bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Random or evolutionary search for object‐oriented test suite generation?
Authors: Shamshiri Sina , Rojas José Miguel , Gazzola Luca , Fraser Gordon , McMinn Phil , Mariani Leonardo , Arcuri Andrea 
Published: March 2018

SummaryAn important aim in software testing is constructing a test suite with high structural code coverage, that is, ensuring that most if not all of the code under test have been executed by the test cases comprising the test suite. Several search‐based techniques have proved successful at automatically generating tests that achieve high coverage. However, despite the well‐established arguments behind using evolutionary search algorithms (eg, genetic algorithms) in preference to random search, it remains an open question whether the benefits can actually be observed in practice when generating unit test suites for object‐oriented classes. In this paper, we report an empirical study on the effects of using evolutionary algorithms (including a genetic algorithm and chemical reaction optimization) to generate test suites, compared with generating test suites incrementally with random search. We apply the EVOSUITEunit test suite generator to 1000 classes randomly selected from the SF110 corpus of open‐source projects. Surprisingly, the results show that the difference is much smaller than one might expect: While evolutionary search covers more branches of the type where standard fitness functions provide guidance, we observed that, in practice, the vast majority of branches do not provide any guidance to the search. These results suggest that, although evolutionary algorithms are more effective at covering complex branches, a random search may suffice to achieve high coverage of most object‐oriented classes.
The effect of design drift limit on the seismic performance of RC dual high‐rise buildings
Authors: Zaker Esteghamati Mohsen , Banazadeh Mehdi , Huang Qindan 
Published: March 2018

SummaryCurrent building codes aim to ensure the acceptable performance of structures implicitly. Because these provisions are empirically developed for low‐ to medium‐rise buildings, their applicability to high‐rise building warrants further investigation. In this paper, the effect of design drift limit on the seismic performance of reinforced concrete dual high‐rise buildings is considered. Nine buildings are designed for 3 drift limits: the code limit (i.e., 2%), one that is lower than the code limit (i.e., 1.5%), and one that is higher than the code limit (i.e., 3%). For each drift limit, buildings of 3 heights (20, 25, and 30 stories) are designed. Finite element models are constructed in OpenSees, and incremental dynamic analysis is performed. The results are used to develop probabilistic seismic demand models, where model parameters are determined using maximum likelihood estimation to incorporate equality and censored data. Reliability analysis using probabilistic demand models is conducted to derive seismic fragility and demand hazard curves. In addition, the collapse performance of the drift limits is evaluated using the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) P695 procedure. The study results show that the design drift limit affects the building's seismic performance, and the effect depends on the performance level considered. Moreover, from a structural integrity perspective, a larger design drift limit does not induce a significantly higher risk and might yield a more cost‐effective design.
Approximate method of estimating seismic performance of high‐rise buildings with oil‐dampers
Authors: Takabatake Hideo , Kitada Yukihiko 
Published: March 2018

SummaryWhen subjected to long‐period ground motions, many existing high‐rise buildings constructed on plains with soft, deep sediment layers experience severe lateral deflection, caused by the resonance between the long‐period natural frequency of the building and the long‐period ground motions, even if they are far from the epicenter. This was the case for a number of buildings in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka affected by the ground motions produced by the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku earthquake in Japan. Oil‐dampers are commonly used to improve the seismic performance of existing high‐rise buildings subjected to long‐period ground motion. This paper proposes a simple but accurate analytical method of predicting the seismic performance of high‐rise buildings retrofitted with oil‐dampers installed inside and/or outside of the frames. The method extends the authors' previous one‐dimensional theory to a more general method that is applicable to buildings with internal and external oil‐dampers installed in an arbitrary story. The accuracy of the proposed method is demonstrated through numerical calculations using a model of a high‐rise building with and without internal and external oil‐dampers. The proposed method is effective in the preliminary stages of improving the seismic performance of high‐rise buildings.
Seismic performance of reinforced concrete columns confined with two layers of stirrups
Authors: Li Wei , Sun Linzhu , Zhao Junliang , Lu Pengfei , Yang Fang 
Published: March 2018

