bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing multilabel classification for food truck recommendation
Authors: Rivolli Adriano , Soares Carlos , de Carvalho André C. P. L. F.
Published: July 2018

Food trucks are a widely popular fast food restaurant alternative, whose differentiating factor is their proximity to customers. Their popularity has stimulated the expansion of available options, which now includes several different types of cuisines, consequently making the choice by customers a challenging issue. From data obtained via a market research, in which hundreds of participants provided their food truck preferences, this paper focuses on the problem of food truck recommendation using a multilabel approach. In particular, it investigates how to improve the recommendation task regarding a previous work, where some labels have never been predicted. In order to address this problem, different alternatives were investigated. One of these alternatives, the Ensemble of Single Label, proposed in this paper, was able to reduce it. Despite its simplicity, good predictive results were obtained when they were used in the investigated task. Among other benefits, all labels were correctly predicted at least for few instances.
NAT6 acetylates the N‐terminus of different forms of actin
Authors: Wiame Elsa , Tahay Gaëlle , Tyteca Donatienne , Vertommen Didier , Stroobant Vincent , Bommer Guido T. , Van Schaftingen Emile
Published: July 2018

All forms of mammalian actin comprise at their N‐terminus a negatively charged region consisting of an N‐acetylated aspartate or glutamate followed by two or three acidic residues. This structural feature is unique to actins and important for their interaction with other proteins. The enzyme catalyzing the acetylation of the N‐terminal acidic residue is thought to be NAA10, an enzyme that acetylates multiple intracellular proteins. We report here that this acetylation is essentially carried out by NAT6 (Fus2), a protein of unknown function. Tests of the activity of human recombinant NAT6 on a series of purified proteins showed that the best substrate had several acidic residues near its N‐terminus. Accordingly NAT6 was particularly active on highly acidic peptides with sequences corresponding to the N‐terminus of different forms of mammalian actins. Knocking out of NAT6 in two human cell lines led to absence of acetylation of the first residue of mature beta‐actin (Asp2) and gamma‐actin‐1 (Glu2). Complete acetylation of these two actins was restored by re‐expression of NAT6, or by incubation of extracts of NAT6‐deficient cells with low concentrations of recombinant NAT6, while NAA10 showed much less or no activity in such assays. Alpha‐actin‐1 expressed in NAT6‐knockout cells was not acetylated at its N‐terminus, indicating that the requirement of NAT6 for acetylation of actin N‐termini also applies to the skeletal muscle actin isoform. Taken together, our findings reveal that NAT6 plays a critical role in the maturation of actins by carrying out the acetylation of their N‐terminal acidic residue.
Historical Geography, feminist research and the gender politics of the present
Authors: Moore Francesca
Published: July 2018

It is thirty years since the first call to engage with gender as an analytical category was made in the sub‐discipline of Historical Geography. Significant advances in scholarship have been made in this time, particularly the re‐situation of women in the history of Geography as a subject. This paper looks to the next thirty years in Historical Geography and asks how the sub‐discipline can retain and develop its critical political edge. In the 2017 Women's Marches protestors dressed as suffragettes from the early twentieth century and proclaimed that little had changed in the fight for women's rights. Taking this ‘Victorian present’ as a starting point, this paper explores ways to connect Historical Geography to the gender politics of the present. The paper argues that the sub‐discipline has the methodological tools to use the past as a form of female power to engage with the inequalities that women still face. A sketch of a feminist historical geography of the present is provided using emancipatory and participatory research tools.
Historicising geographies of solidarity
Authors: Kelliher Diarmaid
Published: July 2018

This article evaluates two of the most productive recent areas of research in the historical geographies of solidarity: first, work relating to class and the labour movement; and second, debates clustered around race and colonialism. The two are, of course, not entirely distinct, and there has been much useful thinking at their intersections. I suggest that questions of mobility have been crucial in thinking about the formation of diverse solidarities across geographical and social boundaries. The article looks at how relationships can both be developed across differences of gender, race, and sexuality and how solidarities can be used to entrench forms of oppression and inequities of power. Thinking about this issue through the concept of intersectionality, I argue, would be a useful way of engaging with such questions. I suggest three areas which could be developed further. First, there is potential for a greater engagement with theoretical debates around the nature of solidarity itself. Second, historical geographers could pay more attention to the role of memory and “usable pasts.” Finally, I argue that more ambitious historical narratives, framed within wider social processes, would allow us to make broader arguments about how solidarity develops over time.
Decreased cognitive function is associated with dysphagia risk in nursing home older residents
Authors: Yatabe Naoko , Takeuchi Kenji , Izumi Maya , Furuta Michiko , Takeshita Toru , Shibata Yukie , Suma Shino , Kageyama Shinya , Ganaha Seijun , Tohara Haruka , Yamashita Yoshihisa
Published: July 2018

Objective

To examine the association between cognitive function and dysphagia risk among Japanese nursing home residents.

