bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality‐of‐Life Metrics Correlate With Disease Severity in Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis
Authors: Naunheim Matthew R. , Paddle Paul M. , Husain Inna , Wangchalabovorn Patcharamanee , Rosario David , Franco Ramon A.
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Idiopathic subglottic stenosis (ISGS) can have significant impacts on quality of life (QOL), but it remains unclear how patients’ subjective responses correlate with objective measurement of disease severity. Peak expiratory flow percentage (PEF%) has been shown to be an effective measure of disease severity in subglottic stenosis. This study aims to identify the key QOL questions correlated with PEF% and proposes a statistical model for prediction of disease severity.

Methods

Patients with ISGS presenting to an academic laryngologist were included retrospectively from 2012 to 2016. Peak expiratory flow percentage (age, sex, and height adjusted) was recorded for each visit, along with four validated QOL instruments (European QOL–Five Dimensions; RAND 36‐Item Health Survey; Clinical COPD [Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease] Questionnaire; and the Airway, Dyspnea, Voice, and Swallowing Summary Assessment). A stepwise multiple linear regression was used to identify statistically significant independent variables correlated with PEF%, and a model was built with these variables.

Results

Thirty‐two patients were included, with a total of 271 patient encounters. Overall scores from each of the four QOL instruments were correlated with PEF% values recorded each visit (P < 0.05). Question responses correlating most positively included overall breathlessness, difficulty catching breath, cough within the past week, dyspnea with moderate activity, perception that voice changes are restricting social life, and overall general health (all P < 0.01). A model constructed using six nonoverlapping questions yielded an adjusted R2 of 0.58.

Conclusion

Quality of life is correlated to PEF% in ISGS. Using a limited number of QOL questions, clinicians can predict objective worsening or improvement of disease severity, as measured by spirometry.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 128:1398–1402, 2018
Role of cell stress signaling networks in cancer cell death and antitumor immune response following proteotoxic injury inflicted by photodynamic therapy
Authors: Korbelik Mladen
Published: March 2018

The insult delivered by photodynamic therapy (PDT) in treated cells is oxidative stress. The main burden threatening survival of PDT‐treated cells is proteotoxic damage that jeopardizes proteostasis in these cells. For dealing with this type of proteostasis impairment, cells have developed protection mechanisms operating by signaling networks. This review will outline various components of signaling networks that can be engaged in stressed cells with highlighting the emerging aspects relevant to response to PDT. It will be also shown how the well known inflammatory/immune response associated with PDT is also based on the activity of these stress signaling networks. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:491–498, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An overview of the micrometeorological field campaign at Santa Maria, Southern Brazil: the Pampa‐2016 experiment
Authors: Degrazia Gervásio Annes , Rizza Umberto , Stefanello Michel , Maldaner Silvana , Roberti Debora Regina , Martins Luis Gustavo Nogueira , Anabor Vagner , Puhales Franciano Scremin , Dal Piva Everson , Acevedo Otavio Costa , Zimermann Hans Rogério , Teichrieb Cláudio Alberto
Published: March 2018

The Pampa‐2016 experimental campaign was performed in a typical Pampa lowland South American region. It consisted of both surface flux measurements (at 3 and 29 m) and a radiosonde launched every 3 h. The resulting meteorological observations allowed for the analysis of turbulent properties associated with both a stable and a convective boundary layer. The combined analysis of the surface data and vertical soundings has revealed some general characteristics of the atmospheric boundary layer for both the nocturnal stable conditions and the daytime convective environment. The continuous surface measurements showed that the nocturnal stable inversion, occurring in calm winds, is basically generated by the radiative cooling mechanism that is established after the late afternoon transition. The analysis of night‐time surface data also showed that, under stable conditions in the case of vanishing wind speed, the friction velocity has unrealistic values that are very close to zero. This situation is undesirable for numerical models that generally use this quantity as a lower boundary condition. The analysis of night‐time temperature profiles revealed two contrasting patterns in agreement with the classical classification of radiative night (a very stable boundary layer) and a turbulent night (a weakly stable boundary layer). In contrast, the analysis of the daytime temperature profiles provided an estimation of the convective time scale that is of the order of 10 min, in agreement with experimental values. A spectral analysis and the consequent estimation of the spectral peaks under unstable and stable conditions were in agreement with literature values.
Modelling weather risk preferences with multi‐criteria decision analysis for an aerospace vehicle launch
Authors: Caruzzo Amaury , Belderrain Mischel Carmen Neyra , Fisch Gilberto , Young George S. , Hanlon Christopher J. , Verlinde Johannes
Published: March 2018

