bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of AGCM‐simulated regional JJAS precipitation to different convective parameterization schemes
Authors: Ehsan Muhammad Azhar , Almazroui Mansour , Yousef Ahmed , Enda O'Brien , Tippett Michael K. , Kucharski Fred , Alkhalaf Abdulrahman A.
Published: May 2017

This study examines the effects of convective parameterization schemes (CPSs) on the simulated June–September (JJAS) precipitation climatology, variability and predictability over southwestern Arabian Peninsula and northeast Africa during 1981–2014 within an atmospheric global climate model framework. The three CPSs used are: the simplified Arakawa–Schubert (SAS) scheme; the SAS scheme with Tokioka modification (STOK) and the Emanuel (EMAN) scheme coupled with a probability distribution function‐based cloud parameterization scheme. SAS and STOK overestimate JJAS total precipitation over the selected domain compared to observations, while EMAN underestimates. EMAN provides the most realistic distribution of precipitation and spatial distribution of convective precipitation despite the tendency for underestimating the total precipitation. The principal patterns of precipitation variability (as measured by the leading empirical orthogonal functions) in EMAN and STOK are clearly related to the observed pattern, while the maximum variability in SAS occurs in a completely different location. The El Niño Southern Oscillation‐related JJAS precipitation teleconnection simulated by the SAS scheme is very weak as compared to observations and other two CPSs. The signal‐to‐noise ratio estimated by SAS and STOK is very low as compared to EMAN. Correlation analysis shows that EMAN performs better than the other two CPSs. Low (high) outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) values are indicative of enhanced (suppressed) convection and hence more (less) cloud coverage. The root mean square error estimated for OLR in EMAN is lower than that of the other two CPSs. The vertical structure of specific humidity and temperature shows less error in EMAN than that of the other two CPSs, which could be a reason for better predictability over the region of interest.
Evaluating a Patient with Transcranial Sonography to Look for Echogenicity
Authors: Yilmaz Rezzak , Berg Daniela
Published: May 2017

View Supplementary Video 1

In the last decades, transcranial sonography has been proven to be a useful imaging method in the field of movement disorders. In the clinical routine, structures that are easy to evaluate are the mesencephalic brainstem, including the mesencephalic midline raphe and the substantia nigra in the mesencephalic scanning plane; and the third ventricle, lateral ventricles, basal ganglia, and thalamus in the third ventricular scanning plane. In this video S1, we demonstrate the sonographic assessment of a healthy individual and a patient with Parkinson's disease, visualize how the main structures look, and discuss the assessment. In both individuals, we focus on the planimetric measurement of the substantia nigra.
Double flap phalloplasty in transgender men: Surgical technique and outcome of pedicled anterolateral thigh flap phalloplasty combined with radial forearm free flap urethral reconstruction
Authors: van der Sluis Wouter B. , Smit Jan Maerten , Pigot Garry L.S. , Buncamper Marlon E. , Winters Henri A.H. , Mullender Margriet G. , Bouman Mark‐Bram
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Radial forearm free flap (RFFF) tube‐in‐tube phalloplasty is the most performed phalloplasty technique worldwide. The conspicuous donor‐site scar is a drawback for some transgender men. In search for techniques with less conspicuous donor‐sites, we performed a series of one‐stage pedicled anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) phalloplasties combined with RFFF urethral reconstruction. In this study, we aim to describe this technique and assess its surgical outcome in a series of transgender men.

Patients and Methods

Between January 2008 and December 2015, nineteen transgender men (median age 37, range 21–57) underwent pedicled ALT phalloplasty combined with RFFF urethral reconstruction in one stage. The surgical procedure was described. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, intra‐ and postoperative complications, hospitalization length, and reoperations were recorded.

Results

The size of the ALT flaps ranged from 12 × 12 to 15 × 13 cm, the size of the RFFFs from 14 × 3 to 17 × 3 cm. Median clinical follow‐up was 35 months (range 3–95). Total RFFF failure occurred in two patients, total ALT flap failure in one patient, and partial necrosis of the ALT flap in one patient. Long‐term urinary complications occurred in 10 (53%) patients, of which 9 concerned urethral strictures.

Conclusions

In experienced hands, one‐stage pedicled ALT phalloplasty combined with RFFF urethral reconstruction is a feasible alternative surgical option in eligible transgender men, who desire a less conspicuous forearm scar. Possible drawbacks comprise flap‐related complications, difficult inner flap monitoring and urethral complications.
Global exponential stability of periodic solutions in a nonsmooth model of hematopoiesis with time‐varying delays
Authors: Tan Yanxiang , Zhang Mengmeng
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we study a model of hematopoiesis with time‐varying delays and discontinuous harvesting, which is described by a nonsmooth dynamical system. Based on a newly developed method, nonsmooth analysis, and the generalized Lyapunov method, some new delay‐dependent criteria are established to ensure the existence and global exponential stability of positive periodic solutions. Moreover, an example with numerical simulations is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of theoretical results. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gingerenone A, a polyphenol present in ginger, suppresses obesity and adipose tissue inflammation in high‐fat diet‐fed mice
Authors: Suk Sujin , Kwon Gyoo Taik , Lee Eunjung , Jang Woo Jung , Yang Hee , Kim Jong Hun , Thimmegowda N. R. , Chung Min‐Yu , Kwon Jung Yeon , Yang Seunghee , Kim Jason K. , Park Jung Han Yoon , Lee Ki Won
Published: May 2017

Scope

Ginger exerts protective effects on obesity and its complications. Our objectives here are to identify bioactive compounds that inhibit adipogenesis and lipid accumulation in vitro, elucidate the anti‐obesity effect of gingerenone A (GA) in diet‐induced obesity (DIO), and investigate whether GA affects adipose tissue inflammation (ATI).

