bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost effectiveness of using cognitive screening tests for detecting dementia and mild cognitive impairment in primary care
Authors: Tong Thaison , Thokala Praveen , McMillan Brian , Ghosh Rob , Brazier John
Published: November 2016

Introduction

We estimated the cost effectiveness of different cognitive screening tests for use by General Practitioners (GPs) to detect cognitive impairment in England.

Methods

A patient‐level cost‐effectiveness model was developed using a simulated cohort that represents the elderly population in England (65 years and older). Each patient was followed over a lifetime period. Data from published sources were used to populate the model. The costs include government funded health and social care, private social care and informal care. Patient health benefit was measured and valued in Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs).

Results

Base‐case analyses found that adopting any of the three cognitive tests (Mini‐Mental State Examination, 6‐Item Cognitive Impairment Test or GPCOG (General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition)) delivered more QALYs for patients over their lifetime and made savings across sectors including healthcare, social care and informal care compared with GP unassisted judgement. The benefits were due to early access to medications. Among the three cognitive tests, adopting the GPCOG was considered the most cost‐effective option with the highest Incremental Net Benefit (INB) at the threshold of £30 000 per QALY from both the National Health Service and Personal Social Service (NHS PSS) perspective (£195 034 per 1000 patients) and the broader perspective that includes private social care and informal care (£196 251 per 1000 patients). Uncertainty was assessed in both deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Our analyses indicate that the use of any of the three cognitive tests could be considered a cost‐effective strategy compared with GP unassisted judgement. The most cost‐effective option in the base‐case was the GPCOG. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Skepticism in the Genomic Era
Authors: Zacharias Rachel L.
Published: November 2016

I joined The Hastings Center this past summer, after graduating from Duke University, where I researched advancements in neuroscience and genomics and their import for law, ethics, and policy. This research required, to an extent, faith in the idea that researchers can identify pathways by which genes combine with epigenetic and environmental factors to affect neuronal activity and influence behaviors. Throughout my first months here, I have puzzled over broad critiques of “genomic hype” in recent literature, which clash with the optimistic rhetoric found in the Human Genome Project and the Precision Medicine Initiative.
Saving Science by Doing Less of It?
Authors: Kaebnick Gregory E.
Published: November 2016

In the current issue of The New Atlantis, Daniel Sarewitz, professor of science and society at Arizona State University, argues that science is broken because it is managed and judged by scientists themselves, operating under Vannevar Bush's famous 1945 declaration that scientific progress depends on the “free play of free intellects … dictated by their curiosity.” With that scientific agenda, society ends up with a lot of unnecessary, uncoordinated, and unproductive research. To save science, holds Sarewitz, we need to put it in the hands of people who are looking for practical solutions to specific problems. In one article in this issue of the Hastings Center Report (November‐December 2016), Kirstin Borgerson poses a question in this same conceptual space: are there too many clinical trials?

Other pieces in the issue cover a mix of topics: the lead article addresses some of the challenges that will have to be faced as “artificial organs” become available, a third article looks at how crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe can be used to make public appeals for medical funding, and a special report found in a supplement to the issue offers a round of analysis and recommendations about the provision of medical care to professional football players.
International Perspectives on Physician Assistance in Dying
Authors: Orentlicher David
Published: November 2016

When the Supreme Court of Canada recognized a constitutional right to “medical assistance in dying” last year—and the nation's Parliament enacted legislation to implement the right earlier this year—Canadian lawmakers could look to two different models for guidance. The Netherlands and Belgium recognize a broad right to assistance in dying, while Oregon and elsewhere in the United States have a narrow right. In some ways, assistance in dying in Canada follows the Dutch‐Belgian approach, while, in other ways, it seems more American. Two societal factors seem relevant to the different approaches: the role that religion plays in people's lives and the trust that people place in their governments and health care systems. As other governments consider legalizing assistance in dying, an important question is whether some restrictions on the right are particularly critical. The experience to date suggests that requiring patients to be terminally ill has provided the best protection against misuse.
Military Genitourinary Trauma: Policies, Implications, and Ethics
Authors: Dean Wendy K. , Caplan Arthur L. , Parent Brendan
Published: November 2016

The men and women who serve in the armed forces, in the words of Major General Joseph Caravalho, “sign a blank check, co‐signed by their families, payable to the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines, up to and including their lives.” It is human nature to consider such a pact in polarized terms; the pact concludes in either a celebratory homecoming or funereal mourning. But in reality, surviving catastrophic injury may incur the greatest debt. The small but real possibility of losing the ability to bear biological children due to genitourinary combat injury has been a topic of discussion in hushed tones, behind closed doors. But as policy changes move the conversation into the open, we must be fully aware of the far‐reaching and long‐term impacts of decisions on those who have sustained genitourinary injury. In January 2016, Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter outlined a set of reforms that would improve the quality of life for military families by recognizing the importance of maintaining fertility, even in the face of severe injury. This first promising step could build a solid foundation of insuring fertility preservation for wounded service members with genitourinary injury, and it could set a precedent beyond the military for insuring treatment for people who have lost their reproductive capacity. Thus, the ethical challenges raised by the new policy require careful analysis.
Tactile stimulation during different developmental periods modifies hippocampal BDNF and GR, affecting memory and behavior in adult rats
Authors: Antoniazzi Caren T. D. , Metz Vinícia G. , Roversi Karine , Freitas Daniele L. , Vey Luciana T. , Dias Verônica T. , Segat Hecson J. , Duarte Marta M. M. F. , Burger Marilise E.
Published: November 2016

