bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis E seroprevalence in the United States: Results for immunoglobulins IGG and IGM
Authors: Cangin Causenge , Focht Brian , Harris Randall , Strunk Julie A. 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundPrevious research identified a decline in hepatitis E virus (HEV) seroprevalence in US in 1988‐1994 and 2009‐2010. We investigated most recent HEV epidemiology.MethodUsing a nationally representative sample (7656 persons in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [NHANES] 2013‐2014 and 7124 persons in NHANES 2015‐2016), we compared the weighted seroprevalence of HEV (immunoglobulin G [IgG]/immunoglobulin M [IgM]) among people from the US (aged ≧ 6 years) between these two time periods. Sampling‐weighted multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with HEV seropositivity.ResultsThe median participant age was 37 years (interquartile range = 17‐58 years); 51.17% of them were female. Among US‐born individuals, HEV seropositivity (IgG/IgM) increased from 4.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.5%‐5.5%) in 2013‐2014 to 8.1% (95%CI = 6.5%‐9.7%) in 2015‐2016. Recent HEV infection (IgM) has nearly doubled in all US‐born people. For participants born in and outside of the US, the overall weighted HEV (IgG/IgM) seropositivity increased from 5% (95%CI = 3.9%‐6.1%) during 2013‐2014 to 7.7% (95%CI = 7.2%‐10.5%) during 2015‐2016. In “non‐Hispanic Asian” females, HEV seropositivity (IgG/IgM) rose from 8.4% (95%CI = 5.6%‐11.1%) during 2013‐2014 to 20.7% (95%CI = 15.8%‐25.7%) during 2015‐2016. In “non‐Hispanic Asian” males, HEV seropositivity (IgG/IgM) increased from 9.3% (95%CI = 6.9%‐11.8%) during 2013‐2014 to 16.8% (95%CI = 12.5%‐21.2%) during 2015‐2016. HEV (IgG/IgM) seropositivity was significantly associated with “non‐Hispanic Asian” ethnicity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.69; CI = 1.12‐2.56), female (OR = 1.2, CI = 1.06‐1.38), and age (OR = 1.058, CI = 1.05‐1.06). No clear etiologic agent was found.ConclusionThe combined and strata‐specific HEV weighted seroprevalence increased from 2013‐2014 to 2015‐2016. Although prior studies had found increasing age as the only significant factor associated with HEV, the attribute of “non‐Hispanic Asian” had a stronger association with HEV seropositivity than the age factor alone.
Gustatory pathway in humans: A review of models of taste perception and their potential lateralization
Authors: Iannilli Emilia , Gudziol Volker 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe focus of this review is to interpret recent advances in human gustatory pathways with respect to the laterality of gustatory responses. Psychophysical, neuroimaging, and clinical anatomical studies published in peer reviewed scientific journals were examined. From the anatomical and neuroimaging studies a total of six models are outlined and discussed in the light of some recent psychophysical and clinical results. In the specific of the salt condition and right preferred hand the outcomes have revealed a predominant left ipsilateral pathway with evidences of ipsilateral projection from the left primary gustatory cortex (PGC) to the orbitofrontal cortex, while a bilateral projection from the right oral cavity to the left and right insula seems to be more consistent. Also, the right side predominance of the chemosensory perception is objected. Additionally, the gustatory response appears to be dependent on the taste quality, supporting the idea of a chemotopical organization of the PGC as well as the Labelled‐Line Model theory of peripheral taste quality encoding. However, where the fibers branch along the ascending pathway is not unequivocally established. Interestingly, factors like handedness appear to be remarkable when studying the lateralization of brain functions. Finally we suggest that further studies must include handedness and taste quality as distinctive factors that can help to interpret the results in a unique way.
Personality traits affect the influences of intensity perception and emotional responses on hedonic rating and preference rank toward basic taste solutions
Authors: Samant Shilpa S. , Seo Han‐Seok 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study aimed at determining, based on independent predictors of taste intensity and emotional response, whether individual personality traits could affect prediction models of overall liking and preference rank toward basic taste solutions. Sixty‐seven participants rated taste intensities (TI) of four basic‐taste solutions at both low and high concentrations, and of plain water. Emotional responses toward each sample were measured using a self‐reported emotion questionnaire (SE), facial expressions (FE), and/or autonomic nervous system responses (ANS). Participants rated overall liking of the samples and ranked their preferences. Based on the results of a hierarchical cluster analysis of five personality traits measured using the Big Five Inventory, participants were classified into two clusters: cluster N (high neuroticism) and cluster E (high extraversion). Results showed that the SE measure for both clusters N and E was better than the TI, FE, and ANS measures in explaining variances of overall liking or preference rank. A measurement of effect size found that using FE and/or taste intensity measures, along with self‐reported emotion measure, could enhance model predictability of overall liking or preference rank toward taste samples for cluster N, while the contribution to the prediction model for cluster E was minimal. ANS measures showed little contribution to the prediction model of overall liking for either cluster. In conclusion, this study shows that personality traits, in particular traits of extraversion and neuroticism, affect not only optimum measures of emotional responses, but also modulate predicting overall liking and preference rank toward basic taste solutions.
Metal Nanoparticle Foundry with Redox Responsive Hydrogels
Authors: Feng Xueling , Hempenius Mark A. , Vancso Gyula J. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractA redox‐active, organometallic hydrogel is successfully formed from the reaction of poly[ferrocenyl(3‐bromopropyl)methylsilane] with a multifunctional amine cross‐linker, N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine. When the poly(ferrocenylsilane) (PFS) hydrogel is charged with noble metal salts, corresponding noble metal nanoparticles are formed. Interestingly, the nanoparticles are well dispersed in the hydrogel matrix and little or no aggregates are observed. The noble metal nanoparticles, which include Au, Ag, Pd, Pt, Ir, and Rh, are characterized by transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The concept of using a redox‐active hydrogel for fabricating noble metal nanoparticles, where the PFS network chains provide confinement, and where no external reducing agents or ligands are required, is demonstrated to be effective.
Nonhuman primate model of persistent erectile and urinary dysfunction following radical prostatectomy: Feasibility of minimally invasive therapy
Authors: Zambon Joao P. , Patel Manish , Hemal Ashok , Badlani Gopal , Andersson Karl‐Erik , Magalhaes Renata S. , Lankford Shannon , Dean Ashley , Williams James Koudy 
Published: August 2018

