bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond the ‘normal’ to the ‘new possibles’: Australian students’ experiences in Asia and their roles in making connections with the region via the New Colombo Plan
Authors: Tran Ly Thi , Vu Thao Thi Phuong
Published: July 2018

Introduced in 2014, the New Colombo Plan (NCP) represents the Australian government's signature initiative of student mobility and public diplomacy. The programme aims to expose Australian undergraduate students to the Indo‐Pacific. This article focuses on analysing Australian students’ experiences in Asia via the NCP. The article draws on a research project that includes policy discourse analysis and 52 interviews with government representatives, academics, mobility officers and Australian students learning abroad via the NCP. The research found that if well designed, NCP student mobility programmes have the potential to enable students to move beyond their initial instrumental goal of using learning abroad predominantly as a means to pursue their personal interest in travel and/or enhance their own employability towards engagement for the collective. The article proposes the notions of mobility as becoming and mobility as connecting as the conceptual frame to understand Australian students’ experiences and engagement with Asia in the current context characterised by the government's strategy to use student mobility as a vehicle of public diplomacy. It highlights the need to focus more on developing students’ in‐country participatory capitals and build a coherent mechanism to sustain NCP alumni's post‐return engagement with individuals and communities in the region and promote the region back in Australia. The article concludes with suggestions for related stakeholders to facilitate students’ roles in making meaningful, productive and sustainable connections between Australia and Asia.
The role of brain biopsy in the clinical management of HIV‐related focal brain lesions
Authors: Acosta MC , Kundro M , Viloria G , Peressín Paz A , Morello F , Latorre F , Seoane E , Toibaro J , Losso M
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Up to 20% of HIV‐related focal brain lesion (FBL) diagnoses cannot be determined without invasive procedures. In such cases, brain biopsy is an important step in the evaluation algorithm. The aims of this study were to describe the clinical outcomes of patients with FBL, the proportion of diagnoses confirmed by brain biopsies and their aetiologies, and to analyse the proportion of patients in whom the biopsy motivated a change in therapeutic management.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed. The data from clinical records of patients with HIV‐related FBL admitted between January 2005 and December 2015 were reviewed.

Results

A total of 137 patients were included in the study. The median age was 39 years [interquartile range (IQR) 33–44.5 years]. The median CD4 count was 54 cells/μL (IQR 21–124 cells/μL). Cerebral brain biopsy was performed in 21.16% of patients (29 of 137); 68.9% of these individuals (20 of 29) were diagnosed by histology, with results of central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma in 20.6% (six of 29), progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy in 6.8% (two of 29), toxoplasmosis in 6.8% (two of 29), tuberculoma in 6.8% (two of 29), and other diagnoses in 27.6% (eight of 29). In nine patients, the histology was nonspecific. In 75.8% of patients (22 of 29), the result of the biopsy led to a change in the therapeutic management. We did not observe higher rates of mortality related to the procedure. Overall mortality at 30 and 90 days was similar in patients who were and were not biopsied.

Conclusions

In this retrospective cohort study, cerebral biopsy was associated with significant adjustments in therapeutic management for a high percentage of patients.
An ordered mesoporous network consisting of carbon‐coated ultrasmall SnO2 nanoparticles with enhanced Lithium storage
Authors: Zhao Yun , Lin Qidong , Li Yong , Ma Canliang
Published: July 2018

An unique ordered mesoporous network consisting of carbon‐coated SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) is developed by a facile self‐assemble strategy via a solvethermal route in which employs N,N‐dimethylformamide/H2O as mixture solvent and polyvinyl pyrrolidone as barrier agent and carbon source. The SnO2‐NPs with an uniform dimension of ~5 nm are observed to interconnect with each other, and assemble into high‐compact blocks where abundant mesopores with an average diameter of ~4 nm are found throughout the body. The carbon coating with a thickness of <1 nm are confirmed to exist on these SnO2‐NPs, which is of great importance to avoid the severe sintering that occurs in the case of bare SnO2‐NPs. Furthermore, the carbon coating plays roles in enhancing conductivity and keeping the active particles from being directly contacted with electrolyte, and thus contributes to enhanced reversible capacity of 949 mAh g−1 and improved initial Coulombic efficiency. The composite electrode with a high tap density of 2.0 g cm−3 exhibits substantially elevated electrochemical performances, such as a charge capacity of 565 mAh g−1 vs 223 mAh g−1 of common SnO2‐NPs after 60 cycles and greatly improved rate capability, indicating the promising applications of this advanced micro‐nano architecture for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries.
The Role of Bank Funding Diversity: Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Vo Xuan Vinh
Published: July 2018

This paper analyzes the impact of bank funding diversity on bank income and risk in emerging markets. We utilize a data sample which includes 37 Vietnamese banks for the period 2006–2015. We find that banks with diversified funding sources have advantages in improving profitability. However, we also find that banks with higher funding liquidity tend to participate in more risk‐taking activities. The findings contradict the notion that banks which have access to diversified funding sources are able to improve profitability without increasing their risk‐taking. The study has strong implication for banks managers and prudential authorities in emerging markets.
Laser‐induced metallization of porous Si3N4 ceramic and its brazing to TiAl alloy
Authors: Zhao Yixuan , Bian Hong , Fu Wei , Hu Yu , Song Xiaoguo , Liu Duo
Published: July 2018

