bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational and Experimental Study of the Effect of Operating Parameters on Classification Performance of Compound Hydrocyclone
Authors: Jiang Jin , Ying Rui , Feng Jingan , Wang Weibing
Published: April 2018

Compound hydrocyclone is a kind of dynamic hydrocyclone also with the advantages of static hydrocyclone. In this investigation, the effect of operating parameters on separation performance of compound hydrocyclone is studied using both CFD technique and experimental method. The flow field of compound hydrocyclone was simulated by the RSM turbulence model; the particles with different size were simplified to 6 phases and simulated by the mixture multiphase model. The central composite design method was used to conduct the separation experiment of compound hydrocyclone. The results indicated that compound hydrocyclone can be used for finer particles separation and the flow field of compound hydrocyclone can still achieve a higher centrifugal force in lower inlet velocity. When the minimum partition size is required, the optimized operating condition of the compound hydrocyclone is v = 2.5 m/s, n = 1865 rpm, and c = 7.5%, while when the maximum partition size is required, the optimized operating condition is v = 2.5 m/s, n = 905 rpm, and c = 24.5%.
Genome-Wide Identification, Phylogeny, and Expression Analysis of ARF Genes Involved in Vegetative Organs Development in Switchgrass
Authors: Wang Jianli , Wu Zhenying , Shen Zhongbao , Bai Zetao , Zhong Peng , Ma Lichao , Pan Duofeng , Zhang Ruibo , Li Daoming , Zhang Hailing , Fu Chunxiang , Han Guiqing , Guo Changhong
Published: April 2018

Auxin response factors (ARFs) have been reported to play vital roles during plant growth and development. In order to reveal specific functions related to vegetative organs in grasses, an in-depth study of the ARF gene family was carried out in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), a warm-season C4 perennial grass that is mostly used as bioenergy and animal feedstock. A total of 47 putative ARF genes (PvARFs) were identified in the switchgrass genome (2n = 4x = 36), 42 of which were anchored to the seven pairs of chromosomes and found to be unevenly distributed. Sixteen PvARFs were predicted to be potential targets of small RNAs (microRNA160 and 167). Phylogenetically speaking, PvARFs were divided into seven distinct subgroups based on the phylogeny, exon/intron arrangement, and conserved motif distribution. Moreover, 15 pairs of PvARFs have different temporal-spatial expression profiles in vegetative organs (2nd, 3rd, and 4th internode and leaves), which implies that different PvARFs have specific functions in switchgrass growth and development. In addition, at least 14 pairs of PvARFs respond to naphthylacetic acid (NAA) treatment, which might be helpful for us to study on auxin response in switchgrass. The comprehensive analysis, described here, will facilitate the future functional analysis of ARF genes in grasses.
Small Peptides Compound Isolated from Agkistrodon with Antiarthritic Effect in Collagen‐Induced Arthritis Rats
Authors: Mei Lijun , Lin Chen , Lei Shanshan , Xu Li , Fan Yong-Sheng
Published: April 2018

Agkistrodon in Chinese medicine has long been used as an effective treatment against rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The present research further investigated the effects of peptides extracted from the crude Agkistrodon on the RA rat model. Extracted peptides were separated by parameter‐optimized ion‐exchange chromatography (IEC), peptide fractions were further analysed by MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS, and nano‐LC‐MS/MS acquired mass spectra were further characterized using Mascot software, which ranks the best matches in the NCBI database. RT‐PCR results in RAW264.7 cells indicated that Agkistrodon peptide components had inhibitory effects against inflammatory cytokines. The therapeutic efficacy of Agkistrodon peptides was evaluated on the Wistar rats with collagen‐induced arthritis. Symptom relief and reduced cartilage destruction and bone erosion were observed, which can be explained by the direct suppression of inflammatory cytokines in the joints. Agkistrodon peptides downregulate the expression of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6, which may alleviate cartilage destruction and bone erosion, thus relieving symptoms of RA.
Persistence and Extinction of a Stochastic Modified Bazykin Predator-Prey System with Lévy Jumps
Authors: Wei Zhangzhi , Wu Zheng , Hu Ling , Wang Lianglong
Published: April 2018

This paper is devoted to the dynamics of a stochastic modified Bazykin predator-prey system with Lévy jumps. First, we show that the system has a unique global positive solution and give some properties of solutions. Then, some sufficient conditions for persistence and extinction are derived by Itô formula and some inequalities on stochastic analysis. At last, some simulations are provided to check the main results.
MAT, a Novel Polyherbal Aphrodisiac Formulation, Enhances Sexual Function and Nrf2/HO‐1 Pathway While Reducing Oxidative Damage in Male Rats
Authors: Sahin Kazim , Tuzcu Mehmet , Orhan Cemal , Gencoglu Hasan , Sahin Nurhan , Akdemir Fatih , Turk Gaffari , Yilmaz Ismet , Juturu Vijaya
Published: April 2018

