bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
X‐radiography of cultural heritage materials using handheld XRF spectrometers
Authors: Chen Jiuan Jiuan , Shugar Aaron , Jehle Ashley 
Published: May 2018

This study investigated the feasibility, repeatability, and limitations of using handheld X‐ray fluorescence spectrometers to perform radiography with thorough safety measures. Radiography is a well‐established nondestructive technique commonly used in the field of cultural heritage preservation but not easily accessible to many. Equipped with X‐ray generating tubes, handheld spectrometers could potentially assist performing radiographic tasks off‐site due to their portability and increasing availability. These spectrometers are designed to work at close range within a limited voltage range and wattage, so the exposure settings should be modified for the spectrometers to generate big enough X‐ray beams to irradiate the artifacts and enough radiation to penetrate through them to produce useful radiographs. Using a Bruker Tracer 5i, the effective beam spread angle, which was computed from several test shots, was used to determine the constant relation between the area of irradiation and the X‐ray source to image‐receptor distance. Based on inverse square law and the total wattage limitation of the spectrometer, current and exposure time were recalculated to produce informative radiographs. Because of the limitations of the tested spectrometer, this method is best applicable to an area smaller than 9 cm, with the scanning distance shorter than half a meter. The spectrometer cannot be used to radiograph materials that require higher voltage than it can produce.
Exploiting investor sentiment for portfolio optimization
Authors: Banholzer N. , Heiden S. , Schneller D. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe information contained in investor sentiment has up to now hardly been used for portfolio optimization, although theoretical works demonstrate that it should not be neglected and it has already been shown to contain exploitable information on future returns and volatility. Employing the approach of Copula Opinion Pooling, we explore how sentiment information regarding international stock markets can be directly incorporated into the portfolio optimization procedure. We subsequently show that sentiment information can be exploited by a trading strategy that takes into account a medium-term reversal effect of sentiment on returns. This sentiment-based strategy outperforms several benchmark strategies in terms of different performance and downside risk measures. More importantly, the results remain robust to changes in the parameter specification.
Japanese and North American Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative studies: Harmonization for international trials
Authors: Iwatsubo Takeshi , Iwata Atsushi , Suzuki Kazushi , Ihara Ryoko , Arai Hiroyuki , Ishii Kenji , Senda Michio , Ito Kengo , Ikeuchi Takeshi , Kuwano Ryozo , Matsuda Hiroshi ,   Japanese Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Sun Chung‐Kai , Beckett Laurel A. , Petersen Ronald C. , Weiner Michael W. , Aisen Paul S. , Donohue Michael C. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntroductionWe conducted Japanese Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (J‐ADNI) and compared the basic characteristics and progression profiles with those of ADNI in North America.MethodsA total of 537 Japanese subjects with normal cognition, late amnestic mild cognitive impairment (LMCI), or mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) were enrolled using the same criteria as ADNI. Rates of changes in representative cognitive or functional measures were compared for amyloid positron emission tomography‐ or cerebrospinal fluid amyloid β(1–42)‐positive LMCI and mild AD between J‐ADNI and ADNI.ResultsAmyloid positivity rates were significantly higher in normal cognition of ADNI but at similar levels in LMCI and mild AD between J‐ADNI and ADNI. Profiles of decline in cognitive or functional measures in amyloid‐positive LMCI in J‐ADNI (n = 75) and ADNI (n = 269) were remarkably similar, whereas those in mild AD were milder in J‐ADNI (n = 73) compared with ADNI (n = 230).DiscussionThese results support the feasibility of bridging of clinical trials in the prodromal stage of AD between Asia and western countries.
Prevalence and Predictors of Sexual Problems Among Midlife Canadian Adults: Results from a National Survey
Authors: Quinn-Nilas Christopher , Milhausen Robin R. , McKay Alexander , Holzapfel Stephen 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Background
Sexual problems are common among midlife men and women, and studies have identified a range of demographic, health, and relational correlates. Research on prevalence of these sexual problems within Canada is sparse and is warranted given the unique context related to provision of health care services in contrast to other countries.