Recent studies have shown that tactile stimulation (TS) in pups is able to prevent and/or minimize fear, anxiety behaviors, and addiction to psychostimulant drugs in adult rats. In these studies, animals have been exposed to handling from postnatal day (PND) 1–21. This study was designed to precisely establish which period of preweaning development has a greater influence of TS on neuronal development. After birth, male pups were exposed to TS from PND1–7, PND8–14, and PND15–21. In adulthood, the different periods of postnatal TS were assessed through behavioral, biochemical, and molecular assessments. Animals that received TS from PND8‐14 showed lower anxiety‐like symptoms, as observed by decreased anxiety index in elevated plus maze. This same TS period was able to improve rats' working memory by increasing the percentage of alternation rate in Y‐maze, and induce better ability to cope with stressful situations, as showed in the defensive burying test by a reduced time of burying behavior. On the other hand, animals receiving TS in the first week of life showed longest cumulative burying time, which is directly related to increased anxiety‐like behavior. Moreover, TS from PND8‐14 showed lower corticosterone levels and better oxidative status, as observed by decreased lipid peroxidation and increased catalase activity in the hippocampus. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) immunocontent was increased in the hippocampus of animals receiving TS from PND8‐14, while glucocorticoid receptors immunocontent was decreased in both TS1‐7 and TS15‐21, but not TS8‐14. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to show TS can be more efficient if applied over a focused period of neonatal development (PND8‐14) and this beneficial influence can be reflected on reduced emotionality and increased ability to address stressful situations in adulthood. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Superparamagnetic nanoparticle‐enhanced MRI of Alzheimer's disease plaques and activated microglia in 3X transgenic mouse brains: Contrast optimization
Authors: Tafoya Marissa A. , Madi Saaussan , Sillerud Laurel O.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To optimize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of antibody‐conjugated superparamagnetic nanoparticles for detecting amyloid‐β plaques and activated microglia in a 3X transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Materials and Methods

Ten 3X Tg mice were fed either chow or chow containing 100 ppm resveratrol. Four brains, selected from animals injected with either anti‐amyloid targeted superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, or anti‐Iba‐1‐conjugated FePt‐nanoparticles, were excised, fixed with formalin, and placed in Fomblin for ex vivo MRI (11.7T) using multislice‐multiecho, multiple gradient echo, rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement, and susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI). Aβ plaques and areas of neuroinflammation appeared as hypointense regions whose number, location, and Z‐score were measured as a function of sequence type and echo time.

Results

The MR contrast was due to the shortening of the transverse relaxation time of the plaque‐adjacent tissue water. A theoretical analysis of this effect showed that the echo time was the primary determinant of plaque contrast and was used to optimize Z‐scores. The Z‐scores of the detected lesions varied from 21 to 34 as the echo times varied from 4 to 25 msec, with SWI providing the highest Z‐score and number of detected lesions. Computation of the entire plaque and activated microglial distributions in 3D showed that resveratrol treatment led to a reduction of ∼24‐fold of Aβ plaque density and ∼4‐fold in microglial activation.

Conclusion

Optimized MRI of antibody‐conjugated superparamagnetic nanoparticles served to reveal the 3D distributions of both Aβ plaques and activated microglia and to measure the effects of drug treatments in this 3X Tg model.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:574–588
The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Kohli Preeti , Naik Akash N. , Harruff E. Emily , Nguyen Shaun A. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Soler Zachary M.
Published: November 2016

Objectives

Many studies have reported that olfactory dysfunction frequently occurs in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) populations; however, the prevalence and degree of olfactory loss has not been systematically studied. The aims of this study were to use combined data to report the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction and to calculate weighted averages of olfactory test scores in CRS patients.

Data Sources

A search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus, following the methods of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis guidelines.

Review Methods

Studies reporting the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction using objective measures or olfactory test scores using validated scales were included.

Results

A total of 47 articles were included in a systematic review and 35 in the pooled data analysis. The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in chronic rhinosinusitis was found to be 30.0% using the Brief Smell Identification Test, 67.0% using the 40‐item Smell Identification Test, and 78.2% using the total Sniffin' Sticks score. Weighted averages ± standard deviation of olfactory test scores were 25.96 ± 7.11 using the 40‐item Smell Identification Test, 8.60 ± 2.81 using the Brief Smell Identification Test, 21.96 ± 8.88 using total Sniffin' Sticks score, 5.65 ± 1.51 using Sniffin' Sticks–Threshold, 9.21 ± 4.63 using Sniffin' Sticks–Discrimination, 9.47 ± 3.92 using Sniffin' Sticks–Identification, and 8.90 ± 5.14 using the Questionnaire for Olfactory Disorders–Negative Statements.