SummaryThis paper presents an experimental study on seismic behavior of reinforced concrete columns confined with 2 layers of stirrups. Six specimens, namely, 3 square‐section columns and 3 circular‐section columns, were manufactured using 2 layers of high‐strength stirrups. They were tested under cyclic lateral loading. The main parameters under investigation were the cross‐section type and stirrup spacing. The seismic behavior of the test specimens was analyzed in terms of various factors: load–displacement relationship, strength and stiffness degradation, ductility, and dissipated energy. The test results indicate that in general, all tested specimens exhibited very ductile behavior and dissipated energy. They presented a flexural failure mode, and the strength and stiffness degradation of the postelastic stage was not obvious. The results also indicate that a DCS square‐section column exhibited lower lateral displacement capacity than that of a companion DCC circular‐section column with the same stirrup spacing. Furthermore, on the basis of principles of equilibrium and compatibility of strains as well as ACI code, we developed equations to estimate the seismic bending moment capacity, accounting for the confinement effect of 2 layers of high‐strength stirrups. The calculated solutions were then compared with the test results, and the relationships were observed with reasonable accuracy for engineering applications.
Mechanisms of Wnt signaling and control
Authors: Grainger Stephanie , Willert Karl 
Published: March 2018

The Wnt signaling pathway is a highly conserved system that regulates complex biological processes across all metazoan species. At the cellular level, secreted Wnt proteins serve to break symmetry and provide cells with positional information that is critical to the patterning of the entire body plan. At the organismal level, Wnt signals are employed to orchestrate fundamental developmental processes, including the specification of the anterior–posterior body axis, induction of the primitive streak and ensuing gastrulation movements, and the generation of cell and tissue diversity. Wnt functions extend into adulthood where they regulate stem cell behavior, tissue homeostasis, and damage repair. Disruption of Wnt signaling activity during embryonic development or in adults results in a spectrum of abnormalities and diseases, including cancer. The molecular mechanisms that underlie the myriad of Wnt‐regulated biological effects have been the subject of intense research for over three decades. This review is intended to summarize our current understanding of how Wnt signals are generated and interpreted.This article is categorized under:

Biological Mechanisms > Cell Signaling
Developmental Biology > Stem Cell Biology and Regeneration
Clinical feasibility of a new full-thickness endoscopic plication device (GERDx™) for patients with GERD: results of a prospective trial
Authors: Weitzendorfer Michael , Spaun Georg O. , Antoniou Stavros A. , Witzel Kai , Emmanuel Klaus , Koch Oliver O. 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Background
Previous studies suggest clinical effectiveness of endoscopic full-thickness plication in selected patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of this study was to assess the clinical safety and efficiency of the GERDx™ device by evaluating clinical parameters, reflux symptom scores, and quality of life (QoL).

Methods
Prospective one-arm trial evaluating the outcome of forty patients with GERD subjected to endoscopic plication with the GERDx™ device. We included patients with at least one typical reflux symptom despite treatment with a PPI for > 6 months, pathologic esophageal acid exposure, hiatal hernia of size < 2 cm, and endoscopic Hill grade II–III. Evaluation of Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), symptom scores, esophageal manometry, and impedance-pH-monitoring were performed at baseline and at 3 months after surgery. (Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT 01798212.)

Results
There were no intraoperative complications. Four out of forty patients experienced postoperative complications requiring intervention. Seven of forty patients were subjected to laparoscopic fundoplication 3 months after endoscopic plication due to persistent symptoms and were lost to further follow-up. Thirty out of forty patients were available at 3-month follow-up. There was an improvement of the GIQLI score, from a mean of 92.45 ± 18.47 to 112.03 ± 13.11 (p < 0.001). The general reflux-specific score increased from a mean of 49.84 ± 24.83 to 23.93 ± 15.63 (p < 0.001), and the DeMeester score from a mean of 46.48 ± 30.83 to 20.03 ± 23.62 (p < 0.001). There was no significant change in manometric data after intervention. Three of thirty patients continued daily antireflux medication.