Decision‐making under weather uncertainty is a challenge in several fields. When the decision process involves many stakeholders, frequently with different interpretations of the meteorological information, the process is even more complex. This work provides a quantitative decision model with a new index (called the weather decision index, WDI) to support the stakeholders in making real‐world choices according to their preferences regarding the uncertainty of weather information. The integrated model combines several methods such as problem structuring, multi‐criteria analysis, scenario planning and probabilistic weather forecast techniques. As a demonstration, the model was applied in the sounding rocket launch mission in the Brazilian Space Programme. The WDI captured stakeholders' behaviour related to three meteorological information attributes (probability, lead‐time and variables) and modelled the most important judgements of the decision maker; low probability or an extended lead‐time depreciates the meteorological information, and weather variables are not considered in the decisions, even with forecasts of extreme events. Modelling with the WDI brings a new perspective in weather‐related decision problems. The choice of alternatives no longer depends on a necessarily simplified optimization analysis, but rather on the decision maker's preferences about the possibly nonlinear trade‐offs between forecast reliability and lead‐time. The findings also increase understanding of the forecast decision maker's preferences and how to improve weather risk communication. The WDI provides a starting point for several applications, including early warning systems or climate change adaptation, for which reliable uncertainty estimates are accessible.
Impaired autophagy correlates with golden retriever muscular dystrophy phenotype
Authors: Stoughton William B. , Li Jianrong , Balog‐Alvarez Cindy , Kornegay Joe N.
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) are X‐linked disorders caused by mutations in the DMD gene. Autophagy was recently identified as a secondary therapeutic target for DMD. We hypothesized that autophagy would be reduced in GRMD. Methods: Autophagic gene and protein expression was assessed in normal and GRMD skeletal muscles and correlated with phenotypic biomarkers. Results: Muscles were differentially affected. Autophagy gene levels were lower than normal in the GRMD cranial sartorius (CS) but similar in the vastus lateralis (VL). Protein markers of autophagic flux, LC3B‐II and p62, were higher in both GRMD muscles, in keeping with impaired autophagy. Protein levels correlated with a more severe phenotype. Autophagic structures were found in necrotic, fast‐twitch GRMD myofibers. Discussion: Our data suggest that autophagy is impaired in certain GRMD muscles. Differential GRMD CS involvement emphasizes that therapeutic modulation of autophagy could require specific muscle targeting. Muscle Nerve 58: 418–426, 2018
Malignant progression of a peripheral nerve sheath tumor in the setting of rhabdoid tumor predisposition syndrome
Authors: Upadhyaya Santhosh A. , McGee Rose B. , Wilky Breelyn A. , Broniscer Alberto
Published: March 2018

Malignant progression of a benign or low‐grade tumor in individuals with germline alteration of SMARCB1 gene is not well characterized. In a family in which two carrier children had germline SMARCB1 mutations and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor, we report malignant progression of a nerve sheath tumor over a 7‐year period in an affected adult family member. Prompt identification of the germline SMARCB1 alteration and the resultant rhabdoid tumor predisposition syndrome can help guide genetic counseling and surveillance in affected family members.
Synthesis and biological activity of an Anderson polyoxometalate bis‐functionalized with a Bombesin‐analog peptide
Authors: Ventura Daniele , Calderan Andrea , Honisch Claudia , Krol Silke , Serratì Simona , Bonchio Marcella , Carraro Mauro , Ruzza Paolo
Published: March 2018

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are multi metallic and polyanionic oxides whose functionalization with organic moieties can generate new properties. Among possible strategies to generate molecular diversity and find applications in different fields, the postfunctionalization of a POM with peptides is particularly interesting and easily achievable. In this article, we present the functionalization of the Anderson‐Evans polyoxomolybdate ([MnMo6O24]3–) with a Bombesin antagonist peptide, to highlight the interplay between these 2 domains, in terms of structural changes and assembly. Moreover, since Bombesin analogs show a marked binding affinity and specificity for some subtypes of the Gastrin Releasing Peptide Receptor (GRP‐R), the impact of the peptide on the antitumor activity of the Anderson‐Evans polyoxomolybdate POM has been explored.
Solid‐phase synthesis of amanitin derivatives and preliminary evaluation of cellular uptake and toxicity
Authors: Blanc Antoine , Dietrich David J. , Perrin David M.
Published: March 2018

The study of transcriptional arrest is of great importance and can provide insight into the cellular response to various toxins, most notably chemotherapeutics. Therefore, specific inhibitors of RNA Polymerase II (RNAP II) could prove to be extremely useful. Given that α‐amanitin is one of the most potent and selective inhibitors of RNAP II, we prepared two amanitin derivatives on solid phase as a proof of principle towards the development of a One‐Bead‐One‐Compound (OBOC) amanitin chemical library. The amatoxin family comprises several related toxic peptides that are characterized by a defined rigid bicyclic structure based on a head‐to‐tail cyclized octapeptide, with a transannular tryptathionine crosslink. The latter is prepared via the Savige‐Fontana tryptathionylation of the oxidized tryptophan derivative 3a‐hydroxypyrrolo[2,3‐b]indoline in neat TFA. We synthesized a new fluorescently labelled S‐deoxo‐[Asn1‐TEG‐DEAC, Ile3]‐amaninamide (Ile3‐Ama) and studied its ability to be taken up by CHO cells and to stain the nucleus, the site of transcriptionally active DNA. Towards the solid phase synthesis of an amanitin‐inspired library, we synthesized a linker that is stable both in TFA, used to promote the tryptathionine crosslink, and base used for Fmoc‐deprotection. The linker allowed the full synthesis of an amanitin derivative on solid phase, including tryptathionylation and macrolactamization.
Biophysical Assessment of Pulmonary Surfactant Predicts the Lung Toxicity of Nanomaterials
Authors: Yang Yi , Wu Yakun , Ren Quanzhong , Zhang Lijie Grace , Liu Sijin , Zuo Yi Y.
Published: March 2018

