluation of the underlying pathophysiological processes, e.g., to evaluate biological phenotypes on top of clinical routine, to guide us toward a phenotype-specific HFpEF treatment. Moreover, a translational approach with matchmaking of animal models to biological HFpEF phenotypes will be a valuable step to test the effectiveness of novel, targeted interventions in HFpEF.

Listen to this article’s corresponding podcast at https://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/personalized-medicine-in-hfpef/ .
High-fat diet-induced hypertension is associated with a proinflammatory T cell profile in male and female Dahl salt-sensitive rats
Authors: Taylor Lia E. , Gillis Ellen E. , Musall Jacqueline B. , Baban Babak , Sullivan Jennifer C.
Published: September 2018

Evidence supports a sex difference in the impact of a high-fat diet (HFD) on cardiovascular outcomes, with male experimental animals exhibiting greater increases in blood pressure (BP) than female experimental animals. The immune system has been implicated in HFD-induced increases in BP, and there is a sex difference in T-cell activation in hypertension. The goal of this study was to determine the impact of HFD on BP and aortic and renal T cell profiles in male and female Dahl salt-sensitive (DSS) rats. We hypothesized that male DSS rats would have greater increases in BP and T cell infiltration in response to a HFD compared with female DSS rats. BP was measured by tail-cuff plethysmography, and aortic and renal T cells were assessed by flow cytometric analysis in male and female DSS rats on a normal-fat diet (NFD) or HFD from 12 to 16 wk of age. Four weeks of HFD increased BP in male and female DSS rats to a similar degree. Increases in BP were accompanied by increased percentages of CD4+ T cells and T helper (Th)17 cells in both sexes, although male rats had more proinflammatory T cells. Percentages of renal CD3+ and CD4+ T cells as well as Th17 cells were increased in both sexes by the HFD, although the increase in CD3+ T cells was greater in male rats. HFD also decreased the percentage of aortic and renal regulatory T cells in both sexes, although female rats maintained more regulatory T cells than male rats regardless of diet. In conclusion, both male and female DSS rats exhibit BP sensitivity to a HFD; however, the mechanisms mediating HFD-induced increases in BP may be distinct as male rats exhibit greater increases in the percentage of proinflammatory T cells than female rats.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our study demonstrates that male and female Dahl salt-sensitive rats exhibit similar increases in blood pressure to a high-fat diet and an increase in aortic and renal T cells. These results are in contrast to studies showing that female rats remain normotensive and/or upregulate regulatory T cells in response to hypertensive stimuli compared with male rats. Our data suggest that a 4-wk high-fat diet has sex-specific effects on the T cell profile in Dahl salt-sensitive rats.
Small-airway obstruction, dynamic hyperinflation, and gas trapping despite normal airway sensitivity to methacholine in adults with chronic cough
Authors: Sood Nilita , Turcotte Scott E. , Wasilewski Nastasia V. , Fisher Thomas , Wall Taylar , Fisher John T. , Lougheed M. Diane
Published: September 2018