Conclusions

In CRS populations, a significant percentage of patients experience olfactory dysfunction, and mean olfactory scores are within the dysosmic range.

Laryngoscope, 2016 127:309–320, 2017
Caloric testing in patients with heavy or light cupula of the lateral semicircular canal
Authors: Ichijo Hiroaki
Published: November 2016

Objective

To clarify whether the dysfunction of the lateral semicircular canal remain or not in patients with heavy or light cupula.

Study Design

Prospective case series.

Methods

The subjects were 19 patients with heavy cupula (3 males, 16 females; mean age, 62.8 years) and 14 patients with light cupula (5 males, 9 females; mean age, 63 years). Caloric testing (iced water) was carried out after complete disappearance of positional nystagmus. We measured maximum slow‐phase velocity and calculated asymmetry.

Results

In heavy cupula group, no one revealed canal paresis (CP) and 4 patients (21%) showed inverse CP (affected ear response is greater than healthy ear response). In light cupula group, 3 patients (21%) revealed CP.

Conclusions

Dysfunction of the lateral semicircular canal does not always remain in either heavy cupula or light cupula. The caloric response increases in some cases with heavy cupula. We can explain this phenomenon based on the hydrostatic pressure theory involved in ossicles.

Level of Evidence

4.
Development of a voice disorder work productivity inventory utilizing cognitive interviewing technique
Authors: Giliberto John Paul , Zhu Qiubei , Meyer Tanya K.
Published: November 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

Voice disorders have been shown to impair workplace productivity primarily by reduced efficiency while at work (presenteeism) versus increased days missed (absenteeism). Work productivity measures such as the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) Questionnaire or the World Health Organization Health ‐ Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ) can be customized to a specific disease but do not fully capture impaired work productivity associated with voice disorders. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel questionnaire to evaluate work productivity in patients with voice disorders.

Study Design

Descriptive

Methods

At a tertiary medical center, patients with gainful employment and with chronic voice disorders were given the WPAI, HPQ, and 20 voice‐related statements (VRS‐20). Cognitive interviews were conducted and recorded with all patients.

Results

Ten patients (7 females, 3 males) completed the questionnaires and subsequent cognitive interviews. One patient had spasmodic dysphonia, 6 had benign vocal fold lesions, and 3 had vocal fold motion disorders. The median VHI‐10 was 18 (9‐40). Themes that emerged during interviews include: avoiding oral communication/telephone, use of voice associated with strain/fatigue, frustration and stress at work, and workplace integrity. Conclusions: In cognitive interviews, participants felt the VRS‐20 captured the impact of their voice disorder at work better than the WPAI and HPQ. Participants also felt some statements were more important than others.

Level of Evidence

5.
Immunosuppression in pediatric liver transplant recipients: Unique aspects
Authors: Miloh Tamir , Barton Andrea , Wheeler Justin , Pham Yen , Hewitt Winston , Keegan Tara , Sanchez Christine , Bulut Pinar , Goss John
Published: November 2016

Pediatric liver transplantation has experienced improved outcomes over the last 50 years. This can be attributed in part to establishing optimal use of immunosuppressive agents to achieve a balance between minimizing the risks of allograft rejection and infection. The management of immunosuppression in children is generally more complex and can be challenging when compared with the use of these agents in adult liver transplant patients. Physiologic differences in children alter the pharmacokinetics of immunosuppressive agents, which affects absorption, distribution, metabolism, and drug excretion. Children also have a longer expected period of exposure to immunosuppression, which can impact growth, risk of infection (bacterial, viral, and fungal), carcinogenesis, and likelihood of nonadherence. This review discusses immunosuppressive options for pediatric liver transplant recipients and the unique issues that must be addressed when managing this population. Further advances in the field of tolerance and accommodation are needed to relieve the acute and cumulative burden of chronic immunosuppression in children. Liver Transplantation 23 244–256 2017 AASLD
Eosinophilic fasciitis with subjacent myositis
Authors: Whitlock Julia B. , Dimberg Elliot L. , Selcen Duygu , Rubin Devon I.
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is a rare disorder that can present with muscle symptoms that mimic other neuromuscular diseases.

Methods

We report the case of a 43‐year‐old woman with chronic muscle aches, tightness, and stiffness with hypertrophied, well‐defined muscles despite physical inactivity, and thickened skin with reduced elasticity and discoloration.

Results

Except for mild peripheral eosinophilia, laboratory studies, including blood count, electrolytes, paraneoplastic panel, muscle enzymes, thyroid function, and serum protein electrophoresis, were normal. Nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging of the thighs demonstrated superficial and deep fascial thickening with T2 hyperintensity and post‐gadolinium enhancement. Fascial and muscle biopsy demonstrated an inflammatory exudate in the perimysium and endomysium with fragmented perimysial connective tissue and thickened, inflamed fascia. EF was diagnosed. The patient was treated with methotrexate and prednisone followed by improvement of muscle stiffness and tightness.