Aim
We investigated sexual problems (women’s low desire, orgasm difficulties, and vaginal pain, as well as men’s low desire, erection difficulties, and ejaculation difficulties) and their correlates among a large sample of Canadian men and women aged 40–59 years.

Methods
A national sample of Canadians was recruited (N = 2,400). Prevalence statistics for the sexual problems, and odds ratios for correlates were computed using logistic regression to identify demographic, health, and behavioral correlates of men’ and women’s sexual problems.

Outcomes
Self-reported experiences in the last 6-months of low desire, vaginal dryness, vaginal pain, and orgasm difficulties for women, and low desire, erectile difficulties, and ejaculation problems for men.

Results
Sexual problems were relatively common; low desire was the most common sexual problem, particularly for women, with 40% reporting low sexual desire in the last 6 months. Women who were post-menopausal were much more likely to report low desire, vaginal pain, and vaginal dryness. Low desire and erectile difficulties for men, and low desire and orgasm difficulties for women were significant predictors of overall happiness with sexual life.

Clinical Translation
Given the prevalence and impact of sexual problems indicated in our study, physicians are encouraged to routinely assess for and treat these concerns.

Conclusions
Strengths include a national sample of an understudied demographic category, midlife adults, and items consistent with other national studies of sexual problems. Causal or directional associations cannot be determined with these cross-sectional data. Results are largely consistent with previous national samples in the United States and the United Kingdom. Sexual problems are common among Canadian men and women, with many being associated with self-reported sexual happiness.
Adapting neuroeconomics for environmental and energy policy
Authors: SAWE NIK 
Published: May 2018