Methods and results

Oil red O staining showed that GA had the most potent inhibitory effect on adipogenesis and lipid accumulation in 3T3‐L1 cells among ginger components tested at a single concentration (40 μM). Consistent with in vitro data, GA attenuates DIO by reducing fat mass in mice. This was accompanied by a modulation of fatty acid metabolism via activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, GA suppressed ATI by inhibiting macrophage recruitment and downregulating pro‐inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusion

These results suggest that GA may be used as a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of obesity and its complications by suppressing adipose expansion and inflammation.
Computerized detection of leukocytes in microscopic leukorrhea images
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhong Ya , Wang Xiangzhou , Ni Guangming , Du Xiaohui , Liu Juanxiu , Liu Lin , Liu Yong
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Detection of leukocytes is critical for the routine leukorrhea exam, which is widely used in gynecological examinations. An elevated vaginal leukocyte count in women with bacterial vaginosis is a strong predictor of vaginal or cervical infections. In the routine leukorrhea exam, the counting of leukocytes is primarily performed by manual techniques. However, the viewing and counting of leukocytes from multiple high‐power viewing fields on a glass slide under a microscope leads to subjectivity, low efficiency, and low accuracy. To date, many biological cells in stool, blood, and breast cancer have been studied to realize computerized detection; however, the detection of leukocytes in microscopic leukorrhea images has not been studied. Thus, there is an increasing need for computerized detection of leukocytes.

Methods

There are two key processes in the computerized detection of leukocytes in digital image processing. One is segmentation; the other is intelligent classification. In this paper, we propose a combined ensemble to detect leukocytes in the microscopic leukorrhea image. After image segmentation and selecting likely leukocyte subimages, we obtain the leukocyte candidates. Then, for intelligent classification, we adopt two methods: feature extraction and classification by a support vector machine (SVM); applying a modified convolutional neural network (CNN) to the larger subimages. If different methods classify a candidate in the same category, the process is finished. If not, the outputs of the methods are provided to a classifier to further classify the candidate.

Results

After acquiring leukocyte candidates, we attempted three methods to perform classification. The first approach using features and SVM achieved 88% sensitivity, 97% specificity, and 92.5% accuracy. The second method using CNN achieved 95% sensitivity, 84% specificity, and 89.5% accuracy. Then, in the combination approach, we achieved 92% sensitivity, 95% specificity, and 93.5% accuracy. Finally, the images with marked and counted leukocytes were obtained.

Conclusion

A novel computerized detection system was developed for automated detection of leukocytes in microscopic images. Different methods resulted in comparable overall qualities by enabling computerized detection of leukocytes. The proposed approach further improved the performance. This preliminary study proves the feasibility of computerized detection of leukocytes in clinical use.
Effects of particle size and distribution of the sizing agent on carbon fiber/epoxy composites interfacial adhesion
Authors: Yuan Xiaomin , Zhu Bo , Cai Xun , Zhao Shengyao , Qiao Kun , Zhang Min
Published: May 2017

This article aims to study the effects of particle size and distribution (PSD) of sizing agent on surface physical and chemical properties of the carbon fiber. Five kinds of sizing agents with various PSD named P‐1 to P‐5 sizing were applied in order to investigate the influences on interfacial properties between the carbon fiber and the matrix. The surface characteristics of carbon fibers were investigated to determine morphology, chemical composition, surface energy, interfacial thickness, and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS). The results revealed that, as the particle size decreasing, the O1s/C1s composition ratios, surface energy and the interfacial thickness show a growing trend whereas the surface roughness reduces mildly. Similarly, the ILSS of the carbon fiber/epoxy composites have also increased by more than 8% with the decreased particle size. This demonstrates that small particle size with multimodal PSD in sizing is advantageous for effective wetting and force transition in the interfacial adhesion. Actually, when the mean particle size is around 110 nm (P‐3 sizing), the emulsion droplets can repair the surface irregularity and hold back excessive stress most remarkably, leading to optimal contributions to the improvement of ILSS. Based on these results, a mechanism concerning particle arrangement in sizing and interfacial strengthening in carbon fiber/epoxy composites was proposed, which provided a reasonable explanation to analyze the effects of PSD in sizing and interfacial bonding. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E2036–E2045, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Flame Resistance of Polylactic Acid With Cyclophosphazene Derivative and NiAl Layered Double Hydroxide Doped Zn
Authors: Shan Xueying , Jiang Kuanyu , Song Yan , Li Jinchun
Published: May 2017