Conclusion

EF should be considered when patients present with muscle pain or enlarged muscles. Muscle Nerve 56: 525–529, 2017
Reduced‐size formulations for metric and cut polyhedra in sparse graphs
Authors: Nguyen Viet Hung , Minoux Michel , Nguyen Dang Phuong
Published: November 2016

Given a graph
with
and
, we consider the metric cone
and the metric polytope
defined on
. These polyhedra are relaxations of several important problems in combinatorial optimization such as the max‐cut problem and the multicommodity flow problem. They are known to have non‐compact formulations via the cycle inequalities in the original space
and compact (i.e., polynomial size) extended formulations via the triangle inequalities defined on the complete graph
. In this article, we show that one can reduce the number of triangle inequalities to
and still have extended formulations for
and
. This is particularly interesting for sparse graphs when
, since formulations of size
variables and constraints are thus obtained. Moreover, the possibility of achieving further reduction in size for special classes of sparse graphs is investigated; it is shown that for the case of series‐parallel graphs, for which the max‐cut problem can be solved in linear time (Barahona, Discr Appl Math 13 (1986), 23–26), one can refine the above reduction to obtain extended formulations for
and
featuring
variables and constraints. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 69(1), 142–150 2017
Visceral leishmaniasis in two patients with IL‐12p40 and IL‐12Rβ1 deficiencies
Authors: Parvaneh Nima , Barlogis Vincent , Alborzi Abdolvahab , Deswarte Caroline , Boisson‐Dupuis Stéphanie , Migaud Mélanie , Farnaria Catherine , Markle Janet , Parvaneh Leila , Casanova Jean‐Laurent , Bustamante Jacinta
Published: November 2016

Mutations of the IL12B and IL12RB1 genes underlie the development of IL‐12 p40 and IL‐12Rβ1 deficiencies, respectively, both of which cause predisposition to infection with weakly virulent mycobacteria and Salmonella. Infections with other intramacrophagic organisms have only been rarely observed. We identified two patients with visceral leishmaniasis who had autosomal recessive IL‐12 p40 and IL‐12Rβ1 deficiencies, respectively. This finding demonstrates the importance of IFN‐γ immunity in the control of leishmaniasis. We also searched the literature for similar reports in patients with these and other primary immunodeficiencies.
Synthesis and characterization of ferrocene containing block copolymers
Authors: Chernyy Sergey , Wang Zhongli , Kirkensgaard Jacob Judas Kain , Bakke Anders , Mortensen Kell , Ndoni Sokol , Almdal Kristoffer
Published: November 2016

Narrowly dispersed diblock copolymers containing poly(methyl methacrylate) [PMMA] or poly(nonafluorohexyl methacrylate) [PF9MA] as the first block and poly(ferrocenylmethyl methacrylate) [PFMMA] as the second block, were prepared by anionic polymerization for the first time. Disordered bulk morphologies in the case of PMMA‐b‐PFMMA were observed and explained in terms of low Flory–Huggins interaction parameter (χ ≤ 0.04). In the case of PF9MA‐b‐PFMMA hexagonally packed cylinder morphology (HEX) was substantiated from TEM and SAXS observations. Furthermore, high incompatibility between PF9MA and PFMMA blocks allowed for the formation of well‐ordered ferrocene containing cylinders on silica substrate upon exposure of the thin films to a saturated solvent vapor. It was shown that the cylinder orientation, parallel or perpendicular to the surface, could easily be controlled by appropriate choice of the solvent and without the need for preliminary surface modification, for example by means of grafted brush layer. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 495–503
Dimensional instabilities of polyester and polyolefin films as origin of delamination in laminated multilayer
Authors: Dubelley Florence , Planes Emilie , Bas Corine , Pons Emmanuelle , Yrieix Bernard , Flandin Lionel
Published: November 2016

Polymer–metal multilayer films provide attractive barrier properties to air and water, provided by several films bonded together. Used in high temperature and humidity, the delamination is the most common degradation mechanism. This mode of failure is critical because it leads to premature loss of barrier properties. Therefore, delaminations limit the use of multilayer in these conditions. Delamination should result from interfacial shear stress, and plausibly from difference of shrinkage of the films, due to relaxation of internal stress. A method was developed for measuring the deformations of each individual film. The measurements indicate that the shrinkage is anisotropic and controls the decohesion in the multilayer. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 309–319
On the Mechanism of Efficiency of Lead Azide
Authors: Khasainov Boris , Comet Marc , Veyssiere Bernard , Spitzer Denis
Published: November 2016