The clinical relevance of cough during methacholine challenge in individuals with normal airway sensitivity is unknown. We compared responses of individuals with chronic cough who cough during high-dose methacholine bronchoprovocation and have normal versus increased airway sensitivity to healthy controls. Fifteen healthy participants (CONTROL) aged 26 ± 7 yr (mean ± SD) and 32 participants aged 42 ± 14 yr with chronic cough and suspected asthma completed high-dose methacholine challenge testing. Three participants who did not cough and had normal airway sensitivity were excluded. Spirometry and lung volumes were compared at the maximum response (MAX) among 1) ASTHMA [ n = 15, provocative concentration of methacholine causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) from baseline (PC20) 4.71 ± 1.37 mg/ml], 2) methacholine-induced cough with normal airway sensitivity (COUGH, n = 14, PC20 41.2 ± 18.7 mg/ml for 3 participants with a measurable PC20), and 3) CONTROL ( n = 15; PC20 93.4 ± 95.4 mg/ml for 4 participants with a measurable PC20). Esophageal pressure-derived pulmonary mechanics were compared at MAX for the ASTHMA and COUGH groups. From baseline to MAX, FEV1 and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of forced vital capacity decreased more in ASTHMA (−36.2 ± 3.8 %pr; −47.1 ± 6.9 %pr, respectively) than COUGH (−12.2 ± 3.0 %pr ( P < 0.001); −24.7 ± 6.5 %pr ( P < 0.001), respectively) and CONTROL (−13.7 ± 2.0 %pr ( P < 0.001); −32.8 ± 5.4 %pr ( P < 0.017), respectively). In both ASTHMA and COUGH, inspiratory capacity decreased by 500–800 ml, and functional residual capacity and residual volume increased by ~800 ml. Individuals with COUGH develop dynamic hyperinflation and gas trapping comparable to individuals with ASTHMA despite less bronchoconstriction and smaller reductions in mid-to-late expiratory flows, which leads us to believe that COUGH is a distinct phenotype.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Healthy individuals and individuals with chronic cough who demonstrate normal airway sensitivity but cough during methacholine bronchoprovocation bronchoconstrict less than individuals with mild asthma. However, those who cough and have normal airway sensitivity develop dynamic hyperinflation and gas trapping comparable to individuals with mild asthma. Thus, methacholine-induced cough with normal airway sensitivity may be clinically relevant, related to reversible small airway obstruction and preservation of the bronchodilating and/or bronchoprotective effects of deep inspirations.
Multimodal Meta-Analysis of 1,494 Hepatocellular Carcinoma Samples Reveals Significant Impact of Consensus Driver Genes on Phenotypes
Authors: Chaudhary Kumardeep , Poirion Olivier B. , Lu Liangqun , Huang Sijia , Ching Travers , Garmire Lana X.
Published: September 2018

Although driver genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been investigated in various previous genetic studies, prevalence of key driver genes among heterogeneous populations is unknown. Moreover, the phenotypic associations of these driver genes are poorly understood. This report aims to reveal the phenotypic impacts of a group of consensus driver genes in HCC. We used MutSigCV and OncodriveFM modules implemented in the IntOGen pipeline to identify consensus driver genes across six HCC cohorts comprising 1,494 samples in total. To access their global impacts, we used The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) mutations and copy-number variations to predict the transcriptomics data, under generalized linear models. We further investigated the associations of the consensus driver genes to patient survival, age, gender, race, and risk factors. We identify 10 consensus driver genes across six HCC cohorts in total. Integrative analysis of driver mutations, copy-number variations, and transcriptomic data reveals that these consensus driver mutations and their copy-number variations are associated with a majority (62.5%) of the mRNA transcriptome but only a small fraction (8.9%) of miRNAs. Genes associated with TP53, CTNNB1, and ARID1A mutations contribute to the tripod of most densely connected pathway clusters. These driver genes are significantly associated with patients' overall survival. Some driver genes are significantly linked to HCC gender (CTNNB1, ALB, TP53, and AXIN1), race (TP53 and CDKN2A), and age (RB1) disparities. This study prioritizes a group of consensus drivers in HCC, which collectively show vast impacts on the phenotypes. These driver genes may warrant as valuable therapeutic targets of HCC.
Hemifield-specific Correlations between Cue-related Blood Oxygen Level Dependent Activity in Bilateral Nodes of the Dorsal Attention Network and Attentional Benefits in a Spatial Orienting Paradigm
Authors: Mayrhofer Helen C. , Duecker Felix , van de Ven Vincent , Jacobs Heidi I. L. , Sack Alexander T.
Published: September 2018