ObjectivePersistent urinary incontinence (UI) and/or erectile dysfunction (ED) occur in 30‐50% of post‐radical prostatectomy patients regardless of nerve sparing approaches. Identification of potential treatment options for these patients will require testing in an animal model that develops these chronic conditions. The objective was to characterize a nonhuman primate (NHP) model of persistent post‐prostatectomy ED and UI and then test the feasibility of periurethral injection of the chemokine CXCL‐12.MethodsTen adult male cynomolgus monkeys were used. Two were used for study of normal male nonhuman primate genitourinary anatomy. Five were used for measures of sexual behavior, peak intra‐corporal pressure (ICP), abdominal leak point pressures (ALPP) 3 and 6‐months post open radical prostatectomy (ORP). Three additional ORP animals received ultrasound‐guided peri‐urethral injection of chemokine CXCL12 6 weeks after ORP, and UI/ED evaluated for up to 3 months.ResultsThe anatomy, innervation, and vascular supply to the prostate and surrounding tissues of these male NHPs are substantially similar to those of human beings. ORP resulted in complete removal of the prostate gland along with both neurovascular bundles and seminal vesicles while permitting stable restoration of vesico‐urethral patency. ORP produced sustained (6 months) decreases in ALPP, ICP's, and sexual function. Transurethral injection of chemokine CXCL12 was feasible and had beneficial effects on erectile and urinary function.ConclusionsORP in NHPs produced persistent erectile and urinary tract dysfunction. Periurethral injection of CXCL‐12 was feasible and improved both urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction and suggests that this model can be used to test new approaches for both conditions.
On the design and performance evaluation of automatic traffic report generation systems with huge data volumes
Authors: Vega Moreno Carlos , Miravalls Sierra Eduardo , Julián Moreno Guillermo , López de Vergara Jorge E. , Magaña Eduardo , Aracil Javier 
Published: August 2018