NiAl layered double hydroxide doped Zn with dodecylbenzenesulfonate anions (NiZnAl) was prepared by one‐step coprecipitation method. Hexaphenoxycyclotriphosphazene (HPCP) is a cyclophosphazene derivative. NiZnAl first combined with HPCP were used to prepare polylactic acid (PLA) composites. Effect of NiZnAl and HPCP on flame retardancy of PLA was investigated. NiZnAl exhibited nano‐dispersion in PLA composites, and its layers were intercalated by PLA chains. Limiting oxygen index value of all the PLA composites with incorporation of HPCP and NiZnAl increased, and UL‐94 tests passed V0 ratings. With the presence of NiZnAl in PLA/HPCP composites, the amount of graphite crystalline carbon after burning was increased. High peak of heat release rate, heat release capacity, and the total heat release had a big reduction. The amount of char residue was increased apparently. The thermal degradation process was delayed. The summary results suggested that NiZnAl and HPCP had a good synergistic flame retardant effect in PLA. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3994–3999, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Screening approach for identifying candidate drugs and drug‐drug interactions related to hip fracture risk in persons with Alzheimer disease
Authors: Tolppanen Anna‐Maija , Taipale Heidi , Koponen Marjaana , Tanskanen Antti , Lavikainen Piia , Paananen Jussi , Tiihonen Jari , Hartikainen Sirpa
Published: May 2017

Purpose

To assess whether a “drugome‐wide” screen with case‐crossover design is a feasible approach for identifying candidate drugs and drug‐drug interactions.

Methods

All community‐dwelling residents of Finland who received a clinically verified Alzheimer disease diagnosis in 2005 to 2011 and experienced incident hip fracture (HF) afterwards (N = 4851). Three scenarios were used to test the sensitivity of this approach (1) hazard period 0 to 30 and control period 31 to 61 days before HF, (2) hazard period 0 to 30 and control period 336 to 366 days before HF, and (3) hazard period 0 to 14 and control period 16 to 30 days before HF.

Results

Nine, 44, and 5 drugs were associated with increased HF risk and 8, 23, and 4 with decreased risk in scenarios 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Six drugs were identified with scenario 1 only and 54 and 1 with scenarios 2 and 3, respectively. Only six drugs (metoprolol, simvastatin, trimethoprim, codeine combinations, fentanyl, and paracetamol) were associated with HF in all scenarios, four with 1 and 2 (cefalexin, buprenorphine, olanzapine, and memantine), and one with 1 and 3 (enalapril) or 2 and 3 (ciprofloxacin). The direction of associations was the same in all/both scenarios. The interaction results were equally versatile, with hydroxocobalamin*oxazepam being the only interaction observed in all scenarios.

Conclusions

Case‐crossover analysis is a potential approach for identifying candidate drugs and drug‐drug interactions associated with adverse events as it implicitly controls for fixed confounders. The results are highly dependent on applied hazard and control periods, but the choice of periods can help in targeting the analyses to different phases of drug use.
Parent–adolescent concordance on the Revised Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines (DIB‐R) and the Childhood Interview for Borderline Personality Disorder (CI‐BPD)
Authors: Wall K. , Sharp C. , Ahmed Y. , Goodman M. , Zanarini M.C.
Published: May 2017

While the degree of concordance between parent and adolescent self‐report of internalizing and externalizing pathology is well studied, virtually nothing is known about concordance in borderline pathology and the implication of parent–adolescent discrepancies for outcomes. The present study aimed to (1) examine discrepancies between parents and adolescents on two interview‐based measures of borderline personality disorder (BPD)—the Revised Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines (DIB‐R22) and the Childhood Interview for Borderline Personality Disorder (CI‐BPD23); and (2) investigate the implications of discrepancies for clinical outcomes. Diagnostic concordance on the DIB‐R and CI‐BPD showed rates of 82% and 94% respectively, with lower concordance demonstrated for dimensionally scored variables. Standardized difference scores between adolescent and parent reports on both borderline measures were significantly correlated with few interview‐based axis I diagnoses as reported by parents, but not adolescents themselves. Implications regarding the use of each measure for the assessment and diagnosis of borderline personality disorder are discussed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence rates of borderline symptoms reported by adolescent inpatients with BPD, psychiatrically healthy adolescents and adult inpatients with BPD
Authors: Zanarini Mary C. , Temes Christina M. , Magni Laura R. , Fitzmaurice Garrett M. , Aguirre Blaise A. , Goodman Marianne
Published: May 2017

Objective

The validity of borderline personality disorder (BPD) in children and adolescents has not been studied in a rigorous manner reflecting the criteria of Robins and Guze first detailed in 1970. This paper and the others in this series address some aspects of this multifaceted validation paradigm, which requires that a disorder has a known clinical presentation, can be delimited from other disorders, ‘runs’ in families, and something of its aetiology, treatment response and course is known.

Methods

Three groups of subjects were studied: 104 adolescent inpatients meeting the Revised Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines and DSM‐IV criteria for BPD, 60 psychiatrically healthy adolescents and 290 adult inpatients meeting the Revised Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines and DSM‐III‐R criteria for BPD.