The poor wettability of traditional brazing filler alloys on the surface of ceramics always lead to the formation of defects in the joints and weaken the bonding strength eventually, especially the porous ceramics. Metallization on ceramics is an effective way to improve the wettability. In this work, laser‐induced cladding process was applied to metalize the surface of porous Si3N4 ceramic, and the traditional AgCu eutectic filler alloy can wet on the metalized surface completely. The metalized porous Si3N4 ceramic brazed to TiAl alloy successfully using AgCu filler alloy. The interfacial microstructure and mechanical property of the porous Si3N4/TiAl alloy brazed joint was significantly improved by the novel laser‐induced metallization process.
Achieving reliable blood pressure measurements in clinical practice: It's time to meet the challenge
Authors: O'Brien Eoin , Dolan Eamon , Stergiou George S.
Published: July 2018

A summary of statements for blood pressure (BP) measurement in the evaluation of hypertension in the 21st century by 25 international experts is provided. The status of office, home and ambulatory BP measurement techniques are discussed. Office BP measurement, whether automated (preferred), or otherwise, should only be used as a screening measurement, and diagnostic decisions for the initiation and titration of drug treatment should be based on out‐of‐office measurements (ambulatory or home). The hardware and software requirements and the adaptations of BP measuring devices to record other cardiovascular functions, such as arrhythmias, and adaptations for smartphone use and for electronic transmission are discussed. Regulatory bodies are urged to make accuracy and performance assessment mandatory before marketing BP measuring devices. The legal implications of manufacturing inaccurate devices are noted.
Factors associated with dental fractures in Brazilian individuals
Authors: Tavares Luiz H. S. , Ferreira Dennis de C. , Côrtes Antonieta de Q. , Machado Andréia G. , Abad Ernani da C. , Lourenco Eduardo J. V. , Gonçalves Lucio S.
Published: July 2018

Aim

The aim of the present study was to assess the association of sex, age, group of teeth, and type of accident (exposure) with dental fractures (outcome: enamel‐dentine fracture without [EDF] or with pulp exposure [EDPF] and root fracture RF]).

Methods

In total, 1046 patients were selected. Logistic binary regression was used.

Results

The findings showed that EDF has less change of affecting individuals ≤9 years of age than ≥40 years of age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35‐0.95). Violence (OR: 3.07, 95% CI: 1.77‐5.31), traffic accidents (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.05‐2.13), and sporting accidents (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.19‐2.44)] were associated with EDF. Regarding EDPF, the mandibular lateral incisors had a 10 times higher chance of being injured than canines and posterior teeth (OR: 10.43, 95% CI: 1.74‐62.4). Those aged ≤9 years (OR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.07‐0.58) and 10‐19 years (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.17‐0.88) had a significantly lower chance of being affected by RF.

Conclusion

EDF and RF are associated with individuals ≥40 years of age; violence and traffic and sporting accidents are also associated with EDF, and mandibular incisors have a greater chance of being affected by EDPF.
Motherhood, Employment, and Life Satisfaction: Trends in Germany Between 1984 and 2015
Authors: Preisner Klaus , Neuberger Franz , Posselt Lukas , Kratz Fabian
Published: July 2018

Objective

This article analyzes trends in the relationships among motherhood, employment, and life satisfaction in Germany and regresses them on changing motherhood norms.

Background

Motherhood norms have changed in recent decades in Germany, and differences in labor force participation between mothers and women without children have decreased. We research whether differences in life satisfaction have decreased at the same time.

Method

Analyses are based on the German Socio‐Economic Panel (1984–2015) and restricted to women aged 16 to 45 (N = 18,238). A series of hybrid panel regressions was used to determine intrapersonal and interpersonal motherhood and employment effects on life satisfaction over decades. Polynomial regressions were used to relate these effects to changing motherhood norms.

Results

The negative effects of motherhood on life satisfaction are less prevalent today than they were in the past. The interpersonal maternal happiness gap has disappeared, and the intrapersonal motherhood effect on life satisfaction has increased during the past decades.

Conclusion

As restrictive social norms for maternal employment have lost ground, the transition to motherhood has become increasingly conducive to life satisfaction for both working and nonworking mothers.

Implication

Normative and public support of women's freedom to choose among different motherhood roles is key to reducing financial and time pressures of mothers and thereby increasing maternal life satisfaction. Further support is needed for mothers without partners or jobs.
Value development during adolescence: Dimensions of change and stability
Authors: Daniel Ella , Benish‐Weisman Maya
Published: July 2018

Objective

Value change stability was examined in a longitudinal sample of Jewish and Arab Israeli adolescents.

Method

Adolescents (N = 520; 55.4% girls; Mage = 13.76, SD = 0.52, at initial assessment) reported value importance at four annual evaluations.