With the rapid development of nanotechnology and an increasing use of nanoenabled consumer products, there is an urgent need to develop precautionary tools to evaluate acute lung toxicity of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). As natural pulmonary surfactant (PS) film represents the initial barrier of nano–bio interactions in the lungs, a novel in vitro experimental method, called constrained drop surfactometry (CDS), is developed to quantitatively evaluate PS inhibition caused by ENMs. The results show that at a very low concentration, four representative ENMs, including carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, zinc oxide, and silver nanoparticles, all increase in vitro minimum surface tension of a modified natural PS, Infasurf. These in vitro results are related to the extensive alveolar collapse and inflammation observed in vivo in mice exposed to these ENMs in an intratracheal instillation model. Thus, there may be a direct correlation between in vitro surface tension increase due to PS inhibition by ENMs and in vivo lung toxicity revealed by alveolar collapse and inflammation. Compared to commonly used animal models, CDS holds great promise for the development of an animal‐free, easy‐to‐use, and low‐cost precautionary assay for the prediction of acute lung toxicity of inhaled ENMs.
Photothermal Adjunctive Cytoreductive Surgery for Treating Peritoneal Metastasis of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wang Shunhao , Chi Chongwei , Cheng Haidong , Pan Xueting , Li Shanshan , Zhang Fengrong , Gaowa Sharen , Ye Jinzuo , Mao Yamin , He Kunshan , Tian Jie , Liu Huiyu
Published: March 2018

Although the combination therapy of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy has improved survival rates in selected patients with peritoneal metastasis (PM), therapeutic efficiency remains a challenge due to low targeting specificity, poor tissue penetration of chemotherapy drugs, and incomplete tumor clearance. To overcome these drawbacks, novel gold nanoshells conjugated with indocyanine green (I‐GSNs) for image‐guided photothermal adjunctive CRS (iPTA‐CRS) are synthesized. The as‐prepared nanoparticles effectively accumulate both in subcutaneously transplanted and PM models. I‐GSN‐mediated near‐infrared imaging provides sufficient optical contrast for preoperative guidance and intraoperative resection with the accurate detection of visible/microtumor lesions (<3 mm). The strategy is significantly more effective for removing subcutaneously transplanted tumors, inhibiting PM nodules of the gastric tumor, and enhancing the survival rate (≈33%) than other treatments (0%) in the 60 d observation period. This novel iPTA‐CRS may benefit future clinical translations for gastric cancer patients with PM.
Size, Growth, and Size‐Selective Mortality of Subyearling Chinook Salmon during Early Marine Residence in Puget Sound
Authors: Gamble Madilyn M. , Connelly Kristin A. , Gardner Jennifer R. , Chamberlin Joshua W. , Warheit Kenneth I. , Beauchamp David A.
Published: March 2018

In marine ecosystems, survival can be heavily influenced by size‐selective mortality during juvenile life stages. Understanding how and when size‐selective mortality operates on a population can reveal underlying growth dynamics and size‐selective ecological processes affecting the population and thus can be used to guide conservation efforts. For subyearling Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in Puget Sound, previous research reported a strong positive relationship between marine survival and body mass during midsummer in epipelagic habitats within Puget Sound, suggesting that early marine growth drives survival. However, a fine‐scale analysis of size‐selective mortality is needed to identify specific critical growth periods and habitats. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe occupancy patterns across estuarine delta, nearshore marine, and offshore epipelagic habitats in Puget Sound; (2) describe changes in FL and weight observed across habitats and time; (3) evaluate evidence for size‐selective mortality; and (4) illustrate how marine survival of the stocks studied may be affected by variation in July weight. In 2014 and 2015, we sampled FLs, weights, and scales from seven hatchery‐origin and two natural‐origin stocks of subyearling Chinook Salmon captured every 2 weeks during out‐migration and rearing in estuary, nearshore, and offshore habitats within Puget Sound. Natural‐origin stocks had more protracted habitat occupancy patterns than hatchery‐origin stocks and were smaller than hatchery‐origin stocks in both years. Regardless of origin, subyearlings were longer and heavier and grew faster in offshore habitats compared to estuary and nearshore habitats. For all stocks, we found little evidence of size‐selective mortality among habitats in Puget Sound. These patterns were consistent in both years. Finally, the weights of subyearlings sampled during July in the offshore habitat predicted Puget Sound‐wide marine survival rates of 0.4% for 2014 and 2.0% for 2015, with stock‐specific predictions ranging from 0.18% to 11.70%.
The U.S.–Brazil relationship opportunity: Business synergies for a dynamic global environment
Authors: Fouad Sam H. L. , Gouvea Raul
Published: March 2018

The U.S.–Brazil relationship features an intersection of public and private sectors characteristic of the post‐2000 dynamics of international business and governmental relations. As a triple helix reference for the private sector, the public sector, and academia, this article explores how further alignment of public and private interests of the United States and Brazil can improve the bilateral relationship between the two largest countries in the Western hemisphere. The first section recaps the U.S.–Brazil public relationship and cultural perspectives shared between Brazil and the United States. The second section reviews the relevance of the U.S.–Brazil relationship in Brazil's economy and business marketplace. Sections 3 through 5 discuss specific trade, investment, and tax agreements that can be mutually beneficial for the United States and Brazil. The final section recommends further areas for public–private cooperation between the United States and Brazil.
Students Engaged in Learning
Authors: Ismail Emad A. , Groccia James E.
Published: March 2018