Conclusions
Endoscopic plication with the GERDx™ device reduced distal acid exposure of the esophagus, reflux-related symptoms, and improved GIQLI scores with minimal side effects in a selected cohort of patients and may be a safe alternative in the treatment of GERD.
Ultramafic vegetation and soils in the circumboreal region of the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Teptina Anzhelika , Paukov Alexander , Rajakaruna Nishanta 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe paper summarizes literature on climate, soil chemistry, vegetation and metal accumulation by plants found on ultramafic substrata in the circumboreal zone (sensu Takhtajan, Floristic regions of the world, 1986) of the Northern Hemisphere. We present a list of 50 endemic species and 18 ecotypes obligate to ultramafic soils from the circumboreal region of Holarctic, as well as 30 and 2 species of Ni and Zn hyperaccumulators, respectively. The number of both endemics and hyperaccumulators are markedly lower compared to that of the Mediterranean and tropical regions. The diversity of plant communities on ultramafics soils of the circumboral region is also described. The underlying causes for the differences of ultramafic flora between arctic, cold, cool temperate and Mediterranean and tropical regions are also discussed.
Relationship between the Ni hyperaccumulator Alyssum murale and the parasitic plant Orobanche nowackiana from serpentines in Albania
Authors: Bani Aida , Pavlova Dolja , Benizri Emile , Shallari Seit , Miho Liri , Meco Marjol , Shahu Edmira , Reeves Roger , Echevarria Guillaume 
Published: March 2018

AbstractOrobanche nowackiana Markgr. is the only parasitic flowering plant in Europe which is an obligate serpentinophyte. This plant parasitizes the Ni hyperaccumulator Alyssum murale Waldst. & Kit. which grows in many areas including serpentine slopes of Mt. Komjan (Albania). The aims of the study were to investigate this host/parasite relationship from a biogeochemical point of view in order to evaluate: (1) the metal accumulation in different parts of the parasite and host plants and (2) the effect of Orobanche infection on host growth. Soil and plant samples of A. murale and O. nowackiana were analyzed for elemental concentrations after acid digestion using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (Ca, Mg, Fe, Ni, Cr, Co, Zn, Cu, Mn, Na, Al), colorimetry (for N and P), and flame photometry (for K). Individuals of A. murale, both infected and healthy, showed slight differences in their composition of essential elements (N, P, K) and of some micronutrients. The parasite had higher P, K, Na, and lower N, Ca, Mg, Ni, Zn, Co, Mn and Al concentrations than the host. Orobanche nowackiana is a Ni accumulator with 299 mg kg−1 in the leaves. Hyperaccumulation of Ni by A. murale did not prevent attack by O. nowackiana. After infection there was a decline in Ni concentration and the dry weight of all organs of the host, thus reducing the biomass yield and consequently Ni phytoextraction yield of A. murale. This infection could be a potential threat to the use of A. murale for Ni agromining.
Self-governing prisons: Prison gangs in an international perspective
Authors: Butler Michelle , Slade Gavin , Dias Camila Nunes 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis paper finds qualified support for the use of Skarbek’s (2011, 2014) governance theory to understand the emergence of prison gang-like groups in Kyrgyzstan, Northern Ireland and Brazil. However, Skarbek’s (2011, 2014) governance theory has little to say about how many prison gangs emerge and how they organise comparatively outside the US context. This paper argues that variation in the number of gangs and their monopolization of informal governance can only be explained by considering importation and deprivation theories alongside governance theories. These theories factor in variation in prison environments and pre-existing societal divisions imported into prison, which affect the costs on information transmission and incentives for gang expansion. In particular, the paper pays attention to the wider role social and political processes play in influencing whether monopoly power by prison gangs is supported and legitimized or not.
Imaging correlations of tau, amyloid, metabolism, and atrophy in typical and atypical Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Whitwell Jennifer L. , Graff‐Radford Jonathan , Tosakulwong Nirubol , Weigand Stephen D. , Machulda Mary M. , Senjem Matthew L. , Spychalla Anthony J. , Vemuri Prashanthi , Jones David T. , Drubach Daniel A. , Knopman David S. , Boeve Bradley F. , Ertekin‐Taner Nilüfer , Petersen Ronald C. , Lowe Val J. , Jack Clifford R. , Josephs Keith A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntroductionNeuroimaging modalities can measure different aspects of the disease process in Alzheimer's disease, although the relationship between these modalities is unclear.MethodsWe assessed subject‐level regional correlations between tau on [18F]AV‐1451 positron emission tomography (PET), β amyloid on Pittsburgh compound B PET, hypometabolism on [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose PET, and cortical thickness on magnetic resonance imaging in 96 participants with typical and atypical Alzheimer's disease presentations. We also assessed how correlations between modalities varied according to age, presenting syndrome, tau‐PET severity, and asymmetry.Results[18F]AV‐1451 uptake showed the strongest regional correlation with hypometabolism. Correlations between [18F]AV‐1451 uptake and both hypometabolism and cortical thickness were stronger in participants with greater cortical tau severity. In addition, age, tau asymmetry, and clinical diagnosis influenced the strength of the correlation between [18F]AV‐1451 uptake and cortical thickness.DiscussionThese findings support a close relationship between tau and hypometabolism in Alzheimer's disease but show that correlations between neuroimaging modalities vary across participants.
Gender Dysphoria and Gender Change in Disorders of Sex Development/Intersex Conditions: Results From the dsd-LIFE Study
Authors: Kreukels Baudewijntje P.C. , Köhler Birgit , Nordenström Anna , Roehle Robert , Thyen Ute , Bouvattier Claire , de Vries Annelou L.C. , Cohen-Kettenis Peggy T. ,   on behalf of the dsd-LIFE group
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Background
Information on the psychosexual outcome of individuals with disorders of sex development (DSDs) and intersex conditions is of great importance for sex assignment at birth of newborns with DSD.