Results

Adolescents increased in values’ internal coherence and rank‐order stability. Their value hierarchy was consistent and differentiated from the hierarchy of adults. Latent growth curve analyses indicated a similar pattern of mean‐level value change for both ethnic groups: an increase in power and a decrease in tradition values; an increase in self‐direction values among Jewish adolescents but not among Arab participants. Overall, the perceived importance of power, achievement, and self‐direction values was more likely to increase than decrease, and the importance of conformity, tradition, security, and benevolence values was more likely to decrease than increase. Intraindividual changes in value importance followed the postulated pattern, as compatible values changed together, whereas conflicting values changed in opposite directions.

Conclusions

This article suggests that values become better indicators of individual characteristics during adolescence. Adolescents increase their endorsement of self‐focused values and decrease their valuation of other‐focused values. They maintain the integrity of their value system despite value changes, confirming and validating value theory.
By myself and liking it? Predictors of distinct types of solitude experiences in daily life
Authors: Lay Jennifer C. , Pauly Theresa , Graf Peter , Biesanz Jeremy C. , Hoppmann Christiane A.
Published: July 2018

Objective

Solitude is a ubiquitous experience, often confused with loneliness, yet sometimes sought out in daily life. This study aimed to identify distinct types of solitude experiences from everyday affect/thought patterns and to examine how and for whom solitude is experienced positively versus negatively.

Method

One hundred community‐dwelling adults aged 50–85 years (64% female; 56% East Asian, 36% European, 8% other/mixed heritage) and 50 students aged 18–28 years (92% female; 42% East Asian, 22% European, 36% other/mixed) each completed approximately 30 daily life assessments over 10 days on their current and desired social situation, thoughts, and affect.

Results

Multilevel latent profile analysis identified two types of everyday solitude: one characterized by negative affect and effortful thought (negative solitude experiences) and one characterized by calm and the near absence of negative affect/effortful thought (positive solitude experiences). Individual differences in social self‐efficacy and desire for solitude were associated with everyday positive solitude propensity; trait self‐rumination and self‐reflection were associated with everyday negative solitude propensity.

Conclusions

This study provides a new framework for conceptualizing everyday solitude. It identifies specific affect/thought patterns that characterize distinct solitude experience clusters, and it links these clusters with well‐established individual differences. We discuss key traits associated with thriving in solitude.
In vitro gastrointestinal biotransformation and characterization of a Desmodium adscendens decoction: the first step in unravelling its behaviour in the human body
Authors: van Dooren Ines , Foubert Kenn , Bijttebier Sebastiaan , Breynaert Annelies , Theunis Mart , Exarchou Vasiliki , Claeys Magda , Hermans Nina , Apers Sandra , Pieters Luc
Published: July 2018

Objectives

The isolation and identification of the flavonoids present in a decoction of Desmodium adscendens was performed. In view of the oral use of the decoction, this work focused on the stability in gastrointestinal conditions and biotransformation by intestinal microflora in the colon of D-pinitol, vitexin and the flavonoid fraction of the decoction, as a first step in unravelling its behaviour in the human body.

Methods

The freeze-dried decoction was first subjected to column chromatography. Subsequently an enriched flavonoid fraction, was separated by repeated semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or by HPLC-SPE. The isolated compounds were elucidated by NMR. Biotransformation experiments were carried in an in vitro gastrointestinal dialysis model.

Key findings

The major flavonoids of a decoction of D. adscendens were characterized as vicenin-2, isoschaftoside, schaftoside, 2″-O-xylosylvitexin, 2″-O-pentosyl-C-hexosyl apigenin and a O-hexosyl-C-hexosyl apigenin, tentatively identified as 2″-O-glucosyl-vitexin. During their passage in the gastrointestinal dialysis model, vitexin and C-glycosides thereof were found to be stable. Only the O-glycosidic bonds of O-glycosides of vitexin or isovitexin were hydrolysed during the colonic phase.

Conclusions

A D. adscendens decoction was found to be rich in vitexin and isovitexin glycosides from which vitexin and the C-glycosides thereof were found to be stable in the simulated gastrointestinal tract.
Newly qualified Saudi nurses' ability to recognize the deteriorating child in hospital
Authors: Al‐Thubaity Daifallah , Williamson Susan , Leavey Ralph , Tume Lyvonne N
Published: July 2018

Background

It is recognized that nurses' failure to recognize and respond promptly to deterioration in children's physiological status can result in increased morbidity and mortality.

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the ability of Saudi‐educated, newly qualified nurses, working in paediatric wards, to recognize children's deterioration.

Methods

A pilot study was carried out to assess nurses' responses to three clinical vignettes (deteriorating child, improving child and ambiguous scenarios). The nurses' ability to make a correct identification was captured using a ‘Think Aloud’ approach and quantified using a visual analogue scale.

Results

Twenty‐seven nurses in two geographical regions in Saudi Arabia participated. Only half the nurses (51·8%) correctly identified the deteriorating child vignette. Of those who could not, 37% were unsure and 11% responded incorrectly. No nurses correctly identified all three vignettes, and four nurses (15%) responded incorrectly to all vignettes.