Mucuna pruriens, Ashwagandha, and Tribulus terrestris are known as the enhancers for sexual health, functional activities, vitality, and longevity. These herbs had been widely used in the Ayurveda medicine as aphrodisiacs through the ages, and their efficacy was also verified separately in our previous publication. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of Mucuna, Ashwagandha, and Tribulus complexes on sexual function in rats. Twenty‐eight male rats allocated to four groups as follows: (i) negative control (C); (ii) positive control or sildenafil citrate treated group (5 mg/kg) (S); (iii) MAT1 (combination of 10 mg Mucuna (M) + 10 mg Ashwagandha (A) + 10 mg Tribulus (T)/kg BW); (iv) MAT 2 (20 mg Mucuna + 20 mg Ashwagandha + 20 mg Tribulus/kg BW). There was no significant difference found between the MAT1 and MAT2 groups while they showed significantly increased testosterone, follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels when compared to the negative control. Significant increases in Nrf2/HO1 levels and decreases in NF‐κB were detected in MAT groups similar to the decrease in serum and testis malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as compared to both controls. The sperm motility, count, and rate also significantly improved in both MAT groups, while ALT, AST, creatinine, ALP, and urea levels did not change in any of the groups. Oral consumption of MATs combination in male rats resulted in inhibition of NF‐κB and MDA and also increased sex hormones with Nrf2‐mediated HO‐1 induction. MAT combinations may improve sexual functions by increasing levels of sexual hormones and regulation of NF‐κB and Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathways.
Japanese Herbal Kampo Hochu‐Ekki‐To or Juzen‐Taiho‐To after Surgery for Hip Fracture Does Not Reduce Infectious Complications
Authors: Sasabuchi Yusuke , Matsui Hiroki , Lefor Alan Kawarai , Jo Taisuke , Michihata Nobuaki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: April 2018

Background. Infectious complications after hip fracture surgery are common in the elderly. Although experimental studies have suggested that kampo medicine, Hochu‐ekki‐to and Juzen‐taiho‐to, can prevent infectious complications, only a few small clinical studies have been published to date. Primary Study Objective. The aim of the present study is to investigate the impact of Hochu‐ekki‐to or Juzen‐taiho‐to on postoperative infectious complications in patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture. Methods and Design. In this retrospective cohort study using a nationwide inpatient database in Japan, we performed propensity score matching to compare patients who did or did not receive kampo medicine after surgery for hip fracture. Settings. A nationwide inpatient database. Participants. Patients who did or did not receive kampo medicine after surgery for hip fracture. Intervention. Kampo medicine after surgery for hip fracture. Primary Outcome Measures. Infectious complications. Results. The proportions of postoperative infectious complications were not significantly different between the 424 propensity‐matched pairs with and without kampo medicine (11 versus 8, P = 0.644). Conclusion. The present study suggests that Hochu‐ekki‐to or Juzen‐taiho‐to postoperatively is not associated with decreased occurrence of infectious complications in patients who underwent surgery for hip fracture.
Establishment of a simpler method for measuring HDL-microRNAs
Authors: Ishikawa Hiroaki , Yamada Hiroya , Kondo Kanako , Ota Takeru , Yamazaki Mirai , Ando Yoshitaka , Mizuno Genki , Munetsuna Eiji , Suzuki Koji , Teradaira Ryoji , Ohashi Koji
Published: April 2018

Background

MicroRNAs are present not only in exosomes but also in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and have the potential as biomarkers for various diseases. Various purification methods have been developed to quantify HDL-miRNAs; however, they are unsuitable for clinical applications. Therefore, we aimed to establish a simpler analytical method to quantify HDL-miRNAs for clinical applications.

Methods

We purified HDL fraction from pooled plasma using a three-step protocol consisting of ultracentrifugation, phosphotungstic acid/MgCl2 precipitation and desalting/buffer exchange followed by the quantification of HDL-miRNAs by quantitative real-time PCR. In order to establish a method to quantify HDL-miRNAs by quantitative real-time PCR, we prepared standard curves for miR-223 and miR-92. The HDL-miRNAs of 10 volunteers were assessed.

Results

Exosomes and LDL were not detected in the purified HDL fraction. Furthermore, we confirmed that only HDL was purified and that the HDL recovery rate of our method was at least approximately 50%. The threshold cycle values of miR-223, miR-92, miR-146a and miR-150 in the same subject were 32.11 ± 0.58, 32.50 ± 0.35, 34.30 ± 0.70 and 34.91 ± 0.77, respectively ( n = 10). The coefficient of variation values for these miRNAs were 1.08–2.21%. In addition, the standard curve for the quantitative analysis of miRNAs showed high linearity (30–30,000 copies/ μL) with a correlation coefficient of >0.99. The concentrations of HDL-miR-223 and HDL-miR-92 in the plasma of 10 subjects were 1.98 ± 0.32 and 0.90 ± 0.14 copies/mL (×104).

