bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of configuration parameters on seismic performance of steel frames equipped with composite steel panel wall
Authors: Jiang Liqiang , Zheng Hong , Hu Yi 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThis paper aims to investigate the effects of configuration parameters on seismic performance of steel frames equipped with composite steel panel wall (CPWF). First, cyclic tests on two 1:3 scale CPWF and a same‐size bare steel frame were conducted to obtain the seismic behavior of the CPWF structures. Then, numerical models for CPWF structures were established based on the finite element method, and such models were validated by the tests. Besides, parametric analysis was performed to study the impacts of the length‐to‐height ratio, height‐to‐thickness ratio, and bolt spacing of CPW on ultimate load capacity of CPWF. Lastly, a unified formula for the shearing load resistance and such parameters of CPW was developed, and the approximate relationship curves for these parameters were fitted. The results show that (a) the shearing load resistance, ductility, lateral stiffness of the steel frame increased with increasing the length‐to‐height ratio of equipped CPW according to the test results, and the maximum lateral drift of the CPWF was larger than 4%; (b) the shearing load resistance of CPWF increased with increasing the length‐to‐height ratio of CPW but with decreasing the height‐to‐thickness ratio and bolt spacing, and the proposed formula was fitted by the numerical results.
Latin America in the climate change negotiations: Exploring the AILAC and ALBA coalitions
Authors: Watts Joshua , Depledge Joanna 
Published: July 2018

Latin American nations and negotiators have long been prominent actors in the United Nations climate change negotiations, but for many years, no distinctively Latin American coalition existed in that process. Since 2009, however, two Latin American coalitions have emerged—the “Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas” (ALBA), which came to the fore during the 2009 Copenhagen Climate Conference (COP‐15), and the “Independent Association of Latin America and the Caribbean” (AILAC), which was launched at the 2012 Doha Climate Conference (COP‐18). These two groups propose very different approaches for Latin American engagement on climate change, largely corresponding to their broader political and economic aspirations for the continent. Although ALBA reflects a Bolivarian vision of regional solidarity that rejects U.S.‐led neoliberalism, AILAC is more conciliatory toward the North, echoing a more outward‐looking vision of hemispheric unity. In line with these different underlying visions, the two groups have adopted contrasting positions and forms of engagement with the negotiations, with differing degrees of impact and success. AILAC now seems to be emerging as the stronger coalition, with its conciliatory approach better aligned with the current positive tone of the international negotiations. In contrast, internal contradictions within ALBA's narrative on climate change, along with political upheavals experienced by some of its key members, are weakening that group's cohesion. Theories of regionalism, combined with insights from the existing literature and some empirical analysis, help to illuminate these developments, enriching our understanding of international climate politics more broadly.This article is categorized under:

Policy and Governance > International Policy Framework
Symmetry enhancement and closing of knots in 3d/3d correspondence
Authors: Gang Dongmin , Yonekura Kazuya 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWe revisit Dimofte-Gaiotto-Gukov’s construction of 3d gauge theories associated to 3-manifolds with a torus boundary. After clarifying their construction from a viewpoint of compactification of a 6d$$ \mathcal{N}=\left(2,0\right) $$N=20theory ofA1-type on a 3-manifold, we propose a topological criterion for SU(2)/SO(3) flavor symmetry enhancement for theu(1) symmetry in the theory associated to a torus boundary, which is expected from the 6d viewpoint. Base on the understanding of symmetry enhancement, we generalize the construction to closed 3-manifolds by identifying the gauge theory counterpart of Dehn filling operation. The generalized construction predicts infinitely many 3d dualities from surgery calculus in knot theory. Moreover, by using the symmetry enhancement criterion, we show that theories associated to all hyperboilc twist knots have surprising SU(3) symmetry enhancement which is unexpected from the 6d viewpoint.