Results

Adolescents with BPD had significantly higher prevalence rates of 22 of the 24 symptoms studied than psychiatrically healthy adolescents. Only rates of serious treatment regressions and countertransference problems failed to reach the Bonferroni‐corrected level of 0.002. Adolescents and adults with BPD had only four symptomatic differences that reached this level of significance, with adolescents with BPD reporting significantly lower levels of quasi‐psychotic thought, dependency/masochism, devaluation/manipulation/sadism and countertransference problems than adults with BPD.

Conclusions

Taken together, the results of this study suggest that adolescents report BPD as severe as that reported by adults. They also suggest that BPD in adolescents is not a tumultuous phase of normal adolescence. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent Increases in Permafrost Thaw Rates and Areal Loss of Palsas in the Western Northwest Territories, Canada
Authors: Mamet Steven D. , Chun Kwok P. , Kershaw Geoffrey G. L. , Loranty Michael M. , Peter Kershaw G.
Published: May 2017

Decay of palsas can indicate permafrost status, particularly in regions where air temperatures have increased rapidly in recent decades. Using weather data, annual surveys of active‐layer thickness, and analyses of high‐resolution aerial imagery from the eastern Selwyn/western Mackenzie Mountains, NT, Canada, we show that permafrost temperatures have increased, active layers have deepened, and palsa areal extents have decreased considerably since the 1940s. High‐altitude palsas thawed quickly from the 1940s to the 1980s, although some low‐altitude palsas have recently decreased rapidly in areal extent due to peat‐block calving. The linear rate of increasing active‐layer thickness may not be congruent with the non‐linear rate of areal loss of palsas. The rapid and episodic collapse of palsas at some sites highlights the necessity to consider hydrology, vegetation cover, landscape position, and morphology in palsa dynamics in addition to a warming climate. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Iron Coating on Thermal Properties of Aluminum‐Lithium Alloy Powder
Authors: Zhang Dongmei , Zou Hui , Cai Shuizhou
Published: May 2017

Aluminum‐lithium alloys are widely studied to improve performance in energetic materials. However, their high reactivity causes severe surface oxidation over micro‐Al particles in storage, resulting in significant deterioration in the overall performance. This study deals with the effect of iron coating on thermal properties and aging stability of aluminum‐lithium alloy powder. Gas atomized Al‐3Li (3 wt. %) alloy powder was prepared and then successfully coated with nano‐sized iron film by modified chemical liquid deposition method. The morphology, thermal properties and combustion enthalpies were characterized by SEM/EDX, TG/DTA and oxygen bomb calorimeter. The results showed that Fe/Al‐3Li composite powder presented obvious core‐shell structure and the outer iron film was very uniform and compact. Significantly enhanced thermal reactivities of Al‐3Li alloy powder and Fe/Al‐3Li composite powder were achieved compared with pure Al. In addition, aging studies indicated that, after coating, the reactivity decay rates of alloy powder decreased significantly, and the mass combustion enthalpies remained basically stable, which demonstrated that iron coating indeed prevented pre‐oxidation of the alloy powder and improved its aging stability.
Modeling, Simulation and Characterization of Complex Shaped Solid Propellant Combustion
Authors: Wurster Sebastian
Published: May 2017

A model to simulate propellant combustion in a closed bomb and a method for burn rate measurement are presented. The model incorporates the 2D ICT‐Cellular‐Combustion‐Algorithm which numerically simulates the 2D form function of an arbitrary shaped propellant cross section. With the help of preprocessing algorithms to calculate initial surface and volume and a lumped parameter model, which also takes into account pressure dependent thermochemistry, pressure vs. time curves and the dynamic vivacity can be simulated. The model is then coupled with different optimization algorithms to minimize an objective function for burn rate measurement with either pressure or vivacity data. Four different optimization algorithms are compared in detail using synthetic pressure‐time and dynamic vivacity data of a 7 perforated propellant with and without white noise. The testing shows that the so called Nelder‐Mead‐Downhill‐Simplex algorithm with a vivacity based objective function allows the most precise, robust and computationally cost effective burn rate measurement. Experimental results for 7 perforated JA2 propellant from a 306 cm3 closed bomb are used to determine Vieille′s parameters α and β. The determined values of α=0,9520±0,006319 and β=0,1522±0,007592 mm/s are in good agreement with previously reported values of α=0.9517 and β=0.1467 mm/s. With the presented model and burn rate measurement method it is possible to determine the burning rates of solid propellants with a high degree of accuracy.
Migrant Identities in a New Immigration Destination: Revealing the Limitations of the ‘Hard working’ Migrant Identity
Authors: McAreavey Ruth
Published: May 2017

Migrant labour has transformed local economies in many places, often helping to reverse long‐term decline. The emergence of new immigration destinations (NID) globally brings mixed opportunities for the individuals involved. This paper uses empirical evidence, focusing on the workplace, to show the performance, construction, and significance of migrant identity. By using social identity theory to examine what it means to be a ‘migrant’, it follows from Goffman's overarching concern with social interactions and his promotion of microanalysis as analytical lenses.