Conclusions

We established a simple method for quantifying HDL-miRNAs and improved the sample processing capacity compared with conventional methods.
Do schizotypy dimensions reflect the symptoms of schizophrenia?
Authors: Thomas Elizabeth HX , Rossell Susan L , Tan Eric J , Neill Erica , Van Rheenen Tamsyn E , Carruthers Sean P , Sumner Philip J , Louise Stephanie , Bozaoglu Kiymet , Gurvich Caroline
Published: April 2018

Objective:

The personality characteristics and symptoms observed in schizophrenia are postulated to lie on a continuum, with non-clinical manifestations referred to as schizotypy. High schizotypy behaviours are argued to correspond with the three main clusters of symptoms in schizophrenia: positive, negative and cognitive/disorganised symptoms, yet there is limited empirical evidence to support this. This study aimed to investigate whether schizotypy dimensions significantly correlate with their respective schizophrenia symptomatology in the largest sample to date.

Methods:

A total of 361 adults (103 patients with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder and 258 healthy controls) were assessed for schizotypy using the Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences. The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery supplemented by the Stroop task and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test was administered to all participants to obtain objective measurements of cognition. Schizophrenia symptomatology was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale in patients only.

Results:

The results demonstrated significant correlations between the Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences positive and negative subscales and their respective Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale subscales only, indicating that positive and negative schizotypy dimensions across patients and controls accurately reflect the respective schizophrenia symptomatology observed in patients. Cognitive performance did not correlate with cognitive/disorganised symptom dimensions of the Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences or the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, indicating that cognitive impairment is an independent symptom dimension that requires objective cognitive testing.

Conclusion:

Collectively, the findings provide empirical evidence for the continuum theory and support the use of schizotypy as a model for investigating schizophrenia.
Leadership in an interorganizational collaboration: A qualitative study of a statewide interagency taskforce
Authors: Kramer Michael W , Day Eric Anthony , Nguyen Christopher , Hoelscher Carrisa S , Cooper Olivia D
Published: April 2018

The increased reliance on interorganizational collaborations (ICs) has created new challenges for leaders. They must attempt to apply leadership theories and behaviors developed primarily for leading within one organization or group to leading collaborations of multiple organizations and stakeholders. To provide insight into this issue, this study examines leadership behavior in an IC developing a strategic plan to promote changes to address public health and safety concerns related to substance abuse. Combining observations and interviews, we followed a statewide interagency taskforce in a southwestern state of the United States from its inception through completion of its strategic plan within a 10-month deadline. Findings show different leadership behaviors were integrated and evolved over time to strike a balance between decision-making effectiveness and efficiency. In particular, the findings support recent research on examining leadership behavior holistically to develop a ‘fuller full-range’ leadership perspective (Antonakis and House, 2014), especially in terms of how collectivistic and instrumental leadership should complement transformational leadership, and by demonstrating that the combinations of leadership change over time and occur at multiple levels. These findings provide guidance for future practice and research on ICs promoting change.
The effectiveness of the industrial field trip in introduction to engineering: A case study at Hung Yen University of Technology and Education, Vietnam
Authors: Hanh Nguyen Van , Hop Nguyen Huu
Published: April 2018

The industrial field trip in the introduction to engineering has been integrated into the engineering education program at Hung Yen University of Technology and Education, Vietnam in 2010. The industrial field trip was organized in the early weeks of the engineering education course. Participating in an industrial field trip is a formal requirement of an engineering education program. After each course, the experience in organizing field trips is reflected and modified continuously to increase the effectiveness in the introduction to engineering for students. A process of organizing the industrial field trips has been developed to increase the effectiveness of education, which includes three main stages: (1) classroom activities to prepare for the field trip, (2) implementation of the field trip, and (3) reflections on the field trip experience. Results showed that the industrial field trips enhance the emotions of students about an engineering education field. This paper is a descriptive research, in which a case study is used to describe the experience of implementing the industrial field trips at Hung Yen University of Technology and Education.
Embedding sensors in composite plates for characterization under impacting shock wave loading
Authors: Jahnke Doug , Yildiz Salih , Andreopoulos Yiannis
Published: April 2018

High-frequency-response, semiconductor, strain gages used in various combinations have been embedded in S-2 glass epoxy composite test plates during in-house fabrication using vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding in order to measure the transient strain and its rate during the impingement of the shock wave and subsequent interactions. To validate the techniques systematically, an in-house-developed, split-view time-resolved, stereo digital image correlation system has been used to compare static and time-dependent strain signals on a two-dimensional surface in a shock tube facility. Small size non-encapsulated solid-state gages were cumbersome to handle during the fabrication process, while encapsulated strain gages had very good spatial resolution and overall performance combined with some ease in handling during fabrication. The strain results indicate that embedding sensors is an accurate and inexpensive method to characterize composites under high-rate loading.
Exploring EFL Learners’ Accent Preferences for Effective ELF Communication
Authors: Kung Fan-Wei , Wang Xue
Published: April 2018