Background

Reduction in cognitive function can influence the intake of food during swallowing, and may be an aggravating factor in dysphagia.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 236 residents aged ≥60 years from eight nursing homes. Screening of dysphagia, especially aspiration risk, was conducted using the Modified Water Swallow Test, whose scores from one to three were classified as at risk of dysphagia. Cognitive function was evaluated using Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). Number of teeth and occlusal support were evaluated by clinical examination. The participants were stratified into dentulous and edentulous groups, because the number of teeth could influence swallowing function. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for dysphagia risk based on the scores of MMSE were calculated using logistic regression. Demographic characteristics, activity of daily living, comorbidities, health behaviour and occlusal support were used as covariates.

Results

Among the 236 participants (111 dentulous participants and 125 edentulous participants) included in our analysis, 16.9% belonged to risk of dysphagia. Dentulous participants with higher scores of MMSE tended to have significantly lower odds of dysphagia risk after adjusting for covariates (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.80‐0.96). Despite the lack of significant differences, edentulous participants with higher score of MMSE tended to have lower odds of dysphagia risk (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.83‐1.00).

Conclusion

Decreased cognitive function may be an independent predictor of dysphagia among dentulous and edentulous adults.
Comparison of interactions of MgO‐based refractories with Li‐ion battery cathode materials during calcination
Authors: Zhai Pengtao , Chen Liugang , Hu Shuhe , Zhang Xuan , Ding Dafei , Li Hongxia , Li Suping , Zhu Lingling , Ye Guotian
Published: July 2018

To select refractory major ingredients of saggers for the calcination of Li‐ion battery cathode Li(NixCoyMnz)O2 (LNCM) materials, interactions between MgO‐based refractories, ie, magnesium aluminate (MgAl2O4) spinel, forsterite (2MgO·SiO2), and cordierite (2MgO·2Al2O3·5SiO2), and LNCM materials were compared respectively via refractory‐LNCM precursor cylinder testing in lab‐scale. The phase composition and microstructure evolution of the calcined cylinders were characterized and resulted in comprehensive understanding and comparing of degradation of the MgO‐based refractories. The results reveal that cordierite is severely corroded, whereas magnesium‐aluminate spinel reacts little with LNCM materials. Refractories contain both SiO2 and Al2O3 with a higher SiO2 level will suffer a more serious corrosion contacting with LNCM materials.
A competency framework for clinical pharmacists and heart failure
Authors: Forsyth Paul , Warren Alison , Thomson Clare , Bateman Joanne , Greenwood Elizabeth , Williams Helen , Khatib Rani , Hadland Rocco , McGlynn Steve , Khan Nazish , Duggan Catherine , Beezer Janine
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Heart failure is an escalating ‘pandemic’ with malignant outcomes. Clinical pharmacist heart failure services have been developing for the past two decades. However, little clarity is available on the additional advanced knowledge, skills and experience needed for pharmacists to practice safely and competently. We aimed to provide an expert consensus on the minimum competencies necessary for clinical pharmacists to deliver appropriate care to patients with heart failure.

Methods

There were four methodological parts; (1) establishing a project group from experts in the field; (2) review of the literature, including existing pharmacy competency frameworks in other specialities and previous heart failure curricula from other professions; (3) consensus building, including developing, reviewing and adapting the contents of the framework; and (4) write-up and dissemination to widen the impact of the project.

Key findings

The final framework defines minimum competencies relevant to heart failure for four different potential levels of specialism: all pharmacists regardless of role (Stage 1); all patient-facing clinical pharmacists (Stage 2); clinical pharmacists with specific planned roles in the care of heart failure patients (Stage 3); and regionally/nationally/internationally recognised expert pharmacists with a direct specialism in heart failure (Stage 4).

Conclusions

The framework delivers the vital first step needed to help standardise care, give pharmacists a blueprint for career progression and continuing professional development and bring clarity to the role of the pharmacist. Future collaboration between professional bodies and training providers is needed to develop structured programmes to align with the framework and facilitate training and resultant accreditation.
Partnership approaches to the evaluation of complex policy initiatives: Qualitative research as key to building effective relationships
Authors: Turner‐Halliday Fiona , Welch Vicki , Bryce Graham , Forde Matt , Cotmore Richard , Wilson Phil , Fitzpatrick Bridie , Watson Nicholas , Minnis Helen
Published: July 2018

We argue that major health and social care policy initiatives are not too complex for randomised controlled trial (RCT) methodology and illustrate this using the example of the Best Services Trial (BeST?): a RCT of an infant mental health intervention for maltreated children. We suggest that qualitative research, as a core part of the trial process from conception and development through to implementation and evaluation, is crucial in building, understanding and strengthening the partnership required to drive such a complex trial. Data pertinent to trial implementation demonstrate the iterative nature of the process whereby stakeholders are consulted and their views influence the conduct of the trial. Here we reflect on the bi‐directional relationship between qualitative data collection and partnership‐working in a trial. For very complex trials to be possible, significant resource needs to be available for the qualitative component.