The paper reveals the ambiguity of the label ‘migrant’. It shows how the external application or internal enactment of migrant identities bestows particular status that represents an asset or an obstacle to integration. It can mean ‘hard‐working’, ‘less deserving’, and ‘exploitable’, and it also denotes ‘lazy’ individuals. While some individuals assume the hard‐working and ‘exploitable’ migrant identity in certain circumstances because of the benefits that it brings, this status can also cause high levels of dissatisfaction and distress among migrants. The research shows how the creation of a migrant identity limits the structures and networks from which migrants may draw resources and in so doing curtails the possibilities for social change due to migration. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radiation‐induced interstitial carbon atom in silicon: Effect of charge state on annealing characteristics
Authors: Lastovskii Stanislau B. , Gusakov Vasilii E. , Markevich Vladimir P. , Peaker Anthony R. , Yakushevich Hanna S. , Korshunov Fedor P. , Murin Leonid I.
Published: May 2017

We present experimental and theoretical results showing that the migration of interstitial carbon atom (Ci) in silicon depends on its charge state. The experimental results were obtained from the analysis of changes in concentrations of the Ci defect, which were determined from deep level transient spectra, in n+‐p diodes subjected to irradiation with 4–6 MeV electrons or α‐particles at T ≤ 273 K and subsequent heat‐treatments in the temperature range 280–330 K with applied reverse bias voltage and without it. It has been found that in the positive charge state the Ci migration energy is 0.88 ± 0.02 eV, while in the neutral charge state it is reduced to 0.73–0.74 eV.

First‐principles density‐functional calculations of the structure of Ci in different charge states (z = 0, +1, −1) and diffusion coefficient parameters (activation barrier ΔEa and pre‐exponential factor D0) have been performed. It has been found that a split‐ configuration with C2v symmetry is the most stable one for Ci in all the charge states. The following ΔEa and D0 values have been derived from the calculations: ΔEa = 0.74 eV and D0 = 0.06 cm2 s−1 for Ci0, and ΔEa = 0.89 eV for Ci+.
Precision and accuracy of imageless navigation versus freehand implantation of total hip arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Snijders Thom , van Gaalen S.M. , de Gast A.
Published: May 2017

Background

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is named the most successful surgical procedure of the twentieth century. To remain a success in the twenty‐first century THA should meet the higher demands of patients and society with regard to technical and functional outcome, costs and implant survival. To meet these demands optimal acetabular cup positioning is necessary. An imageless navigation system (NAV) might prevent malpositioning of the acetabular cup in THA. The aim of this study has been to compare the precision and accuracy of the anteversion and inclination of the acetabular cup position after NAV implantation and after freehand implantation of THA.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted to assess the precision (variance) and accuracy (deviation from the target) from all available high‐quality randomised control trials to date.

Results

Six out of seven studies concluded a statistically significant difference in precision in anteversion between the NAV group and the freehand group. Five out of seven studies concluded a statistically significant difference in precision in inclination. There is a significantly better accuracy for the NAV group than for the freehand group for anteversion (p = 0.002) and for inclination (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

This study showed that NAV placement is more precise and has an improved accuracy for anteversion and inclination than freehand placement of the acetabular cup. However, there is a lack of evidence to support an improved functional outcome and a reduction of complications and revisions.
End support connection of precast roof elements by bolted steel angles
Authors: Dal Lago Bruno , Toniolo Giandomenico , Felicetti Roberto , Lamperti Tornaghi Marco
Published: May 2017

Steel angles are extensively used to connect concrete floor/roof elements to the supporting beam in typical dry‐assembled precast frame structures widely diffused in Europe and other parts of the world. These connections allow for relative rotations of the floor element in its vertical plane and restrain their relative displacement, avoiding possible loss of support and consequent fall of the floor element when the structure is subjected to lateral load. The diaphragm behavior of the precast decks relies on these floor‐to‐beam connections. Their postaddition to unconnected floor‐to‐beam joints of existing buildings is a typical seismic retrofit intervention. All these applications are often made without any adequate information about the main structural parameters of the connections due to lack of experimental or theoretical knowledge. An experimental campaign has been performed at Politecnico di Milano within the framework of the Safecast and ReLUIS research projects with the scope of characterizing the mechanical behavior of postinserted floor‐to‐beam connections made with hot‐rolled angles, cold‐formed angles, and welded sockets in the direction parallel to the floor element. The results of monotonic local tests on connectors and on the bolted connection with the floor rib and of cyclic and monotonic subassembly tests allowed the determination of the main structural parameters of the joints, including elastic stiffness, strength, displacement capacity, and hysteretic shape.
Prevalence and predictors of out‐of‐field teaching in the first five years
Authors: Nixon Ryan S. , Luft Julie A. , Ross Richard J.
Published: May 2017