Aim
To assess gender change and gender dysphoria in a large sample of individuals with different DSDs.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 14 European centers with 1,040 participants (717 female-identifying and 311 male-identifying persons and 12 persons identifying with another gender) with different forms of DSD. The cohort (mean age = 32.36 years, SD = 13.57) was divided into 6 major subgroups: women with 45,X DSD and variants (Turner syndrome; n = 325), men with 47,XXY DSD and variants (Klinefelter syndrome; n = 219), women with XY DSD without androgen effects (n = 107) and with androgen effects (n = 63), men with XY DSD (n = 87), and women with 46,XX congenital adrenal hyperplasia (n = 221). Data on psychosexual outcome were gathered by medical interviews and questionnaires.

Outcomes
Gender change and gender dysphoria.

Results
Although gender changes were reported by 5% of participants, only in 1% (3% if those with Klinefelter and Turner syndromes—conditions in which gender issues are not prominent—are excluded) did the gender change take place after puberty and was likely initiated by the patient. 39 participants (4%) reported gender variance: between male and female, a gender other than male or female, or gender queer, alternating gender roles, or a gender expression that differed from the reported gender. This group had lower self-esteem and more anxiety and depression than the other participants.

Clinical Implications
Clinicians should be aware of and sensitive to the possibility that their patients with DSD not only might have transgender feelings and a desire to change gender, but also identify as different from male or female. The complexity of their feelings might require counseling for some patients.

Strengths and Limitations
The study is unique in the large number of participants from many different clinics, with sizable numbers in most subgroups, and in the large number of aspects that were measured. However, the very broadness of the study made it impossible to focus in detail on gender issues. Also, there is a need for instruments specifically measuring gender dysphoria in individuals with DSD that take non-binary genders into account.