The dorsal attention network (DAN) is known to be involved in shifts of spatial attention or in orienting. However, the involvement of each hemisphere in shifts to either hemifield is still a matter of debate. In this study, interindividual hemifield-specific attentional benefits in RTs were correlated with cue-related BOLD responses specific to directive cues in the left and right frontal and posterior nodes of the DAN, measured in a Spatial Orienting Paradigm. The pattern of correlations was analyzed with respect to its fit with three existing hypotheses of spatial attention control: the contralateral, right dominance, and hybrid hypotheses. Results showed that activation in frontal and parietal nodes of the DAN could explain a significant proportion of the interindividual variance in attentional benefits. Although we found that benefits in the right hemifield correlated with cue-related activity in the left, as well as the right, DAN and that the pattern of correlations fit best with the right dominance hypothesis, there were no significant correlations between left benefits and activation in the right (as well as left) DAN, which precludes the conclusion that our data support the right dominance hypothesis and might instead point toward a potential qualitative difference between leftward and rightward shifts of attention. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that behavioral effects of orienting can be linked to activation changes in the DAN, and it raises new questions with respect to the involvement of the frontal and parietal nodes in each hemisphere in hemifield-specific orienting.
A Varying Role for Abstraction in Models of Category Learning Constructed from Neural Representations in Early Visual Cortex
Authors: Ritchie J. Brendan , Op de Beeck Hans
Published: September 2018

The human capacity for visual categorization is core to how we make sense of the visible world. Although a substantive body of research in cognitive neuroscience has localized this capacity to regions of human visual cortex, relatively few studies have investigated the role of abstraction in how representations for novel object categories are constructed from the neural representation of stimulus dimensions. Using human fMRI coupled with formal modeling of observer behavior, we assess a wide range of categorization models that vary in their level of abstraction from collections of subprototypes to representations of individual exemplars. The category learning tasks range from simple linear and unidimensional category rules to complex crisscross rules that require a nonlinear combination of multiple dimensions. We show that models based on neural responses in primary visual cortex favor a variable, but often limited, extent of abstraction in the construction of representations for novel categories, which differ in degree across tasks and individuals.
Making a ‘Home Away from Home’?
Authors: Pruiksma Nienke
Published: September 2018

Are migrant religious communities a ‘home away from home’ as is often claimed? What is home and how does religion feature in the creation of home and belonging in the process of migration? This article interrogates the oft-mentioned communalities in language, culture, ethics and ethnicity as key factors in home-making and belonging. Building on Thomas Tweed’s argument concerning the home-making features of religion, I argue that ritual is the key factor. Looking at the ritual of anointment in the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in Amsterdam, this article concludes that in a migration context both the leadership and members invest in anointment as a ritual of home-making, resulting in the negotiation of an inherited practice to create – albeit temporary and contested – experiences of home and belonging.
Migration Policies and Uncertainty
Authors: Rey Jeanne
Published: September 2018

This article addresses the role of migrant congregations as civil society players through the practice of prayer. By combining the notion of political activism and the theory of subjectivation, it offers a new perspective on Pentecostal practice and migrant congregations in Europe as a way of addressing uncertainty linked to migration policies and mobility regimes. In Switzerland, where conditions for migrants have become increasingly restrictive, political and social forms of exclusion are challenged by African Pentecostal migrants who engage in prayer that contests restrictions on mobility, assignation to subaltern positions, as well as other forms of discrimination. Yet, this ritual resistance rarely takes the form of a political action; neither does it formulate concrete claims towards immigration procedures and policies. Rather, it is expressed through prayer in the protective space of a religious community, allowing the migrants to reassess subjectivations and to imagine new subjectivities.
Within the Borders but Not Really in South Africa
Authors: Chereni Admire
Published: September 2018

This article explores the relationship between economic and social aspects of differential inclusion in South Africa as well as migrants’ notions and practices of home and belonging. It is based on narratives provided by Zimbabweans in Johannesburg, and considers what this relationship might imply for how we understand circular migration. It finds that, differential inclusion – emanating from migrants’ experiences of deportability, insecure residence, marginal economic practices, uncertain futurity and temporal disruptions, that punctuated their post-arrival everyday life – shapes migrants’ perceptions of home as a concrete site left behind to which migrants strive to return. Conversely, negative evaluations of livelihood opportunities in Zimbabwe fuel an orientation towards an imminent yet continually deferred eventual return.
Aristotle, Equity, and Democracy
Authors: Schillinger Daniel
Published: September 2018