Abundance of gut Prevotella at baseline and metabolic response to barley prebiotics
Authors: Sandberg Jonna , Kovatcheva-Datchary Petia , Björck Inger , Bäckhed Fredrik , Nilsson Anne 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Purpose
We previously showed that short-term intervention with barley kernel bread (BKB) improved glucose tolerance. However, glucose tolerance was not improved in a subset of individuals (non-responders) who were characterized by a low Prevotella/Bacteroides ratio. The purpose of the present study was to investigate if the baseline Prevotella/Bacteroides ratio can be used to stratify metabolic responders and non-responders to barley dietary fiber (DF).

Methods
Fecal samples were collected from 99 healthy humans with BMI < 28 kg/m2 between 50 and 70 years old. The abundance of fecal Prevotella and Bacteroides was quantified with 16S rRNA quantitative PCR. 33 subjects were grouped in three groups: subjects with highest Prevotella/Bacteroides ratios, “HP”, n = 12; subjects with lowest Prevotella/Bacteroides ratios, “LP”, n = 13; and subjects with high abundance of both measured bacteria, HPB, n = 8. A 3-day randomized crossover intervention with BKB and white wheat bread (control) was performed. Cardiometabolic test variables were analyzed the next day following a standardized breakfast.

Results
The BKB intervention lowered the blood glucose responses to the breakfast independently of Prevotella/Bacteroides ratios (P < 0.01). However, independently of intervention, the HP group displayed an overall lower insulin response and lower IL-6 concentrations compared with the LP group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the groups HP and HPB showed lower hunger sensations compared to the LP group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
Here we show that the abundance of gut Prevotella and Bacteroides at baseline did not stratify metabolic responders and non-responders to barley DF intervention. However, our results indicate the importance of gut microbiota in host metabolic regulation, further suggesting that higher Prevotella/Bacteroides ratio may be favorable.

ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT02427555
Engineering Escherichia coli to increase triacetic acid lactone (TAL) production using an optimized TAL sensor-reporter system
Authors: Li Ye , Qian Shuai , Dunn Rachel , Cirino Patrick C 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Triacetic acid lactone (TAL) (4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-pyrone) can be upgraded into a variety of higher-value products, and has potential to be developed into a renewable platform chemical through metabolic engineering. We previously developed an endogenous TAL sensor based on the regulatory protein AraC, and applied it to screen 2-pyrone synthase (2-PS) variant libraries in E. coli, resulting in the identification of variants conferring up to 20-fold improved TAL production in liquid culture. In this study, the sensor-reporter system was further optimized and used to further improve TAL production from recombinant E. coli, this time by screening a genomic overexpression library. We identified new and unpredictable gene targets (betT, ompN, and pykA), whose plasmid-based expression improved TAL yield (mg/L/OD595) up to 49% over the control strain. This work further demonstrates the utility of customized transcription factors as molecular reporters in high-throughput engineering of biocatalytic strains.
ShapeShifter: a novel approach for identifying and quantifying stable lariat intronic species in RNAseq data
Authors: Taggart Allison J , Fairbrother William G 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundMost intronic lariats are rapidly turned over after splicing. However, new research suggests that some introns may have additional post‐splicing functions. Current bioinformatics methods used to identify lariats require a sequencing read that traverses the lariat branchpoint. This method provides precise branchpoint sequence and position information, but is limited in its ability to quantify abundance of stabilized lariat species in a given RNAseq sample. Bioinformatic tools are needed to better address these emerging biological questions.MethodsWe used an unsupervised machine learning approach on sequencing reads from publicly available ENCODE data to learn to identify and quantify lariats based on RNAseq read coverage shape.ResultsWe developed ShapeShifter, a novel approach for identifying and quantifying stable lariat species in RNAseq datasets. We learned a characteristic “lariat” curve from ENCODE RNAseq data and were able to estimate abundances for introns based on read coverage. Using this method we discovered new stable introns in these samples that were not represented using the older, branchpoint‐traversing read method.ConclusionsShapeShifter provides a robust approach towards detecting and quantifying stable lariat species.