The mechanism of superior efficiency of lead azide (LA) in comparison with mercury fulminate (MF) is not understood. Indeed, both primary explosives have quite close detonation velocities and result in a large amount of condensed lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg), respectively. We explore an idea that the high efficiency of LA is due to the fact that the boiling point of lead markedly exceeds that of Hg. Then the products of LA in the detonation reaction zone could contain liquid Pb droplets, while MF products are gaseous. These lead droplets could violently impact the acceptor charge and favor its initiation. The plate dent studies of high explosives (HE) heavily loaded by metal particles provide an indirect support to the proposed mechanism. To check this hypothesis we numerically studied the donor/acceptor problem, where the donor is made of HE loaded with the inert metal particles. Pressure, velocity, and temperature relaxations of particles are taken into account. The model agrees with the experimental effect of metal addition on HE performance. However, the calculations show that the effect of particle penetration into the acceptor is late and weak in comparison with the effect of primary shock induced in the acceptor. Thus, the above hypothesis could not guide the development of green substitutes of LA. Hybrid mixtures of a nanothermite with a high explosive seem to be more promising for this purpose. A simple explanation is proposed for the superior triggering capacity of LA.
Titania–silica mixed oxides investigated with density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Seriani Nicola , Pinilla Carlos , Scandolo Sandro
Published: November 2016

Mixed phases of titania and silica have raised interest for their high activity as photocatalysts and for their optical properties, such as a high refractive index. To rationalize their properties, it is necessary to understand their atomic structure in crystalline and amorphous phases. We have investigated Ti–Si mixed oxide phases by density functional theory and molecular dynamics. A polarizable potential has been developed for and has been employed to sample the configuration space. Mixed phases are metastable with respect to separate and , but they are only slightly higher in energy, and therefore might form under technologically relevant conditions. All Ti–Si mixed oxides considered, regardless of cation coordination, display peaks in IR and Raman spectra in the region of frequencies 880–950, while Ti‐only phases do not, even if titanium is in a tetrahedral coordination. Our calculations thus confirm that these peaks are a signature of Ti–O–Si links, but they do not deliver information on the actual atomic structure of the material. Phases with titanium in a tetrahedral coordination display a higher electronic band gap than phases with titanium in octahedral coordination. This should have important consequences for the photocatalytic activity of mixed oxides of titania and silica.
Multibuilding Block Janus Synthesized by Seed‐Mediated Self‐Assembly for Enhanced Photothermal Effects and Colored Brownian Motion in an Optical Trap
Authors: Sansanaphongpricha Kanokwan , DeSantis Michael C. , Chen Hongwei , Cheng Wei , Sun Kai , Wen Bo , Sun Duxin
Published: November 2016

The asymmetrical features and unique properties of multibuilding block Janus nanostructures (JNSs) provide superior functions for biomedical applications. However, their production process is very challenging. This problem has hampered the progress of JNS research and the exploration of their applications. In this study, an asymmetrical multibuilding block gold/iron oxide JNS has been generated to enhance photothermal effects and display colored Brownian motion in an optical trap. JNS is formed by seed‐mediated self‐assembly of nanoparticle‐loaded thermocleavable micelles, where the hydrophobic backbones of the polymer are disrupted at high temperatures, resulting in secondary self‐assembly and structural rearrangement. The JNS significantly enhances photothermal effects compared to their homogeneous counterpart after near‐infrared (NIR) light irradiation. The asymmetrical distribution of gold and iron oxide within JNS also generates uneven thermophoretic force to display active colored Brownian rotational motion in a single‐beam gradient optical trap. These properties indicate that the asymmetrical JNS could be employed as a strong photothermal therapy mediator and a fuel‐free nanoscale Janus motor under NIR light.
DC–3 GHz low‐noise, flat‐gain‐response, and high‐linearity amplifier
Authors: Yao Yin‐Hua , Fan Tong‐Xiu
Published: November 2016

This paper describes the design, fabrication, and testing of a DC–3 GHz ultra‐wideband low‐noise amplifier (LNA) using Avago ATF‐54143 enhanced‐mode pseudomorphic high‐electron mobility transistor. Negative feedback network is introduced to ensure unconditional stability of the LNA over the full waveband. Simulation results show that the LNA provides a gain varying between 14.872 and 14.052 dB, a noise figure (NF) of less than 2.2 dB, and voltage standing wave ratios (VSWRs) approaching 2. A high simulated output third‐order intercept point (OIP3) of >30.2 dBm is achieved. In contrast, in 1‐dB bandwidth of DC–3 GHz, the measured gain is nominal at 13.10 dB. The obtained NF changes in a small range of 2–2.178 dB, and the measured VSWRs are no more than 1.64, which are better than obtained from simulation results. At the same time, OIP3 at 1, 2, and 3 GHz is 30.3, 29.13, and 29.34 dBm, respectively, while the output at the 1‐dB compression point (P1dB) is 15.43, 14.83, and 14.33 dBm, respectively. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A novel broadband macro‐modeling using piecewise vector fitting
Authors: Zhang Weidong , Xie Shuguo
Published: November 2016