Conclusion
To make appropriate gender care possible for people with DSD, the gender-normative and gender-variant development of children with DSD should be studied in longitudinal studies.
S-Nitrosoglutathione Reductase (GSNOR) Deficiency Results in Secondary Hypogonadism
Authors: Masterson Thomas A. , Arora Himanshu , Kulandavelu Shathiyah , Carroll Rona S. , Kaiser Ursula B. , Gultekin Sakir H. , Hare Joshua M. , Ramasamy Ranjith 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundExcess reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species are implicated in male infertility and impaired spermatogenesis.AimTo investigate the effect of excess reactive nitrogen species and nitrosative stress on testicular function and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis using the S-nitrosoglutathione reductase-null (Gsnor−/−) mouse model.MethodsTestis size, pup number, and epididymal sperm concentration and motility of Gsnor−/− mice were compared with those of age-matched wild-type (WT) mice. Reproductive hormones testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone were compared in Gsnor−/− and WT mice. Immunofluorescence for Gsnor−/− and WT testis was performed for 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) and compared. Human chorionic gonadotropin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation tests were performed to assess and compare testicular and pituitary functions of Gsnor−/− and WT mice.OutcomesEvaluation of fertility and reproductive hormones in Gsnor−/− vs WT mice. Response of Gsnor−/− and WT mice to human chorionic gonadotropin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone to evaluate LH and T production.ResultsGsnor −/− mice had smaller litters (4.2 vs 8.0 pups per litter; P &lt; .01), smaller testes (0.08 vs 0.09 g; P &lt; .01), and decreased epididymal sperm concentration (69 vs 98 × 106; P &lt; .05) and motility (39% vs 65%; P &lt; .05) compared with WT mice. Serum T (44.8 vs 292.2 ng/dL; P &lt; .05) and LH (0.03 vs 0.74 ng/mL; P = .04) were lower in Gsnor−/− than in WT mice despite similar follicle-stimulating hormone levels (63.98 vs 77.93 ng/mL; P = .20). Immunofluorescence of Gsnor−/− and WT testes showed similar staining of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and LHR. Human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation of Gsnor−/− mice increased serum T (&gt;1,680 vs &gt;1,680 ng/dL) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation increased serum LH (6.3 vs 8.9 ng/mL; P = .20) similar to WT mice.Clinical TranslationThese findings provide novel insight to a possible mechanism of secondary hypogonadism from increased reactive nitrogen species and excess nitrosative stress.Strengths and LimitationsLimitations of this study are its small samples and variability in hormone levels.ConclusionDeficiency of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase results in secondary hypogonadism, suggesting that excess nitrosative stress can affect LH production from the pituitary gland.
Stacked dielectric patch resonator antenna with wide bandwidth and flat gain
Authors: Sun Wen‐Jian , Yang Wen‐Wen , Tang Hui , Chu Peng , Chen Jian‐Xin 
Published: March 2018

A stacked dielectric patch resonator antenna with wide bandwidth and flat gain is proposed. For this design, two thin ceramic sheets with high permittivity are introduced to operate as approximate magnetic walls. Incorporated with another ground plane, two resonant modes can be excited to form a wide bandwidth, and a flat gain is also achieved within the band. Measured results demonstrate that the antenna obtains an impedance bandwidth of 18.2% and an average gain of 7.2 dBi.
Structure, magnetic and microwave studies of mechanically alloyed powders Fe45Ni35Co20
Authors: Haddad Ahmed , Ouldbrahim Insaf , Azzaz Mohamed 
Published: March 2018

Nanocrystalline Fe‐35 wt%Ni‐20 wt%Co has been prepared by using a high‐energy planetary ball mill with increasing milling time from 4 to 36 h. Microstructural characterisations showed the development of an face‐centred cubic nanostructured Fe‐35 wt%Ni‐20 wt%Co alloy with an average crystallite size of 8 nm. The magnetic investigation revealed that the nanostructures obtained from a milling time of 36 h have the highest magnetic saturation and the lowest coercive field. In addition, the hardness and the electromagnetic absorption of the Fe‐35 wt%Ni‐20 wt%Co alloy were found to increase with the milling time. These evolutions could be attributed to the crystallite size and the strain variations in the samples during milling.
Multistep synthesis of AgBr quantum dots coupled porous BiOBr spheres for enhanced photocatalysis
Authors: Qi Rui‐Juan , Yang Li‐Xia , Yi Chen‐Yu , Hang Chun‐Liang , Liu Qian 
Published: March 2018

A three‐step route has been adopted for the synthesis of AgBr quantum dots coupled porous BiOBr spheres. Firstly, porous Bi spheres were obtained through a simple solvothermal method employing ethylene glycol as a reducing agent. Sequentially, a redox reaction of Bi spheres with NH4 Fe(SO4)2 as an oxidiser was employed to prepare porous BiOBr spheres. Finally, AgBr quantum dots were loaded on BiOBr spheres through in situ precipitation. The obtained powders were characterised by employing powder X‐ray diffraction for phase confirmation and transmission electron microscopy for microstructure evolution. BiOBr hierarchical spheres with a diameter of ca. 500 nm were made up by two‐dimensional nanosheets. AgBr quantum dots were deposited on BiOBr petals and did not influence the microstructure and morphology of the BiOBr host. The BiOBr/AgBr composite exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than pure BiOBr porous spheres in degrading Rhodamine B dyes.