Many new science teachers are assigned to teach subjects in which they have not been prepared, a practice referred to as out‐of‐field (OOF) teaching. Teaching OOF has been shown to negatively influence instruction and constrain teachers’ development. In this study, we explored the extent to which new secondary science teachers were assigned OOF across their first 5 years. Analysis of this longitudinal data set indicated that these assignments were common. While new science teachers were assigned to teach a variety of subjects over their first 5 years of teaching, they were not assigned more or fewer OOF courses over time. Furthermore, results indicated that teachers in certain situations are more likely than others to be assigned to teach OOF. Even with federal legislation in the United States seeking to eliminate OOF teaching, a large portion of new secondary science teachers are assigned to teach science disciplines for which they are inadequately prepared. Based on the findings of this study, it is worth exploring policy avenues that eliminate OOF teaching. Policymakers, administrators, and teacher educators should seek to provide supports, such as science‐specific induction programs designed for new teachers who are assigned OOF, and science teacher educators should prepare prospective teachers to teach multiple science disciplines. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 54:1197–1218, 2017
Improved recovery and biological activities of an engineered polyene NPP analogue in Pseudonocardia autotrophica
Authors: Won Hyung-Jin , Kim Hye-Jin , Jang Jin-Young , Kang Seung-Hoon , Choi Si-Sun , Kim Eung-Soo
Published: May 2017

NPP A1 produced by Pseudonocardia autotrophica is a unique disaccharide-containing polyene macrolide. NPP A1 was reported to have higher water solubility and lower hemolytic toxicity than nystatin A1 while retaining its antifungal activity. An engineered NPP A1 analogue, NPP A2, was generated by inactivation of the nppL gene, encoding a P450 monooxygenase in P. autotrophica. The resulting compound exhibited the corresponding chemical structure of NPP A1 but lacked a C10 hydroxyl group. In this study, newly developed crystallization recovery methods for NPP A2 purification, followed by an evaluation of in vitro antifungal activity and hemolytic activity, were performed. The crystallization methods were designed to eliminate the undesired viscous impurities encountered during the NPP A2 purification process, resulting in improved purity from 5.3 to 83.5% w/w. NPP A2 isolated from the improved purification process also exhibited two times higher antifungal activity and 1.8 times higher hemolytic toxicity than those of NPP A1. These results suggest that the minor structural modification of disaccharide-containing polyene macrolides, such as removing a C10 hydroxyl group, might require an alternative recovery process, such as crystallization, to confirm its improved biological activity.
Interpolation of the coupling-ray-theory Green function within ray cells
Authors: Klimeš Luděk , Bulant Petr
Published: May 2017

The coupling–ray–theory tensor Green function for electromagnetic waves or elastic S waves is frequency dependent, and is usually calculated for many frequencies. This frequency dependence represents no problem in calculating the Green function, but may pose a significant challenge in storing the Green function at the nodes of dense grids, typical for applications such as the Born approximation or non–linear source determination. Storing the Green function at the nodes of dense grids for too many frequencies may be impractical or even unrealistic. We have already proposed the approximation of the coupling–ray–theory tensor Green function, in the vicinity of a given prevailing frequency, by two coupling–ray–theory dyadic Green functions described by their coupling–ray–theory travel times and their coupling–ray–theory amplitudes. The above mentioned prevailing–frequency approximation of the coupling ray theory enables us to interpolate the coupling–ray–theory dyadic Green functions within ray cells, and to calculate them at the nodes of dense grids. For the interpolation within ray cells, we need to separate the pairs of prevailing–frequency coupling–ray–theory dyadic Green functions so that both the first Green function and the second Green function are continuous along rays and within ray cells. We describe the current progress in this field and outline the basic algorithms. The proposed method is equally applicable to both electromagnetic waves and elastic S waves. We demonstrate the preliminary numerical results using the coupling–ray–theory travel times of elastic S waves.
Influence of Extraction Method on Yield, Physicochemical Properties and Tocopherol Content of Manketti (Schinziophyton rautanenii) Nut Oil
Authors: Gwatidzo L. , Botha B. M. , McCrindle R. I.
Published: May 2017

The influence of extraction method on yield, physicochemical characteristics and tocopherol content of manketti nut oil extracted by four different methods has been determined. Soxhlet (SE) and supercritical fluid (SFE) extractions yielded 45.3 and 44.8%, respectively, while screw press and mechanical shaking extractions had 39.7 and 27.3%, respectively. SPE and SE extractions gave oils that had lower values of unsaponifiable matter (0.70; 0.74%) indicating lower amounts of minor components such as tocopherols (233.13; 290.68 µg/g oil), a greater extent of lipid peroxidation parameters; peroxide values (6.25; 3.01 mequiv O2/kg), para‐anisidine values (10.22; 9.94), totox value (22.72; 15.96), flavour score (−0.25; 2.11), and high acid values (1.23; 1.03 mg KOH/g oil), respectively, compared to SFE and MSE oils. This was attributed to the high processing temperatures of SPE and SE extractions compared to SFE and MSE oils. Refractive indices (1.485–1.487), iodine values (127.97–129.07, Wijs) and density (0.908–0.914 g/cm3) were not affected by extraction method indicating that the oils generally had the same double bond content. Saponification values (182.98–192.95 mg KOH/g oil) and ester values (181.95–192.11), were not affected by extraction method except for SE oil which had lower values that were speculated to be due to co‐extraction with colour pigments.
Early diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease based on salivary lactoferrin
Authors: Carro Eva , Bartolomé Fernando , Bermejo‐Pareja Félix , Villarejo‐Galende Alberto , Molina José Antonio , Ortiz Pablo , Calero Miguel , Rabano Alberto , Cantero José Luis , Orive Gorka
Published: May 2017

Introduction

The Alzheimer's disease (AD) process is likely initiated many years before clinical onset. Biomarkers of preclinical disease are critical for the development of disease‐modifying or even preventative therapies. Current biomarkers for early disease, including cerebrospinal fluid tau and amyloid β (Aβ) levels, structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging, and the use of brain amyloid imaging, are limited because they are very invasive or expensive. Noninvasive biomarkers may be a more accessible alternative, but none can currently detect preclinical AD with the required sensitivity and specificity.

