bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A variational method to avoid locking—independent of the discretization scheme
Authors: Bieber Simon , Oesterle Bastian , Ramm Ekkehard , Bischoff Manfred
Published: January 2018

We present a variational method for problems in solid and structural mechanics that is designed to be intrinsically free from locking when using equal‐order interpolation for all involved fields. The specific feature of the formulation is that it avoids all geometrical locking effects (as opposed to material locking effects, for instance Poisson locking) for any type of structural or solid model, independent of the underlying discretization scheme. The possibility of employing equal‐order interpolation for all involved fields circumvents the task of finding particular function spaces to remove locking and avoid artificial stress oscillations. This is particularly attractive, for instance, for isogeometric analysis using unstructured meshes or T‐splines. Comprehensive numerical tests underline the promising behavior of the proposed method for geometrically linear and nonlinear problems in terms of displacements and stress resultants using standard finite elements, isogeometric finite elements, and a meshless method.
Effect of Lorcaserin Alone and in Combination with Phentermine on Food Cravings After 12‐Week Treatment: A Randomized Substudy
Authors: Rebello Candida J. , Nikonova Elena V. , Zhou Sharon , Aronne Louis J. , Fujioka Ken , Garvey W. Timothy , Smith Steven R. , Coulter Ann A. , Greenway Frank L.
Published: January 2018

Objective

This study evaluated the effect of lorcaserin 10 mg twice daily (LOR BID), or with phentermine 15 mg once daily (LOR BID + PHEN QD) and 15 mg twice daily (LOR BID + PHEN BID), in conjunction with energy restriction on food cravings.

Methods

Two hundred and thirty‐five patients without diabetes but with obesity or overweight and ≥ 1 comorbidity received LOR BID, LOR BID + PHEN QD, or LOR BID + PHEN BID for 12 weeks in a randomized double‐blind study. The Food Craving Inventory (FCI) and the Control of Eating Questionnaire (COEQ) were administered over 12 weeks.

Results

The FCI total score and the subscale scores reduced from baseline in all groups. The least squares means (95% confidence intervals) for the total scores were −0.65 (−0.75 to −0.55), −0.75 (−0.84 to −0.65), and −0.84 (−0.95 to −0.74) in the LOR BID, LOR BID + PHEN QD, and LOR BID + PHEN BID groups, respectively. Cravings assessed by COEQ reduced from baseline in all groups. In general, the combination treatments were more effective than lorcaserin alone. At week 12, except for fruit juice and dairy products, general and specific cravings reduced in LOR BID + PHEN BID compared with LOR BID (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Lorcaserin in combination with phentermine improves control of food cravings during short‐term energy restriction.
KT‐pseudoinvex multidimensional control problem
Authors: Treanţă Savin , Arana‐Jiménez Manuel
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we define a Kuhn‐Tucker (KT)–pseudoinvex multidimensional control problem. More exactly, we introduce a new condition on the functions, which are involved in a multidimensional control problem, and we prove that a KT‐pseudoinvex multidimensional control problem is characterized such that a KT point is an optimal solution. Thus, we generalize optimality results in known mathematical programming problems. These theoretical results are illustrated with an application.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase‐4 Inhibitors and Heart Failure Exacerbation in the Veteran Population: An Observational Study
Authors: Cobretti Michael R. , Bowman Benjamin , Grabarczyk Ted , Potter Emily
Published: January 2018

Objectives

The dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4 inhibitors) are effective modulators of fasting and postprandial hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In 2013 the Saxagliptin Assessment of Vascular Outcomes Recorded in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus–Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 53 (SAVOR‐TIMI 53) clinical trial found an increased risk of heart failure exacerbation, as a secondary outcome, among patients treated with saxagliptin. This study examines the safety of DPP‐4 inhibitors as a class in T2DM in relation to risk of heart failure exacerbations.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of two groups of patients using data from the national Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) Health Care System: patients initially prescribed DPP‐4 inhibitors with or without second‐generation sulfonylureas and/or metformin (exposed group) compared with patients initially prescribed only second‐generation sulfonylureas and/or metformin (unexposed group) between August 1, 2013, and August 30, 2016. The primary aim of this study was to determine the difference in 1‐year heart failure exacerbation rate in patients with T2DM between the exposed and unexposed groups. Data were analyzed using the χ2 Student t test and Kaplan‐Meier analysis. Significance was set at p<0.05.

Results

The study evaluated 672,265 patients: 33,614 patients in the exposed group and 638,651 patients in the unexposed group. Overall, 130 (0.38%) heart failure exacerbations were documented in the exposed group, and 2222 (0.34%) heart failure exacerbations were documented in the unexposed group; the difference in exacerbation rate was nonsignificant between groups (p=0.24). In a subgroup analysis of patients with a baseline diagnosis of heart failure, the difference in rate of heart failure exacerbations remained nonsignificant (p=0.334).