Key Practitioner Message: • Qualitative research is key to understanding, building and strengthening partnership approaches to researching complex interventions; • Qualitative research is vital to supporting randomised controlled trials involving multiple sectors; • Qualitative research provides essential explanatory power to outcome data in research.
Las remesas y los resultados del mercado de trabajo. Análisis basado en datos de México
Authors: SHARMA Amarendra , CÁRDENAS Oscar
Published: July 2018

En numerosos estudios se han investigado los efectos de las remesas sobre los resultados laborales, generalmente con datos de nivel microeconómico. Los pocos estudios en que se han utilizado datos de nivel macroeconómico adolecen de un sesgo de endogeneidad por la inclusión de las remesas en sus estimaciones. En la presente investigación tratamos de colmar esta laguna analizando el sesgo de endogeneidad mediante un estimador del sistema MGM (método generalizado de momentos) con datos de panel de los Estados mexicanos. Las principales conclusiones son que las remesas aumentan las tasas de actividad y reducen la mediana de horas trabajadas, el empleo crítico y la duración del desempleo.
Eficacia de la inspección laboral cuando la normativa varía según el tamaño de la empresa. El caso del Perú
Authors: VIOLLAZ Mariana
Published: July 2018

Se analiza el impacto del control del cumplimiento de cuatro normas laborales (salario mínimo, cotización a pensiones, contrato de trabajo escrito y horas de trabajo) en el Perú, donde la reglamentación y las sanciones varían según el tamaño de la empresa. Con datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Hogares y una estrategia de variable instrumental, la autora se centra en un margen de ajuste previamente no analizado, la reducción del tamaño de la empresa para beneficiarse de normas más flexibles y sanciones más bajas. Los resultados muestran que la inspección tuvo poco efecto en el grado de conformidad o en el tamaño de las empresas.
La curva de Beveridge y los determinantes del emparejamiento en el mercado de trabajo
Authors: BOVA Elva , TOVAR JALLES João , KOLERUS Christina
Published: July 2018

Se exploran los determinantes a corto plazo del emparejamiento entre oferta y demanda de trabajo identificando los desplazamientos de la curva de Beveridge en doce países de la OCDE entre el primer trimestre de 2000 y el cuarto trimestre de 2013. Mediante tres metodologías complementarias (examen visual, técnicas de cointegración y estimaciones no lineales), observamos que el crecimiento de la población activa, la legislación de protección del empleo y las políticas activas de mercado de trabajo (incentivos a la creación de empresas, programas de trabajo compartido) favorecen el emparejamiento, mientras que los niveles de instrucción intermedios, el desempleo de larga duración y las políticas pasivas (prestaciones por desempleo, fiscalidad del trabajo) lo dificultan.
Las condiciones laborales en la industria exportadora del norte de Marruecos. Entre el marco jurídico y la realidad de los actores
Authors: TRINIDAD REQUENA Antonio , SORIANO MIRAS Rosa M. , BARROS RODRÍGUEZ Francisco
Published: July 2018

Las empresas exportadoras de productos manufacturados y de servicios del norte de Marruecos siguen un sistema de producción caracterizado por la alta presión, la flexibilidad, la supervisión directa y el cuestionamiento de ciertos derechos laborales. En el presente trabajo se estudian las condiciones laborales de estas empresas a partir del modelo teórico de la «economía global localizada», estableciendo una diferenciación según el tipo de empresa, la rama de actividad económica y la categoría profesional. Los resultados muestran cómo la reforma laboral de 2004, que adaptó la normativa a los convenios internacionales, ha servido para otorgar mayor poder a la empresa transnacional.
Decoupling and Contagion: The Special Case of the Eurozone Sovereign Debt Crisis
Authors: Baur Dirk G.
Published: July 2018

This paper demonstrates that the Eurozone sovereign debt crisis constitutes a special case in the contagion literature with general implications. Perfectly correlated bond markets imply that contagion can only occur if there is a decoupling to lower correlation levels with increased idiosyncratic shocks leading to more severe but less systemic spillovers. This theoretical prediction is fully supported by the empirical analysis. We also show that dynamic coexceedance estimates provide a more robust and more general picture of contagion than correlation‐based tests. Coexceedances identify only one major incidence of contagion that affected five periphery Eurozone countries in May 2010 and coincided with flight to quality from the periphery to the core and the 2010 “flash crash” in US equity markets.
On the grain size proportionality constants calculated in M.I. Mendelson's “Average Grain Size in Polycrystalline Ceramics”
Authors: Gerlt Austin R. C. , Criner Amanda K. , Semiatin Lee , Payton Eric J.
Published: July 2018

In 1969, M.I. Mendelson published a paper in the Journal of the American Ceramic Society that introduced a proportionality constant of 1.558 for estimating the average 3D grain size from the mean 2D lineal intercept under the assumption of lognormally distributed grains. Recent simulations by the authors revealed that the lognormal parameterization in the original work actually calculates the median grain size instead of the mean. The relationship between the mean caliper diameter and mean lineal intercept was found to be 1.60 when using common parameterizations. In addition, it is demonstrated through simulations that the correct proportionality constant can range from 1.776 to below unity depending on a material's grain size dispersion, such that 1.60 should only be used as a crude approximation.
Bottlenecks, remoteness and admixture shape genetic variation in island populations of Atlantic and Mediterranean common kestrels Falco tinnunculus
Authors: Kangas Veli‐Matti , Carrillo José , Debray Paul , Kvist Laura
Published: July 2018