Aristotelian equity (epieikeia) has often been relegated to scholarly discussions of retributive justice. Recently, however, political theorists have recast equity as the virtue of a sympathetic democratic citizen. I build on this literature by offering a more precise explanation of equity’s internal structure and political significance. In particular, I reveal equity’s deliberative dimension. For Aristotle, equitable citizens, statesmen, and legislators correct or go beyond the law, as appropriate, not only when they render retrospective judgments about matters of punishment or distribution, but also when they deliberate about future-oriented questions of legislation or political action. In addition, I show, more concretely, the role of equity in democratic citizenship. Drawing upon the Aristotelian Constitution of the Athenians, I argue that the Athenian demos exemplified equity when it brought about the reconciliation and the amnesty of 403 BC. Attention to this episode clarifies the conceptual linkages between equity, deliberation, sympathy, and democracy.
Rhodocollybia utrorensis (Agaricales, Basidiomycota): a new species and a first record of the genus Rhodocollybia from Pakistan
Authors: SATTAR AMMARA , KIRAN MUNAZZA , KHALID ABDUL NASIR
Published: September 2018

Rhodocollybia utrorensis sp. nov. is described from the Utror valley, Pakistan. It is characterized by a dull brown pileus with a low umbo and inrolled margin, adnate lamellae with wavy margin, presence of pleurocystidia and inamyloid basidiospores. Both morpho-anatomical features and phylogenetic analysis based on ITS nrDNA sequence indicate Rhodocollybia utrorensis is a new species. This is the first report of the genus Rhodocollybia from Pakistan.
Fifth contribution to the knowledge of water mites (Acari: Hydrachnidia) from the Comoros: a checklist and description of one new genus and four new species
Authors: PEŠIĆ VLADIMIR M. , SMIT HARRY , MARY NATHALIE
Published: September 2018

New records of water mites (Acari: Hydrachnidia) from the Comoros are presented. One genus, i.e. Lagoenaxonopsalbia Pešić & Smit, and four species, i.e. Platymamersopsis mayottensis (Anisitsiellidae), Torrenticola mayottensis (Torrenticolidae), Lagoenaxonopsalbia comorosensis (Aturidae) and Djeboa davecooki (Mideopsidae) are described as new to science. Arrenurus comorosensis Pešić & Smit, 2015 is synonymized with Arrenurus flavus Smit, 2012. The first description of the female of Sterkspruitia comorosensis Pešić & Smit, 2015 is given. The number of water mites known from Comoros now tallies 17 species in ten families.
Creative Improvisation Through Literature
Authors: Constantin Vasile , Mitrofan Laurențiu
Published: September 2018

Previous studies indicated the effectiveness of using art-therapy methods in preventing psychological problems or improving emotional intelligence. In this study, 40 participants engaged in a narrative therapy–based intervention group (CILP group), aimed at increasing emotional intelligence. In parallel, another group (art-therapy group) also composed of 40 participants, using other art-therapy techniques was conducted. A control group, consisting of the same number of participants ( n = 40) who did not engage in any intervention, was included in the study. Results indicated significant increases in emotional intelligence in the CILP group between pretest and posttest. In addition, there were significant differences observed between the CILP group and the art-therapy group, as well as between the CILP group and the control group, all at the posttest stage. Implications, limitations, and future research directions are addressed.
The Effect of China’s National Essential Medicine Policy on Health Expenses: Evidence From a National Study
Authors: Li Qian , Chen Fei , Yang Min , Lu Liyong , Pan Jay , Li Xiaosong , Meng Qun
Published: September 2018