Conclusions

Patients in the veteran population with T2DM treated with DPP‐4 inhibitors did not demonstrate a significant increase in risk for heart failure exacerbation, regardless of whether a patient had been previously diagnosed with heart failure. This finding potentially supports safe usage of DPP‐4 inhibitors in this patient population regardless of heart failure diagnosis.
Reaction‐induced phase separation in hexamethylene diisocyanate‐based poly(propylene oxide)/poly(ethylene oxide) bi‐soft segment oligomers
Authors: Wenning Christian , Schmidt Annette M , Leimenstoll Marc C
Published: January 2018

Oligomeric bi‐soft segment isocyanate‐terminated polyurethanes (ITPUs) are semi‐finished materials crucial for the synthesis of various PU products like foams, thermoplastic parts, dispersions or elastomers. Incompatibilities and thus phase separation phenomena play an essential role in tailoring the properties of the final products. Therefore, a detailed knowledge of these phenomena is mandatory in order to design products with properties meeting the requirements of a given application. In this study the reaction‐induced phase separation during the formation of ITPUs by application of two partially miscible soft segments is presented. The physicochemical basics of this process as well as the extent of the resulting phase separation are discussed on the basis of the initial phase diagram of the reactants. Reaction monitoring by NCO content titration and UV–visible spectroscopy reveals a dependency between the onset of phase separation and conversion. It is found that an increase of the initial content of hexamethylene diisocyanate delays the onset of phase separation. Differential scanning calorimetry reveals further that the phase separation is a direct consequence of the incompatibility of the soft segments. Overall, the findings support the hypothesis that the mechanism and the extent of phase separation are closely related to the ternary phase diagram of the reactants. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Mechanical and thermal properties of modified red mud‐reinforced phenolic foams
Authors: Liu Jianguo , Li Xiaohui , Zhou Chunhua
Published: January 2018

A new type of composite based on phenolic foams reinforced with red mud microparticles was prepared using a thermal foaming method. Red mud was ground into ultrafine particles with grain diameters ranging from 1 to 1.5 μm. Silane coupling agent γ‐ureidopropyltriethoxysilane was used to modify the red mud microparticles to improve particle dispersion and adhesion between the particles and the phenolic matrix. The effects of the modified red mud microparticles on the mechanical and thermal properties of the composite were investigated at weight ratios ranging from 0 to 21%. The phenolic foams incorporating 15 wt% of the filler exhibited the best integrated performance. In comparison with native phenolic foams, tensile strength and impact strength were increased by 81.8 and 82.3%, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of modified red mud microparticles to the phenolic foam significantly decreased its thermal conductivity while increasing its limiting oxygen index. A morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy indicated that incorporation of the modified red mud microparticles into the foam produced relatively small and uniformly sized cells within the material, which indicated that the observed improvements in mechanical and thermal properties were primarily due to the chemical adhesion between the particles and the matrix and good dispersion of particles in the matrix. The reinforced foams described in this study can be used in a variety of applications in the field of heat insulation. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Decision‐making in a bisexual line and a thelytokousWolbachia‐infected line ofTrichogramma dendrolimiMatsumura (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) regarding behavior toward their hosts
Authors: Liu Quan‐quan , Zhang Tong‐shu , Li Chun‐xue , Gu Jun‐wen , Hou Jie‐bin , Dong Hui
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

The use of thelytokousWolbachia‐infectedTrichogramma(parasitic wasps) has long been considered as a way to enhance the efficacy of biocontrol. However,Wolbachiacan affect the host physiology. We compared decision‐making between bisexual and thelytokousWolbachia‐infected lines ofTrichogramma dendrolimiMatsumura regarding behavior toward fresh and old eggs ofCorcyra cephalonicaat 25 ± 1 °C and 70 ± 5% relative humidity.

RESULTS

The behavioral patterns and sequences of the two lines were basically the same. The durations of various behavioral patterns and values of fitness indicators of the bisexual line on fresh eggs were generally significantly shorter and better, respectively, than on old eggs, whereas the thelytokous line behaved similarly toward the two types of eggs, and differences in most fitness indicators between fresh and old eggs were not significant. On fresh eggs, the durations of various behaviors in the bisexual line were generally significantly shorter than in the thelytokous line and the fitness indicators were generally significantly better.

CONCLUSION

Wolbachiaaffected the fitness ofT. dendroliminegatively. The potential of the thelytokous line as a biocontrol agent would not be as good as that of the bisexual line when decision‐making only is considered. Therefore, further evaluations need to be carried out before the thelytokous line can be used in practical biocontrol. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of Channel Layer Thickness on the Instability of Amorphous SiZnSnO Thin Film Transistors Under Negative Bias Temperature Stress
Authors: Lee Byeong Hyeon , Lee Sang Yeol
Published: January 2018

In this study, amorphous silicon‐zinc‐tin‐oxide thin film transistors (a‐SZTO TFTs) are fabricated by radio‐frequency magnetron sputtering at room temperature, and the influence of various channel thicknesses on their electrical performance and stability is reported. Under the negative bias temperature stress, the transfer curve exhibits threshold voltage shift in the negative direction and degradation of subthreshold swing. In addition, the hump effect occurs in the thick channel, which is primarily due to an increase in total trap density from 5.0 × 1011 to 3.5 × 1012 cm−2 with an increase in the channel layer thickness from 12 to 72 nm. These results agree well with the increase in the bulk trap density because all a‐SZTO TFTs have the same interface; therefore, the interface trap density is excluded. Thicker SZTO TFTs show the hump effect, as they have more donor‐like states in the shallow level. Furthermore, temperature stress at 300–333 K and the activation energy (Ea) falling rate are calculated for a‐SZTO TFTs. The Ea falling rate decreases from 0.103 to 0.010 eV V−1 with increasing channel thickness. Consequently, an a‐SZTO TFT with a 12‐nm channel layer thickness shows a large Ea falling rate (0.103 eV V−1) and a small threshold voltage shift of 4.74 V without the hump effect and degraded electrical performance.
Adjustable Subwavelength Metasurface‐Inspired Resonator for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Brui Ekaterina A. , Shchelokova Alena V. , Zubkov Mikhail , Melchakova Irina V. , Glybovski Stanislav B. , Slobozhanyuk Alexey P.
Published: January 2018