We studied genetic diversity and differentiation in island and nearby continental populations of a bird of prey, the common kestrel Falco tinnunculus. We sampled 11 islands in the eastern North Atlantic (Madeira and Canary Islands) and western Mediterranean archipelagos (Balearic Islands) and two continental sites (Iberian Peninsula and north‐west Africa). We used microsatellite (9 loci, n = 470) and mitochondrial data (cytochrome b sequences, n = 244) and applied Bayesian clustering, multivariate frequentist statistics and coalescence analyses. We revealed two main genetic clusters; the first including populations from the Atlantic islands and the second comprising populations from the Balearic Islands, the Iberian Peninsula and north‐west Africa, with additional finer scale structuring. The highest levels of genetic variation were found in Iberian Peninsula, north‐west Africa and Lanzarote island. The lowest diversity was detected in La Palma, the most north‐westerly island of the Canary Islands. The lowest levels of haplotype and nucleotide diversity were observed in Madeira and Gran Canaria and the highest in Menorca. We found evidence of decreasing genetic diversity with increasing severity of a past population bottleneck and, to some extent, with increasing geographic distance from the continent. The two Canary Island subspecies, F. t. dacotiae and F. t. canariensis, have diverged from each other to some degree and from the continental and Balearic conspecifics of F. t. tinnunculus. Samples from Madeira, representing F. t. canariensis, indicated affinities to both Canary Islands and Mediterranean clusters, depending on the marker and methods applied. Our results suggest stronger gene flow between close islands than between distant islands. The genetic structure of an endemic subspecies F. t. dacotiae in the easternmost Canary Islands is suggested to have an origin in a past hybridization between continental F. t. tinnunculus and insular F. t. canariensis.
A Comparison of Different Ciliate Metabarcode Genes as Bioindicators for Environmental Impact Assessments of Salmon Aquaculture
Authors: Forster Dominik , Filker Sabine , Kochems Rebecca , Breiner Hans‐Werner , Cordier Tristan , Pawlowski Jan , Stoeck Thorsten
Published: July 2018

Ciliates are powerful indicators for monitoring the impact of aquaculture and other industrial activities in the marine environment. Here, we tested the efficiency of four different genetic markers (V4 and V9 regions of the SSU rRNA gene, D1 and D2 regions of the LSU rRNA gene, obtained from environmental (e)DNA and environmental (e)RNA) of benthic ciliate communities for environmental monitoring. We obtained these genetic metabarcodes from sediment samples collected along a transect extending from below salmon cages toward the open sea. These data were compared to benchmark data from traditional macrofauna surveys of the same samples. In beta diversity analyses of ciliate community structures, the V4 and V9 markers had a higher resolution power for sampling sites with different degrees of organic enrichment compared to the D1 and D2 markers. The eDNA and eRNA V4 markers had a higher discriminatory power than the V9 markers. However, results obtained with the eDNA V9 marker corroborated better with the traditional macrofauna monitoring. This allows for a more direct comparison of ciliate metabarcoding with the traditional monitoring. We conclude that the ciliate eDNA V9 marker is the best choice for implementation in routine monitoring programs in marine aquaculture.
Adsorption/desorption, diffusion, and thermodynamic properties of anthocyanin from purple rice bran extract on various adsorbents
Authors: Das Amit Baran , Goud V. V. , Das Chandan
Published: July 2018

In the present study, the adsorption and desorption behaviors of anthocyanin in the aqueous solution of purple rice bran were investigated using amberlite XAD2, XAD4, XAD7, activated charcoal, and bentonite as adsorbents. The diffusion mechanisms of anthocyanin on adsorbents were also investigated. Amberlite XAD7 showed higher adsorption/desorption capacities and recovery of anthocyanin from purple rice bran extract over other adsorbents. The recovery of anthocyanin from XAD7 was 41.49% while adsorption and desorption capacities were 1.87 and 1.79 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption behavior of anthocyanin indicated that the process was better explained by pseudo‐first‐order kinetics than pseudo‐second‐order kinetics model. Adsorption isotherm behavior of anthocyanin on adsorbents was found to be homogeneous and more suitable for Langmuir (two parameters) and Redlich–Peterson (three parameters) isotherm models. The adsorption mechanisms of adsorbents were well explained by intra‐particle diffusion model and indicated that XAD7 has the higher diffusion rate than the other adsorbents. In addition to that, the phytochemical profiling of the separated and concentrated bran extract was investigated using HPLC in terms of anthocyanins, cyanidin‐3‐glucoside, peonidin‐3‐d‐glucoside, and phenolic acid content.