Engaging students in learning is a basic principle of effective undergraduate education. Outcomes of engaging students include meaningful learning experiences and enhanced skills in all learning domains. This chapter reviews the influence of engaging students in different forms of active learning on cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skill development.
Student–Faculty Engagement
Authors: Cuseo Joe
Published: March 2018

Thirty years ago, Chickering and Gamson (1987) authored a widely distributed and still influential manuscript in which they identified seven principles of effective undergraduate education. The first principle they cite is encouraging “contacts between students and faculty” (p. 3). This chapter examines the extensive research base supporting this principle and identifies specific practices for implementing it.
Three Crystal Structures, One Chemical Formula – Barium Dihydrogen‐hypodiphosphate(IV)‐dihydrate, BaH2P2O6·2H2O
Authors: Haase Madeline , Gjikaj Mimoza
Published: March 2018

Three polymorphs of barium dihydrogen‐hypodiphosphate(IV)‐dihydrate, BaH2P2O6·2H2O (A, B and C), were obtained and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. A crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n (no. 14) with a = 7.459(1) Å, b = 8.066(1) Å, c = 12.460(2) Å, β = 91.27(1) ° and Z = 4. B crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c (no. 15) with a = 11.049(8) Å, b = 6.486(3) Å, c = 10.956(6) Å, β = 106.89(5) ° and Z = 4. C crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group C2221 (no. 20) with a = 9.193(3) Å, b = 6.199(2) Å, c = 12.888(4) Å and Z = 4. Discrete [H2P2O6]2– units, barium cations and water molecules, held together by intermolecular hydrogen bonds of the type O–H···O, build up the structures of the three polymorphs. The phase purity of A and C was verified by powder diffraction measurements.
Reconstruction of top-quark mass effects in Higgs pair production and other gluon-fusion processes
Authors: Gröber Ramona , Maier Andreas , Rauh Thomas
Published: March 2018

Abstract

We propose a novel method for the treatment of top-quark mass effects in the production of H
(∗), HH, HZ and ZZ final states in gluon fusion. We show that it is possible to reconstruct the full top-quark mass dependence of the virtual amplitudes from the corresponding large-m
t expansion and the non-analytic part of the amplitude near the top-quark threshold ŝ = 4m

t

2
with a Padé ansatz. The reliability of our method is clearly demonstrated by a comparison with the recent NLO result for Higgs pair production with full top-quark mass dependence.
Roper resonances and quasi-normal modes of Skyrmions
Authors: Adam C. , Haberichter M. , Romanczukiewicz T. , Wereszczynski A.
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Radial vibrations of charge one hedgehog Skyrmions in the full Skyrme model are analysed. We investigate how the properties of the lowest resonance modes (quasi normal modes) — their frequencies and widths — depend on the form of the potential (value of the pion mass as well as the addition of further potentials) and on the inclusion of the sextic term. Then we consider the inverse problem, where certain values for the frequencies and widths are imposed, and the field theoretic Skyrme model potential giving rise to them is reconstructed. This latter method allows to reproduce the physical Roper resonances, as well as further physical properties of nucleons, with high precision.
Null hypersurface quantization, electromagnetic duality and asympotic symmetries of Maxwell theory
Authors: Bhattacharyya Arpan , Hung Ling-Yan , Jiang Yikun
Published: March 2018

Abstract

In this paper we consider introducing careful regularization at the quantization of Maxwell theory in the asymptotic null infinity. This allows systematic discussions of the commutators in various boundary conditions, and application of Dirac brackets accordingly in a controlled manner. This method is most useful when we consider asymptotic charges that are not localized at the boundary u → ±∞ like large gauge transformations. We show that our method reproduces the operator algebra in known cases, and it can be applied to other space-time symmetry charges such as the BMS transformations. We also obtain the asymptotic form of the U(1) charge following from the electromagnetic duality in an explicitly EM symmetric Schwarz-Sen type action. Using our regularization method, we demonstrate that the charge generates the expected transformation of a helicity operator. Our method promises applications in more generic theories.
Towards the holographic dual of $$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$ SYK
Authors: Förste Stefan , Kames-King Joshua , Wiesner Max
Published: March 2018

Abstract

The gravitational part of the holographic dual to the SYK model has been conjectured to be Jackiw-Teitelboim (JT) gravity. In this paper we construct an AdS2 background in

$$ \mathcal{N}=\left(2,\ 2\right) $$

N
=

2
,

2

JT gravity and show that the gravitational dynamics are — as in the

$$ \mathcal{N}=0 $$

N
=
0

and

$$ \mathcal{N}=1 $$

N
=
1

cases — fully captured by the extrinsic curvature as an effective boundary action. This boundary term is given by the super-Schwarzian of the

$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$

N
=
2

SYK model, thereby providing further evidence of the JT/SYK duality. The chirality of this SYK model is reproduced by the inherent chirality of axial

$$ \mathcal{N}=\left(2,\ 2\right) $$

N
=

2
,

2

supergravity.
Hessian eigenvalue distribution in a random Gaussian landscape
Authors: Yamada Masaki , Vilenkin Alexander
Published: March 2018