This study explores Chinese English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ attitudes towards accent for effective English as a lingua franca (ELF) communication. Notwithstanding the research conducted on EFL learners’ perceptions of different variations of the English language for their language learning, little attempts have been made to investigate their perspectives in detail within the context of China. This inquiry thus intends to bridge this gap by exploring EFL learners’ accent preferences for ELF communication. Data were collected qualitatively from 34 students at an international university in China to examine their experiences of EFL learning and ELF communication. Data were classified and categorized based on learners’ accent preferences and then coded for analysis from their learning discourses, cultural media, material conditions and social agents. The results point to various sociocultural and sociohistorical variables that have reified their language choices and ideology to further underpin their native speaker (NS) and non-native speaker (NNS) dichotomy.
Geology and transitional shale gas resource potentials in the Ningwu Basin, China
Authors: Xu Qiang , Xu Fengyin , Jiang Bo , Zhao Yue , Zhao Xin , Ding Rong , Wang Jianxin
Published: April 2018

We analyzed the tectonic evolution characteristics, sedimentary environment, geochemical characteristics, petrological characteristics, and gas-bearing properties of three mudstone sections of the Lower Paleozoic in Ningwu Basin, NE China, and determined the geologic characteristics and resource potential of the transitional facies shale gas. Geochemical analysis of the organic carbon content, kerogen macerals, and vitrinite reflectance of the shale samples showed that the total organic content was generally over 2.0%, the main organic type was type III, and the vitrinite reflectance values (Ro) were between 1.20 and 1.90%. Thus, the mudstones are good shale gas source rocks. The thickness of the three mudstone sections was approximately 30–70 m, and the average porosity was 3.10%. The pore types were diverse with good reservoir capacity. The shale gas resources of the Carboniferous-Permian transitional facies estimated by the volumetric method were approximately 2798.97 × 108–4643.09 × 108 m3. Through a comparison with shales in SW China, where shale gas has been successfully exploited, we determined the preferred criteria for favorable shale gas areas, as well as favorable areas for shale gas enrichment.
Rapid consolidation and curing of advanced composites using electron beam irradiation
Authors: Rizzolo Robert , Walczyk Daniel , Kuppers Jaron , Montoney Daniel , Galloway Richard
Published: April 2018

A low-cost, low-waste manufacturing method for advanced thermoset composite parts could improve market penetration of composites compared to other engineering materials such as aluminum or steel. Such a method could combine some of the new trends in composites manufacturing such as resin infusion (eliminates need for prepreg), out-of-autoclave consolidation, and snap curing. The feasibility of a hybrid process with these characteristics has been demonstrated by uniting liquid composite molding, resin curing by electron beam irradiation, and high pressure consolidation with specialized elastomeric tooling. To demonstrate feasibility, a mold set was designed to make flat, square four-ply woven carbon fiber parts by (1) vacuum-infusing dry preforms with an electron beam–curable epoxy resin in minutes, (2) applying 690 kPa of uniform pressure and consolidating in seconds using an elastomer-faced specialized elastomeric tooling tool and simple hydraulic press, and (3) curing in seconds using a 3 MeV electron beam source. To better understand how various process parameters affect part performance, parameters are varied in a simple design of experiments, and flexural strength and stiffness, thickness distribution, fiber and void volume fractions, surface roughness, and cross-sectional characteristics (via microscopy) are measured and compared.
Quantification of rail transit wheel loads and development of improved dynamic and impact loading factors for design
Authors: Edwards J Riley , Cook Aaron , Dersch Marcus S , Qian Yu
Published: April 2018

An increase in the number of rail transit track construction and rehabilitation projects in North America has generated increased interest in optimizing the design of the track infrastructure and its components. Many rail transit track component design guidelines use historical wheel loads and loading factors that were derived from freight railroad design practices. These design factors may not be representative of the loading experienced on the rail transit networks today, leading to over-designed, sub-optimal infrastructure components. Therefore, researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign are conducting research to lay the groundwork for improved understanding of the loading environment entering the track structure using wheel loads data obtained from recently deployed field instrumentation and existing wheel impact load detectors. This paper evaluates the existing design impact factors and assesses their effectiveness when applied to the rail transit sector, using data from three representative rail transit agencies in the United States. New dynamic loading factors are also proposed to represent the rail transit loading environment more accurately. A quantitative approach to addressing design factors may provide economies in future designs and facilitate the use of probability of exceedance and other metrics that relate to factors of safety.
Disease severity of proliferative lupus nephritis in Maghrebians
Authors: Tamirou F , Costedoat-Chalumeau N , Medkouri G , Daugas E , Hachulla E , Jourde-Chiche N , Karras A , le Guern V , Gnemmi V , Jadoul M , Houssiau F A
Published: April 2018

Objective

To study the influence of Maghrebian ethnicity on lupus nephritis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the files of a cohort of 194 patients with proliferative lupus nephritis followed in seven lupus centres belonging to three groups: Europeans living in Belgium/France (E; n = 111); Maghrebians living in Europe, in casu Belgium/France (ME; n = 43); and Maghrebians living in Morocco (MM; n = 40). Baseline presentation was compared between these three groups but complete long-term outcome data were available only for E and ME patients.