Practical applications

The present study shows the adsorption/desorption behavior and mechanism of anthocyanin from purple rice bran extract on the various adsorbents. The study also shows the diffusion mechanisms of anthocyanin on various adsorbents. From the application point of view, this work could be facilitated the industrial production of anthocyanin from purple rice bran as a natural food colorant using adsorption process. Moreover, the study is helpful in understanding the adsorption of anthocyanin as well as designing the adsorption systems.
Bioserotypes, virulence genes, antimicrobial susceptibility and genomic diversity of Yersinia enterocolitica isolates from Argentina and Chile
Authors: Mastrodonato Anna Chiara , Favier Gabriela I. , Lucero Estrada Cecilia S. M. , Vidal Roberto , Escudero María E.
Published: July 2018

Yersinia enterocolitica is associated with human clinical manifestations. In this study, the bioserotype distribution, virulence potential, the antimicrobial susceptibility, and the genomic diversity of Y. enterocolitica isolates recovered from Argentina and Chile were assessed. Eight Chilean and 22 Argentine isolates recovered from human (7) and animal feces (3), foods (18) and wastewater (2) were analyzed. They belonged to the bioserotypes B2 O:9 (9), B1A O:5 (8), B1A O:41,42‐41,43 (8), B4 O:3 (3) and B1A O:7,8‐8‐8,19 (2). Autoagglutination (AA), Ca2+‐dependent growth at 37°C and yadA, inv and yst genes were observed in B2 O:9 and B4 O:3 strains. B1A strains exhibited the genotype yadA‐ inv‐ yst+. All strains were resistant to ampicillin, rifampicin and erythromycin. By XbaI‐PFGE, 11 genomic types (GTs) were demonstrated (D.I. 0.90). The characteristics of these Y. enterocolitica isolates highlight the importance to maintain active surveillance of this enteropathogen in both countries.

Practical applications

The trade exchange among Chile and Argentina includes 12–19% of agricultural goods and foodstuffs with fresh and processed vegetables, seafoods and meat products as the major commodities. Additionally, travel and tourism have increased in recent years with more than 2.5 million passengers moving from Argentina to Chile in 2017. In this context, the control of foodborne pathogens and diseases represents a challenge for both countries. The analysis of bioserotypes, virulence potential, antimicrobial susceptibility, and clonal relatedness of Argentine and Chilean Y. enterocolitica isolates encourages further studies to contribute to the knowledge of the epidemiology of this enteropathogen and the implementation of adequate sanitary measures to prevent Y. enterocolitica illness in both countries.
Conventional and unconventional therapies in typical and atypical chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy with different clinical course of progression
Authors: Hung Stefanie K. Y. , Hiew Fu L. , Viswanathan Shanthi , Puvanarajah Santhi
Published: July 2018

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), corticosteroids and therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) are evidence‐based conventional treatments for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). In many centres, unconventional treatments are frequently used as alternatives. We evaluated the outcome of conventional and unconventional therapies in 31 CIDP patients. Overall response rate with conventional first‐line immunotherapies was 77% (20/26), comparable between IVIG and corticosteroids (80% vs 70%). Use of TPE was limited. Treatment response among typical and atypical CIDP were comparable (76 vs 80%). Non‐responders were patients with progressive form of typical CIDP and DADS. Majority (21/26, 81%) of patients with persistent neurological deficits received maintenance therapy. Two subgroups of patients frequently treated with maintenance immunosuppressants were those with improving or stable disease following first‐line treatment (12, 57%) and those with progressive form of CIDP (2, 10%). Primary indications for immunosuppressant use were corticosteroids‐sparing and additional immunosuppression effects. Nine (64%) patients with improving or stable disease given azathioprine were taken off corticosteroids after a median duration of 14 months (range 12‐108). Two (14%) eventually achieved cure or clinical remission without treatment. Maintenance IVIg was given to 6 (29%) relapsing CIDP patients; none of achieved cure or remission after similar median duration of treatment. Less potent immunosuppressant drugs (azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, and methotrexate) were frequently used, with moderate adverse effect profiles. In resource limited setting, unconventional treatments were commonly used among CIDP patients with different clinical course of progression. In most cases, careful risk‐benefit re‐assessment is required to justify its further use.
The Impact of Nicotine and Cigarette Smoke Condensate on Metabolic Activity and Biofilm Formation of Candida albicans on Acrylic Denture Material
Authors: Alzayer Yasmin Mohammed , Gomez Grace F. , Eckert George J. , Levon John A. , Gregory Richard L.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Smokers have increased denture stomatitis caused primarily by Candida albicans. The primary aim of this study was to demonstrate the impact of a wide range of nicotine and cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) concentrations on biofilm formation and metabolic activity of C. albicans on acrylic denture material.

Materials and Methods

C. albicans (ATCC strain 10231) was used. Standardized denture acrylic (PMMA) specimens (total of 135 specimens) were incubated with C. albicans and exposed to nicotine and CSC at different concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 mg/ml) and (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg/ml), respectively. For each experiment, 3 samples per nicotine and CSC concentration and a total of 45 specimens (27 specimens for the nicotine and 18 specimens for the CSC‐treated samples) were used and were selected randomly for each group. The control group consisted of 0 mg/ml of nicotine or CSC. The viability of C. albicans was measured using spiral plating on blood agar plates. The effect of nicotine and CSC concentrations on planktonic cells was were measured using a microplate reader. Metabolic activity of 24‐hour‐old established C. albicans biofilm exposed to nicotine and CSC for 24 hours in microtiter plates was determined using a 2,3‐bis (2‐methoxy‐4‐nitro‐5‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium‐carboxanilide (XTT) reduction assay.