Abstract

The energy landscape of multiverse cosmology is often modeled by a multi-dimensional random Gaussian potential. The physical predictions of such models crucially depend on the eigenvalue distribution of the Hessian matrix at potential minima. In particular, the stability of vacua and the dynamics of slow-roll inflation are sensitive to the magnitude of the smallest eigenvalues. The Hessian eigenvalue distribution has been studied earlier, using the saddle point approximation, in the leading order of 1/N expansion, where N is the dimensionality of the landscape. This approximation, however, is insufficient for the small eigenvalue end of the spectrum, where sub-leading terms play a significant role. We extend the saddle point method to account for the sub-leading contributions. We also develop a new approach, where the eigenvalue distribution is found as an equilibrium distribution at the endpoint of a stochastic process (Dyson Brownian motion). The results of the two approaches are consistent in cases where both methods are applicable. We discuss the implications of our results for vacuum stability and slow-roll inflation in the landscape.
A multi-disciplinary toolbox for rotorcraft design
Authors: Weiand P. , Krenik A.
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this paper is to outline the structure of the DLR integrated rotorcraft design process. The complexity of rotorcraft design requires the development of the tools directly by the specialists of the respective institutes, where the tools are continuously refined and published to authorised users. The integration of the tools into a suitable software framework by means of distributed computation and the harmonisation of the tools among each other are presented. This framework delivers a high level of modularity making the layout and testing of the process very flexible. This design environment covers the conceptual and preliminary design phases. Not only conventional main/tail rotor configurations can be designed, but also some other configurations with more than one main rotor. The fundamental concept behind the layout of the tools is demonstrated, especially the use of scaling and optimisation loops in connection with the different levels of fidelity and the different phases of design.
Shock waves induced by a planar obstacle in a vibrated granular gas
Authors: Vilquin Alexandre , Kellay Hamid , Boudet Jean-François
Published: March 2018

The low value of the speed of sound in dilute granular media permits the study of the properties of supersonic flows for a wide range of Mach numbers. In this paper, we report the experimental observation of a subsonic–supersonic transition in a vibrated granular gas. The shock fronts studied are obtained by simply pushing a rectangular obstacle into the granular gas for different obstacle velocities. The supersonic regime is characterized by the formation of normal shock waves whose width increases when the Mach number decreases to values close to 1. The bimodal model proposed by Mott-Smith in the 1950s provides a good description for the velocity distributions as well as the macroscopic quantities for shock waves in molecular gases but remains inadequate for dissipative media like granular gases and plasmas. Here by examining the shock front structure for a wide range of Mach numbers, we adapt the Mott-Smith bimodal description to a dissipative medium. By using balance equations from granular kinetic theory and taking into account different dissipation sources, the proposed model allows us to understand how this dissipation modifies temperature, mean velocity and volume fraction profiles through the shock front.
The relative-velocity version of the Morison equation for obstacle arrays in combined steady, low and high frequency motion
Authors: Santo H. , Taylor P. H. , Williamson C. H. K. , Choo Y. S.
Published: March 2018

This paper revisits the problem of forces on obstacle arrays in combined waves, an in-line steady current and structural dynamic motions. The intended application is the design and re-assessment of dynamically responding offshore platforms. Planar grids of perforated plates are moved in forced motion on three scales through otherwise stationary water. A new analytical wave–current–structure blockage model is developed by building on the existing wave–current blockage model presented by Santo et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 739, 2014b, pp. 143–178) using a similar set of experiments but with forced motion on two scales. The new model, which is an improved Morison relative-velocity formulation, is tested against the experimental data for a range of structural to wave oscillation frequency ratios, $f_{s}/f_{w}=2$, 2.5 and 3. For relatively small current speed ($u_{c}$) and oscillatory structural velocity ($u_{s}$) compared with the oscillatory wave velocity ($u_{w}$), the drag force time history on grids is well approximated by a summation of the wave drag and the current drag components independently, without a $u_{w}\times u_{c}$ cross-term, consistent with the previous model. The wave drag component contains an additional $u_{s}$ contribution, while the current drag component may or may not contain an additional $u_{s}$ contribution depending on $f_{s}/f_{w}$. The measured drag force is observed to be asymmetric in time due to biasing from the mean flow. This is supported by numerical simulation using a porous block as a numerical model of the grids, although the simulated force asymmetry is weaker. All these effects can be sufficiently accounted for in the analytical model. The new model is shown to fit the variation of the experimental forces and force harmonics in time well for a wide range of cases, requiring only calibration of the Morison type drag and inertia coefficients. In contrast, the industry-standard version of the Morison relative-velocity formulation cannot reproduce the variation of the measured force in time, so present practice should be regarded as inadequate for combined steady, low frequency and high frequency motion acting on obstacle arrays.
A GENERALISATION OF FINITEPT-GROUPS
Authors: HU BIN , HUANG JIANHONG , SKIBA ALEXANDER N.
Published: March 2018