Metasurfaces is a rapidly developing area with quite many prospective applications in light manipulation, aberration‐free optical imaging, and security. One potential area where metasurface approaches may provide a valuable contribution is medical imaging. In this paper, a novel subwavelength metasurface‐inspired resonator design is presented, which is employed to enhance the sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To this end, the resonator is formed by an array of capacitively loaded telescopic wires is placed inside the scanner in a close proximity of the studied object. The telescopic design of the structure permits to mechanically adjust its eigenmode resonance frequency to the operational frequency of a 1.5T MRI machine, thus making it possible to enhance and redistribute the radiofrequency magnetic field of an available radiofrequency coil in the region of interest and therefore significantly increase the sensitivity of the receiver.
Temperature Dependence of Stokes Shifts of Excitons and Biexcitons in Al0.61Ga0.39N Epitaxial Layer
Authors: Murotani Hideaki , Ikeda Kazuki , Tsurumaru Takuto , Fujiwara Ryota , Kurai Satoshi , Miyake Hideto , Hiramatsu Kazumasa , Yamada Yoichi
Published: January 2018

Excitonic optical properties of an Al0.61Ga0.39N epitaxial layer are studied by using photoluminescence (PL) and PL excitation (PLE) spectroscopy. The peak structures due to the biexciton two‐photon and the exciton resonances are clearly observed in the PLE spectra of biexcitons up to 550 K. These observations enable the evaluation of the Stokes shifts of excitons and biexcitons as a function of temperature. The Stokes shifts of both excitons and biexcitons decrease with the increase in temperature up to 300 K, which originates from the gradual delocalization of excitons and biexcitons with the increasing temperature. At temperatures above 300 K, the Stokes shifts of both excitons and biexcitons are independent of the temperature. These observations suggest that the localization mechanism for excitons and biexcitons in AlGaN‐based systems cannot be explained by only the simple alloy disorder model, but there is a particular mechanism of exciton and biexciton localization in addition to the inhomogeneous broadening due to the alloy disorder.
Attribute control charts for monitoring the covariance matrix of bivariate processes
Authors: Machado M.A.G. , Ho L.L. , Costa A.F.B.
Published: January 2018

In this article, we consider the use of 3 attribute charts—thenpxy, thenpwand the Max D charts—to control the covariance matrix of bivariate processes. In comparison with the generalized variance |S| chart, the 3 attribute charts signal faster, with smaller samples, all kind of disturbances, except when the 2 variables are highly correlated. To compete with the VMAX chart, the Max D chart needs larger samples, but no more than twice bigger. An example illustrates the monitoring of the covariance matrix using the Max D andnpw.
A risk index for ordinal variables and its statistical properties: A priority of intervention indicator in quality control framework
Authors: Facchinetti Silvia , Osmetti Silvia Angela
Published: January 2018

Measuring risk when data are available only on an ordinal scale is not an easy task. The most common approach of risk modeling is a quantitative approach. In this paper, we propose theCriticality Index: a risk index suitable for studies where data are collected on ordinal scales, defined on the relative frequencies of the considered ordinal variables. Exact and asymptotic distributions of the index estimator are derived, and its statistical properties are studied. Moreover, the confidence intervals using the asymptotic normality are defined. The proposed index may be used as an initial view of the level of risk, for comparisons among environments, to indicate how risk changes over time, and to identify interventions in control systems. An application in quality control framework to data on severity, detection, and the occurrence of product defects of a multinational manufacturer is also presented.
Migratory Behavior and Physiological Development as Potential Determinants of Life History Diversity in Fall Chinook Salmon in the Clearwater River
Authors: Tiffan Kenneth F. , Kock Tobias J. , Connor William P. , Richmond Marshall C. , Perkins William A.
Published: January 2018

We studied the influence of behavior, water velocity, and physiological development on the downstream movement of subyearling fall‐run Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in both free‐flowing and impounded reaches of the Clearwater and Snake rivers as potential mechanisms that might explain life history diversity in this stock. Movement rates and the percentage of radio‐tagged fish that moved faster than the average current velocity were higher in the free‐flowing Clearwater River than in impounded reaches. This supports the notion that water velocity is a primary determinant of downstream movement regardless of a fish's physiological development. In contrast, movement rates slowed and detections became fewer in impounded reaches, where water velocities were much lower. The percentage of fish that moved faster than the average current velocity continued to decline and reached zero in the lowermost reach of Lower Granite Reservoir, suggesting that the behavioral disposition to move downstream was low. These findings contrast with those of a similar, previous study of Snake River subyearlings despite similarity in hydrodynamic conditions between the two studies. Physiological differences between Snake and Clearwater River migrants shed light on this disparity. Subyearlings from the Clearwater River were parr‐like in their development and never showed the increase in gill Na+/K+‐ATPase activity displayed by smolts from the Snake River. Results from this study provide evidence that behavioral and life history differences between Snake and Clearwater River subyearlings may have a physiological basis that is modified by environmental conditions.
Investigating Pregnancy Outcomes After Abnormal Cell‐Free DNA Test Results
Authors: Lu Jessica , Saller Devereux N. , Fraer Luanne M. , Chen Beatrice A.
Published: January 2018

Cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) testing has increased sensitivity and specificity compared to other prenatal screening methods, but invasive diagnostic testing (IDT) is recommended for confirmation. We performed a retrospective chart review of 39 women with abnormal cfDNA results between March 2012 and September 2015 at an urban academic hospital to evaluate patient choice and pregnancy outcomes. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact tests, and Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests. Median maternal age was 36.0 years [interquartile range (IQR) 31, 39]; 64.1% of women (25/39) were advanced maternal age and 69.2% (27/39) had abnormal ultrasounds. Median gestational age at time of cfDNA testing was 18 3/7 weeks [IQR 12 2/7, 20 5/7]. cfDNA results included trisomy 21 (89.7%, 35/39), trisomy 18 (7.7%, 3/39), and both trisomy 21/monosomy X (2.6%, 1/39). Of 39 women, 22 (56.4%) continued and 10 (25.6%) terminated the pregnancy; six (15.4%) had fetal demises, and one was lost to follow‐up. Of women continuing their pregnancies, 54.6% (12/22) declined further genetic counseling, and 77.3% (17/22) declined IDT. Only 14 women pursued IDT; not pursuing IDT was associated with continuing the pregnancy (Fisher's exact test, p = .001). All women terminating their pregnancy (90.0%, 9/10) pursued IDT or had major anomalies on ultrasound, suggesting that women considering termination undergo more confirmatory tests or already have high suspicion for an abnormal pregnancy.
Disaster Preparedness in Primary Care: Ready or Not?
Authors: Hashikawa Micheleen , Gold Katherine J.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To assess perceptions and attitudes toward disasters and disaster planning among outpatient primary care leaders.

Methods

Written surveys and semi-structured interviews of non-physician clinical managers and physician medical directors were conducted using the 2009 H1N1 pandemic as a case-based scenario at 5 university-affiliated family medicine clinics. Domains assessed included perceived pandemic threat; value, existence, and barriers to creating personal disaster plans; staff absenteeism estimates; barriers to work attendance. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis with identification and coding of common themes, respectively.

Results

All 12 invited leaders participated and believed a personal disaster plan was important but only 2 had plans. None had ever discussed with their staff the importance of having a personal disaster plan. Two common barriers in creating a plan were low threat perception level and never considering the possibility of pandemic influenza. Only half of respondents could list common barriers preventing staff from working. Staff were confident employees would come to work during a disaster.

Conclusion

Outpatient primary care leaders may hold misconceptions regarding future disasters, underestimate their potential impact on clinics, and lack personal preparedness. Further investigation and interventions are needed to ensure clinics can be prepared so they can function and help hospital and emergency services when disasters strike. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:644–648)
Use of the Community Assessment for Public Health Response (CASPER) Method by Public Health Agencies in Texas, 2001-2015
Authors: Cross Kayla , Horney Jennifer A.
Published: January 2018

Objectives

The use of the Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) method in disaster and non-disaster settings continues to grow. While CASPERs flexibility has been well demonstrated, the documentation of specific actions that have resulted from the utilization of CASPER data has been limited. We attempted to document changes in emergency preparedness planning and policy based on CASPER data.

Methods

Written reports from 19 CASPERs conducted in Texas between 2001 and 2015 were collected. Key informant interviews were conducted with 9 public health staff knowledgeable about the CASPERs. Written reports and interview transcripts were coded and analyzed for themes.

Results

Few specific outcomes could be documented beyond a single successful grant application. Respondents felt CASPER data was not duplicative and was useful for improving existing plans. CASPER is seen as an effective way to enhance relationships with communities and partnerships with agencies including Emergency Management.

Conclusion

As the use of CASPER grows, it is increasingly important to document any specific and measurable benefits, actions, and changes to planning or policy taken as the result of data collected using the CASPER method. Without measurable outputs and outcomes, support for the use of CASPER from decision-makers may begin to wane. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:680-684)
PUBLIC REASON'S CHAOS THEOREM
Authors: Kogelmann Brian
Published: January 2018

Citizens in John Rawls's well-ordered society face an assurance dilemma. They wish to act justly only if they are reasonably sure their fellow citizens will also act justly. According to Rawls, this assurance problem is solved through public reasoning. This paper argues that public reason cannot serve this function. It begins by arguing that one kind of incompleteness public reason faces that most Rawlsians grant is ubiquitous but unproblematic from a normative standpoint is problematic from an assurance perspective: it makes it possible for citizens to argue for policy conclusions that are favored by their private interests, rather than justice. In response, perhaps the thing to do is structure deliberative democratic institutions such that citizens will always be incentivized to use public reasons to only argue for conclusions they believe are favored by justice. The paper proves that this is impossible by extending the Gibbard–Satterthwaite theorem.
Hospital Water Management Programs for Legionella Prevention, Minnesota, 2017
Authors: Danila Richard N. , Koranteng Nadia , Como-Sabetti Kathy J. , Robinson Trisha J. , Laine Ellen S.
Published: January 2018