SummaryIn this paper, we analyze the performance issues involved in the generation of automated traffic reports for large IT infrastructures. Such reports allow the IT manager to proactively detect possible abnormal situations and roll out the corresponding corrective actions. With the ever‐increasing bandwidth of current networks, the design of automated traffic report generation systems is very challenging. In a first step, the huge volumes of collected traffic are transformed into enriched flow records obtained from diverse collectors and dissectors. Then, such flow records, along with time series obtained from the raw traffic, are further processed to produce a usable report. As will be shown, the data volume in flow records turns out to be very large as well and requires careful selection of the key performance indicators (KPIs) to be included in the report. In this regard, we discuss the use of high‐level languages versus low‐level approaches, in terms of speed and versatility. Furthermore, our design approach is targeted for rapid development in commodity hardware, which is essential to cost‐effectively tackle demanding traffic analysis scenarios. Actually, the paper shows feasibility of delivering a large number of KPIs, as will be detailed later, for several TBytes of traffic per day using a commodity hardware architecture and high‐level languages.
Fuzzy‐stochastic FEM–based homogenization framework for materials with polymorphic uncertainties in the microstructure
Authors: Pivovarov Dmytro , Oberleiter Thomas , Willner Kai , Steinmann Paul 
Published: August 2018

SummaryUncertainties in the macroscopic response of heterogeneous materials result from two sources: the natural variability in the microstructure's geometry and the lack of sufficient knowledge regarding the microstructure. The first type of uncertainty is denoted aleatoric uncertainty and may be characterized by a known probability density function. The second type of uncertainty is denoted epistemic uncertainty. This kind of uncertainty cannot be described using probabilistic methods. Models considering both sources of uncertainties are called polymorphic. In the case of polymorphic uncertainties, some combination of stochastic methods and fuzzy arithmetic should be used. Thus, in the current work, we examine a fuzzy‐stochastic finite element method–based homogenization framework for materials with random inclusion sizes. We analyze an experimental radii distribution of inclusions and develop a stochastic representative volume element. The stochastic finite element method is used to obtain the material response in the case of random inclusion radii. Due to unavoidable noise in experimental data, an insufficient number of samples, and limited accuracy of the fitting procedure, the radii distribution density cannot be obtained exactly; thus, it is described in terms of fuzzy location and scale parameters. The influence of fuzzy input on the homogenized stress measures is analyzed.
An algorithm for triangulating smooth three‐dimensional domains immersed in universal meshes
Authors: Rangarajan Ramsharan , Kabaria Hardik , Lew Adrian 
Published: August 2018

SummaryWe describe an algorithm to recover a boundary‐fitting triangulation for a bounded C2‐regular domain
immersed in a nonconforming background mesh of tetrahedra. The algorithm consists in identifying a polyhedral domain ωh bounded by facets in the background mesh and morphing ωh into a boundary‐fitting polyhedral approximation Ωh of Ω. We discuss assumptions on the regularity of the domain, on element sizes and on specific angles in the background mesh that appear to render the algorithm robust. With the distinctive feature of involving just small perturbations of a few elements of the background mesh that are in the vicinity of the immersed boundary, the algorithm is designed to benefit numerical schemes for simulating free and moving boundary problems. In such problems, it is now possible to immerse an evolving geometry in the same background mesh, called a universal mesh, and recover conforming discretizations for it. In particular, the algorithm entirely avoids remeshing‐type operations and its complexity scales approximately linearly with the number of elements in the vicinity of the immersed boundary. We include detailed examples examining its performance.
Distributed model predictive control for continuous‐time nonlinear systems based on suboptimal ADMM
Authors: Bestler Anja , Graichen Knut 
Published: August 2018