AbstractNeuroimaging methods provide insight into the neural mechanisms underlying the decision process, characterizing choice at the individual level and, in a growing number of contexts, predicting national- and market-level behavior. This dual capacity to examine heterogeneity while forecasting aggregate choice is particularly beneficial to those studying environmental decision-making. To effectively reduce residential energy usage and foster other pro-environmental behaviors, policy-makers must understand the effects of information frames and behavioral nudges across individuals who hold a diverse array of attitudes toward the environment and face a broad range of barriers to action. This paper articulates the potential of neuroeconomic methods to aid environmental policy-makers interested in behavior change, especially those interested in closing the energy efficiency gap. Investigation into the roles of affect, eco-labeling and social norms will be discussed, as well as personal identity and climate change beliefs. Combining neuroimaging with behavioral economics experiments can inform the development of effective messaging, characterize the influence of individual differences on the decision process and aid in forecasting the efficacy of policy interventions at scale.
An Outbreak of Streptococcus pyogenes in a Mental Health Facility: Advantage of Well-Timed Whole-Genome Sequencing Over emm Typing
Authors: Bergin Sarah M. , Periaswamy Balamurugan , Barkham Timothy , Chua Hong Choon , Mok Yee Ming , Fung Daniel Shuen Sheng , Su Alex Hsin Chuan , Lee Yen Ling , Chua Ming Lai Ivan , Ng Poh Yong , Soon Wei Jia Wendy , Chu Collins Wenhan , Tan Siyun Lucinda , Meehan Mary , Ang Brenda Sze Peng , Leo Yee Sin , Holden Matthew T. G. , De Partha , Hsu Li Yang , Chen Swaine L. , de Sessions Paola Florez , Marimuthu Kalisvar 
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVEWe report the utility of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) conducted in a clinically relevant time frame (ie, sufficient for guiding management decision), in managing a Streptococcus pyogenes outbreak, and present a comparison of its performance with emm typing.SETTINGA 2,000-bed tertiary-care psychiatric hospital.METHODSActive surveillance was conducted to identify new cases of S. pyogenes. WGS guided targeted epidemiological investigations, and infection control measures were implemented. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)–based genome phylogeny, emm typing, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) were performed. We compared the ability of WGS and emm typing to correctly identify person-to-person transmission and to guide the management of the outbreak.RESULTSThe study included 204 patients and 152 staff. We identified 35 patients and 2 staff members with S. pyogenes. WGS revealed polyclonal S. pyogenes infections with 3 genetically distinct phylogenetic clusters (C1–C3). Cluster C1 isolates were all emm type 4, sequence type 915 and had pairwise SNP differences of 0–5, which suggested recent person-to-person transmissions. Epidemiological investigation revealed that cluster C1 was mediated by dermal colonization and transmission of S. pyogenes in a male residential ward. Clusters C2 and C3 were genomically diverse, with pairwise SNP differences of 21–45 and 26–58, and emm 11 and mostly emm120, respectively. Clusters C2 and C3, which may have been considered person-to-person transmissions by emm typing, were shown by WGS to be unlikely by integrating pairwise SNP differences with epidemiology.CONCLUSIONSWGS had higher resolution than emm typing in identifying clusters with recent and ongoing person-to-person transmissions, which allowed implementation of targeted intervention to control the outbreak.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;852–860
Magistrates without Pedigree: TheConsules Suffectiof the Triumviral Age
Authors: Pina Polo Francisco 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe use of the suffect consulship began to change with Caesar in 45b.c., after a number of decades in which no suffect consul had been elected. The office altered dramatically during the triumviral period. The triumvirs openly made use of the suffect consulship as a means of rewarding loyalty. Many of the suffect consuls, who were no longer elected by the people, but designated in advance by the triumvirs, werehomines noviwho belonged to previously unknown and insignificant Roman or Italian families. Increasing the number of consuls each year eliminatedde factothe traditional annuality of the office and reduced its authority. The implicit consequence of these actions was a gradual devaluation of the consulship. The suffect consulship was therefore a powerful tool in the hands of the triumvirs for strengthening their political position, weakening the old aristocracy and giving birth to a new elite based more firmly on personal loyalties.
Implementation issues of parallel shape grammars
Authors: Stouffs Rudi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractShape grammars come in a variety of forms. Algebras of shapes have been defined for spatial elements of different kinds, as well as for shapes augmented with varying attributes, allowing for grammar forms to be expressed in terms of a direct product of basic algebras. This algebraic approach is extended here to the algebraic derivation of combinations of basic shape algebras with attribute algebras. This algebraic abstraction at the same time serves as a procedural abstraction, giving insights into the modular implementation of a general shape grammar interpreter for different grammar forms. In addition, we consider practical limitations on algebraic compositions of basic shape algebras with attribute algebras and identify a complication with respect to solving the matching problem for parallel and compound shape grammars, suggesting a way to address this complication.
A whole-grammar implementation of shape grammars for designers
Authors: Li Andrew I-kang 
Published: May 2018