To increase use of medical service across the country, the Chinese government has tried to improve equity in health care access and reduce patients’ medical expenses. For this purpose, the National Essential Medicine Policy (NEMP) was introduced in 2009 to mandate the distribution of medicines to health care facilities at a low cost and without profit. This study aims to evaluate the effect of the essential medicine policy on average per-visit expenses for outpatient and inpatient services. The annual national surveillance system data covering all the grassroots-level primary health care facilities (PHFs) in 2675 counties and 31 provinces in China during 2008 to 2012 were used in this study. The 4-level hierarchical random effects models were utilized to deal with possible dose-response effects of the policy and possible variations of such effects at the provincial, county, and facility levels. Our research findings suggest that the NEMP had positive effects in reducing both outpatient and inpatient expenses at grassroots level, and the policy effects tended to be greater as the exposure time increased. This study provides implications on reforming China’s health system and its medicine cost control policies.
Three Conceptions of a Theory of Institutions
Authors: Aydinonat N.Emrah , Ylikoski Petri
Published: September 2018

We compare Guala’s unified theory of institutions with that of Searle and Greif. We show that unification can be many things and it may be associated with diverse explanatory goals. We also highlight some of the important shortcomings of Guala’s account: it does not capture all social institutions, its ability to bridge social ontology and game theory is based on a problematic interpretation of the type-token distinction, and its ability to make social ontology useful for social sciences is hindered by Guala’s interpretation of social institution types as social kinds akin to natural kinds.
A Multi-Informant Study of the Role of Household Disorder in Low Self-Control
Authors: Jackson Dylan B. , Vaughn Michael G.
Published: September 2018

The current study expands upon Gottfredson and Hirschi’s (1990) General Theory of Crime by examining associations between multiple forms of household disorder and low self-control, as well as the potential for attenuated informal social controls within the home to account for these associations. Multi-informant data from the Fragile Families & Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS) are employed in the present study. Multiple regression-based techniques (e.g., negative binomial regression, logistic regression) are executed in a stepwise fashion to address our research questions. The findings indicate that one form of household disorder in particular, Household Health/Safety Hazards, yielded significant associations with low self-control across multiple model specifications. Informal social control exerted by parents within the home did not appear to explain this relationship. Future research should consider the possibility that certain forms of disorder in the immediate ecological context of the home may attenuate self-control and should explore other potential explanations of the findings.
Etiological Pathways to Rejection Sensitivity in a High-Risk Sample
Authors: Godleski Stephanie A. , Eiden Rina D. , Kachadourian Lorig , Lucke Joseph F.
Published: September 2018

Rejection sensitivity is associated with social–emotional maladjustment in both childhood and adulthood. However, less is known about the etiology of rejection sensitivity. The present study tests an etiological model for rejection sensitivity using a high-risk sample ( N = 227) with prospective data from infancy (i.e., 12 months) to adolescence (i.e., eighth grade). Evidence for social learning and attachment theories was demonstrated. In particular, family and parenting factors, such as family conflict and maternal harshness, were predictive of rejection sensitivity in adolescence. Implications for intervention and prevention efforts are discussed.
Racial Socialization Practices Among White American Parents: Relations to Racial Attitudes, Racial Identity, and School Diversity
Authors: Zucker Jenna Kelley , Patterson Meagan M.
Published: September 2018

This study examines racial socialization practices among White American parents ( N = 154) of children aged 8 to 12 years, using both quantitative and qualitative measures, as well as the relations of racial attitudes, racial identity, and racial diversity of the schools that children attend to socialization practices. Responses on the qualitative socialization measure indicate that White parents are generally unlikely to discuss race or racism with their children in a direct, explicit fashion, even when the parents are responding to a situation in which racial bias is clear and salient. Parents with less biased racial attitudes were more likely to engage in color-conscious racial socialization and to present socialization messages that emphasized egalitarianism and the existence of racial discrimination. School diversity was generally unrelated to parents’ racial socialization strategies, with the exception of messages about preparation for bias against one’s own racial group.
Long-term outcome of first 300 implanted Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffolds in an all-comers Middle East population
Authors: Al Nooryani Arif , Elabbassi Wael N. , AlBaba Bassam , Kerfes Jalal A. , Abudaqa Loai M. , Bhatia Amit , Abdelrahman Nagwa A. , Boskovic Nikola , Beleslin Branko
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To evaluate long-term clinical outcomes of the Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) system (Abbott Vascular) in an all-comers Middle East population.