Conclusions

The recognition of the deteriorating child is complex, and even in non‐stressful simulated scenarios using vignettes, many newly qualified nurses working with children failed to recognize clear signs of deterioration. A focused (culturally specific) educational intervention is being developed to target this, taking into account Saudi nurses' perceived education and training needs.

Relevance to clinical practice

Newly qualified nurses working in paediatric wards frequently find it difficult to identify the deteriorating child.
The effect of xenon‐augmented sevoflurane anesthesia on intraoperative hemodynamics and early postoperative neurocognitive function in children undergoing cardiac catheterization: A randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Devroe Sarah , Lemiere Jurgen , Van Hese Laura , Gewillig Marc , Boshoff Derize , Poesen Koen , Van de Velde Marc , Rex Steffen
Published: July 2018

Background

In adults, xenon has only minimal hemodynamic side effects when compared with other anesthetics. Moreover, in preclinical experiments, xenon has been demonstrated to possess cardio‐ and neuroprotective properties. Altogether, the favorable hemodynamic profile combined with its potential for organ‐protection could render xenon an attractive option for anesthesia in children with cardiovascular compromise.

Aims

The aim of this study was to explore safety and feasibility of sevoflurane‐augmented xenon anesthesia in school‐aged children and to assess early postoperative neurocognitive effects of xenon‐sevoflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia when compared to a control group that did not have anesthesia.

Methods

Forty children aged 4‐12 years, suffering from congenital heart disease, undergoing diagnostic or interventional cardiac catheterization were randomized to either xenon‐augmented sevoflurane anesthesia or sevoflurane alone. Safety was assessed by the incidence of intraprocedural hemodynamic instability and feasibility by anesthetic depth and respiratory profile. In addition, neurocognitive performance was assessed preoperatively, 2 hours after discharge from PACU and at 24 hours after anesthesia using the Amsterdam Neuropsychological Tasks system. A healthy control group of 22 age‐ and gender‐matched children not exposed to anesthesia underwent an identical neurocognitive test battery, at comparable time intervals.

Results

Overall hemodynamics did not differ between groups. Xenon‐sevoflurane anesthesia resulted in decreased intraoperative ephedrine requirements (median [IQR]) (0.00 mg/kg [0.00‐0.00] vs 0.00 mg/kg [0.00‐0.01], P = 0.047). Only neurocognitive tests in the domain of alertness were significantly impaired 2 hours postoperatively in both anesthesia groups in comparison with the control group (alertness variability: P = 0.02, odds ratio 5.8), but recovered at 24 hours. For working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and motor coordination tasks, no significant interaction effects of anesthesia were found in the early postoperative period.

Conclusion

In this pilot trial, xenon‐augmented sevoflurane anesthesia in school‐aged children was feasible, and associated with decreased ephedrine requirements. All children exposed to anesthesia showed impaired neurocognitive performance in the immediate postoperative period when compared to control children; however, without significant differences between both treatment groups.
Prevalence of internet gaming disorder in adolescents: A meta‐analysis across three decades
Authors: Fam Jia Yuin
Published: July 2018

The inclusion of “Internet gaming disorder (IGD)” in the fifth edition of Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM‐5) creates a possible line of research. Despite the fact that adolescents are vulnerable to IGD, studies had reported wide array of prevalence estimates in this population. The aim of this paper is to review the published studies on prevalence of IGD among adolescents. Relevant studies prior to March 2017 were identified through databases. A total of 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of IGD among adolescents was 4.6% (95% CI = 3.4%–6.0%). Male adolescents generally reported higher prevalence rate (6.8%, 95% CI = 4.3%–9.7%) than female adolescents (1.3%, 95% CI = 0.6%–2.2%). Subgroup analyses revealed that prevalence estimates were highest when studies were conducted in: (i) 1990s; (ii) use DSM criteria for pathological gambling; (iii) examine gaming disorder; (iv) Asia; and (v) small samples (<1,000). This study confirms the alarming prevalence of IGD among adolescents, especially among males. Given the methodological deficits in past decades (such as reliance on DSM criteria for “pathological gambling,” inclusion of the word “Internet,” and small sample sizes), it is critical for researchers to apply a common methodology for assess this disorder.
Motor skills in association with physical activity, sedentary time, body fat, and day care attendance in 5‐6‐year‐old children—The STEPS Study
Authors: Matarma Tanja , Lagström Hanna , Hurme Saija , Tammelin Tuija H , Kulmala Janne , Barnett Lisa M , Koski Pasi
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This study examined how motor skills are associated with physical activity (PA), sedentary time, body fat, and day care attendance among young children. Also, the motor skills of healthy weight children were compared to those who were overweight or obese.

Methods

The study population consisted of five to six years old children (n = 111; 45 boys) who participated in the longitudinal STEPS Study carried out in Southwest Finland in 2013‐2014. Motor skills were measured with the Bruininks‐Oseretsky test, second edition (BOT‐2) including fine manual control, manual coordination, body coordination, and strength and agility. Moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) and sedentary time were objectively measured with hip‐worn accelerometers. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated based on measured weight and height. Body fat percentage (BF%) was measured using segmental multifrequency bio impedance analysis. Day care attendance was measured with parental questionnaires. Linear regression analyses were adjusted by age, sex, and parental education.