AbstractI present an implementation of shape grammars that is aimed at supporting designers. It has two parts: a grammar editor and a stand-alone interpreter. The editor is the modeling application Rhinoceros3d using Python scripts. The interpreter is general, is three-dimensional, and supports subshape detection. A grammar is a Rhinoceros3d model; thus users can manipulate all its parts directly and immediately. That is, they can modify any shape without selecting or invoking an editor, and they can lay out the parts of the grammar in any way they find meaningful. Using this approach, which I call a whole-grammar approach, users are shielded from most subdomain tasks, like typing text files or specifying transformations. Informal observations suggest that users of this implementation can work effectively.
From shapes to topologies and back: an introduction to a general parametric shape grammar interpreter
Authors: Grasl Thomas , Economou Athanassios 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe shape grammar formalism has been discussed theoretically extensively. Recently there has been increased activity in implementing shape grammar interpreters, yet there is a lack of implementations that support parametric rules and emergence. Here the structure of a general parametric shape grammar interpreter is discussed in detail. The interpreter is based on graph grammars. It supports emergence, parametric rules, and numerous types of geometric objects. The shape grammar engine, an agent-based rule selection system and several implementations based on the engine are discussed.
AI EDAM special issue: advances in implemented shape grammars: solutions and applications
Authors: Eloy Sara , Pauwels Pieter , Economou Athanassios 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis paper introduces the special issue “Advances in Implemented Shape Grammars: Solutions and Applications” and frames the topic of computer implementations of shape grammars, both with a theoretical and an applied focus. This special issue focuses on the current state of the art regarding computer implementations of shape grammars and brings a discussion about how those systems can evolve in the coming years so that they can be used in real life design scenarios. This paper presents a brief state of the art of shape grammars implementation and an overview of the papers included in the current special issue categorized under technical design, interpreters and interface design, and uses cases. The paper ends with a comprehensive outlook into the future of shape grammars implementations.
Risk factors for sporadic Giardia infection in the USA: a case-control study in Colorado and Minnesota
Authors: Reses H. E. , Gargano J. W. , Liang J. L. , Cronquist A. , Smith K. , Collier S. A. , Roy S. L. , Vanden Eng J. , Bogard A. , Lee B. , Hlavsa M. C. , Rosenberg E. S. , Fullerton K. E. , Beach M. J. , Yoder J. S. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractGiardia duodenalis is the most common intestinal parasite of humans in the USA, but the risk factors for sporadic (non-outbreak) giardiasis are not well described. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Colorado and Minnesota public health departments conducted a case-control study to assess risk factors for sporadic giardiasis in the USA. Cases (N = 199) were patients with non-outbreak-associated laboratory-confirmed Giardia infection in Colorado and Minnesota, and controls (N = 381) were matched by age and site. Identified risk factors included international travel (aOR = 13.9; 95% CI 4.9–39.8), drinking water from a river, lake, stream, or spring (aOR = 6.5; 95% CI 2.0–20.6), swimming in a natural body of water (aOR = 3.3; 95% CI 1.5–7.0), male–male sexual behaviour (aOR = 45.7; 95% CI 5.8–362.0), having contact with children in diapers (aOR = 1.6; 95% CI 1.01–2.6), taking antibiotics (aOR = 2.5; 95% CI 1.2–5.0) and having a chronic gastrointestinal condition (aOR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.1–3.0). Eating raw produce was inversely associated with infection (aOR = 0.2; 95% CI 0.1–0.7). Our results highlight the diversity of risk factors for sporadic giardiasis and the importance of non-international-travel-associated risk factors, particularly those involving person-to-person transmission. Prevention measures should focus on reducing risks associated with diaper handling, sexual contact, swimming in untreated water, and drinking untreated water.
Risk factors for veterinary hospital environmental contamination withSalmonella enterica
Authors: Burgess B. A. , Morley P. S. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractHealthcare-associated infections in veterinary hospitals are commonly attributed toSalmonella enterica, particularly in large animal facilities, and are characteristically associated with widespread environmental contamination. The objective of this study was to investigate factors influencing the likelihood of identifying environmental contamination of a veterinary hospital withS. enterica, while exploring different analytic methods to model complex factors that may influence this ecology. Environmental surveillance samples were collected in a large veterinary hospital as part of a long-term infection control programme. Data were collected retrospectively from the electronic medical records database. Many easily measured variables were complex in nature (i.e., they represented variance that is unmeasured or unidentified as a specific factor) necessitating the use of alternative analytic methods (variable cluster and principal components analyses) to provide perspective regarding the complex data structure and latent factors that may be contributing to this ecology. Subsequently, multivariable logistic regression was performed using generalised estimating equations. Results suggest the probability of detectingSalmonellain the environment increased as demand on personnel increased (e.g., in a busy hospital). Veterinary personnel need to remain vigilant in implementing practices that we believe empirically will mitigate risk for widespread environmental contamination and sustained transmission among patients (i.e., rigorous hygiene for personnel and the environment).