Infection preventionists at Minnesota hospitals were surveyed to determine whether they had Legionella water management plans. Of 137 hospitals, 84 (61%) responded. Among them, 27% hospitals had a water management plan, 21% regularly sampled for Legionella, and 51% had knowledge of ASHRAE Legionella prevention standards. Significant changes are needed to protect patients from nosocomial infection.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:336–338
ITERATED FAILURE RATE MONOTONICITY AND ORDERING RELATIONS WITHIN GAMMA AND WEIBULL DISTRIBUTIONS
Authors: Arab Idir , Oliveira Paulo Eduardo
Published: January 2018

Stochastic ordering of random variables may be defined by the relative convexity of the tail functions. This has been extended to higher order stochastic orderings, by iteratively reassigning tail-weights. The actual verification of stochastic orderings is not simple, as this depends on inverting distribution functions for which there may be no explicit expression. The iterative definition of distributions, of course, contributes to make that verification even harder. We have a look at the stochastic ordering, introducing a method that allows for explicit usage, applying it to the Gamma and Weibull distributions, giving a complete description of the order of relations within each of these families.
A rare cause of cyanosis in newborns: arteriovenous fistula between the right pulmonary artery and the left atrium and its treatment
Authors: Yakut Kahraman , Varan Birgul , Ozkan Murat
Published: January 2018

The formation of a fistula between the right pulmonary artery and the left atrium via a sac is a very rare cyanotic congenital cardiopulmonary defect. A fistula between the pulmonary artery and left atrium may cause cardiac failure in utero. It can safely be treated surgically and in selected cases closure can be performed with transcatheter insertion of a device. In this article, we present a case with a fistula between the right pulmonary artery and the left atrium that was considered unsuitable for transcatheter closure and was safely treated surgically.
Montesquieu in the University: The Governance of World-class Institutions of Higher Education and Research
Authors: Engwall Lars
Published: January 2018

The point of departure for this article is the principle of the separation of powers, formulated long ago by the Frenchman Charles-Louis de Secondat Montesquieu. It is argued that this principle is important for the governance of universities, entailing a balance between university boards, university presidents and university senates. To this end, the article presents evidence about the governance structure of two highly-ranked US universities, UC Berkeley (UCB) and Stanford University. It reports on board compositions, the selection of presidents and the role of academic senates. The conclusion is that the principle of the balance of powers (‘shared governance’ as it is called at UCB) has served the two universities well. Therefore, despite differences in other conditions, such as their endowments, other universities might benefit from the evidence reported.
The Significance of the Humanities and Liberal Arts in Higher Education
Authors: Qiao Guoqiang
Published: January 2018

Two tendencies in present-day higher education in China, namely the neglect of the humanities and liberal arts and their incorporation of officialized programmes, are bringing about a change in the values that the humanities and liberal arts foster, and are making for unclear programming. A case in point is the practice that has identified higher education as a tool, overemphasizing its functions and ‘usefulness’ for the nation. It is reasonable to consider higher education from the perspective of national interests. Nonetheless, the author of the current article contends that the overemphasis on function and ‘usefulness’ runs counter to the nature of higher education that endeavours to cultivate a student’s humanity. The author will also argue that one of the principal methods for this humanization is to learn about human nature and to know how to follow one’s good conscience. That is, students have to be educated to know their essential human character and the various demands that are embedded in all intellectual and moral virtues and all language games, and abhor and refrain from any practices that violate them. In this sense, the humanities and liberal arts can provide various human experiences that would be a great help for students to know and to learn the above-mentioned human nature and virtues.
Low-energy Tests of Fundamental Physics
Authors: Budker Dmitry
Published: January 2018

This article presents a personal perspective on why it is interesting and important to test all kinds of fundamental laws and search for as-yet-undiscovered particles and interactions using laboratory-based non-accelerator techniques. Such room-scale experiments are already spearheading discovery, and can be expected to become even more important as accelerators reach seemingly inevitable limits.
Verbal Memory Deficits in OEF/OIF/OND Veterans Exposed to Blasts at Close Range
Authors: Grande Laura J. , Robinson Meghan E. , Radigan Lauren J. , Levin Laura K. , Fortier Catherine B. , Milberg William P. , McGlinchey Regina E.
Published: January 2018

Objectives:This study investigated the relationship between close proximity to detonated blast munitions and cognitive functioning in OEF/OIF/OND Veterans.Methods:A total of 333 participants completed a comprehensive evaluation that included assessment of neuropsychological functions, psychiatric diagnoses and history of military and non-military brain injury. Participants were assigned to a Close-Range Blast Exposure (CBE) or Non-Close-Range Blast Exposure (nonCBE) group based on whether they had reported being exposed to at least one blast within 10 meters.Results:Groups were compared on principal component scores representing the domains of memory, verbal fluency, and complex attention (empirically derived from a battery of standardized cognitive tests), after adjusting for age, education, PTSD diagnosis, sleep quality, substance abuse disorder, and pain. The CBE group showed poorer performance on the memory component. Rates of clinical impairment were significantly higher in the CBE group on select CVLT-II indices. Exploratory analyses examined the effects of concussion and multiple blasts on test performance and revealed that number of lifetime concussions did not contribute to memory performance. However, accumulating blast exposures at distances greater than 10 meters did contribute to poorer performance.Conclusions:Close proximity to detonated blast munitions may impact memory, and Veterans exposed to close-range blast are more likely to demonstrate clinically meaningful deficits. These findings were observed after statistically adjusting for comorbid factors. Results suggest that proximity to blast should be considered when assessing for memory deficits in returning Veterans. Comorbid psychiatric factors may not entirely account for cognitive difficulties. (JINS, 2018,24, 466–475)
Selling Nature to Save It: Approaching self-critical environmental sonic art
Authors: Deluca Erik
Published: January 2018