Results

Day care attendance was positively associated with body coordination and strength and agility. Lower BF% in girls was associated with higher strength and agility scores. There were no associations between manual coordination or fine manual control and the explanatory variables. Objectively measured MVPA and sedentary time showed no associations with motor skills. Overweight children had significantly lower scores in all motor skill composites (P < 0.05) than healthy weight children, except in fine manual control where the association was non‐significant (P = 0.202).

Conclusions

Early prevention of overweight and obesity may be of importance and day care attendance may be beneficial for motor skill development.
Mitigation of Relative Age Effects Through Targeted Policy Intervention: A Natural Experiment From Professional Tennis*
Authors: Wendling Elodie , Mills Brian M.
Published: July 2018

Objective

We address the impact of policy intervention in youth tennis targeted at mitigating the influence of labor market‐persistent relative age effects known to exist in age‐grouped cohorts of students and athletes.

Methods

We take advantage of a natural experiment in policy implementation in U.S. youth tennis using a difference‐in‐difference‐in‐difference framework to identify effects among players born early and late in the year at the professional level using data from 1990 through 2015.

Results

Estimations reveal that the policy was successful in improving relative performance for U.S. men's tennis players born late in the year; however, there was no apparent effect on rankings for women.

Conclusion

We propose that while policy can have effects at the professional level, policy prescriptions that depend on physical or mental maturity may differ depending on sex or gender and require specificity in structure for various groups.
The Influence of Animacy, Givenness, and Focus on Object Order in Croatian Ditransitives
Authors: Velnić Marta
Published: July 2018

This study aims to investigate how animacy, givenness, and focus influence object order preference (direct‐indirect, indirect‐direct) in Croatian ditransitive structures. An online survey testing acceptability judgement of four target word orders in various contexts was conducted on 82 native speakers of Croatian. We found that all three factors have an effect on word order preference. The study revealed a preference for DO‐IO orders once animacy was neutralized, and found that focus influences object order more strongly than a simple given/new contrast. The word order with the widest contextual applicability is verb‐direct‐indirect, thus indicating the potential underlying status of this structure.
Genus delimitation, biogeography and diversification ofChoristoneuraLederer (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) based on molecular evidence
Authors: Fagua Giovanny , Condamine Fabien L. , Dombroskie Jason J. , Byun Bong‐Kyu , De Prins Jurate , Simonsen Thomas J. , Baez Marcos , Brunet Bryan M.T. , Sperling Felix A.H.
Published: July 2018

Widely known for pest species that include major modulators of temperate forests, the genusChoristoneurais part of the species‐rich tribe Archipini of leafroller moths (Tortricidae). Delimitation of the genus has remained unresolved because no phylogeny has included species endemic to Africa and studies have often omitted the type species of the genus. Further taxonomic confusion has been generated by the transfer ofArchips occidentalis(Walsingham) toChoristoneura, creating a homonym withChoristoneura occidentalisFreeman, an important defoliator of North American forests. To define the limits of the genus, we reconstructed a phylogeny using DNA sequences for mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I and nuclear ribosomal 28S genes. Our ingroup included 23Choristoneuraspecies‐level taxa, complemented by a large sample of outgroups comprising 82 species of Archipini and other Tortricidae. We generated a time‐calibrated tree using fossil and secondary calibrations and we inferred biogeographic and diversification processes inChoristoneura. Our analysis recovered the genus as polyphyletic, withArchips occidentalis,Choristoneura simonyiandChoristoneura evanidanaexcluded from the main clade. Based on the recovered phylogenies and a redefinition, we restrictChoristoneuraprimarily to species with a northern hemisphere distribution. Our analysis supportsA. occidentalisas the sister group ofCacoecimorpha pronubana,C. simonyias the sister of ‘Xenotemna’pallorana, andC. evanidanaas the sister ofArchips purpurana. A new combination is proposed:Archips evanidanacomb.n.; the availability of ‘Xenotemna’ as a valid name is discussed andA. occidentalisis considered as an orphaned name within the Archipini. We found support for a Holarctic origin ofChoristoneuraabout 23 Ma, followed by early divergence in the Palearctic region. The main divergence occurred at 16 Ma, with one clade in the Nearctic and another in the Palearctic. Subsequent cladogenetic events were synchronous and related to herbivorous specialization, with each clade divided into coniferophagous and polyphagous lineages. Their specialization as conifer feeders temporally matched the expansion of boreal forest during the Miocene.
Statistical investigation measuring intelligence and creativity
Authors: Jones Rhys C.
Published: July 2018

The use of statistical investigations as a teaching strategy have been shown to both motivate and engage students. The implementation of a statistical investigation to measure intelligence is described, covering core statistical principles and key elements of research design.
Some predictions about the possible groups of death in the football world cup
Authors: Singh Abhishek
Published: July 2018

Statistics can help us to make predictions. An interesting example regarding the football world cup explores the rankings to suggest the group(s) of death in the ensuing world cup.
A role for the carbohydrate‐binding module (CBM) in regulatory SnRK1 subunits: the effect of maltose on SnRK1 activity
Authors: Ruiz‐Gayosso Ana , Rodríguez‐Sotres Rogelio , Martínez‐Barajas Eleazar , Coello Patricia
Published: July 2018