Methods

This prospective registry study included an initial set of patients with coronary lesions treated using Absorb BVS. Patients were followed for target vessel failure (TVF) including cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (MI), and target lesion revascularization.

Results

A total of 217 patients (age, 55 ± 11 years; male, 169) with 300 treated lesions were included (median follow-up, 36 months [range, 26–41 months]; complete follow-up, 201 patients). Diabetes mellitus and acute coronary syndrome were present in 50% and 57% of patients, respectively. TVF rate was 32/201 (15.9%), including cardiac death in 10 (5%), target vessel MI in 13 (6.5%), and target lesion revascularization in 22 patients (10.9%). Definite or probable device thrombosis occurred in 11/201 patients (5.5%). TVF was associated with heart failure, worse ejection fraction, multi-vessel BVS, multi BVS in lesion, and total BVS length >50 mm.

Conclusions

Long-term outcome following Absorb BVS implantation in a population with high prevalence of high-risk and complex patients is acceptable, but heart failure, worse ejection fraction, and multi-vessel or long BVS implantation were associated with worse outcomes.
Distribution of Viral Antigen and Inflammatory Lesions in the Central Nervous System of Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) Experimentally Infected with Parrot Bornavirus 2
Authors: de Araujo Jeann Leal , Rodrigues-Hoffmann Aline , Giaretta Paula R. , Guo Jianhua , Heatley Jill , Tizard Ian , Rech Raquel R.
Published: September 2018

Neurotropism is a striking characteristic of bornaviruses, including parrot bornavirus 2 (PaBV-2). Our study evaluated the distribution of inflammatory foci and viral nucleoprotein (N) antigen in the brain and spinal cord of 27 cockatiels ( Nymphicus hollandicus) following experimental infection with PaBV-2 by injection into the pectoral muscle. Tissue samples were taken at 12 timepoints between 5 and 114 days post-inoculation (dpi). Each experimental group had approximately 3 cockatiels per group and usually 1 negative control. Immunolabeling was first observed within the ventral horns of the thoracic spinal cord at 20 dpi and in the brain (thalamic nuclei and hindbrain) at 25 dpi. Both inflammation and viral antigen were restricted to the central core of the brain until 40 dpi. The virus then spread quickly at 60 dpi to both gray and white matter of all analyzed sections of the central nervous system (CNS). Encephalitis was most severe in the thalamus and hindbrain, while myelitis was most prominent in the gray matter and equally distributed in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral spinal cord. Our results demonstrate a caudal to rostral spread of virus in the CNS following experimental inoculation of PABV-2 into the pectoral muscle, with the presence of viral antigen and inflammatory lesions first in the spinal cord and progressing to the brain.
Non-stick science: Sixty years of research and (in)action on fluorinated compounds
Authors: Richter Lauren , Cordner Alissa , Brown Phil
Published: September 2018

Understandings of environmental governance both assume and challenge the relationship between expert knowledge and corresponding action. We explore this interplay by examining the context of knowledge production pertaining to a contested class of chemicals. Per-and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) are widely used industrial compounds containing chemical chains of carbon and fluorine that are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic. Although industry and regulatory scientists have studied the exposure and toxicity concerns of these compounds for decades, and several contaminated communities have documented health concerns as a result of their high levels of exposure, PFAS use remains ubiquitous in a large range of consumer and industrial products. Despite this significant history of industry knowledge production documenting exposure and toxicity concerns, the regulatory approach to PFASs has been limited. This is largely due to a regulatory framework that privileges industry incentives for rapid market entry and trade secret protection over substantive public health protection, creating areas of unseen science, research that is conducted but never shared outside of institutional boundaries. In particular, the risks of PFASs have been both structurally hidden and unexamined by existing regulatory and industry practice. This reveals the uneven pathways that construct issues of social and scientific concern.
Practical Method to Determine the Effect of Air Voids on the Dynamic Modulus of Asphalt Mixture
Authors: Li Xinjun , Youtcheff Jack
Published: September 2018