For broadband frequency domain responses of highly dynamical systems, because vector fitting always has low accuracy especially at resonant frequency response points, a new piecewise vector fitting algorithm is proposed. The complete broadband frequency range is divided into a number of sections. Vector fitting is then applied to each section to identify the poles and residues. Through frequency partitioning, the numerical conditioning of the pole and residue identification equations is improved. Then in each section a sub‐macromodel is obtained. Finally, by adding up the sub‐macromodels in each section, a novel broadband macro‐model with high accuracy is obtained for the whole broadband frequency domain. At the same time, to reduce redundant poles, in each section the number of poles is controlled by a predefined fitting error. An illustrative example involving a low‐pass filter is presented for validation of the proposed method. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Thermal conductivity measurement with a free floating molecule detector
Authors: Plöchinger Heinz
Published: November 2016

“Zero‐pressure” elimination with Pirani principle for vacuum measurement and increase of the measurement range limit of thermal gas‐sensors and flow sensors

Measurement of pressure in the medium vacuum range has been done via thermal conductivity. The literature on the Pirani principle has defined a lower range limit — the so‐called “zero pressure” until now [1]. The minimum power needed to hold a sensor up to operating temperature exceeds the useful signal, due to the conductivity of the sensor mounting and the resulting heat loss through the suspension.

The author was able to eliminate the “zero pressure”, thereby expanding the measurement range of Pirani sensors significantly downwards.

Measurement results confirmed an extension of the measurement range of two decades downwards with the coiled Pirani.

Also with other sensors that use thermal conductivity and heatentrainment effects, e.g. gas sensors and sensors for flow measurement, the new principle can be applied and thus lower the lower range limit.
Helmut Landsberg and the evolution of 20th century American climatology: envisioning a climatological renaissance
Authors: Henderson Gabriel D.
Published: November 2016

After World War II, German‐American climatologist Helmut Landsberg sought to realize his war‐time vision for an American ‘climatological renaissance.’ Given the dramatic degradation of European science during the war, he believed that the United States offered the best hope to strengthen and reformulate what he considered to be the stale tradition of conceiving climatology as a geographical discipline. Inhabiting high‐level positions within the American geophysical establishment after the war, his primary goal was to develop the tools and resources to analyze and interpret the overwhelming amounts of data that had been amassed over the centuries while, simultaneously, making climatology relevant to American life. However, there were limits. As someone who had invested his professional life in making climatology a useful discipline, Landsberg grew increasingly concerned that public debates about climate threatened his vision for a climatological renaissance. During the last two decades of his life, he became fixated on maintaining his ideal that climatology was not a glamorous discipline, and objected vehemently to those who sought to counter what he considered to be its true character. WIREs Clim Change 2017, 8:e442. doi: 10.1002/wcc.442

This article is categorized under:

Climate, History, Society, Culture > Thought Leaders
Pectinase production by Aspergillus giganteus in solid-state fermentation: optimization, scale-up, biochemical characterization and its application in olive-oil extraction
Authors: Ortiz Gastón E , Ponce-Mora María C , Noseda Diego G , Cazabat Gabriela , Saravalli Celina , López María C , Gil Guillermo P , Blasco Martín , Albertó Edgardo O
Published: November 2016

The application of pectinases in industrial olive-oil processes is restricted by its production cost. Consequently, new fungal strains able to produce higher pectinase titers are required. The aim of this work was to study the capability of Aspergillus giganteus NRRL10 to produce pectinolytic enzymes by SSF and evaluate the application of these in olive-oil extraction. A. giganteus was selected among 12 strains on the basis of high pectinolytic activity and stability. A mixture composed by wheat bran, orange, and lemon peels was selected as the best substrate for enzyme production. Statistical analyses of the experimental design indicated that pH, temperature, and CaCl2 are the main factors that affect the production. Subsequently, different aeration flows were tested in a tray reactor; the highest activity was achieved at 20 L min−1 per kilogram of dry substrate (kgds). Finally, the pectinolytic enzymes from A. giganteus improved the oil yield and rheological characteristics without affecting oil chemical properties.
Local lithological drivers of post‐fire vegetation recovery and implications for fire‐prone regions
Authors: Torres João , Marques Joana , Alves Paulo , Costa Hermenegildo , Honrado João
Published: November 2016

Local ecosystem resilience to fire disturbance can be influenced by multiple factors, from topography and climate, to fire history and pre‐fire structure of biotic communities. Here we investigated the factors affecting post‐fire recovery of scrub vegetation in areas under Mediterranean climate affected by frequent fires. We hypothesized that, under comparable climatic and topographic conditions, geological factors (with bedrock type as a proxy) would be at least as important as fire history in explaining patterns of post‐fire recovery. We surveyed scrub vegetation in a mountain study area in Portugal, using a stratified random sampling scheme, with fire frequency, time since last fire, and bedrock type (granite vs. schist) as stratifying layers. Based on vegetation and plant community data from 40 plots, we analyzed total species richness and composition, and the relative abundance of functional groups defined on the basis of general (non fire‐specific) life‐history traits. We found that, at a local scale, lithology can override fire history in determining post‐fire recovery. Vegetation plots on granite exhibited a considerable development of tall scrubs and higher values of total species richness. They also hosted higher numbers of animal‐dispersed woody species, of trees and tall scrubs, of woody deciduous species, and of forest, edge and tall scrub species. Differences in the post‐fire development of scrub vegetation and in the functional profile of plant communities highlight the need to consider local geological diversity when establishing priorities for post‐fire active restoration under scenarios of limited resources.
Novel Phospholium‐Type Cationic Surfactants: Synthesis, Aggregation Properties and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Lukáč Miloš , Devínsky Ferdinand , Pisárčik Martin , Papapetropoulou Aspasia , Bukovský Marián , Horváth Branislav
Published: November 2016