SummaryThis paper presents a distributed model predictive control (DMPC) scheme for continuous‐time nonlinear systems based on the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). A stopping criterion in the ADMM algorithm limits the iterations and therefore the required communication effort during the DMPC solution at the expense of a suboptimal solution. Stability results are presented for the suboptimal DMPC scheme under two different ADMM convergence assumptions. In particular, it is shown that the required iterations in each ADMM step are bounded, which is also confirmed in simulation studies.
CDtoolX, a downloadable software package for processing and analyses of circular dichroism spectroscopic data
Authors: Miles Andrew J. , Wallace B. A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCircular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy is a highly used method for the examination and characterization of proteins, including, amongst other features, their secondary and tertiary structures, thermal stability, comparisons of wildtype and mutant proteins, and monitoring the binding of small molecules, folding/unfolding pathways, and formation of macromolecular complexes. This article describes CDtoolX, a new, user‐friendly, free‐to‐download‐and‐use software program that enables processing, displaying, archiving, calibrating, comparisons, and analyses of CD and synchrotron radiation circular dichroism spectroscopic data.
The regulation and function of the Hippo pathway in heart regeneration
Authors: Liu Shijie , Martin James F. 
Published: August 2018

Heart failure caused by cardiomyocyte loss and fibrosis is a leading cause of death worldwide. Although current treatments for heart failure such as heart transplantation and left ventricular assist device implantation have obvious value, new approaches are needed. Endogenous adult cardiomyocyte renewal is measurable but inefficient and inadequate in response to extensive acute heart damage. Stimulating self‐renewal of endogenous cardiomyocytes holds great promise for heart repair. Uncovering the genetic mechanisms underlying cardiomyocyte renewal is a critical step in developing new approaches to repairing the heart. Recent studies have revealed that the inhibition of the Hippo pathway is sufficient to promote the proliferation of endogenous cardiomyocytes, indicating that the manipulation of the Hippo pathway in the heart may be a promising treatment for heart failure in the future. We summarize recent findings that have shed light on the function of the Hippo pathway in heart regeneration. We also discuss the mechanisms by which Hippo pathway inhibition promotes heart regeneration and how the Hippo pathway responds to different types of injury or stress during the regenerative process.This article is categorized under:

Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Regeneration
Middle Pleistocene seismically induced clay diapirism in an intraplate zone, western Brittany, France
Authors: van Vliet-Lanoë Brigitte , Authemayou Christine , Molliex Stéphane , Field Michael Hugh , Frechen Manfred , Le Roy Pascal , Perrot Julie , Andrieu-Ponel Valérie , Grégoire Gwendoline , Hallégouët Bernard 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe Brittany region of France is located in a low seismicity intraplate zone. Most of the instrumented earthquakes are limited to a shallow crustal depth without surface rupture. A paleoseismological analysis was performed on deposits on the Crozon Peninsula and in the Elorn estuary. We highlight hydroplastic deformations induced by liquefaction leading to clay diapirism, which were likely triggered by past earthquakes. This diapirism seems to be frequent in continental nonconsolidated sediments and to develop on the inherited tectonic structures, when a shallow water table and confining layers exist. Timing of deformation is dated using paleoenvironmental data, and electron spin resonance and infrared-stimulated luminescence dating methods. Two seismic periods were identified in western Europe during early Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage (MIS) 10 (~380 ka) and early MIS 8 (~280–265 ka). The lack of similar deformations affecting the Holocene tidal deposits in the Bay of Brest suggests that the magnitude of the triggering paleoearthquakes is probably higher (Mw~6) than the recent events (Mw5.4). These unusual intraplate major paleoearthquakes need specific factors affecting the far-field crustal stress loading to be triggered, such as a brief acceleration of the Africa-Eurasia lithospheric plate convergence, glacio-isostatic stress perturbations associated with the onset of major glaciations in northern Europe, or other processes induced by orbital forcing.
Amplification and aural rehabilitation in resource-constrained environments
Authors: Rutherford C , Petersen L 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectivesThis article attempts to highlight the challenges and possibilities for hearing healthcare through technology and aural rehabilitation in a resource-constrained setting, using South Africa as an example.Results and conclusionThe authors argue that it is possible to enhance service delivery by using free resources and maximising the limited existing resources. In order to provide a sustainable hearing healthcare service in developing countries, it is pertinent to understand the context where the services are needed, and not just adopt an approach developed for a different context. Audiologists in such settings need to employ strategies to develop context-specific tools, and adapt existing tools to serve the needs of the local population. Some examples, although not exhaustive, are provided in the article.
Stance and the construction of authentic celebrity persona
Authors: Valentinsson Mary-Caitlyn 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe American performance artist Lady Gaga has earned great notoriety in the mainstream media through artistic and personal performance, as well as for her relationships both with her fandom and the media. In this article, I discuss the linguistic stance-taking moves that Lady Gaga uses in two different communicative media in order to construct an authentic celebrity persona. Through references to intimate relationships, inclusive plural pronouns, and demonstration of attention to fan conversations, Lady Gaga's Twitter posts create a stance of alignment with the ‘ordinary’ people in her fan base. Conversely, by using combative and corrective rhetorical strategies in interviews with journalists, she creates a stance of disalignment with mass media establishment. Together, these linguistic strategies allow Lady Gaga's claims to authenticity to be seen as morally credible. This work highlights the central role that language plays in constructing an authentic-seeming public persona. (Authenticity, stance, celebrity, Lady Gaga, media, interview, Twitter)*
Solving nonlinear optimal path tracking problem using a new closed loop direct–indirect optimization method: application on mechanical manipulators
Authors: Rahaghi M. Irani , Barat F. 
Published: August 2018