Selected B vitamins and their possible link to the aetiology of age-related sarcopenia: relevance of UK dietary recommendations
Authors: Aytekin N. , Mileva K. N. , Cunliffe A. D. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe possible roles of selected B vitamins in the development and progression of sarcopenia are reviewed. Age-related declines in muscle mass and function are associated with huge and increasing costs to healthcare providers. Falls and loss of mobility and independence due to declining muscle mass/function are associated with poor clinical outcomes and their prevention and management are attractive research targets. Nutritional status appears a key modifiable and affordable intervention. There is emerging evidence of sarcopenia being the result not only of diminished anabolic activity but also of declining neurological integrity in older age, which is emerging as an important aspect of the development of age-related decline in muscle mass/function. In this connection, several B vitamins can be viewed as not only cofactors in muscle synthetic processes, but also as neurotrophic agents with involvements in both bioenergetic and trophic pathways. The B vitamins thus selected are examined with respect to their relevance to multiple aspects of neuromuscular function and evidence is considered that requirements, intakes or absorption may be altered in the elderly. In addition, the evidence base for recommended intakes (UK recommended daily allowance) is examined with particular reference to original datasets and their relevance to older individuals. It is possible that inconsistencies in the literature with respect to the nutritional management of sarcopenia may, in part at least, be the result of compromised micronutrient status in some study participants. It is suggested that in order, for example, for intervention with amino acids to be successful, underlying micronutrient deficiencies must first be addressed/eliminated.
THE EARLY GREAT DEBATE: A COMMENT ON IBN AL-HAYTHAM‘S WORK ON THE LOCATION OF THE MILKY WAY WITH RESPECT TO THE EARTH
Authors: Eckart Andreas 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAt the very beginning of the last millennium Ibn al-Haytham greatly contributed to the investigation of the Milky Way. Here, the only three currently known versions of his work on the location of the Milky Way are compared to each other and discussed. A comparison of the texts and an early translation into German by E. Wiedemann in 1906 reveals several differences that triggered a new critical translation of the passed down text. We give detailed comments on the work and check the validity of Ibn al-Haytham's arguments. We also discuss his work in the framework of the ‘Great Debate’ on the Milky Way that took place around 1920, more than a decade after Wiedemann's translation. We find that Ibn al-Haytham's work is certainly at the peak of the unaided-eye era of the Milky Way's discovery. Through his own argumentation and in comparison to Ptolemy's observations Ibn al-Haytham clearly identifies the Galaxy as an extraterrestrial body that is not part of the atmosphere but much further away than the Moon. With some of his statements on the stellar positions passed down by Ptolemy, Ibn al-Haytham also anticipates the concept of stellar proper motions.
Embryonic Politics: Attitudes about Abortion, Stem Cell Research, and IVF
Authors: Silber Mohamed Heather 
Published: May 2018

AbstractEfforts by anti-abortion advocates to introduce “personhood” initiatives, which state that human life begins at fertilization, have prompted concern among infertility specialists that these initiatives would hinder access to in vitro fertilization (IVF). Yet, our understanding of public opinion about IVF is limited. It remains unclear whether attitudes about this technology are consistent with opinions about other issues related to human embryos, particularly abortion and embryonic stem cell (ESC) research. Using data from a nationally representative survey, I fill this gap by exploring the role that religion plays in shaping attitudes about a range of embryonic politics issues. I find that religiosity, income, and ideology strongly influence whether individuals view these issues in moral terms. Respondents who are most devout and Evangelical Protestants are most likely to consistently oppose all three embryonic politics issues. Yet, the relationship between religion and attitudes about the morality of each procedure is also influenced by the procedure's outcome, with religion most influential with respect to abortion attitudes and least influential in the case of IVF. Additionally, women are less likely than men to describe IVF as morally wrong, while, in comparison to non-Hispanic whites, Latino respondents are more likely to do so.Replication Data. Replication data is publicly available on the website of the Pew Research Center Religion and Public Life Project.