SnRK1 is a protein kinase complex that is involved in several aspects of plant growth and development. There are published data indicative of a participation of SnRK1 in the regulation of the synthesis and degradation of starch, although the molecular mechanism is not known. In this work, we performed electron microscopy to explore the in vivo localization of the regulatory and catalytic subunits that constitute the SnRK1 complex. The results indicated that all the subunits are present in the chloroplast and, in particular, the SnRK1 βγ and SnRK1 β3 subunits are associated with starch. Furthermore, the regulatory subunits bind maltose, a relevant product of starch degradation. The kinase activity of immunoprecipitated complexes containing the βγ regulatory subunit was positively regulated by maltose only in the complexes obtained from Arabidopsis leaves collected at dusk. Recombinant complexes with the SnRK1α1 catalytic subunit, SnRK1βγ and three different β subunits showed that maltose only had an effect on a complex formed with the β3 subunit. Truncation of the CBM domain form SnRK1 βγ abolished the maltose activation of the complex and the activity was significantly reduced, indicating that the CBM is a positive regulator of SnRK1. A model of the SnRK1α1/βγ/β3 complex suggests the presence of two putative maltose‐binding sites, both involving ligand interactions with the βγ subunit and the α subunit.
Obstruction of ventricular Ca2+‐dependent arrhythmogenicity by inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate‐triggered sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release
Authors: Blanch i Salvador Joaquim , Egger Marcel
Published: July 2018

Key points

Augmented inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) receptor (IP3R2) expression has been linked to a variety of cardiac pathologies.

Although cardiac IP3R2 function has been in the focus of research for some time, a detailed understanding of its potential role in ventricular myocyte excitation–contraction coupling under pathophysiological conditions remains elusive.

The present study focuses on mechanisms of IP3R2‐mediated sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)‐Ca2+ release in ventricular excitation–contraction coupling under IP3R2‐overexpressing conditions by studying intracellular Ca2+ events.

We report that, upon IP3R2 overexpression in ventricular myocytes, IP3‐induced Ca2+ release (IP3ICR) modulates the SR‐Ca2+ content via “eventless” SR‐Ca2+ release, affecting the global SR‐Ca2+ leak. Thus, IP3R2 activation could act as a SR‐Ca2+ gateway mechanism to escape ominous SR‐Ca2+ overload.

Our approach unmasks a so far unrecognized mechanism by which “eventless” IP3ICR plays a protective role against ventricular Ca2+‐dependent arrhythmogenicity.

Augmented inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) receptor (IP3R2) function has been linked to a variety of cardiac pathologies including cardiac arrhythmias. The functional role of IP3‐induced Ca2+ release (IP3ICR) within ventricular excitation–contraction coupling (ECC) remains elusive. As part of pathophysiological cellular remodelling, IP3R2s are overexpressed and have been repeatedly linked to enhanced Ca2+‐dependent arrhythmogenicity. In this study we test the hypothesis that an opposite scenario might be plausible in which IP3ICR is part of an ECC protecting mechanism, resulting in a Ca2+‐dependent anti‐arrhythmogenic response on the cellular scale. IP3R2 activation was triggered via endothelin‐1 or IP3‐salt application in single ventricular myocytes from a cardiac‐specific IP3R type 2 overexpressing mouse model. Upon IP3R2 overexpression, IP3R activation reduced Ca2+‐wave occurrence (46 vs. 21.72%; P < 0.001) while its block increased SR‐Ca2+ content (∼29.4% 2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, ∼16.4% xestospongin C; P < 0.001), suggesting an active role of IP3ICR in SR‐Ca2+ content regulation and anti‐arrhythmogenic function. Pharmacological separation of ryanodine receptor RyR2 and IP3R2 functions and two‐dimensional Ca2+ event analysis failed to identify local IP3ICR events (Ca2+ puffs). SR‐Ca2+ leak measurements revealed that under pathophysiological conditions, “eventless” SR‐Ca2+ efflux via enhanced IP3ICR maintains the SR‐Ca2+ content below Ca2+ spark threshold, preventing aberrant SR‐Ca2+ release and resulting in a protective mechanism against SR‐Ca2+ overload and arrhythmias. Our results support a so far unrecognized modulatory mechanism in ventricular myocytes working in an anti‐arrhythmogenic fashion.
Compressibility and Anisotropy of the Ventricular Myocardium: Experimental Analysis and Microstructural Modeling
Authors: McEvoy Eoin , Holzapfel Gerhard A. , McGarry Patrick
Published: July 2018