This study presents a practical method for estimating the effect of air voids on the dynamic modulus of asphalt mixture. Dynamic modulus was predicted for mixes with a large range of air void contents using the construction mix volumetric and binder rheological data from 10 accelerated loading facility (ALF) lanes, following the Witczak and Hirsch methods. A large variety of plant-produced and laboratory-prepared mixtures, including hot- and warm-mix asphalt (HMA and WMA), reclaimed asphalt pavement, and recycled asphalt shingles, was tested for dynamic modulus at different air void contents. The experimentally measured and normalized correction factors were found to be more dependent on test temperature than the frequency. The predicted correction factors were found to match with the experimental data at lower temperature but to be clearly lower at high temperature. A set of correction factors for each test temperature is recommended to practitioners correcting dynamic modulus with variation in air voids in asphalt pavement.
Higher Levels of Dairy Result in Improved Physical Outcomes: A Synthesis of 3 Randomized Controlled Trials in Guinea-Bissau Comparing Supplements with Different Levels of Dairy Ingredients Among Children 6 to 59 Months, 5 to 19 Year Olds, and Mothers in Preschools, Primary Schools, and Villages, and the Implications for Programs
Authors: Schlossman Nina
Published: September 2018

Background:

This article synthesizes the results of 3 cluster randomized controlled trials of dairy-containing ready-to-use supplementary foods (RUSFs) to address malnutrition in primary schools, preschools and villages in Guinea-Bissau, one of the world’s poorest countries. Together, these studies document widespread malnutrition across infants, young children, adolescents, and pregnant and lactating women and point to intervention options that were not previously presented.

Objective:

To combine the evidence from the United States Department of Agriculture–funded pilot studies in Guinea-Bissau on the effects of dairy protein supplementation to gain a broader perspective on the role of dairy containing RUSFs in various age-groups, the importance of the mother–child dyad and family food dynamics for infant and child growth. Translate the results into action and the next generation of effective products.

Methods:

A comparative analysis of data and synthesis of evidence from 3 published studies and ongoing research conducted by our team in Guinea-Bissau.

Results and Conclusions:

Higher dairy supplements have the potential to achieve broad benefits for malnutrition, especially in mothers and early childhood (first 1000 days and 36-59 months). Higher levels of dairy protein also can prevent moderate acute malnutrition in children younger than 2 years, independent of the family food dynamic. Community-level nutrition behavior change education should target older children and adolescents at the community level and through the preschool/school platform.
Online and Handwritten Homework in Calculus for STEM Majors
Authors: Smolinsky Lawrence , Olafsson Gestur , Marx Brian D. , Wang Gaomin
Published: September 2018

Calculus is an essential intellectual gateway and initiation in the education of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students. In this study, graded online computer homework was compared with graded handwritten homework in second-semester calculus for STEM students. Previous calculus studies excluded STEM students or compared graded online computer homework with ungraded uncollected handwritten homework. Two large sections and two small sections of Calculus II were studied using a quasi-experimental design. Students were given the same lecture by the same instructor for each class. Students were not aware of the type of homework to be assigned when they registered. Online homework sections used WebAssign, which is one of the most widely used textbook and homework systems. The analysis indicates that there was no significant difference in performance between handwritten and online homework. Assessment questions that required graphical answers provided the greatest contrast between handwritten and online homework and were separately evaluated. Controls were included for entering math scores and a socioeconomic indicator. This study does not find any significant difference due to homework type. As a secondary question, the effect of class size is examined.
Moderating Factors Associated With Interrupting the Transmission of Domestic Violence Among Adolescents
Authors: Genç Emel , Su Yile , Durtshi Jared
Published: September 2018