Results

The viability of C. albicans increased concomitant with increasing concentrations of CSC and nicotine, particularly at 0.5 and 2 mg/ml, respectively. Concentrations of CSC and nicotine above this resulted in an inhibitory effect on C. albicans viability. CSC and nicotine at 4 and 16 mg/ml, respectively, increased C. albicans biofilm metabolic activity.

Conclusion

Nicotine and CSC up to certain concentrations caused increases in biofilm formation, metabolic activity, viability, and planktonic cell absorbance of C. albicans. This in vitro study demonstrates the effectiveness of tobacco on promoting the growth of C. albicans and suggests their potential contributing factor in C. albicans biofilm related infections in smokers.
Narrative Remembering of Intercultural Encounters: A Case Study of Language Program Reintegration After Study Abroad
Authors: LEE SHENG‐HSUN , KINGINGER CELESTE
Published: July 2018

What becomes of language students who participate in study abroad and then continue their study at home? What part can their memory of in‐country living play in shaping subsequent classroom experiences, not only for the students themselves but also for their classmates and teachers? This study explores changes in the motives of a study abroad returnee, Kevin, after his return to his home campus following a sojourn in China, focusing on reintegration into the domestic classroom and into the local cohort of Chinese language students. Previous studies have compared learning outcomes in different contexts—at home versus abroad. Less understood is how students from these divergent contexts converge in the upper level language classroom. Adopting activity theory, the study ethnographically tracks qualitative changes in Kevin's use of narratives from his sojourn experience across a longitudinal database of classroom recordings and participant interviews. As a teaching tool, Kevin's narratives empowered the instructor to achieve various pedagogical goals. However, the learning advantages that had once flourished through Kevin's narrative ultimately gave way to challenges. The findings suggest that students’ different histories of learning can become valuable pedagogical resources if, rather than simply expecting their adaptation, the curriculum and instruction are responsive to their needs.
Vital signs: Valid indicators to assess pain in intensive care unit patients? An observational, descriptive study
Authors: Erden Sevilay , Demir Nevra , Ugras Gulay A. , Arslan Umut , Arslan Sevban
Published: July 2018

Pain is a stressor for intensive care unit (ICU) patients, and inadequate pain assessment has been linked to increased morbidity and mortality. One hundred and twenty patients were evaluated during three periods: (T1) 1 min before, (T2) during, and (T3) 20 min after the nociceptive procedure. For each patient, data were obtained through at least two nociceptive procedures. Conscious patients’ self‐reports of pain were assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale and Visual Analog Scale. For unconscious patients, the Behavioral Pain Scale was used instead. Descriptive statistical methods, Friedman's test, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used for the data analysis. Significant changes were observed in heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) during nociceptive procedures. The HR, RR, and pain scores increased, while the SpO2 decreased. Positive correlation coefficients were observed between the pain intensity and HR and RR levels. According to our study findings, vital signs are not strong indicators for pain assessment in neurosurgery ICU patients. However, HR and RR can be used as cues when behavioral indicators are not valid in these unconscious patients.
Schmid's Type of Metaphyseal Chondrodysplasia: Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Al Kaissi Ali , Ghachem Maher B , Nabil Nesseb M , Kenis Vladimir , Melchenko Eugene , Morenko Ekatrina , Grill Franz , Ganger Rudolf , Kircher Susanne G
Published: July 2018

Objectives

There are several types of metaphyseal chondrodysplasia and various clinical types have been differentiated. The Schmid type of metaphyseal chondrodysplasia is the most common. Diffuse metaphyseal flaring, irregularity, and growth plate widening, which are most severe in the knees, are the most striking radiological features of this disease. The Schmid type of metaphyseal dysostosis is characterized by failure of normal mineralization of the zone of provisional calcification, leading to widened physes and enlarged knobby metaphyses, effectively causing shortening of the tubular bones, splaying of the metaphyses, coxa vara, and bow legs. Orthopaedic interventions were primarily performed on the lower extremities.

Methods

Twelve children (seven girls and five boys) aged 7–10 years were enrolled in this study. Moderate short stature was a uniform feature associated with predominant involvement of the proximal femora and bow legs resulted in the development of angular deformities. A waddling gait was a consequence of coxa vara in eight children. Valgus osteotomy of the proximal femur was planned after physeal closure for the group of children with coxa vara. Hemiepiphysiodesis was performed to re‐align the genu varum in three children.

Results

Other forms of metaphyseal dysostosis were ruled based on full clinical and radiographic phenotypes, with confirmation through molecular pathology. Mutations in the COL10A1 gene located on chromosome 6q21‐q22.3 were confirmed. Re‐alignment was accomplished in our group of patients.