While the anisotropic behavior of the complex composite myocardial tissue has been well characterized in recent years, the compressibility of the tissue has not been rigorously investigated to date. In the first part of this study, we present experimental evidence that passive-excised porcine myocardium exhibits volume change. Under tensile loading of a cylindrical specimen, a volume change of 4.1±1.95% is observed at a peak stretch of 1.3. Confined compression experiments also demonstrate significant volume change in the tissue (loading applied up to a volumetric strain of 10%). In order to simulate the multiaxial passive behavior of the myocardium, a nonlinear volumetric hyperelastic component is combined with the well-established Holzapfel–Ogden anisotropic hyperelastic component for myocardium fibers. This framework is shown to describe the experimentally observed behavior of porcine and human tissues under shear and biaxial loading conditions. In the second part of the study, a representative volumetric element (RVE) of myocardium tissue is constructed to parse the contribution of the tissue vasculature to observed volume change under confined compression loading. Simulations of the myocardium microstructure suggest that the vasculature cannot fully account for the experimentally measured volume change. Additionally, the RVE is subjected to six modes of shear loading to investigate the influence of microscale fiber alignment and dispersion on tissue-scale mechanical behavior.
Repeated High Rate Facet Capsular Stretch at Strains That are Below the Pain Threshold Induces Pain and Spinal Inflammation With Decreased Ligament Strength in the Rat
Authors: Kartha Sonia , Bulka Ben A. , Stiansen Nick S. , Troche Harrison R. , Winkelstein Beth A.
Published: July 2018

Repeated loading of ligamentous tissues during repetitive occupational and physical tasks even within physiological ranges of motion has been implicated in the development of pain and joint instability. The pathophysiological mechanisms of pain after repetitive joint loading are not understood. Within the cervical spine, excessive stretch of the facet joint and its capsular ligament has been implicated in the development of pain. Although a single facet joint distraction (FJD) at magnitudes simulating physiologic strains is insufficient to induce pain, it is unknown whether repeated stretching of the facet joint and ligament may produce pain. This study evaluated if repeated loading of the facet at physiologic nonpainful strains alters the capsular ligament's mechanical response and induces pain. Male rats underwent either two subthreshold facet joint distractions (STFJDs) or sham surgeries each separated by 2 days. Pain was measured before the procedure and for 7 days; capsular mechanics were measured during each distraction and under tension at tissue failure. Spinal glial activation was also assessed to probe potential pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for pain. Capsular displacement significantly increased (p = 0.019) and capsular stiffness decreased (p = 0.008) during the second distraction compared to the first. Pain was also induced after the second distraction and was sustained at day 7 (p < 0.048). Repeated loading weakened the capsular ligament with lower vertebral displacement (p = 0.041) and peak force (p = 0.014) at tissue rupture. Spinal glial activation was also induced after repeated loading. Together, these mechanical, physiological, and neurological findings demonstrate that repeated loading of the facet joint even within physiologic ranges of motion can be sufficient to induce pain, spinal inflammation, and alter capsular mechanics similar to a more injurious loading exposure.
Multiscale Computational Analysis of Right Ventricular Mechanoenergetics
Authors: Pewowaruk Ryan J. , Philip Jennifer L. , Tewari Shivendra G. , Chen Claire S. , Nyaeme Mark S. , Wang Zhijie , Tabima Diana M. , Baker Anthony J. , Beard Daniel A. , Chesler Naomi C.
Published: July 2018

Right ventricular (RV) failure, which occurs in the setting of pressure overload, is characterized by abnormalities in mechanical and energetic function. The effects of these cell- and tissue-level changes on organ-level RV function are unknown. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effects of myofiber mechanics and mitochondrial energetics on organ-level RV function in the context of pressure overload using a multiscale model of the cardiovascular system. The model integrates the mitochondria-generated metabolite concentrations that drive intracellular actin-myosin cross-bridging and extracellular myocardial tissue mechanics in a biventricular heart model coupled with simple lumped parameter circulations. Three types of pressure overload were simulated and compared to experimental results. The computational model was able to capture a wide range of cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology from mild RV dysfunction to RV failure. Our results confirm that, in response to pressure overload alone, the RV is able to maintain cardiac output (CO) and predict that alterations in either RV active myofiber mechanics or RV metabolite concentrations are necessary to decrease CO.
Development of Fatigue Crack Growth Prediction Model in Reactor Coolant Environment
Authors: Ishizawa Terushi , Takeda Satoshi , Kitada Takanori , Nakamura Takao , Kamaya Masayuki
Published: July 2018

In order to conduct effective and rational maintenance activity of components in nuclear power plants, it is proposed to manage fatigue degradation based on crack size corresponding to an extent of cumulative fatigue effect. This study is aimed at developing a prediction model for fatigue crack growth in simulated reactor coolant environment. In order to investigate influence of reactor coolant environment on crack initiation and crack growth, two-step replica observations were conducted for environmental fatigue test specimens (type 316 stainless steel) subjected to three kinds of strain range. Crack initiation, growth, and coalescence were observed in the experiments. It is clarified that crack coalescence is one of the dominant factors causing fatigue life reduction, and fatigue life reduction depends on crack size and distance of two coalescing cracks. Then, a model was developed for predicting statistical crack initiation and growth behavior. The relationship between dispersion of crack initiation life and strain range was approximated by the Weibull model to predict crack initiation. Then, the statistical crack growth was modeled using the relation of crack growth rate and strain intensity factor. Furthermore, the crack coalescence was taken into account to the crack growth prediction considering the distance between two cracks. Finally, the crack growth curve, which is the relationship between crack size and operation period, was derived through Monte Carlo simulation with the developed model. The crack growth behavior and residual life in the simulated reactor coolant environment can be reviewed by the crack growth curve obtained with crack initiation, and the growth model developed was compared with the fatigue test results.
Comparison of Heat Transfer Enhancement Between Magnetic and Gold Nanoparticles During HIFU Sonication
Authors: Devarakonda Surendra B. , Myers Matthew R. , Banerjee Rupak K.
Published: July 2018

