bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non-Parametric Evidence of Second-Leg Home Advantage in European Football
Authors: Geenens Gery , Cuddihy Thomas 
Published: December 2017

SummaryIn international football (soccer), two-legged knockout ties, with each team playing at home in one leg and the final outcome decided on aggregate, are common. Many players, managers and followers seem to believe in ‘second-leg home advantage’, i.e. that it is beneficial to play at home on the second leg. A more complex effect than the well-documented usual home advantage, it is more difficult to identify, and previous statistical studies have not proved conclusive about its actuality. As opposed to previous research, the paper addresses the question from a purely non-parametric perspective, which is not based on any particular model specification which could orientate the analysis in one or the other direction. Along the way, the paper reviews the well-known shortcomings of the Wald confidence interval for a proportion, suggests new non-parametric confidence intervals for conditional probability functions, revisits the problems of bias and bandwidth selection when building confidence intervals in non-parametric regression and provides a novel bootstrap-based solution to them. Finally, the new intervals are used when analysing game outcome data for the UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) Champions and Europa Leagues from 2009–2010 to 2014–2015. A slight second-leg home advantage is evidenced.
Do Foreign Experts Increase the Productivity of Domestic Firms?
Authors: Malchow‐Møller Nikolaj , Munch Jakob Roland , Skaksen Jan Rose 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWhile most countries welcome (and some even subsidize) high‐skilled immigrants, there is very limited evidence of their importance for domestic firms. To guide our empirical analysis, we first set up a simple theoretical model to show how foreign experts can affect the productivity and wages of domestic firms. Using matched worker–firm data from Denmark and a matching difference‐in‐differences approach, we then find that firms that hire foreign experts instead of domestic experts become more productive, in the sense that they pay higher wages to high‐skilled co‐workers.
Atheists
Authors: Schiavone Sarah R. , Gervais Will M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAtheists represent an inconspicuous minority, identifiable only by their disbelief in God(s). Despite being highly stigmatized and disliked, until recent scientific endeavors, little has been known about this group including why they don't believe, how many people are atheists, and why they trigger intense reactions. Thus, this paper aims to synthesize what is known about atheists (so far) and to help explain the widespread negative attitudes and prejudice towards atheists; the possible cognitive, motivational, and cultural origins of disbelief; and the unique challenges facing the study of religious disbelievers. To do so, we will explore current findings in psychological research on atheism by considering the complex interactions of cultural learning, motivations, and core cognitive processes. Although significant scientific progress has been made in understanding the factors underlying atheism, there remains much to be explored in the domain of religious disbelief.
Strain‐induced crystallization in rubber: A new measurement technique
Authors: Le Cam Jean‐Benoît 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe crystallinity of stretched crystallizable rubbers is classically investigated using X‐ray diffraction. In this study, we propose a new method based on temperature measurement and quantitative calorimetry to determine rubber crystallinity during mechanical tests. For that purpose, heat power density are first determined from temperature variation measurements and the heat diffusion equation. The increase in temperature due to strain‐induced crystallization is then deduced from the heat power density by subtracting the part due to elastic couplings. The heat capacity, the density, and the enthalpy of fusion are finally used to calculate the crystallinity from the temperature variations due to strain‐induced crystallization. The characterization of the stress–strain relationship and the non‐entropic contributions to rubber elasticity is not required. This alternative crystallinity measurement method is therefore a user‐friendly measurement technique, which is well adapted in most of the mechanical tests carried out with conventional testing machines. It opens numerous perspectives in terms of high speed and full crystallinity field measurements.