Results

At presentation, the clinical and pathological characteristics of lupus nephritis did not differ between E, ME and MM patients. Renal relapses were more common in ME patients (54%) than in E patients (29%) ( P < 0.01). Time to renal flare and to end-stage renal disease was shorter in ME patients compared to E patients ( P < 0.0001 and P < 0.05, respectively). While proteinuria measured at month 12 accurately predicted a serum creatinine value of less than 1 mg/dl at 7 years in E patients, this was not the case in the ME group, in whom serum creatinine at month 12 performed better.

Conclusion

Despite a similar disease profile at onset, the prognosis of lupus nephritis is more severe in Maghrebians living in Europe compared to native Europeans, with a higher relapse rate.
Rigor in Gaming for Design: Conditions for Transfer Between Game and Reality
Authors: Raghothama Jayanth , Meijer Sebastiaan
Published: April 2018

Background. The increasing cognizance of complexity in systems has brought into focus important questions about the methods and tools we use to address them. Games for design, where games and computer simulations are used together to create concrete and tangible designs in a pluralistic way, with multiple stakeholders within the game is a new area for simulation gaming.

Aim. In this article about gaming for design, embedded in the design science approach towards game science, we raise important philosophical questions about this new area, as well as attempt to address practical questions at the application level. We attempt to bridge the analytical science and design science approaches to games, and analyze them through meta-constructs of games such as fidelity, abstraction and resolution.

Results. Results from two applications, through analysis of game play and debriefing of game sessions from two applications, COMPLEX and ProtoWorld are gathered and analyzed to understand the respresentational requirements for simulations and games.

Conclusion. Results point to the need for rigor in gaming, particularly when modeling reference systems and rigor in assessing effects, both during game play and while debriefing. Results also point to expanded definitions of meta-constructs of games, as well as to their linked nature.
Public Art Replacement on the Mapocho River: Erasure, Renewal, and a Conflict of Cultural Value in Santiago de Chile
Authors: Morrison Chandra
Published: April 2018

On January 18, 2011, the Museo Arte de Luz opened along Santiago’s Mapocho River. Developed by artist Catalina Rojas and the Santiago municipal government to mark Chile’s 2010 bicentenary, the light-art museum proposed to revitalize the river as a public space by converging heritage, contemporary art, and citizenship. Yet controversy lurked behind the newly gleaming lights: museum preparations included the erasure of several large graffiti murals painted along the canal walls. This article examines how the installation of the Museo Arte de Luz systematically removed graffiti muralism from the Mapocho River, drawing out deeper cultural tensions entangled in this aesthetic dispute. It analyses three interconnected discourses about the museum’s desired impact on the river—environmental regeneration, historical restoration, and symbolic recuperation—to illustrate how the erasure corresponds to official narratives of renewal. Ultimately, through its contradictions, this public art replacement raises important questions about public authority and cultural value in Chile.
Static characteristics of hydrostatic thrust bearing considering the inertia effect on the region of supply hole
Authors: Tian Zhuxin , Cao Haiyin , Huang Yu
Published: April 2018

In the previous studies on the hydrostatic thrust bearing, the differences between the theoretical results and experimental results are obvious when the inertia parameter S and the ratio of supply hole radius to bearing radius r0/ R become large enough. To explain the differences, in this study, the inertia effect on the region of supply hole is considered in discussing the static characteristics of hydrostatic thrust bearing, and then new expressions of pressure, load capacity, and flow rate are given. For the continuous parallel bearing, the results of this study agree well with experiments, thus there is no need for the extra modified inertia theory. For the step bearing with a large inertia parameter (e.g., S = 2), the results of this study agree with experiments on the recess region, and are closer to the experimental results than those of old method on the region of bearing land. So when the inertia parameter S and the ratio of supply hole radius to bearing radius r0/ R are large enough, the inertia effect on the region of supply hole cannot be ignored in discussing the static characteristics of hydrostatic thrust bearing.
Corrosion and tribological behaviour in a 3.5% NaCl solution of vacuum arc deposited ZrCN and Zr–Cr–Si–C–N coatings
Authors: Constantin Lidia R , Parau Anca C , Balaceanu Mihai , Dinu Mihaela , Vladescu Alina
Published: April 2018