Acute Spinal Epidural Hematoma as a Complication of Dry Needling: A Case Report
Authors: Berrigan William A. , Whitehair Curtis L. , Zorowitz Richard D. 
Published: July 2018

Dry needling is a procedure commonly performed for the relief of myofascial pain disorders. The procedure is generally well tolerated. Adverse events often are mild, but severe complications have been reported. This case report describes an acute spinal epidural hematoma as a complication of dry needling. It is a reminder to the performing physician or therapist to take specific precautions when placing a needle near the spine. Sudden onset of neuropathic pain after needling therapy in and around the spine should prompt emergency assessment with possibly advanced spine imaging to evaluate the integrity of the spinal cord.Level of EvidenceV
Predictors of Individual Resilience Characteristics Among Individuals Ages 65 and Older in Post-Disaster Settings
Authors: Liddell Jessica , Ferreira Regardt J. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectiveLiterature explores which factors most impact resilience and how these factors impact an individual and communities’ ability to cope with disaster. Less research has focused on how age impacts resilience. This research adapts several previous conceptual models used to investigate resilience. To investigate the unique vulnerabilities faced by older individuals in post-disaster settings, this analysis was undertaken to investigate predictors of individual resilience.MethodsData for the study were derived from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Gulf States Population Survey (GSPS). The final sample included 5,713 adult residents from 4 gulf-coast states. Multiple linear regression was used for the analysis.ResultsAll models (demographic, health, social, and combined) acted as significant predictors of individual resilience. Health and social resilience models accounted for more of the variance in resilience scores. In all models, age was negatively associated with resilience scores. Being female was protective across all models. The results of the model testing indicate inequitable disaster mitigation, with social and health indicators explaining the most variance in the resilience levels.ConclusionThis research provides practitioners with the knowledge they need to focus their interventions on the areas where it is most needed to empower resilient individuals. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:256–264)
REAL WORLD PROBLEMS
Authors: Paul L. A. , Quiggin John 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTIn the real world, there can be constraints on rational decision-making: there can be limitations on what I can know and on what you can know. There can also be constraints on my ability to deliberate or on your ability to deliberate. It is useful to know what the norms of rational deliberation should be in ideal contexts, for fully informed agents, in an ideal world. But it is also useful to know what the norms of rational deliberation should be in the actual world, in non-ideal contexts, for imperfectly informed agents, especially for big, life-changing decisions. That is, we want to know how to deliberate as best we can, given the real-world limitations on what we can know, and given real-world limitations on how we are able to deliberate. In this paper, our concern is with the norms of rational deliberation in certain, important, non-ideal contexts, where the reasoning occurs from the agent's first person, subjective point of view. The norms governing the process of deliberation for real people in the sorts of non-ideal contexts we'll consider need to reflect the way that real agents, with an incomplete grasp on the facts and an imperfect ability to deliberate, can be expected to proceed. Our central contention is that framing and exploring the deliberative process from the first person perspective allows us to uncover and explore important, real-world constraints on boundedly rational agents deliberating from the subjective perspective.
Impact of number of episodes on neurocognitive trajectory in bipolar disorder patients: a 5-year follow-up study
Authors: Sánchez-Morla Eva María , López-Villarreal Ana , Jiménez-López Estela , Aparicio Ana Isabel , Martínez-Vizcaíno Vicente , Roberto Rodriguez-Jimenez , Vieta Eduard , Santos José-Luis 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe neurocognitive trajectory in bipolar disorder (BD) is variable, with controversial findings, and most evidence come from cross-sectional studies. We aimed to examine the course of neurocognitive functioning in a sample of euthymic BD patients in comparison with a control group during a 5-year follow-up.MethodsNinety-nine euthymic bipolar patients and 40 healthy controls were assessed using a comprehensive neurocognitive battery (six neurocognitive domains) at baseline (T1) and then at 5-year follow-up (T2) in a longitudinal study.ResultsNo evidence of a progression in neurocognitive dysfunction was found either in cognitive composite index or in any of the neurocognitive domains for the whole cohort. However, there was a negative correlation between number of manic episodes and hospitalisations due to manic episodes and change in neurocognitive composite index (NCI) during the follow-up. Moreover, patients with higher number of manic and hypomanic episodes have a greater decrease in NCI, working memory and visual memory. History of psychotic symptoms was not related to the trajectory of neurocognitive impairment.ConclusionsOur results suggest that, although the progression of cognitive decline is not a general rule in BD, BD patients who have a greater number of manic or hypomanic episodes may constitute a subgroup characterised by the progression of neurocognitive impairment. Prevention of manic and hypomanic episodes could have a positive impact on the trajectory of cognitive function.