Ultrasound findings and associated factors to morbidity in Schistosoma haematobium infection in a highly endemic setting
Authors: Bocanegra García Cristina , Pintar Zeferino , Serres Xavier , Mendioroz Jacobo , Moreno Milagros , Gallego Sara , López Teresa , Soriano‐Arandes Antoni , Aznar Maria Luisa , Sikaleta Nicolau , Gil Eva , Salvador Fernando , Molina Israel 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the usefulness of the WHO classification of ultrasound pathological changes and to establish risk factors for morbidity in a highly endemic setting.MethodsOne hundred and fifty‐seven ultrasounds were performed on school‐aged children previously diagnosed with urinary schistosomiasis in Cubal, Angola. The findings were analysed according to the WHO guidelines. Factors for morbidity were studied.ResultsMean age of the children was 8.7 (SD 3.2) years. Pathological changes were found in 85.3% (84.7% in the bladder, 34.4% the ureter and 6.3% kidney lesions). The global score according to the WHO classification was 5.74. Male gender [OR 2.61 (1.04–6.58); P 0.043] and older age [OR 2.96 (1.17–7.46); P 0.023] were associated with a higher risk of developing any kind of urinary abnormality. Proteinuria was present in 61.7% of the children. Macroscopic haematuria [OR 2.48 (1.11–5.58); P = 0.02)] and a high level of proteinuria > 300 mg/dl [OR 5.70 (2.17–14.94); P 300 mg/dl)] were associated with abnormalities of the upper urinary tract and showed good positive and negative predictive values for the detection of pathology in the upper urinary tract (65.5% and 71.1%, respectively).ConclusionsSevere urinary tract pathology was found in a high percentage of the children in our setting. Microhaematuria and proteinuria were good markers of morbidity, proteinuria being more precise for severe alterations of the upper urinary tract. We suggest initial and evolutive ultrasound in children diagnosed with schistosomiasis, and close monitoring including periodic controls. As schistosomiasis control efforts are currently focused on reducing morbidity, tests that detect the presence or degree of morbidity are essential for targeting treatment and tracking the progress of control campaigns.
OsOFP19 modulates plant architecture by integrating the cell division pattern and brassinosteroid signaling
Authors: Yang Chao , Ma Yamei , He Yong , Tian Zhihong , Li Jianxiong 
Published: December 2017

SummaryCharacterization of OVATE family proteins (OFPs) has revealed that they exert functions by interacting with different types of transcription factor. However, the molecular bases of these processes are poorly understood. Here, we report that OsOFP19 negatively modulates brassinosteroid (BR) response and integrates it with the cell division pattern to affect plant architecture, including grain shape, through interaction with both DWARF AND LOW‐TILLERING (DLT) and Oryza sativa homeobox1 (OSH1). Overexpression of OsOFP19 caused a semi‐dwarf stature with thicker leaves and stronger culms and roots, which result from an increase in cell layers in the sub‐epidermal tissue. Further studies revealed that OsOFP19 interacts with OSH1, and that this interaction mutually enhances the transcriptional activity of these proteins and leads to a transition from anticlinal to periclinal cell division. Furthermore, DLT interacts with both OsOFP19 and OSH1 and acts as an antagonist in the two interactions. Therefore, OsOFP19, OSH1 and DLT form a functional complex which plays a pivotal role in modulating BR signaling and determining the cell division pattern during plant growth and development.
The relationship between trade openness and economic growth: Some new insights on the openness measurement issue
Authors: Huchet‐Bourdon Marilyne , Le Mouël Chantal , Vijil Mariana 
Published: December 2017

AbstractEmpirical results on the links between trade openness and economic growth often suggest that, in the long run, more outward‐oriented countries register better economic growth. However, a similar level of trade openness can hide different types of trade structures. The aim of this paper was to enrich the way of measuring trade openness taking into account two different dimensions of countries’ integration in world trade: export quality and export variety. Based on the estimation of an endogenous growth model on a panel of 169 countries between 1988 and 2014 using a generalised method of moments estimator, our results confirm that countries exporting higher quality products and new varieties grow more rapidly. More importantly, we find a non‐linear pattern between the export ratio and the quality of the export basket, suggesting that openness to trade may impact growth negatively for countries which are specialised in low‐quality products. A non‐linear relationship between export variety, the export ratio and growth is also found, suggesting that countries increasing their exports will grow more rapidly after reaching a certain degree of the extensive margin of exports.