SUMMARYThe purpose of this study is to determine the dynamic load carrying capacity (DLCC) of a manipulator that moves on the specified path using a new closed loop optimal control method. Solution methods for designing nonlinear optimal controllers in a closed-loop form are usually based on indirect methods, but the proposed method is a combination of direct and indirect methods. Optimal control law is given by solving the nonlinear Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) partial differential equation. This equation is complex to solve exactly for complex dynamics, so it is solved numerically using the Galerkin procedure combined with a nonlinear optimization algorithm. To check the performance of the proposed algorithm, the simulation is performed for a fixed manipulator. The results represent the efficiency of the method for tracking the pre-determined path and determining the DLCC. Finally, an experimental test has been done for a two-link manipulator and compare with simulation results.
Dimension approximation of attractors of graph directed IFSs by self-similar sets
Authors: FARKAS ÁBEL 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe show that for the attractor (K1, . . ., Kq) of a graph directed iterated function system, for each 1 ⩽ j ⩽ q and ϵ &gt; 0 there exists a self-similar set K ⊆ Kj that satisfies the strong separation condition and dimHKj − ϵ &lt; dimHK. We show that we can further assume convenient conditions on the orthogonal parts and similarity ratios of the defining similarities of K. Using this property as a ‘black box’ we obtain results on a range of topics including on dimensions of projections, intersections, distance sets and sums and products of sets.
Laying Foundations: New Deal Public Works and Aviation Infrastructure
Authors: Johnson V M. Houston 
Published: August 2018

Abstract:This article examines New Deal public works agencies’ pivotal contributions to American aeronautical development, arguing that their creation of aviation-related infrastructure offers powerful evidence of the New Deal’s success in remaking the American landscape and fostering economic growth. Organizations such as the Civil Works Agency, the Public Works Administration, and the Works Progress Administration built or improved almost every contemporary U.S. airport, funding improvements that created the foundations of America’s modern air transport network. Much more than make-work endeavors, these efforts reflected New Dealers’ desire to use public works to create worthwhile products. These policies highlight the sophistication with which the New Deal promoted economic development, and belie the image of public works agencies privileging short-term employment to the detriment of economic gain. Airport terminals, runways, hangers, and countless other aviation-related improvements represent some of the New Deal’s most significant physical legacies, highlighting the Roosevelt administrations’ vital contributions to aeronautical development.