Methods

Here, we show a novel, straight‐forward, and noninvasive approach for assessment of early stages of cognitive decline. Salivary samples from cases of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and AD, and neurology controls were analyzed.

Results

We have discovered and validated a new single saliva biomarker, lactoferrin, which in our cross‐sectional investigation perfectly discriminates clinically diagnosed aMCI and AD patients from a cognitively healthy control group. The accuracy for AD diagnosis shown by salivary lactoferrin was greater than that obtained from core cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, including total tau and CSF Aβ42. Furthermore, salivary lactoferrin can be used for population screening and for identifying those underdiagnosed subjects with very early stages of mild cognitive impairment and AD.

Conclusion

This biomarker may offer new insights in the early diagnostics for AD.
Competencias directivas y virtudes: un camino a la excelencia
Authors: Serrano German
Published: May 2017

En esta reflexión se contempla la competencia directiva desde la visión aristotélica, en donde se identifican tres campos del saber: teoría, práctica y técnica, los cuales son indispensables para el conocimiento y dominio de una tarea específica, y proporcionan la pauta para justificar la elevación de la competencia directiva a categoría de virtud, apoyando al directivo en la orientación del trabajo de las personas hacia el  logro de unos objetivos comunes. Esta reflexión está basada en la comparación de dos propuestas con origen diferente, pero con la misma identidad de propósito: una proveniente de la psicología positiva y otra de la antropología filosófica.
Effects of stimulants and atomoxetine on emotional lability in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Moukhtarian T.R. , Cooper R.E. , Vassos E. , Moran P. , Asherson P.
Published: May 2017

Background:

Emotional lability (EL) is an associated feature of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults, contributing to functional impairment. Yet the effect of pharmacological treatments for ADHD on EL symptoms is unknown. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effects of stimulants and atomoxetine on symptoms of EL and compare these with the effects on core ADHD symptoms.

Methods:

A systematic search was conducted on the databases Embase, PsychInfo, and Ovid Medline®and the clinicaltrials.gov website. We included randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of stimulants and atomoxetine in adults aged 18–60 years, with any mental health diagnosis characterised by emotional or mood instability, with at least one outcome measure of EL. All identified trials were on adults with ADHD. A random-effects meta-analysis with standardised mean difference and 95% confidence intervals was used to investigate the effect size on EL and compare this to the effect on core ADHD symptoms.

Results:

Of the 3,864 publications identified, nine trials met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. Stimulants and atomoxetine led to large mean weighted effect-sizes for on ADHD symptoms (n= 9, SMD = −0.8, 95% CI:−1.07 to −0.53). EL outcomes showed more moderate but definite effects (n= 9, SMD = −0.41, 95% CI:−0.57 to −0.25).

Conclusions:

In this meta-analysis, stimulants and atomoxetine were moderately effective for EL symptoms, while effect size on core ADHD symptoms was twice as large. Methodological issues may partially explain the difference in effect size. Reduced average effect size could also reflect heterogeneity of EL with ADHD pharmacotherapy responsive and non-responsive sub-types. Our findings indicate that EL may be less responsive than ADHD symptoms overall, perhaps indicating the need for adjunctive psychotherapy in some cases. To clarify these questions, our findings need replication in studies selecting subjects for high EL and targeting EL as the primary outcome.
The effects of noncoding aquaporin‐4 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms on cognition and functional progression of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Burfeind Kevin G. , Murchison Charles F. , Westaway Shawn K. , Simon Matthew J. , Erten‐Lyons Deniz , Kaye Jeffrey A. , Quinn Joseph F. , Iliff Jeffrey J.
Published: May 2017

Introduction

The glymphatic system is a brain‐wide perivascular network that facilitates clearance of proteins, including amyloid β, from the brain interstitium through the perivascular exchange of cerebrospinal fluid and interstitial fluid. The astrocytic water channel aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) is required for glymphatic system function, and impairment of glymphatic function in the aging brain is associated with altered AQP4 expression and localization. In human cortical tissue, alterations in AQP4 expression and localization are associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) status and pathology. Although this suggests a potential role for AQP4 in the development or progression of AD, the relationship between of naturally occurring variants in the human AQP4 gene and cognitive function has not yet been evaluated.

Methods

Using data from several longitudinal aging cohorts, we investigated the association between five AQP4 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the rate of cognitive decline in participants with a diagnosis of AD.

Results

None of the five SNPs were associated with different rates of AD diagnosis, age of dementia onset in trial subjects. No association between AQP4 SNPs with histological measures of AD pathology, including Braak stage or neuritic plaque density was observed. However, AQP4 SNPs were associated with altered rates of cognitive decline after AD diagnosis, with two SNPS (rs9951307 and rs3875089) associated with slower cognitive decline and two (rs3763040 and rs3763043) associated with more rapid cognitive decline after AD diagnosis.