Safety and feasibility of stereotactic radiotherapy using computed portal radiography for canine intracranial tumors
Authors: Rancilio Nicholas J. , Bentley R. Timothy , Plantenga Jeannie Poulson , Parys Magdalena M. , Crespo Beatriz G. , Moore George E. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractStereotactic radiotherapy is a highly conformal treatment option for intracranial and extracranial malignancies. Stereotactic radiotherapy utilizes specialized equipment specifically designed to avoid normal tissue while delivering ablative treatments with submillimeter precision and accuracy. Linear accelerator based stereotactic radiotherapy incorporates on‐board image guidance utilizing cone beam computed tomography (CT). Many institutions lack the ability to provide image guidance with cone beam CT but delivery of highly conformal treatments with submillimeter precision and accuracy is still feasible. The purpose of this retrospective, pilot study was to describe clinical outcomes for a group of dogs with neurological disease that were treated with an stereotactic radiotherapy technique utilizing intensity modulated radiation therapy, megavoltage computed portal radiography, a bite plate, thermoplastic mold, and mask based positioning system. Twelve dogs with neurological clinical signs were included. The diagnosis of intracranial tumor was made based on advanced imaging (12/12) and confirmed via histopathology (3/12). Twelve courses of stereotactic radiotherapy, utilizing three fractions of 8.0 Gy, were delivered on alternating days. Self‐resolving neurological deterioration was observed in two patients during stereotactic radiotherapy. Neurological progression free interval and median survival time were 273 days (range: 16–692 days) and 361 days (range: 25–862 days). Stereotactic radiotherapy using computed portal radiography may be a safe treatment option for dogs with intracranial tumors.
Non‐target site resistance to flucarbazone, imazamethabenz and pinoxaden is controlled by three linked genes in Avena fatua
Authors: Burns E E , Keith B K , Talbert L E , Dyer W E 
Published: December 2017

SummaryExtensive herbicide usage has led to the evolution of resistant weed populations that cause substantial crop yield losses and increase production costs. The multiple herbicide‐resistant (MHR) Avena fatua populations utilised in this study are resistant to members of all selective herbicide families, across five modes of action, available for A. fatua control in US small grain production, and thus pose significant agronomic and economic threats. Resistance to acetolactate synthase and acetyl‐CoA carboxylase inhibitors is not conferred by known target site mutations, indicating that non‐target site resistance (NTSR) mechanisms are involved. Understanding the inheritance of NTS MHR is of upmost importance for continued agricultural productivity in the face of the rapid increase in resistant weed populations worldwide. As few studies have examined the inheritance of NTSR in autogamous weeds, we investigated the inheritance and genetic control of NTSR in the highly autogamous, allohexaploid species A. fatua. We found that NTSR in MHRA. fatua is controlled by three separate, closely‐linked nuclear genes for flucarbazone‐sodium, imazamethabenz‐methyl and pinoxaden. The single‐gene NTSR inheritance patterns reported here contrast with other examples in allogamous species and illustrate the diversity of evolutionary responses to strong selection.
Role, ownership and presence of domestic animals in peri‐urban households of Kisumu, Kenya
Authors: Barnes A. N. , Mumma J. , Cumming O. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryLow‐ and middle‐income countries are experiencing rapid urban population growth, particularly in peri‐urban informal settlements. In these urban areas, animal husbandry remains a valuable source of income and protein‐rich foods but may also present a risk of zoonotic disease threat. To date, there have been studies that have assessed the prevalence and nature of animal ownership in these communities. This cross‐sectional survey assessed the geographical, sociocultural and economic factors behind the presence, ownership and purpose of domestic animals in three informal peri‐urban communities of Kisumu, Kenya. A majority (n = 587) of the study households exhibited domestic animal presence in the living space yet only 32% of households reported animal ownership (n = 252). The purposes of ownership included: for meat/eggs (55%); for income, sale or trade (43%); for milk production (31%); and as companions/pets (31%). Among households that owned animals, 76% reported that at least one animal slept in the house at night. In multivariate logistic regression, the following factors were significantly associated with household animal ownership: ownership of agricultural land (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.12, 3.35), perceiving a strong community bond (OR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.25, 4.16), and household membership in a community group (OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.04, 2.60). This research demonstrates the high prevalence of animal ownership in a low‐income and high‐density peri‐urban neighbourhood of an African city, which may facilitate zoonotic disease transmission. Further research should assess if and to what extent animal ownership in such communities is associated with disease risk.