Let$G$be a group and$\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}=\{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}_{i}\mid i\in I\}$some partition of the set of all primes. A subgroup$A$of$G$is$\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}$-subnormalin$G$if there is a subgroup chain$A=A_{0}\leq A_{1}\leq \cdots \leq A_{m}=G$such that either$A_{i-1}\unlhd A_{i}$or$A_{i}/(A_{i-1})_{A_{i}}$is a finite$\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}_{j}$-group for some$j=j(i)$for$i=1,\ldots ,m$, and it ismodularin$G$if$\langle X,A\cap Z\rangle =\langle X,A\rangle \cap Z$when$X\leq Z\leq G$and$\langle A,Y\cap Z\rangle =\langle A,Y\rangle \cap Z$when$Y\leq G$and$A\leq Z\leq G$. The group$G$is called$\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}$-solubleif every chief factor$H/K$of$G$is a finite$\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}_{i}$-group for some$i=i(H/K)$. In this paper, we describe finite$\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}$-soluble groups in which every$\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}$-subnormal subgroup is modular.
ἈΡΧΗ ΠΡΑΞΕΩΝ ΙΝ ARISTOTLE'S EUDEMIAN ETHICS II 6, 1223a9–16
Authors: Wolt Daniel
Published: March 2018

Eudemian Ethics II 6 is meant to introduce Aristotle's discussion of voluntary action in II 7–9. The majority of II 6, however, consists of a somewhat obscure discussion of the ways in which humans, alone among animals, are origins of action (ἀρχαὶ πράξεων). It is not at all clear how that topic is meant to relate to the topic of voluntary action until the following passage, towards the end of the chapter, in which Aristotle relates being the cause (αἴτιος) and origin of action to praiseworthiness and blameworthiness and to the voluntary (1223a9–16):

ἐπεὶ δ’ ἥ τε ἀρετὴ καὶ ἡ κακία καὶ τὰ ἀπ’

αὐτῶν ἔργα τὰ μὲν ἐπαινετὰ τὰ δὲ ψεκτά (ψέγεται γὰρ    (10)

καὶ ἐπαινεῖται οὐ διὰ τὰ ἐξ ἀνάγκης ἢ τύχης ἢ φύσεως

ὑπάρχοντα, ἀλλ’ ὅσων αὐτοὶ αἴτιοι ἐσμέν· ὅσων γὰρ ἄλλος

αἴτιος, ἐκεῖνος καὶ τὸν ψόγον καὶ τὸν ἔπαινον ἔχει), δῆλον

ὅτι καὶ ἡ ἀρετὴ καὶ ἡ κακία περὶ ταῦτ’ ἐστιν ὧν αὐτὸς

αἴτιος καὶ ἀρχὴ πράξεων. ληπτέον ἄρα ποίων αὐτὸς αἴτιος   (15)

καὶ ἀρχὴ πράξεων.

Now, since virtue and vice and the works that come from them are praiseworthy and blameworthy respectively (for one is not blamed or praised for what obtains on account of necessity or chance or nature but for the things we are ourselves causes of; for where someone else is the cause, he bears both the blame and the praise), it is clear that virtue and vice are concerned with what one is oneself a cause of and starting point of action.
Vestibular rehabilitation using video gaming in adults with dizziness: a pilot study
Authors: Phillips J S , Fitzgerald J , Phillis D , Underwood A , Nunney I , Bath A
Published: March 2018

Objective:

To determine the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation using the Wii Fit balance platform, in adults with dizziness.

Methods:

A single-site prospective clinical trial was conducted in a university hospital in the UK. Forty patients with dizziness, who would normally be candidates for vestibular rehabilitation, were identified and considered as potential participants. Participants were randomised into either the treatment group (the Wii Fit group) or the control group (standard customised vestibular rehabilitation protocol). Participants were assessed over a 16-week period using several balance and quality of life questionnaires.

Results:

Both exercise regimes resulted in a reduction of dizziness and an improvement in quality of life scores over time, but no statistically significant difference between the two interventions was identified.

Conclusion:

This pilot study demonstrated that use of the Wii Fit balance platform resulted in a statistically significant improvement in balance function and quality of life. Furthermore, outcomes were comparable to a similar group of individuals following a standard customised vestibular rehabilitation protocol. The study provides useful information to inform the design and execution of a larger clinical trial.
Beyond the BRICS: Power, Pluralism, and the Future of Global Order
Authors: Hurrell Andrew
Published: March 2018

In the early years of the twenty-first century the narrative of “emerging powers” and “rising powers” seemed to provide a clear and powerful picture of how international relations and global politics were changing. Yet dramatic changes in the global system have led many to conclude that the focus on the BRICS and the obsession with the idea of rising powers reflected a particular moment in time that has now passed. The story line is now about backlash at the core; and, with the exception of China, rising powers have returned to their role as secondary or supporting actors in the drama of global politics. Such a conclusion is profoundly mistaken for three sets of reasons: the continued reality of the post-Western global order; the need to understand nationalist backlash as a global phenomenon; and the imperative of locating and strengthening a new pluralist conception of global order.
Transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defect with Occlutech Duct Occluder
Authors: Atik-Ugan Sezen , Saltik Irfan Levent
Published: March 2018

Patent ductus arteriosus occluders are used for transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects, as well as for closure of patent ductus arteriosus. The Occlutech Duct Occluder is a newly introduced device for transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus. Here, we present a case in which the Occlutech Duct Occluder was successfully used on a patient for the closure of a perimembraneous ventricular septal defect.
Rare presentation ofCandida albicans: infective endocarditis and a pulmonary coin lesion
Authors: Öner Taliha , Korun Oktay , Çelebi Ahmet
Published: March 2018

We present a case of a rare association of infective endocarditis and a coin lesion in the lung caused byCandida albicans. The lesion disappeared after 6 weeks of treatment with 5 mg/kg/day amphotericin B.
Why do People Overthink? A Longitudinal Investigation of a Meta-Cognitive Model and Uncontrollability of Rumination
Authors: Matsumoto Noboru , Mochizuki Satoshi
Published: March 2018