With similarities to the emergence in fifteenth-century landscape paintings, to poems by the Transcendentalists and to the more recent 1960s land art movement, environmental sonic art is always context-based and conjointly performs as environmental activism with aims to break down the nature/culture dualism. Nature, however, is both a material object and a socially constructed metaphor that is infinitely interpretable and ideologically malleable based on one’s values and biases. Does the environmental sonic artist acknowledge this? The theoretical framework of this article extends acoustic ecology, first theorised by R. Murray Schafer, to include environmental history and cultural theory – ultimately problematising definitions of ‘nature’ and ‘natural.’ Through this framework, the author critiques the way composer John Luther Adams represents his environmental sonic art. This analysis will illuminate a dialogue that asks, ‘What is self-critical environmental sonic art?’
Dietary patterns are associated with child, maternal and household-level characteristics and overweight/obesity among young Samoan children
Authors: Choy Courtney C , Wang Dongqing , Baylin Ana , Soti-Ulberg Christina , Naseri Take , Reupena Muagututia S , Thompson Avery A , Duckham Rachel L , Hawley Nicola L
Published: January 2018

Objective

Among young Samoan children, diet may not be optimal: in 2015, 16·1 % of 24–59-month-olds were overweight/obese, 20·3 % stunted and 34·1 % anaemic. The present study aimed to identify dietary patterns among 24–59-month-old Samoan children and evaluate their association with: (i) child, maternal and household characteristics; and (ii) nutritional status indicators (stunting, overweight/obesity, anaemia).

Design

A community-based, cross-sectional study. Principal component analysis on 117 FFQ items was used to identify empirical dietary patterns. Distributions of child, maternal and household characteristics were examined by factor score quintiles. The regression of nutritional status indicatorsv. these quintiles was performed using logistic regression models.

Setting

Ten villages on the Samoan island of Upolu.

Subjects

A convenience sample of mother–child pairs (n305).

Results

Two dietary patterns, modern and neo-traditional, emerged. The modern pattern was loaded with ‘westernized’ foods (red meat, condiments and snacks). The neo-traditional pattern included vegetables, local starches, coconuts, fish and poultry. Following the modern diet was associated with urban residence, greater maternal educational attainment, higher socio-economic status, lower vitamin C intake and higher sugar intake. Following the neo-traditional diet was associated with rural residence, lower socio-economic status, higher vitamin C intake and lower sugar intake. While dietary patterns were not related to stunting or anaemia, following the neo-traditional pattern was positively associated with child overweight/obesity (adjusted OR=4·23, 95 % CI 1·26, 14·17, for the highest quintile,P-trend=0·06).

Conclusions

Further longitudinal monitoring and evaluation of early childhood growth and development are needed to understand the influences of early diet on child health in Samoa.
Investigations of 2,4-D and Multiple Herbicide Resistance in a Missouri Waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) Population
Authors: Shergill Lovreet S. , Barlow Blake R. , Bish Mandy D. , Bradley Kevin W.
Published: January 2018

Research was conducted from 2015 to 2017 to investigate the potential for 2,4-D and multiple herbicide resistance in a waterhemp [Amaranthus tuberculatus(Moq.) J. D. Sauer] population from Missouri (designated MO-Ren). In the field, visual control of the MO-Ren population with 0.56 to 4.48 kg 2,4-D ha−1ranged from 26% to 77% in 2015 and from 15% to 55% in 2016. The MO-Ren population was highly resistant to chlorimuron, with visual control never exceeding 7% either year. Estimates of the 2,4-D dose required to provide 50% visual control (I50) of the MO-Ren population were 1.44 kg ha−1compared with only 0.47 kg 2,4-D ha−1for the susceptible population. Based on comparisons to a susceptible population in dose–response experiments, the MO-Ren population was approximately 3-fold resistant to 2,4-D, and 7-, 7-, 22-, and 14-fold resistant to atrazine, fomesafen, glyphosate, and mesotrione, respectively. Dicamba and glufosinate were the only two herbicides that provided effective control of the MO-Ren population in these experiments. Examinations of multiple herbicide resistance at the individual plant level revealed that 16% of the plants of the MO-Ren population contained genes stacked for six-way herbicide resistance, and only 1% of plants were classified as resistant to a single herbicide (glyphosate). Results from these experiments confirm that the MO-RenA. tuberculatuspopulation is resistant to 2,4-D, atrazine, chlorimuron, fomesafen, glyphosate, and mesotrione, making this population the third 2,4-D–resistantA. tuberculatuspopulation identified in the United States, and the first population resistant to six different herbicidal modes of action.
Locality and diel cycling of viral production revealed by a 24 h time course cross-omics analysis in a coastal region of Japan
Authors: Yoshida Takashi , Nishimura Yosuke , Watai Hiroyasu , Haruki Nana , Morimoto Daichi , Kaneko Hiroto , Honda Takashi , Yamamoto Keigo , Hingamp Pascal , Sako Yoshihiko , Goto Susumu , Ogata Hiroyuki
Published: January 2018