ZrCN and Zr–Cr–Si–C–N coatings were deposited on Si (100) and 316L stainless steel substrates using the cathodic vacuum arc technique in a mixed atmosphere of C2H2 and N2. The coatings were grown keeping almost constant the ratio of the C2H2 and N2 mass flow rates, substrate bias and deposition temperature at ∼0.81, −200 V and 320 ℃, respectively. The investigation carried out aimed to determine the corrosion and tribological performance of the novel Zr–Cr–Si–C–N coating obtained by Cr and Si addition to the ZrCN reference coating. The films were characterized in terms of elemental and phase composition, crystalline structure, hardness, reduced elastic modulus and adhesion. Particular attention was devoted to the investigation of coatings' corrosion resistance and tribological performance carried out in a 3.5% NaCl solution. Cr and Si addition to ZrCN coating leads to reduction in film crystallinity, finer microstructure, enhanced corrosion resistance and better tribological performance under corrosive testing conditions. In this paper, we discuss the measured mechanical and tribological properties of the two coatings in terms of various ratios of hardness and reduced elastic modulus. The coated samples exhibited high corrosion protection efficiency, reaching 97.8% for the Zr–Cr–Si–C–N coating. Both coatings improved the tribological performance of 316L steel in the saline solution. Specifically, the addition of Cr and Si into ZrCN coating results in a decrease of the wear rate of about 60%.
Social media is not real life: The effect of attaching disclaimer-type labels to idealized social media images on women’s body image and mood
Authors: Fardouly Jasmine , Holland Elise
Published: April 2018

This online experimental study examined the impact of viewing disclaimer comments attached to idealized social media images on 18- to 25-year-old American women’s ( N = 164) body dissatisfaction, mood, and perceptions of the target. Furthermore, this study also tested whether thin ideal internalization or appearance comparison tendency moderated any effect. Viewing idealized images taken from social media had a negative influence on women’s body image, with or without the presence of disclaimers. Disclaimer comments also had no impact on women’s mood. They did, however, impact perceptions of the target, with women forming a less positive impression of the target if she attached disclaimer comments to her social media images. Thus, the results of this study suggest that the use of disclaimer comments or labels on social media may be ineffective at reducing women’s body dissatisfaction.
Appetite for or resistance to consumption relationships? A trans-European perspective on the marketisation of football fan relationships
Authors: Bodet Guillaume , Kenyon James A. , Ferrand Alain
Published: April 2018

Although most sport organisations are encouraged to better manage the relationships they maintain with fans, little is still known about the types of relationships that fans want to establish with sport organisations. Also, as most suggested management and marketing practices come from professional sport organisations and European contexts, it is questionable whether they can apply to all sports organisations, and whether they are received in the same way by diverse fans from various socio-cultural contexts. Thus, the study aimed to explore football fans’ relational expectations towards their national football association across Europe and attitudes towards this marketisation. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with several casual and die-hard fans from three European countries chosen for their heterogeneity: Armenia, Lithuania and England. Overall, and possibly in contradiction with numerous publications dealing with club football, the fans from the three countries did not express clear opposition or resistance towards the marketisation of their relationships towards their national teams and associations. English fans seemed quite neutral or indifferent although Armenian and Lithuanian fans presented many characteristics of brandom demonstrating an appetite for this marketisation.
Information density–based energy-limited capacity of ad hoc networks
Authors: Wei Zhiqing , Wang Ziyu , Yuan Xin , Wu Huici , Feng Zhiyong
Published: April 2018

In this article, the inhomogeneous energy consumption is characterized by the concept of information density, which is defined as the number of bits per unit time passing through a specific region. With information density, it is possible to derive the energy consumption of each region and determine the energy configuration scheme to maximize the network lifetime. The information density of pure ad hoc network and hybrid ad hoc network is derived. It is discovered that the information density of pure ad hoc network is inhomogeneous and the information density of hybrid ad hoc network is homogeneous, except for the regions near the edge of the entire area. With information density, the energy-limited capacity of pure and hybrid ad hoc networks is derived. The information density introduced in this article provides more insights into the information transfer of ad hoc networks, which may be applied in the energy configuration of ad hoc networks.
Hierarchical hub location model and hybrid algorithm for integration of urban and rural public transport
Authors: Zhong Wei , Juan Zhicai , Zong Fang , Su Huishuang
Published: April 2018

Integration of urban and rural infrastructure is critical to integrating urban and rural public transport. A public transport hub is an important element of infrastructure, and it is the key facilities that serve as transferring points between cities and towns. The location of hub is related to the convenience of travel for urban and rural residents and the closeness of economic interactions between urban and rural areas. In this article, considering the background of the integration of urban and rural public transport, from the perspective of public transport hubs in urban and central town, a multi-level hub-and-spoke network is designed, and the location of integration of urban and rural public transport hub is determined. Based on the connection associated with central towns and the capacity constraints of hubs and to achieve the minimum total cost, this article proposes a mixed-integer programming model that employs a genetic and tabu search hybrid optimization algorithm to validate and analyze, which used the urban and rural public transport data from a specified area of Shandong province in China. The results indicate that the model can simultaneously determine locations for hubs in cities and central towns while minimizing total cost. The hub capacity constraint significantly influences the location of two-level hubs. The hub capacity constraint in the model can reduce the transportation cost for an entire network and optimize the transportation network. This study on urban and rural public transport hub location in a hub-and-spoke network not only reduces the transportation cost of the network but also completes and supplements the location theory of integration of urban and rural public transport.
A fuzzy-rule-based packet reproduction routing for sensor networks
Authors: Zhang Jinhuan , Liu Anfeng , Hu Peng , Long Jun
Published: April 2018