Background: The meta-cognitive model of rumination is a theoretical model regarding the relationship between rumination and depression. Although meta-cognitive therapy for rumination was established based on this model, insufficient longitudinal studies addressing this model have been conducted. Moreover, the uncontrollability of rumination, suggested to be driven by negative meta-beliefs about rumination, has not been examined using this meta-cognitive model. Aims: We longitudinally examined the meta-cognitive model and its relationship with uncontrollability of rumination and depressive symptoms. Method: Undergraduate students (n = 117) were asked to complete two measurements (with a 6-month gap between them) of positive and negative meta-beliefs about rumination, causal analysis, understanding, uncontrollability of rumination and depression. Results: Cross-lagged effect modelling revealed that positive meta-beliefs predicted high causal analytic rumination. However, the results did not support the causal analytic and understanding aspects of how rumination predicted negative meta-beliefs. Negative meta-beliefs predicted high depressive symptoms, and depressive symptoms predicted high negative meta-beliefs. Negative meta-beliefs predicted high uncontrollability of rumination, whereas uncontrollability of rumination did not predict depressive symptoms. Conclusions: The results partially supported the meta-cognitive model. The prediction of depressive symptoms on negative meta-beliefs suggests that depression-related cognition might be involved in increasing negative meta-beliefs, rather than the repetitive causal analytic and understanding aspects of rumination. In line with meta-cognitive therapy, negative meta-beliefs could be a target for treating depression.
Substance and Methods of a Grounded Political Economy
Authors: Roberts Kenneth M.
Published: March 2018

The plea by Murillo, Shrank, and Luna (MSL) for a more “grounded” political economy approach to the study of Latin America is much welcome, and it merits a serious debate among scholars of the region. To help advance that debate, this essay raises several issues regarding the substance and methods of the political economy they advocate.
Studying Political Economy in Latin America: Gaps and Methods
Authors: Schneider Ben Ross
Published: March 2018

Luna, Murillo, and Schrank (LMS) do our field a very valuable service by raising questions on the state of research on the political economy in Latin America and where it should be going. They cover a lot of ground in a short space, leaving a smorgasbord of issues to mull over, question, or endorse. To my mind, some of the most promising critiques in the memo are that there are gaps in the field and that those gaps are due in part to methodological fashion. Yet the discussion of gaps in LMS is somewhat ungrounded and underspecified. Closing the essay with a call for more research on democracy, development, state formation, inequality, and international linkages seems to miss the fact that most recent research is actually related to these five topics. Many readers probably would react by saying to themselves that they have been conducting some research in one or more of these areas.
Light propagation in the Solar System for astrometry on sub-micro-arcsecond level
Authors: Zschocke Sven
Published: March 2018

We report on recent advancement in the theory of light propagation in the Solar System aiming at sub-micro-arcsecond level of accuracy:

(1)

A solution for the light ray in 1.5PN approximation has been obtained in the field of N arbitrarily moving bodies of arbitrary shape, inner structure, oscillations, and rotational motion.

(2)

A solution for the light ray in 2PN approximation has been obtained in the field of one arbitrarily moving pointlike body.
Clarification of the formation process of the super massive black hole by Infrared astrometric satellite, Small-JASMINE
Authors: Yano Taihei ,   JASMINE-WG
Published: March 2018

Small-JASMINE (hearafter SJ), infrared astrometric satellite, will measure the positions and the proper motions which are located around the Galactic center, by operating at near infrared wave-lengths. SJ will clarify the formation process of the super massive black hole (hearafter SMBH) at the Galactic center. In particular, SJ will determine whether the SMBH was formed by a sequential merging of multiple black holes. The clarification of this formation process of the SMBH will contribute to a better understanding of merging process of satellite galaxies into the Galaxy, which is suggested by the standard galaxy formation scenario. A numerical simulation (Tanikawa and Umemura, 2014) suggests that if the SMBH was formed by the merging process, then the dynamical friction caused by the black holes have influenced the phase space distribution of stars. The phase space distribution measured by SJ will make it possible to determine the occurrences of the merging process.
Variable stars in the Gaia era: Mira, RR Lyrae, δ and Type-II Cepheids
Authors: Groenewegen Martin A. T.
Published: March 2018

Classical variables like RR Lyrae, classical and Type-II Cepheids and Mira variables all follow period-luminosity relations that make them interesting as distance indicators. Especially the RR Lyrae and δ Cepheids are crucial in establishing the distance scale in the Universe, and all classes of variables can be used as tracers of galactic structure. I will present an overview of recent period-luminosity relations and review the work that has been done using the Gaia DR1 data so far, and discuss possibilities for the future.
The Baade-Wesselink p-factor of Cepheids in the Gaia area
Authors: Nardetto Nicolas
Published: March 2018

With the next Gaia release (expected in April 2018), the distance of about 300 Galactic Cepheids will be derived with a precision of better than 3%. These distances will be used first to constrain the Cepheid period-luminosity relation, but they will also bring strong constrains on the physics of Cepheids, through the projection factor, a physical quantity used in the inverse Baade-Wesselink (BW) method.
Double, triple and quadruple-line spectroscopic binary candidates within the Gaia-ESO Survey
Authors: Merle Thibault , Van Eck Sophie , Jorissen Alain , Van der Swaelmen Mathieu , Traven Gregor , Zwitter Tomaz
Published: March 2018