Exposure to child maltreatment in the family-of-origin has consistently been linked to intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration in adulthood. Although the concept of a cycle of violence presumes that the transmission of violence is expressed directly across generations, some protective factors such as social support, self-esteem, and relationship quality with parents may ultimately be influential in nonviolent behavior in adult relationships. Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health data set, we tested protective factors to see if and to what extent they disrupted the association from early childhood maltreatment to experiencing violence later on in adult relationships. We found that there was a positive association between adolescence exposure to maltreatment and adult perpetration and victimization of IPV. Also, social support in adolescence was identified as a predictor of lower levels of violence in adult relationship. Clinical implications were discussed to help therapists intervene with adolescents in the hopes of reducing their propensity toward violent relationships in adulthood.
Evaluation of railway trackbed moduli using the rail falling weight test method and its backcalculation model
Authors: Haji Abdulrazagh Parisa , Farzaneh Orang , Behnia Cambyse
Published: September 2018

A new falling weight test method based on the direct impact on the rail was studied and a backcalculation model was developed to estimate the moduli of the railway substructure layers. The model is three-dimensional, dynamic, and considers the superstructures. After the preliminary studies on the impact system and measurement setup on a test track, a case study was performed on a railway station track. The data were recorded using a series of linear variable differential transformers, geophones, and accelerometers during the proposed falling weight test on the rail. To establish the soil profile and better understanding of the site, geotechnical and geophysical investigation of the soil was done using in situ and conventional laboratory tests. The studies show that the rail falling weight test is feasible and leads to reasonable results. Verification of the backcalculation model with the ABAQUS finite element simulation and comparison of the backcalculated moduli with the results of site investigations show that the function of the backcalculation model is satisfactory.
Railway smart grids: Drivers, benefits and challenges
Authors: Steele Heather , Roberts Clive , Hillmansen Stuart
Published: September 2018

Smart grids are considered to be the ‘next generation’ of electricity supply systems, capable of increasing supply reliability, availability and energy efficiency through the use of information and communication technologies. Despite these advantages, however, the development of smart grids in rail has lagged behind the domestic sector and other industries, only recently becoming a focus of the future railway. Generally speaking, the technologies suitable for railway smart grids are already being used in other sectors, but the unique socio-political and technological environment of rail makes their implementation challenging. This review explores smart grids in the rail context, focusing on the specific drivers, benefits and challenges for the development of railway smart grids. The necessity of rail as a future transport mode is highlighted, before the following drivers and their related benefits are explored: fossil-fuel reliance, supply reliability, customer participation and the nature of rail traction demand. Finally, the railway power supply system is described and a simple railway smart grid architecture introduced before seven technical challenges are presented against the rail background. These are: interfacing new equipment, electromagnetic compatibility, developing communications, distributed generation, cybersecurity, data and standardisation and regulation. It is hoped that this review will stimulate discussion in the field of railway smart grids and direct research into addressing the railway specific challenges hindering smart grid implementation.
Stability analysis for a rotor system in a magnetically suspended control and sensitive gyroscope with the Lorentz force magnetic bearing rotation
Authors: Xia Changfeng , Cai Yuanwen , Ren Yuan
Published: September 2018

In order to intuitively and conveniently analyse the stability of a rotor system in a magnetically suspended control and sensitive gyroscope with the rotation of a Lorentz force magnetic bearing, this study proposes a stability analysis method on the basis of a pseudo-linear equivalent transformation and extended double-frequency Bode diagram. The working principle of the rotor system is presented, and the dynamic model for this system that considers the Lorentz force magnetic bearing rotation is established. The established real-coefficient two-input–two-output nonlinear system is transferred into a complex-coefficient single-input–single-output nonlinear system through variable reconstruction. Based on the complex frequency shift characteristics of Laplace transformation, the time-varying nonlinear system is converted into a pseudo-linear system. In accordance with the relationship between a Nyquist curve and a Bode diagram, the extended double-frequency Bode diagram method is proposed to analyse the stability of a non-minimum phase system with integral items. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the correctness of the proposed analysis method.