Conclusion

The most striking clinical features of Schmid metaphyseal chondrodysplasia which appear within the first 2–3 years of life are: moderate short limbs and short stature, a waddling gait, and increasing shortness of stature with age. The Schmid type of metaphyseal chondrodysplasia is a disorder that arises from defective type X collagen, which is typically found in the hypertrophic zone of the physes. Moderate short stature and a waddling gait associated with pain are the most common clinical presentations. Osteotomies to correct bow legs are sometimes combined with lengthening procedures. Recurrence of the deformities with growth is not uncommon; therefore, hemiepiphysiodesis or stapling might be indicated in some cases.
The Evil‐god challenge Part II: Objections and responses
Authors: Lancaster‐Thomas Asha
Published: July 2018

The Evil‐god challenge attempts to undermine classical monotheism by arguing that because the existence of an evil god is similar in reasonableness to the existence of a good god, the onus is on the theist to justify their belief in the latter over the former. In the Part I paper, I defined the Evil‐god challenge, distinguished between several types of Evil‐god challenge, and presented its history and recent developments. In this paper, I describe the merits of the challenge, outline and address the main objections that have been posed to it, and discuss some of the implications for classical monotheism if the Evil‐god challenge remains untarnished by objections.
Architectures of Memory: When Growth Machines Embrace Preservationists
Authors: Loughran Kevin , Fine Gary Alan , Hunter Marcus Anthony
Published: July 2018

Studies of urban redevelopment demonstrate how growth coalitions and city residents use ideas about local history and culture to facilitate or oppose interventions in the built environment. Building on this literature, we introduce the concept of architectures of memory to describe methods of remaking urban space, relying on historical representations. We argue that preservation, demolition, and reproduction are practices that are often conflated but that have different dynamics in the relationship between growth and preservation. Although each advances urban planners’ visions of a historicized cityscape, they recapture that past through different design processes. Using case studies of redevelopment in Philadelphia—Independence National Historical Park and the adjacent Society Hill neighborhood, both of which were transformed through urban planning interventions post–World War II—we examine how interpretations of the built environment's economic and symbolic value influence redevelopment projects. The multiple interpretations and collective memories about the built environment create frameworks that advance, as well as contest, strategies of redevelopment. We argue that growth machines and preservationists do not inevitably have contradictory goals and strategies, but on occasion preservation and reworking of public spaces through a historical imaginary can support both growth and memory, two components of an urban elite.
“It's All About the Journey”: Skepticism and Spirituality in the BDSM Subculture
Authors: Fennell Julie
Published: July 2018

Previous research on BDSM (bondage & discipline, dominance & submission, sadism & masochism) subcultures has largely ignored the spiritual aspects of BDSM for participants. Drawing primarily from my years of experience and participant observation as an insider in the DC/Baltimore BDSM pansexual community and 70 interviews conducted with self‐identified kinksters throughout the Mid‐Atlantic United States, as well as a convenience sample (n >1,100) survey of American and Canadian kinksters, I show that the BDSM subculture, as a noncriminal deviant subculture, provides a hospitable social environment for cultivating the “lived religious” (Wilcox ) experiences of this mostly agnostic/atheist and Pagan group. Nearly half of all American and Canadian kinksters who are heavily involved say they sometimes engage in BDSM for spiritual fulfillment. Many kinksters demonstrate discomfort with the more mystical aspects of this spirituality, and often adopt an epistemic stance I call post‐rational to reluctantly acknowledge mystical experiences within a preferred framework of scientific and rational knowledge. Nonetheless, interviewees described spiritually connective, transcendental, and cathartic experiences from their BDSM practices. Further research is recommended on the spiritual experiences of religious “nones,” the social construction of catharsis, and potential applicability of a post‐rational stance to contexts such as alternative medicine.
Transferability of continuous‐ and class‐pedotransfer functions to predict water retention properties of semiarid Syrian soils
Authors: Al Majou H. , Hassani B. , Bruand A.
Published: July 2018

Hydraulic properties of soils, particularly water retention, are key for appropriate management of semiarid soils. Very few pedotransfer functions (PTFs) have been developed to predict these properties for soils of Mediterranean regions, where data are particularly scarce. We investigated the transferability of PTFs to semiarid soils. The quality of the prediction was compared to that for soils originating from temperate regions for which most PTFs were developed. We used two soil data sets: one from the Paris basin (French data set, n = 30) and a Syrian data set (n = 30). Soil samples were collected in winter when the water content was near field capacity. Composition and water content of the samples were determined at seven water potentials. Continuous‐ and class‐PTFs developed using different predictors were tested using the two data sets and their performance compared to those developed using artificial neural networks (ANN). The best performance and transferability of the PTFs for both data sets used soil water content at field capacity as predictor after stratification by texture. The quality of prediction was similar to that for ANN‐PTFs. Continuous‐ and class‐PTFs may be transferable to other countries with performances that vary according to their ability to account for variation in soil composition and structure. Taking into account predictors of composition (particle size distribution, texture, organic carbon content) and structure (bulk density, porosity, field capacity) did not lead to a better performance or the best transferability potential.
High field magnetic resonance imaging contributes to diagnosis of equine distal tarsus and proximal metatarsus lesions: 103 horses
Authors: Barrett Myra F. , Selberg Kurt T. , Johnson Sherry A. , Hersman Jake , Frisbie David D.
Published: July 2018