The Gaia-ESO Survey (GES, Gilmore et al. 2012) provides a unique opportunity to detect spectroscopically multiplicity among different populations of the Galaxy using the cross-correlation functions (CCFs). We present here the GES internal Data Release 4 (iDR4) results of the detection of double, triple and quadruple-line spectroscopic binary candidates (SBs) and discuss some peculiar systems.
Magellanic Clouds Proper Motion and Rotation with Gaia DR1
Authors: Sahlmann J. , van der Marel R.
Published: March 2018

We used the Gaia data release 1 to study the proper motion fields of the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds (LMC, SMC) on the basis of the Tycho-Gaia Astrometric Solution (van der Marel & Sahlmann 2016). The Gaia LMC and SMC proper motions have similar accuracy and agree to within the uncertainties with existing HST proper motion measurements. Since Gaia probes the young stellar population and uses different methods with different systematics, this provides an external validation of both data sets and their underlying approaches.
Confronting the Gaia and NLTE spectroscopic parallaxes for the FGK stars
Authors: Sitnova Tatyana , Mashonkina Lyudmila , Pakhomov Yury
Published: March 2018

The understanding of the chemical evolution of the Galaxy relies on the stellar chemical composition. Accurate atmospheric parameters is a prerequisite of determination of accurate chemical abundances. For late type stars with known distance, surface gravity (log g) can be calculated from well-known relation between stellar mass, Teff, and absolute bolometric magnitude. This method weakly depends on model atmospheres, and provides reliable log g. However, accurate distances are available for limited number of stars. Another way to determine log g for cool stars is based on ionisation equilibrium, i.e. consistent abundances from lines of neutral and ionised species. In this study we determine atmospheric parameters moving step-by-step from well-studied nearby dwarfs to ultra-metal poor (UMP) giants. In each sample, we select stars with the most reliable Teff based on photometry and the distance-based log g, and compare with spectroscopic gravity calculated taking into account deviations from local thermodinamic equilibrium (LTE). After that, we apply spectroscopic method of log g determination to other stars of the sample with unknown distances.
The relation between velocity dispersions and chemical abundances in RAVE giants
Authors: Smiljanic Rodolfo , de Souza Rafael Silva
Published: March 2018

We developed a Bayesian framework to determine in a robust way the relation between velocity dispersions and chemical abundances in a sample of stars. Our modelling takes into account the uncertainties in the chemical and kinematic properties. We make use of RAVE DR5 radial velocities and abundances together with Gaia DR1 proper motions and parallaxes (when possible, otherwise UCAC4 data is used). We found that, in general, the velocity dispersions increase with decreasing [Fe/H] and increasing [Mg/Fe]. A possible decrease in velocity dispersion for stars with high [Mg/Fe] is a property of a negligible fraction of stars and hardly a robust result. At low [Fe/H] and high [Mg/Fe] the sample is incomplete, affected by biases, and likely not representative of the underlying stellar population.
Calibration and characterisation of the Gaia Red Clump
Authors: Ruiz-Dern L. , Babusiaux C. , Arenou F. , Danielski C. , Turon C. , Sartoretti P.
Published: March 2018

We present new empirical Colour-Colour and Effective Temperature-Colour Gaia Red Clump calibrations. The selected sample takes into account high photometric quality, good spectrometric metallicity, homogeneous effective temperatures and low interstellar extinctions. From those calibrations we developed a method to derive the absolute magnitude, temperature and extinction of the Gaia RC. We tested our colour and extinction estimates on stars with measured spectroscopic effective temperatures and Diffuse Interstellar Band (DIB) constraints. Within the Gaia Validation team these calibrations are also being used, together with asteroseismic constraints, to check the parallax zero-point with Red Clump stars.
The age-metallicity relation with RAVE and TGAS
Authors: Wojno Jennifer , Kordopatis Georges , Steinmetz Matthias , McMillan Paul J. ,   the RAVE collaboration
Published: March 2018

Using RAVE data release 5 (DR5), we explore the age and chemistry of a sample of ~25,000 FGK turnoff stars in the extended solar neighbourhood (7 < R < 9 kpc), by separating our sample into two chemical disc components, and investigating the nature of the age-metallicity relation for both. Overall, we find a flat trend in [Fe/H] as a function of age for our α-low disc, and a correlation between age and metallicity for the oldest α-high stars, confirming age-metallicity trends found in more local, high-resolution studies now for a larger volume. We also find a positive gradient in [Mg/Fe] as a function of age for our oldest stars. These results have implications for models which include dynamical evolutionary processes such as radial migration.
Accurate atomic data for Galactic Surveys
Authors: Belmonte Maria Teresa , Pickering Juliet C. , Clear Christian , Liggings Florence , Thorne Anne P.
Published: March 2018

Fourier Transform spectroscopy is able to provide high accuracy atomic parameters needed by many ongoing galactic surveys. Our laboratory has carried out a study of the neutral iron spectrum over the last years to measure oscillator strengths much needed for the calculation of chemical abundances. The main aim of this contribution is to encourage further dialogue with astronomers regarding their current necessities of spectroscopic data, as this would help spectroscopists to prioritise present-day needs within the field.