Discussion

These results provide the first evidence that variations in the AQP4 gene, whose gene product AQP4 is vital for glymphatic pathway function, may modulate the progression of cognitive decline in AD.
Deciphering the geology of some Darriwilian–Sandbian (Ordovician) ‘ghost’ formations in the UK and North America using olistoliths in marine debris flows
Authors: BERGSTRÖM STIG M. , FERRETTI ANNALISA
Published: May 2017

Olistostromes with calcareous olistoliths are rare components in the Ordovician successions in NW Europe and North America, having been described from only a small number of localities. One of the best exposed, but least known, is in the Garn Formation in coastal outcrops in Anglesey in northwestern Wales. Here, in the graptolite-bearing shales of the Garn Formation, there are numerous limestone olistoliths that are derived from an otherwise unknown ‘ghost’ formation whose original depositional site remains an enigma. These olistoliths contain a Baltoscandian type of conodont fauna that is otherwise unknown in Wales and England. It represents the Baltoniodus variabilis Subzone of the Amorphognathus tvaerensis Zone. Similar, but slightly older, conodont faunas are recorded from olistoliths in the Tweeddale Member of the Shinnel Formation in southern Scotland and in probable olistoliths of the Cobbs Arm Limestone in northeasternmost Newfoundland. Approximately coeval conodont faunas are present in calcareous olistoliths in the Woods Hollow Shale of West Texas and the Womble Shale in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas, USA. Lithological and conodont evidence indicates that the calcareous olistoliths were derived from carbonate sediments deposited in relatively shallow water. It is concluded that the study of ‘ghost’ formation olistoliths may provide otherwise unavailable but important data bearing on the marine depositional history of a particular region.
New data on flatfish scuticociliatosis reveal thatMiamiensis avidusandPhilasterides dicentrarchiare different species
Authors: DE FELIPE ANA-PAULA , LAMAS JESÚS , SUEIRO ROSA-ANA , FOLGUEIRA IRIA , LEIRO JOSÉ-MANUEL
Published: May 2017

Scuticociliatosis is a severe disease in farmed flatfish. However, the causative agent is not always accurately identified. In this study, we identified two isolates of scuticociliates from an outbreak in cultured fine flounderParalichthys adspersus. Scuticociliate identification was based on morphological data, examination of life stages and the use of molecular approaches. The isolates were compared with a strain ofPhilasterides dicentrachifrom turbotScophthalmus maximusand with a strain deposited in the American Type Culture Collection asMiamiensis avidusATCC®50180™. The use of morphological, biological and molecular methods enabled us to identify the isolates from the fine flouder asP. dicentrarchi. Comparison ofP. dicentrachiisolates andM. avidusrevealed some differences in the buccal apparatus. UnlikeP. dicentrarchi, M. avidushas a life cycle with three forms: macrostomes (capable of feeding onP. dicentrarchi), microstomes and tomites. Additionally, we found differences in the 18S rRNA and α- and β-tubulin gene sequences, indicating thatP. dicentrarchiandM. avidusare different species. We therefore reject the synonymy/conspecificity of the two taxa previously suggested. Finally, we suggest that a combination of morphological, biological, molecular (by multigene analysis) and serological techniques could improve the identification of scuticociliates parasites in fish.
Barriers to Receipt of Social Care Services for Working Carers and the People They Care For in Times of Austerity
Authors: BRIMBLECOMBE NICOLA , PICKARD LINDA , KING DEREK , KNAPP MARTIN
Published: May 2017

Reconciliation of unpaid care and employment is an increasingly important societal, economic and policy issue, both in the UK and internationally. Previous research shows the effectiveness of formal social care services in enabling carers to remain in employment. Using quantitative and qualitative data collected from carers and the person they care for in 2013 and 2015, during a period of cuts to adult social care in England, we explore barriers experienced to receipt of social care services. The main barriers to receipt of services identified in our study were availability, characteristics of services such as quality, and attitudes of carer and care-recipient to receiving services. These barriers have particular implications for carers' ability to reconcile care and employment.
Controlling Homeless People? Power, Interventionism and Legitimacy
Authors: WATTS BETH , FITZPATRICK SUZANNE , JOHNSEN SARAH
Published: May 2017

There is intense debate over the legitimacy of interventions which seek behavioural change on the part of street homeless people. ‘Hard’ measures, such as arresting people for begging, are particularly controversial, but ‘softer’ interventions such as motivational interviewing have also prompted objections on grounds that they are paternalistic. At the same time, the ‘non-interventionist’ stance of some service providers has been accused of perpetuating harmful street lifestyles. Inspired by Ruth Grant's philosophically informed interrogation of the ethics of incentives, we propose a normative framework for application in this field. Via systematic exploration of Grant's three ‘legitimacy standards’ (legitimate purpose, voluntary response, effects on character), and an additional outcome-focussed fourth (effectiveness, proportionality and balance), we attempt to unsettle any intuitive assumption that non-interventionist approaches are necessarily more morally defensible than interventionist ones. We also, however, explicate the high ethical and empirical bar required to justify social control measures.