Injury of the distal tarsus and proximal metatarsus commonly causes lameness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows concurrent assessment of both the distal tarsal joints and suspensory ligament origin, and aids identification of lesions that may otherwise go undetected by other modalities. In this retrospective observational study, the medical records of a veterinary imaging center were searched for MRI exams of the distal tarsus and proximal metatarsus for the years 2012 through 2014. Studies for 125 limbs of 103 horses were identified and retrospectively evaluated by two board‐certified veterinary radiologists. Soft tissue and osseous changes were characterized and graded by degree of severity. The patients’ signalment, lameness severity, and results of diagnostic analgesia were recorded. Osteoarthritic changes of the distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints were the most common findings. Other findings included bone marrow lesions, degenerative changes of the small cuboidal bones, subchondral cystic lesions, and intertarsal desmopathy. Suspensory ligament desmopathy was found in 53% of limbs. Fourty‐seven percent of limbs that responded to analgesia of the proximal suspensory ligament had more severe lesions in the distal tarsus. Bone marrow lesions of the third tarsal bone were the only MRI finding that correlated with grade of lameness in patients for which lameness grade was reported. The grade of lameness has a poor correlation with the severity of lesions found on MRI. The findings support the use of MRI for simultaneous evaluation of the proximal metatarsus and distal tarsus, particularly given the difficulty of lesion localization with diagnostic analgesia.
FEA Finds a Place in the Sun
Authors: Deitz Don
Published: July 2018

This article reviews that finite-element analysis (FEA) is helping engineers optimize emerging solar-energy technologies, so they can meet market demand for lower installation costs and increased production. As producers of electricity investigate ways to meet new and existing demand for power without increasing pollution, more and more utilities—especially those in areas of high solar insolation—are looking more seriously at renewable energy sources, such as solar power. Engineers at Science Applications International Corp.(SAIC), headquartered in San Diego, have developed a parabolic dish system for distributed-receiver applications and central-receiver (power tower) systems, which use a large field of mirrored heliostats. The parabolic dish system is projected to be a promising option worldwide, especially in remote areas that are currently without electricity. The testing at Solar Two will help engineers gain insight into the heliostat’s design, fabrication, installation, performance, and reliability. According to SAIC, this is a key step toward the first 50-megawatt electric power tower plant to be located in the national solar enterprise zone in the southwest desert.
Flow Controller Cuts project Costs
Authors: Amin Behnam , Lancey Timothy W.
Published: July 2018

This article reviews flow controller that can drastically reduce the project costs. A flow controller has now been developed with an embedded microprocessor that is inexpensive to purchase, easy to program and reprogram for different applications, and simple to wire with the necessary inverters/drivers and analog-to-digital converter. With this system, project costs can be reduced by approximately 75 percent compared with systems using other control valves. Tests have shown that the response time to initiate flow correction is approximately .10 second, and that the valve is actuated to within the required control band in 2.17 seconds. A typical analog device used for valve position control includes float-type operators for liquid service, as in aircraft fuel-tank level control systems. The work shows that a miniature embedded microprocessor can be used effectively and economically for an intelligent control valve. Smart actuation through the microprocessor is not only efficient—it also provides the convenience of advanced modular electronics.
Proving Wind Power in New England
Authors: Valenti Michael
Published: July 2018

This article discusses that despite of the challenging winter weather conditions the largest windmill-based power plant located on East of Mississippi has been exceeding performance expectations. Green Mountain Power selected the Searsburg site because of its powerful and persistent winds and its proximity to existing access roads and transmission lines. The stronger winter winds enable the plant to generate more electricity at the time it is most needed. Indeed, the wind power plant at Searsburg, the largest east of the Mississippi River, is expected to have a positive effect on the environment by reducing the need to burn fossil fuels in other parts of New England. Green Mountain Power estimates that the electricity generated by the Searsburg plant will eliminate approximately 22 million pounds of air emissions per year that would have been generated by adding fossil fuel-burning capacity.
Surfing for Virtual Parts
Authors: Valdes Bruno
Published: July 2018

A product called Design Suite by In Part, Saratoga, CA, promises to reform design catalogs upright, creative, and efficient. Pro/ENGINEER models are fully parametric and include envelope dimensions and embedded parameters, such as mass properties and part number. InPart also includes Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) models that enable users to view the part in three dimensions before downloading it. InPart says that every model goes through a quality assurance check to ensure that it represents a repeatable, detailed, and accurate model. Then the manufacturer conducts a review. Finally, InPart conducts a second check. InPart also offers Alert Assurance, a notification system that sends e-mail to alert customers to changes in a part they have used and asks if they would like an updated part. Manufacturers are said to be contractually obligated to notify InPart, even before their own customers, of product changes, so InPart's customers are the first to know about a product change.