Molecular and functional characterization of inwardly rectifying K+ currents in murine proximal colon
Authors: Huang Xu , Lee Si Hyung , Lu Hongli , Sanders Kenton M. , Koh Sang Don 
Published: December 2017

Key points
Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) from murine colonic muscles express genes encoding inwardly rectifying K+ channels. Transcripts of Kcnj2 (Kir2.1), Kcnj4 (Kir2.3), Kcnj14 (Kir2.4), Kcnj5 (Kir3.4), Kcnj8 (Kir 6.1) and Kcnj11 (Kir6.2) were found in colonic ICC.
A conductance with properties consistent with Kir2 channels was observed in ICC but not in smooth muscle cells (SMC).
Despite expression of gene transcripts, G‐protein gated K+ channel (Kir3) and KATP (Kir6) currents were not resolved in ICC. KATP is a conductance prominent in SMC.
Kir2 antagonist caused depolarization of freshly dispersed ICC and colonic smooth muscles, suggesting that this conductance is active under resting conditions in colonic muscles.
The conclusion of the present study is that ICC express the Ba2+‐sensitive, inwardly rectifying K+ conductance in colonic muscles. This conductance is most probably a result of heterotetramers of Kir2 gene products, with this regulating resting potentials and the excitability of colonic muscles.
AbstractMembrane potentials of gastrointestinal muscles are important because voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels in smooth muscle cells (SMC) provide the Ca2+ that triggers contraction. Regulation of membrane potential is complicated because SMC are electrically coupled to interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and PDGFRα+ cells. Activation of conductances in any of these cells affects the excitability of the syncytium. We explored the role of inward rectifier K+ conductances in colonic ICC that might contribute to regulation of membrane potential. ICC expressed Kcnj2 (Kir2.1), Kcnj4 (Kir2.3), Kcnj14 (Kir2.4), Kcnj5 (Kir3.4), Kcnj8 (Kir 6.1) and Kcnj11 (Kir6.2). Voltage clamp experiments showed activation of inward current when extracellular K+ ([K+]o) was increased. The current was inwardly rectifying and inhibited by Ba2+ (10 μm) and ML‐133 (10 μm). A similar current was not available in SMC. The current activated in ICC by elevated [K+]o was not affected by Tertiapin‐Q. Gβγ, when dialysed into cells, failed to activate a unique, Tertiapin‐Q‐sensitive conductance. Freshly dispersed ICC showed no evidence of functional KATP. Pinacidil failed to activate current and the inward current activated by elevated [K+]o was insensitive to glibenclamide. Under current clamp, ML‐133 caused the depolarization of isolated ICC and also that of cells impaled with microelectrodes in intact muscle strips. These findings show that ICC, when isolated freshly from colonic muscles, expressed a Ba2+‐sensitive, inwardly rectifying K+ conductance. This conductance is most probably a result of the expression of multiple Kir2 family paralogues, and the inwardly rectifying conductance contributes to the regulation of resting potentials and excitability of colonic muscles.
Oil/Water Correlation for PRV (Pressure Relief Valves): Is the Measured Set Pressure the Same on Water Compared to Diesel Fuel, Lubricating Oil, etc.?
Authors: O’Neill Robert J. 