A series of novel phospholium amphiphilic compounds with straight alkyl chains with different numbers of carbon atoms (12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) were synthesized. The quaternary phosphorus, phosphonium cation, is incorporated into a five‐membered heterocyclic ring. Their physicochemical properties were investigated by measurements of surface tension, conductivity and dynamic light scattering. The critical micelle concentration (cM), the surface tension value at the cM (γcmc), the surface area at the surface saturation per head group (Acmc), the ionization degree of micelle (α), the free energy of micellization (ΔG°mic), and hydrodynamic diameter (dh) were determined. Antimicrobial activity was tested against bacteria and yeast. The structure–activity relationship was determined.
Currarino Syndrome in a Fetus, Infant, Child, and Adolescent: Spectrum of Clinical Presentations and Imaging Findings
Authors: Caro-Domínguez Pablo , Bass Juan , Hurteau-Miller Julie
Published: November 2016

In 1981, Currarino et al described a triad of findings that consist of partial sacral dysgenesis, presacral mass (anterior meningocele, enteric cyst, or presacral teratoma) and anorectal malformation. Currarino syndrome exhibits variable expressivity and the clinical presentation tends to vary with the age of the subject such as spinal anomaly detected in the fetus, imperforate anus in the newborn, and intractable constipation or neurologic symptoms in the infant and older child. At any age, meningitis can be the presenting symptom and imaging is required for proper investigation. Meningitis, sepsis, urinary tract infections, and, rarely, malignant transformation of a teratoma are serious potential complications. This pictorial review describes the imaging findings, clinical history, surgical interventions, and genetic background in 5 children with this syndrome who presented in our hospital in the interval of 1 year.
Prostate Artery Embolization for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Current Status
Authors: Mirakhur Anirudh , McWilliams Justin P.
Published: November 2016

Prostate artery embolization has garnered much attention as a promising treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. We aim to provide an up-to-date review of this minimally invasive technique, including discussion of potential benefits and technical challenges. Current evidence suggests it is a safe and effective option for patients with medication-refractory urinary obstructive symptoms who are poor surgical candidates or refuse surgical therapy. Larger, randomized studies with long-term follow-up data are needed for this technique to be formally established in the treatment paradigm for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Prevalence of Extracranial venous Narrowing on Magnetic Resonance Venography is Similar in People with Multiple Sclerosis, Their Siblings, and Unrelated Healthy Controls: A Blinded, Case-Control Study
Authors: Martin Nancy , Traboulsee Anthony L. , Machan Lindsay , Klass Darren , Ellchuk Tasha , Zhao Yinshan , Knox Katherine B. , Kopriva David , Lala Shantilal , Nickel Darren , Otani Robert , Perera Warren R. , Rauscher Alexander , Sadovnick A. Dessa , Szkup Peter , Li David K.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The study sought to assess and compare the prevalence of narrowing of the major extracranial veins in subjects with multiple sclerosis and controls, and to assess the sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance venography (MRV) for describing extracranial venous narrowing as it applies to the chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency theory, using catheter venography (CV) as the gold standard.

Methods

The jugular and azygos veins were assessed with time-of-flight MRV in this assessor-blinded, case-control study of subjects with multiple sclerosis, their unaffected siblings, and unrelated controls. The veins were evaluated by diameter and area, and compared with CV. Collateral vessels were also analyzed for maximal diameter, as a potential indicator of compensatory flow.

Results

A high prevalence of extracranial venous narrowing was demonstrated in all study groups, collectively up to 84% by diameter criteria and 90% by area, with no significant difference between the groups when assessed independently ( P = .34 and .63, respectively). There was high interobserver variability in the reporting of vessel narrowing (kappa = 0.32), and poor vessel per vessel correlation between narrowing on MRV and CV (kappa = 0.064). Collateral neck veins demonstrated no convincing difference in maximum size or correlation with jugular narrowing.

Conclusion

There is a high prevalence of narrowing of the major extracranial veins on MRV in all 3 study groups, with no significant difference between them. These findings do not support the chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency theory. Although MRV has shown a high sensitivity for identifying venous narrowing, time-of-flight imaging demonstrates poor interobserver agreement and poor specificity when compared with the gold standard CV.
Actually existing silk roads
Authors: Marsden Magnus
Published: November 2016