It is a major challenge to transfer target sensing data efficiently to sink in Internet of things. The low-efficiency data transmission can cause low quality of service. To realize the emergent detection and periodic data gathering, the sensed data should be transferred to the sink efficiently and quickly. Recently, there are many related studies. However, there are few researches taking energy efficiency, transport delay, and network reliability into comprehensive consideration. In this article, a novel adaptive green and reliable routing scheme based on a fuzzy logic system is proposed in consideration of energy efficiency, end-to-end transport delay, and network transmission reliability. The key idea of the proposed scheme is to generate different number of renewed packet copies after certain steps according to the fuzzy inference. The fuzzy inference reflects the knowledge that the nodes in the region far to the sink and with more remaining energy initiate and transmit more packet copies concurrently by multiple routing paths to ensure the success rate of data transmission, whereas less. Thus, the high energy efficiency and low latency are obtained for data collection. Our analysis and simulation results show that adaptive green and reliable routing is more superior than the existing scheme.
Masculinity, Social Connectedness, and Mental Health: Men’s Diverse Patterns of Practice
Authors: McKenzie Sarah K. , Collings Sunny , Jenkin Gabrielle , River Jo
Published: April 2018

Men’s mental health has remained undertheorized, particularly in terms of the gendered nature of men’s social relations. While the importance of social connections and strong supportive networks for improving mental health and well-being is well documented, we know little about men’s social support networks or how men go about seeking or mobilizing social support. An in-depth understanding of the gendered nature of men’s social connections and the ways in which the interplay between masculinity and men’s social connections can impact men’s mental health is needed. Fifteen life history interviews were undertaken with men in the community. A theoretical framework of gender relations was used to analyze the men’s interviews. The findings provide rich insights into men’s diverse patterns of practice in regards to seeking or mobilizing social support. While some men differentiated between their social connections with men and women, others experienced difficulties in mobilizing support from existing connections. Some men maintained a desire to be independent, rejecting the need for social support, whereas others established support networks from which they could actively seek support. Overall, the findings suggest that patterns of social connectedness among men are diverse, challenging the social science literature that frames all men’s social relationships as being largely instrumental, and men as less able and less interested than women in building emotional and supportive relationships with others. The implications of these findings for promoting men’s social connectedness and mental health are discussed.
Pediatric Digital Necrosis Secondary to Dressing Application: A Case Series
Authors: Bjorklund Kim A. , Rice Dahlia M. , Amalfi Ashley N.
Published: April 2018

Background: Pediatric digital necrosis resulting in revision amputation is a devastating outcome following digital dressing application. Methods: We report a series of 4 pediatric patients (age: 21 months-11 years) who presented for surgical consultation related to digital ischemia and irreversible necrosis following the application of Coban digital dressings. A review of the literature demonstrated that such injuries had not previously been described. Results: In our case series, Coban dressing was utilized as a deterrent for thumb sucking, fingertip tuft fractures with nail bed lacerations, and a phalanx fracture secondary to crush injury. All 4 children suffered digital necrosis secondary to Coban dressings and ultimately required revision amputation. Conclusions: We discuss risks factors, application practices, and strategies to minimize complications with digital dressings in the pediatric population with the intent of creating awareness among hand surgeons to help promote safe practices and improve patient outcomes.
The role of visual metonymy in leadership symbolism: Mapping its dynamics through the Sphinx
Authors: Riad Sally
Published: April 2018

Despite the long-standing relevance of symbols in culture studies on leadership, research has rarely examined significations of leadership through metonymy, an important trope that pervades symbolism but is often overlooked. This paper offers a typology of visual metonymy that outlines forms pertinent to leadership. The study draws on the Sphinx in cultural history to map out various metonymies and chart their dynamics. It then traces these metonymies in historical and recent political cartoons on leadership in contexts of colonization, nation building, and revolution. The work also delineates patterns in composite metonymy and its combination with metaphor. Metonymy has paradoxical effects on the discursive construction of leadership, both maintaining and changing extant values and views. So visual metonymy facilitates iconoclasm, the destruction of images or statues, based on shifts in value judgments of leadership and its symbols. These findings compel us to think differently about symbolism and leadership. They show how a symbol’s meaning and value are positional and provisional, temporarily located within multiple relationships and realities. Similarly, leadership is wrought through positionality and provisionality, constantly reshaped by various contextual positions and contingent relationships that render it inherently fluid and contested. The paper further contributes to theorization on leadership by offering new grounds for its visual analysis and a fresh perspective through which to explore its embodiment. Altogether, the work instigates us to rethink extant adages on “leaders using symbols” and “leaders as symbols.” It calls for research on leadership that supplements the interest in symbols with an emphasis on symbolization.
Evaluation of a modified Cheatham-Platinum stent for the treatment of aortic coarctation by finite element modelling
Authors: Burkhardt Barbara EU , Byrne Nicholas , Velasco Forte Marí Nieves , Iannaccone Francesco , De Beule Matthieu , Morgan Gareth J , Hussain Tarique
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Stent implantation for the treatment of aortic coarctation has become a standard approach for the management of older children and adults. Criteria for optimal stent design and construction remain undefined. This study used computational modelling to compare the performance of two generations of the Cheatham-Platinum stent (NuMED, Hopkinton, NY, USA) deployed in aortic coarctation using finite element analysis.