Published: December 2017

In verifying PRV setpoints, it is important to distinguish if there is any differential (±) between the measured SP (Set Pressure) of a PRV when tested on water versus testing on other fluids such as Diesel Fuel or Lubricating Oil. It is also important to recognize the standard test medium used by the PRV industry for liquid service testing is water. SP testing with other fluids involves issues such as possible serious health and safety as well as equipment cross contamination.
Paper published with permission.
Inservice Testing for Small Modular Nuclear Reactor Plants
Authors: McGee Gary P. , Unikewicz Steven M. 
Published: December 2017

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Operation and Maintenance of Nuclear Power Plants, Division 1, “OM Code: Section IST,” defines a post-2000 plant as a nuclear power plant that was issued (or will be issued) its construction permit, or combined license for construction and operation, by the applicable regulatory authority on or following January 1, 2000.
The NuScale advanced small modular reactor plant is passive, pressurize water reactor, designed such that from one (1) to twelve (12) nuclear power plant modules (NPM) can operate within a single Reactor Building. Each NuScale Power Module (NPM) consist of a reactor core, two steam generator tube bundles, and a pressurizer contained within a single reactor vessel, along with the containment vessel that immediately surrounds the reactor vessel and is rated at 160 MWt.
The ASME Operation and Maintenance (OM) Code was written considering single-unit reactor plants, not multi-modular SMRs. The ASME Sub-Committee, New Reactors is developing a new Sub-Section, ISTG to address inservice testing (IST) of valves for all new and advanced reactor types.
This paper reviews the unique aspects and programmatic solutions for preservice testing (PST) and IST specific to the NuScale small modular reactor (SMR). The functional design, qualification provisions and IST program is described. The PST and preservice test period will be discussed as some preservice testing may be completed in the factory prior to shipping the reactor module to the site. Additionally, methods eliminate overlap, redundancy and excessive testing between the preservice testing (PST) and IST program plans will be explored.
The intent of these solutions is to provide reasonable assurance that the ASME BPV Code, Section III Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, non-safety-related and non-ASME valves that have an important function will operate when needed. The program considers both deterministic and risk insights in its evaluation of PST and IST and meets the requirements of the ASME OM Code as endorsed by 10 CFR 50.55a.
Paper published with permission.
Curtiss-Wright Advanced NozzleCheck Valves for Generation III+ Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Mkrtchyan Haykaz , Torosyan Ararat , Apelian Tsolag 
Published: December 2017

Curtiss Wright introduced the first Normally Open NozzleCheck valves to the nuclear power industry nearly 20 years ago. This passive valve design was developed to address reoccurring maintenance and reliability issues often experienced by various check valve types due to low flow conditions. Specifically, premature wear on the hinge pins, bushings and severe seat impact damage had been discovered in several applications while the systems were in steady state operating conditions.
Over the last two decades, Curtiss Wright has continued to improve upon the design of the valve, with the latest generation coming most recently in support of the Westinghouse AP1000 design and similar Generation III+ passive reactor requirements. This entirely new valve is designed with minimal stroke, ensuring quick closure under specified reverse flow conditions which no other check valve design could support. Additionally, features such as first in kind test ports, visual inspection points, and the ability to stroke the valve manually or with system fluid in line have resolved many of the shortcomings of previous inline welded flow check valves.
Most importantly, advanced test based methodologies and models developed by Curtiss Wright, allow for accurate prediction of NozzleCheck valve performance. This paper presents the development of Curtiss Wright’s advanced Normally Open NozzleCheck Valve for Generation III and III+ nuclear reactor designs. The Valve performance was initially determined by using verified and validated computational fluid dynamic (CFD) methods. The results obtained from the CFD model were then compared to the data gathered from a prototype valve that was built and tested to confirm the performance predictions. Curtiss Wright has fully tested and qualified the Normally Open NozzleCheck valve, which is specifically designed for applications that require a high capacity in the forward flow direction and a closure at low flow rates with short stroke to minimize the hydraulic impact on the system.
Paper published with permission.