Viruses infecting microorganisms are ubiquitous and abundant in the ocean. However, it is unclear when and where the numerous viral particles we observe in the sea are produced and whether they are active. To address these questions, we performed time-series analyses of viral metagenomes and microbial metatranscriptomes collected over a period of 24 h at a Japanese coastal site. Through mapping the metatranscriptomic reads on three sets of viral genomes ((i) 878 contigs of Osaka Bay viromes (OBV), (ii) 1766 environmental viral genomes from marine viromes, and (iii) 2429 reference viral genomes), we revealed that all the local OBV contigs were transcribed in the host fraction. This indicates that the majority of viral populations detected in viromes are active, and suggests that virions are rapidly diluted as a result of diffusion, currents, and mixing. Our data further revealed a peak of cyanophage gene expression in the afternoon/dusk followed by an increase of genomes from their virions at night and less-coherent infectious patterns for viruses putatively infecting various groups of heterotrophs. This suggests that cyanophages drive the diel release of cyanobacteria-derived organic matter into the environment and viruses of heterotrophic bacteria might have adapted to the population-specific life cycles of hosts.
Identification of microRNA signature in the progression of gestational trophoblastic disease
Authors: Zhao Jiu-Ru , Cheng Wei-Wei , Wang Ya-Xin , Cai Mei , Wu Wei-Bin , Zhang Hui-Juan
Published: January 2018

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) encompasses a range of trophoblast-derived disorders. The most common type of GTD is hydatidiform mole (HM). Some of HMs can further develop into malignant gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). Aberrant expression of microRNA (miRNA) is widely reported to be involved in the initiation and progression of cancers. MiRNA expression profile also has been proved to be the useful signature for diagnosis, staging, prognosis, and response to chemotherapy. Till now, the profile of miRNA in the progression of GTD has not been determined. In this study, a total of 34 GTN and 60 complete HMs (CHM) trophoblastic tissues were collected. By miRNA array screening and qRT-PCR validating, six miRNAs, including miR-370-3p, -371a-5p, -518a-3p, -519d-3p, -520a-3p, and -934, were identified to be differentially expressed in GTN vs. CHM. Functional analyses further proved that miR-371a-5p and miR-518a-3p promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion of choriocarcinoma cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that miR-371a-5p was negatively related to protein levels of its predictive target genes BCCIP, SOX2, and BNIP3L, while miR-518a-3p was negatively related to MST1 and EFNA4. For the first time, we proved that miR-371a-5p and miR-518a-3p directly targeted to 3′-UTR regions of BCCIP and MST1, respectively. Additionally, we found that miR-371a-5p and miR-518a-3p regulated diverse pathways related to tumorigenesis and metastasis in choriocarcinoma cells. The results presented here may offer new clues to the progression of GTD and may provide diagnostic biomarkers for GTN.
The inhibition of UBC13 expression and blockage of the DNMT1-CHFR-Aurora A pathway contribute to paclitaxel resistance in ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhang Xu , Feng Yan , Wang Xin-Yu , Zhang Ya-Nan , Yuan Chun-Nv , Zhang Song-Fa , Shen Yuan-Ming , Fu Yun-Feng , Zhou Cai-Yun , Li Xiao , Cheng Xiao-Dong , Lu Wei-Guo , Xie Xing
Published: January 2018

Paclitaxel is widely used as a first-line chemotherapeutic drug for patients with ovarian cancer and other solid cancers, but drug resistance occurs frequently, resulting in ovarian cancer still presenting as the highest lethality among all gynecological tumors. Here, using DIGE quantitative proteomics, we identified UBC13 as down-regulated in paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer cells, and it was further revealed by immunohistochemical staining that UBC13 low-expression was associated with poorer prognosis and shorter survival of the patients. Through gene function experiments, we found that paclitaxel exposure induced UBC13 down-regulation, and the enforced change in UBC13 expression altered the sensitivity to paclitaxel. Meanwhile, the reduction of UBC13 increased DNMT1 levels by attenuating its ubiquitination, and the up-regulated DNMT1 enhanced the CHFR promoter DNA methylation levels, leading to a reduction of CHFR expression, and an increased in the levels of Aurora A. Our findings revealed a novel function for UBC13 in regulating paclitaxel sensitivity through a DNMT1-CHFR-Aurora A pathway in ovarian cancer cells. UBC13 could potentially be employed as a therapeutic molecular drug for reversing paclitaxel resistance in ovarian cancer patients.
Prolactin inhibits the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration through inactivation of the NF-κB pathway in rats
Authors: Wu Xiexing , Liu Yu , Guo Xiaobin , Zhou Wei , Wang Liangliang , Shi Jiawei , Tao Yunxia , Zhu Mo , Geng Dechun , Yang Huilin , Mao Haiqing
Published: January 2018