Long procedure times and collateral damage remain challenges in high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) medical procedures. Magnetic nanoparticles (mNPs) and gold nanoparticles (gNPs) have the potential to reduce the acoustic intensity and/or exposure time required in these procedures. In this research, we investigated relative advantages of using gNPs and mNPs during HIFU thermal-ablation procedures. Tissue-mimicking phantoms containing embedded thermocouples (TCs) and physiologically acceptable concentrations (0.0625% and 0.125%) of gNPs were sonicated at acoustic powers of 5.2 W, 9.2 W, and 14.5 W, for 30 s. It was observed that when the concentration of gNPs was doubled from 0.0625% to 0.125%, the temperature rise increased by 80% for a power of 5.2 W. For a fixed concentration (0.0625%), the energy absorption was 1.7 times greater for mNPs than gNPs for a power of 5.2 W. Also, for the power of 14.5 W, the sonication time required to generate a lesion volume of 50 mm3 decreased by 1.4 times using mNPs, compared with gNPs, at a concentration of 0.0625%. We conclude that mNPs are more likely than gNPs to produce a thermal enhancement in HIFU ablation procedures.
Implementation of a Biomedical Engineering Research Experience for African–American High School Students at a Tier One Research University
Authors: Avent Cherie M. , Boyce Ayesha S. , Servance Lakeita D. , DeStefano Lizanne A. , Nerem Robert M. , Platt Manu O.
Published: July 2018

Enriching science experiences and competencies for underrepresented students during high school years is crucial to increasing their entry into the science pipeline and to improving their preparedness for success in college and STEM careers. The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation of project ENGAGES, a high school STEM year-long research program for African–American students, mentored by graduate students and postdoctoral researchers at Georgia Tech. It aims to provide an authentic research experience and expose student to the possibility and benefits of attaining an advanced degree and careers in STEM fields. Initial program outcomes include student reported satisfaction with research experience, improved technical skill development, and increased curiosity and interest in STEM careers. Additionally, students indicated increases in college readiness, research skill development, and exposure to STEM careers as a result of interactions with faculty advisors and graduate student mentors, along with laboratory assignments. Lessons learned and potential pitfalls and barriers to acceptance are also discussed.
Modeling Skeletal Muscle Stress and Intramuscular Pressure: A Whole Muscle Active–Passive Approach
Authors: Wheatley Benjamin B. , Odegard Gregory M. , Kaufman Kenton R. , Haut Donahue Tammy L.
Published: July 2018

Clinical treatments of skeletal muscle weakness are hindered by a lack of an approach to evaluate individual muscle force. Intramuscular pressure (IMP) has shown a correlation to muscle force in vivo, but patient to patient and muscle to muscle variability results in difficulty of utilizing IMP to estimate muscle force. The goal of this work was to develop a finite element model of whole skeletal muscle that can predict IMP under passive and active conditions to further investigate the mechanisms of IMP variability. A previously validated hypervisco-poroelastic constitutive approach was modified to incorporate muscle activation through an inhomogeneous geometry. Model parameters were optimized to fit model stress to experimental data, and the resulting model fluid pressurization data were utilized for validation. Model fitting was excellent (root-mean-square error or RMSE <1.5 kPa for passive and active conditions), and IMP predictive capability was strong for both passive (RMSE 3.5 mmHg) and active (RMSE 10 mmHg at in vivo lengths) conditions. Additionally, model fluid pressure was affected by length under isometric conditions, as increases in stretch yielded decreases in fluid pressurization following a contraction, resulting from counteracting Poisson effects. Model pressure also varied spatially, with the highest gradients located near aponeuroses. These findings may explain variability of in vivo IMP measurements in the clinic, and thus help reduce this variability in future studies. Further development of this model to include isotonic contractions and muscle weakness would greatly benefit this work.
Development of an Optimized Neural Network for the Detection of Pipe Defects Using a Microwave Signal
Authors: Alobaidi Wissam M. , Alkuam Entidhar A. , Sandgren Eric
Published: July 2018

Neural network technology is applied to the detection of a pipe wall thinning (PWT) in a pipe using a microwave signal reflection as an input. The location, depth, length, and profile geometry of the PWT are predicted by the neural network from input parameters taken from the resonance frequency plots for training data generated through computer simulation. The network is optimized using an evolutionary optimization routine, using the 108 training data samples to minimize the errors produced by the neural network model. The optimizer specified not only the optimal weights for the network links but also the optimal topology for the network itself. The results demonstrate the potential of the approach in that when data files were input that were not part of the training data set, fairly accurate predictions were made by the network. The results from the initial network models can be utilized to improve the future performance of the network.