Photometric Observations of Visual Double Stars by the Area Scanning Technique
Authors: Franz Otto G. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractUBV magnitude differences in visual binaries are presented and their accuracy is discussed. Typical observed image profiles of double stars, including sample profiles of Antares, are shown. This contribution will appear jointly with the earlier one (p. 20) in Lowell Obs. Bull., No. 154. The work has been supported by NSF Grant GP-6983.
Plasma beam structure diagnostics in krypton Hall thruster
Authors: Szelecka Agnieszka , Jakubczak Maciej , Kurzyna Jacek 
Published: July 2018

AbstractKrypton Large Impulse Thruster (KLIMT) project was aimed at incremental development and optimization of a 0.5 kW-class plasma Hall Effect Thruster in which, as a propellant, krypton could be used. The final thermally stable version of the thruster (the third one) was tested in the Plasma Propulsion Satellites (PlaNS) laboratory in the Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion (IPPLM) in Warsaw as well as in the European Space Agency (ESA) propulsion laboratory in the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC).During final measurement campaign, a wide spectrum of parameters was tested. The plasma potential, electron temperature, electron concentration, and electron energy probability function in the far-field plume of the thruster were measured with a single cylindrical Langmuir probe. Faraday probes were used for recording local values of ion current. Using several collectors in different locations and moving them on the surface of a sphere, the angular distribution of the expelled particles was reconstructed which was a local measure of beam divergence. Angular distribution of ion flux as measured with a central Faraday probe was parameterized with krypton mass flow rate, voltage, coil current ratio, and the cathode mass flow rate. Beam divergence measurements with Faraday probes as well as plasma parameters derived from Langmuir probe seem to be consistent with our understanding of the operating envelope. Obtained results will serve as a baseline in the design of plasma beam structure diagnostics system for the PlaNS laboratory.
The decline of guilds and their monopoly in English provincial towns, with particular reference to Exeter
Authors: YONEYAMA MASARU 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTThis article examines the decline of the craft guilds in early modern England by way of a case-study of the Tuckers’ Company in Exeter. From the 1980s, this case figured prominently in the historiographical debate concerning guild decline; however, it has not been examined recently. The current study reveals the Tuckers’ Company is not a case of decline in guild membership so much as a case of the loss of guild monopoly and a concomitant transition to charitable functions. On the basis of empirical sources, this study also reveals the mechanisms and context of this transformation in the post-Civil War politics of the city of Exeter. Specific attention is given to first, the decline of royal authority bolstering the guild against the city government and secondly, the shift of power in the guild with the ascendance of the merchant fullers. Finally, the historiographical implications of the article's findings are discussed.