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is one of the key predisposing factors for low back pain. Although the exact mechanism remains unclear, inflammatory response and nucleus pulposus (NP) apoptosis are known to play important roles in this process. Prolactin protects against inflammation-associated chondrocyte apoptosis in arthritis. Based on prior studies, we hypothesized that prolactin might have therapeutic effects on IVDD by inhibiting the apoptosis of degenerative human disc NP cells. An experimental model of IVDD was established in 3-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats by submitting them to percutaneous disc puncture with a 20-gauge needle on levels 7–8 and 8–9 of the coccygeal vertebrae. Then the rats were injected with 20 or 200 ng prolactin on a weekly basis. Radiologic and histologic analyses were performed on days 4, 7, 14, and 28. The expression of prolactin and its receptor was analyzed in human tissue obtained from symptomatic patients undergoing microencoscopy discectomy, or from scoliosis patients undergoing deformity correction surgery. The results showed that intradiscal injection of prolactin maintained disc height and the mean signal intensity of the punctured disc. Histological analysis indicated that prolactin treatment significantly retained the complete structure of the NP and annulus fibrosus compared with the vehicle group. In addition, more collagen II, but fewer collagen I-containing tissues were detected in the prolactin treatment groups compared to the vehicle group. Moreover, low levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, cleaved-caspase 3, and TUNEL staining were observed in the prolactin treatment groups. We also demonstrated that prolactin impaired puncture-induced inflammation and cell apoptosis by downregulating activation of the NF-κB pathway. The degenerated NP tissues from patients had decreased expression of prolactin and its receptor, whereas expression was increased in the NP tissues removed from scoliosis patients. These results suggest that prolactin may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of IVDD.
Tbx5a lineage tracing shows cardiomyocyte plasticity during zebrafish heart regeneration
Authors: Sánchez-Iranzo Héctor , Galardi-Castilla María , Minguillón Carolina , Sanz-Morejón Andrés , González-Rosa Juan Manuel , Felker Anastasia , Ernst Alexander , Guzmán-Martínez Gabriela , Mosimann Christian , Mercader Nadia
Published: January 2018

During development, mesodermal progenitors from the first heart field (FHF) form a primitive cardiac tube, to which progenitors from the second heart field (SHF) are added. The contribution of FHF and SHF progenitors to the adult zebrafish heart has not been studied to date. Here we find, using genetic tbx5a lineage tracing tools, that the ventricular myocardium in the adult zebrafish is mainly derived from tbx5a+ cells, with a small contribution from tbx5a− SHF progenitors. Notably, ablation of ventricular tbx5a+-derived cardiomyocytes in the embryo is compensated by expansion of SHF-derived cells. In the adult, tbx5a expression is restricted to the trabeculae and excluded from the outer cortical layer. tbx5a-lineage tracing revealed that trabecular cardiomyocytes can switch their fate and differentiate into cortical myocardium during adult heart regeneration. We conclude that a high degree of cardiomyocyte cell fate plasticity contributes to efficient regeneration.
Extension of the growing season increases vegetation exposure to frost
Authors: Liu Qiang , Piao Shilong , Janssens Ivan A. , Fu Yongshuo , Peng Shushi , Lian Xu , Ciais Philippe , Myneni Ranga B. , Peñuelas Josep , Wang Tao
Published: January 2018

While climate warming reduces the occurrence of frost events, the warming-induced lengthening of the growing season of plants in the Northern Hemisphere may actually induce more frequent frost days during the growing season (GSFDs, days with minimum temperature < 0 °C). Direct evidence of this hypothesis, however, is limited. Here we investigate the change in the number of GSFDs at latitudes greater than 30° N using remotely-sensed and in situ phenological records and three minimum temperature (Tmin) data sets from 1982 to 2012. While decreased GSFDs are found in northern Siberia, the Tibetan Plateau, and northwestern North America (mainly in autumn), ~43% of the hemisphere, especially in Europe, experienced a significant increase in GSFDs between 1982 and 2012 (mainly during spring). Overall, regions with larger increases in growing season length exhibit larger increases in GSFDs. Climate warming thus reduces the total number of frost days per year, but GSFDs nonetheless increase in many areas.
Activated CD8+ T cell extracellular vesicles prevent tumour progression by targeting of lesional mesenchymal cells
Authors: Seo Naohiro , Shirakura Yoshitaka , Tahara Yoshiro , Momose Fumiyasu , Harada Naozumi , Ikeda Hiroaki , Akiyoshi Kazunari , Shiku Hiroshi
Published: January 2018

Fibroblastic tumour stroma comprising mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) promotes the invasive and metastatic properties of tumour cells. Here we show that activated CD8+T cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) interrupt fibroblastic stroma-mediated tumour progression. Activated CD8+T cells from healthy mice transiently release cytotoxic EVs causing marked attenuation of tumour invasion and metastasis by apoptotic depletion of mesenchymal tumour stromal cells. Infiltration of EV-producing CD8+T cells is observed in neovascular areas with high mesenchymal cell density, and tumour MSC depletion is associated with preferential engulfment of CD8+T cell EVs in this setting. Thus, CD8+T cells have the capacity to protect tumour progression by EV-mediated depletion of mesenchymal tumour stromal cells in addition to their conventional direct cytotoxicity against tumour cells.