This article explores the relevance of the concept of Silk Road for understanding the patterns of trade and exchange between China, Eurasia and the Middle East. It is based on ethnographic fieldwork in the city of Yiwu, in China's Zhejiang Province. Yiwu is a node in the global distribution of Chinese ‘small commodities’ and home to merchants and traders from across Asia and beyond. The article explores the role played by traders from Afghanistan in connecting the city of Yiwu to markets and trading posts in the world beyond. It seeks to bring attention to the diverse types of networks involved in such forms of trade, as well as their emergence and development over the past thirty years.
Radiation reaction induced spiral attractors in ultra-intense colliding laser beams
Authors: Gong Zheng , Hu Ronghao , Shou Yinren , Qiao Bin , Chen Chiaer , Xu Furong , He Xiantu , Yan Xueqing
Published: November 2016

The radiation reaction effects on electron dynamics in counter-propagating circularly polarized laser beams are investigated through the linearization theorem and the results are in great agreement with numeric solutions. For the first time, the properties of fixed points in electron phase-space were analyzed with linear stability theory, showing that center nodes will become attractors if the classical radiation reaction is considered. Electron dynamics are significantly affected by the properties of the fixed points and the electron phase-space densities are found to be increasing exponentially near the attractors. The density growth rates are derived theoretically and further verified by particle-in-cell simulations, which can be detected in experiments to explore the effects of radiation reaction qualitatively. The attractor can also facilitate realizing a series of nanometer-scaled flying electron slices via adjusting the colliding laser frequencies.
The forgotten Calonectria collection: Pouring old wine into new bags
Authors: Lombard L. , Wingfield M.J. , Alfenas A.C. , Crous P.W.
Published: November 2016

The genus Calonectria with its Cylindrocladium asexual morphs has been subject to several taxonomic revisions in the past. These have resulted in the recognition of 116 species, of which all but two species (C. hederae and C. pyrochroa) are supported
by ex-type cultures and supplemented with DNA barcodes. The present study is based on a large collection of unidentified Calonectria isolates that have been collected over a period of 20 years from various substrates worldwide, which has remained unstudied in the basement of the CBS-KNAW
Fungal Biodiversity Centre. Employing a polyphasic approach, the identities of these isolates were resolved and shown to represent many new phylogenetic species. Of these, 24 are newly described, while C. uniseptata is reinstated at species level. We now recognise 141 species that
include some of the most important plant pathogens globally.
The efficiency analysis of high-altitude propeller based on vortex lattice lifting line theory
Authors: Zheng Xue-ke , Wang Xiao-liang , Cheng Zhen-jin , Han Ding
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we proposed a simple approach to analyse the efficiency and propulsive characteristics of the high-altitude propeller in accordance to the Vortex Lattice Lifting line Method (VLM) theory, which is commonly used in preliminary design and parametric studies of propeller propulsion. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method was used to obtain aerofoil aerodynamic data. The optimal pitch angle and propeller blade chord length (along the radial direction) can be calculated using the information from the database. The propeller wake model sees helical slipstreams applied to both lightly and moderately loaded propellers. The proposed method is capable of identifying the optimal efficiency through varying the number of propeller blades, radius and the rotational speed. The relationship between the optimal efficiency and design parameters is then established. This method was verified using CFD calculations.
FOLK ATTRIBUTIONS OF UNDERSTANDING: IS THERE A ROLE FOR EPISTEMIC LUCK?
Authors: Wilkenfeld Daniel A. , Plunkett Dillon , Lombrozo Tania
Published: November 2016

As a strategy for exploring the relationship between understanding and knowledge, we consider whether epistemic luck – which is typically thought to undermine knowledge – undermines understanding. Questions about the etiology of understanding have also been at the heart of recent theoretical debates within epistemology. Kvanvig (2003) put forward the argument that there could be lucky understanding and produced an example that he deemed persuasive. Grimm (2006) responded with a case that, he argued, demonstrated that there could not be lucky understanding. In this paper, we empirically examine how participants' patterns of understanding attributions line up with the predictions of Kvanvig and Grimm. We argue that the data challenge Kvanvig's position. People do not differentiate between knowing-why and understanding-why on the basis of proper etiology: attributions of knowledge and understanding involve comparable (and minimal) roles for epistemic luck. We thus posit that folk knowledge and understanding are etiologically symmetrical.
What difference does it make? Explaining the voting behaviour of Partito Democratico’s electorate and selectorate in 2013
Authors: Martocchia Diodati Nicola , Marino Bruno
Published: November 2016

This article analyses the differences in voting behaviour of the selectorate and electorate of the Italian Partito Democratico (PD) in 2013, particularly focussing on the role played by leadership, ideology, and media in affecting voting decisions. We study the different motivations underlying the decision to vote for the PD in the 2013 Italian general election or for each one of the three candidates to party leadership in the 2013 PD leadership selection race. The empirical analysis uses 2013 Italian National Election Study and 2013 Candidate & Leader Selection data. Results of the analysis show that leadership evaluation has a stronger influence on the selectorate than on the electorate and that the perceived distance between voters and the party on the left-right continuum has a stronger impact on the electorate than on the selectorate. Moreover, the analysis underlines that media are substantially not a relevant factor explaining voting behaviour of PD’s electorate and selectorate. These findings confirm the relevancy of leadership evaluation in intra-party competitions and open a new perspective to study leader selection races.