Simulating the Impacts of Irrigation and Dynamic Vegetation Over the North China Plain on Regional Climate
Authors: Wu Liyang , Feng Jinming , Miao Wenhui 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA dynamic irrigation scheme that considers groundwater processes and dynamic vegetation was constructed and incorporated into Noah land surface model with multiparameterization options coupled with the weather research and forecasting model. Multiple experiments (with and without irrigation) were designed to simulate the impacts of irrigation over the North China Plain (NCP) on regional climate. The simulated irrigation rate of the NCP was close to observations, and its interannual variations were clearly associated with dry or wet years. The groundwater table affected by irrigation varied in the NCP irrigated areas during simulation period but declined overall. The irrigation‐induced increases in green vegetation fraction led to increases in transpiration, indicating that the influences of irrigation on latent heat flux should contain the changes of transpiration besides changes of soil evaporation. The modified surface energy budget caused by irrigation affected surface air temperature (SAT), and the spring and summer SAT in the areas with larger irrigation rate decreased significantly by 0.8–1.6 and 1.2–2.6 °C, respectively. The experiment that considered irrigation showed obvious improvement in simulating several key variables (gross primary productivity, green vegetation fraction, sensible heat flux, and summer SAT). In the NCP, irrigation increased water vapor and caused cooling in boundary layer, which had opposing influences on precipitation, resulting in heterogeneous changes in summer precipitation. The changes of precipitation in nonirrigated areas were related to the influences of irrigation on wind fields. The contribution of direct effects of irrigation to blended influences of irrigation and dynamic vegetation on spring (summer) SAT was 70.9% (63.8%).
Skill of Subseasonal Forecasts in Europe: Effect of Bias Correction and Downscaling Using Surface Observations
Authors: Monhart S. , Spirig C. , Bhend J. , Bogner K. , Schär C. , Liniger M. A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractSubseasonal predictions bridge the gap between medium‐range weather forecasts and seasonal climate predictions. This time horizon is of crucial importance for many planning purposes, including energy production and agriculture. The verification of such predictions is normally done for areal averages of upper‐air parameters. Only few studies exist that verify the forecasts for surface parameters with observational stations, although this is crucial for real‐world applications, which often require such predictions at specific surface locations. With this study we provide an extensive station‐based verification of subseasonal forecasts against 1,637 ground based observational time series across Europe. Twenty years of temperature and precipitation reforecasts of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Integrated Forecasting System are used to analyze the period of April 1995 to March 2014. A lead time and seasonally dependent bias correction is performed to correct the daily temperature and precipitation forecasts at all stations individually. Two bias correction techniques are compared, a mean debiasing method and a quantile mapping approach. Commonly used skill scores characterizing different aspects of forecast quality are computed for weekly aggregated forecasts with lead times of 5–32 days. Overall, promising skill is found for temperature in all seasons except spring. Temperature forecasts tend to show higher skill in Northern Europe and in particular around the Baltic Sea, and in winter. Bias correction is shown to be essential in enhancing the forecast skill in all four weeks for most of the stations and for both variables with QM generally performing better.
A Kinetic Difference Between 12C‐ and 13C‐Bound Oxygen Exchange Rates Results in Decoupled δ18O and Δ47 Values of Equilibrating DIC Solutions
Authors: Staudigel Philip T. , Swart Peter K. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAccurate determination of paleotemperatures using carbonate δ18O and Δ47 values rely upon the assumption that the minerals in question formed close to expected isotopic equilibrium with their environment. If there is insufficient time for dissolved carbonate to equilibrate with water between the production of DIC and mineralization, the mineral may preserve a disequilibrated isotopic state. The equilibrium composition and rate of DIC equilibration are related to the temperature, pH, and salinity of the solution, and these have been quantified in previous studies which investigated this via the quantitative precipitation all dissolved carbonate species (∑DIC) as barium carbonate (BaCO3). Here we present a study wherein the equilibration over time of clumped isotopes (Δ47) is investigated at 5, 15, and 25 °C. Results show a significant non–first‐order behavior for this process, which can be explained with a kinetic isotope effect wherein oxygen bound to 12C will exchange more rapidly than oxygen bound to 13C. This difference in equilibration rates is minor, less than 2%; however, it results in Δ47 values paradoxically becoming initially less equilibrated during initial equilibration. The magnitude and direction of this effect is expected to vary depending on the direction from which δ18O values equilibrate, even in circumstances where the initial and final Δ47 values are identical. The implication of this finding is that carbonates which form rapidly can have decoupled δ18O and Δ47 values. This study presents a mathematical framework wherein this behavior can be described accurately to provide a predictive model for describing equilibrating aqueous systems.