Design

Three-dimensional models of both stents, reverse engineered from microCT scans, were implanted in the aortic model of one representative patient. They were virtually expanded in the vessel with a 16 mm balloon and a pressure of 2 atm.

Results

The conventional stent foreshortened to 96.5% of its initial length, whereas the new stent to 99.2% of its initial length. Diameters in 15 slices across the conventional stent were 11.6–15 mm (median 14.2 mm) and slightly higher across the new stent: 10.7–15.3 mm (median 14.5 mm) (p= 0.021). Apposition to the vessel wall was similar: conventional stent 31.1% and new stent 28.6% of total stent area.

Conclusions

The new design Cheatham-Platinum stent showed similar deployment results compared to the conventional design. The new stent design showed slightly higher expansion, using the same delivery balloon. Patient-specific computational models can be used for virtual implantation of new aortic stents and promise to inform subsequent in vivo trials.
Denoising controlled-source electromagnetic data using least-squares inversion
Authors: Yang Yang , Li Diquan , Tong Tiegang , Zhang Dong , Zhou Yatong , Chen Yangkang
Published: April 2018

Strong noise is one of the toughest problems in the controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) method, which highly affects the quality of recorded data. The three main types of noise existing in CSEM data are periodic noise, Gaussian white noise, and nonperiodic noise, among which the nonperiodic noise is thought to be the most difficult to remove. We have developed a novel and effective method for removing such nonperiodic noise by formulating an inverse problem that is based on inverse discrete Fourier transform and several time windows in which only Gaussian white noise exists. These critical locations, which we call reconstruction locations, can be found by taking advantage of the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and the temporal derivative of the scalogram generated by CWT. The coefficients of the nonperiodic noise are first estimated using the new least-squares method, and then they are subtracted from the coefficients of the raw data to produce denoised data. Together with the nonperiodic noise, we also remove Gaussian noise using the proposed method. We validate the methodology using real-world CSEM data.
Terracing of potential fields by clustering methods
Authors: Florio Giovanni , Lo Re Davide
Published: April 2018

We have applied clustering techniques to the terracing of potential field data. We found out how [Formula: see text]-means clustering or a simple reclassification of the field values based on the minimum Euclidean distance from a set of cluster centers can produce a nicely terraced potential field map, with the degree of simplification of the original map controlled by the number of clusters. We developed a method to automatically define the number and the center value of these clusters. The gravity or magnetic maps terraced by clustering techniques are transformed and present no smooth transitions, and each terrace has a constant field value. Such a terraced map is thus suitable for computing an apparent physical property distribution. To obtain even better results, it is possible to combine clustering techniques with edge-preserving filters. We tested our method on simple and complex synthetic fields and finally applied it to the real gravity data of a mining region in Canada, finding good correspondence between the resulting apparent density distribution and a simplified geologic map.
Mouth sounds – why it is all just gobbledygook
Authors: Brown Paula
Published: April 2018

Our voices are distinct from one another's and they can define who we are. Here, we look at the development of children's voices during the pre-school years and how we can keep them limber.
Crack open your learning
Authors: Roberts Ann R
Published: April 2018

The summer is coming and it is time to go coconut crazy. Not only is this nut a superfood, it is a wonderful learning resource with such a variety of uses, from the shell to the flesh to the milk.
Addressing palliative and end-of-life care needs with Native American elders
Authors: Isaacson Mary J
Published: April 2018

Background:

Life-limiting illness plagues Native Americans, yet access to palliative and end-of-life care, including hospice care, is severely limited.

Aim:

This study aimed to explore palliative and hospice care with Native American elders and tribal health educators on a Northern Plains reservation in the US.

Methods:

Using a community-based participatory approach, participants discussed the cultural acceptability of palliative and hospice care in their tribal community. Monthly talking circles were held over a 5-month period.

Results:

Opportunities were present for improving cultural awareness and advance directive education to elders. Challenges raised were related to infrastructure, tribal government and the Indian Health Service. Needs identified included cultural awareness and language education for health-care providers and advance directive education.

Conclusion:

Community-based participatory research is useful when working with indigenous populations. Health professionals providing services to Native American communities must embrace cultural differences, seeking to learn from the culture itself how to best meet its people's needs.