bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The diagnostic value of FNA biopsy in grading pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Laskiewicz Lisa , Jamshed Sarah , Gong Yuna , Ainechi Sanaz , LaFemina Jennifer , Wang Xiaofei
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

There has been much controversy regarding the accuracy of grading pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) on fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. The objectives of this study were to evaluate whether grading according to the fraction of Ki‐67–positive tumor cells (the Ki‐67 proliferation index) on material from endoscopic ultrasound‐guided FNA biopsies correlated with grading on surgical resection specimens and to evaluate the minimum amount of FNA material needed.

METHODS

A case series of 27 PNETs with FNA biopsies and corresponding surgical resection specimens at the authors’ institution were evaluated. Tumors were graded on FNA and surgical specimens with an evaluation of Ki‐67 index according to 2010 World Health Organization criteria. Chart reviews were conducted to evaluate recurrence or clinical progression in patients who were being managed conservatively with observation.

RESULTS

The evaluation of grading between FNA and tumor resection specimens revealed that 22 of 26 FNA specimens (84.6%) had Ki‐67 results comparable to those in the corresponding surgical resection specimens, thus allowing for accurate grading. Correct FNA diagnosis with the ability to distinguish between grade 1 and 2 tumors had a positive predictive value of 88.9%, with 72.7% sensitivity, 93.3% specificity, and a P value of .00081. In addition, 24 of 26 cases contained less than 2000 cells, of which 20 were correctly graded on FNA material. Seven of 26 FNA samples had less than 1000 cells, of which 6 were correctly graded, including 2 that had only 50 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The current results exhibit good correlation between FNA grade and final grade on surgical resection specimens using Ki‐67 index, even in samples with less than the recommended total cell count. Therefore, grading of PNETs on FNA with the Ki‐67 proliferation index should be assessed and is a practical parameter to report to clinicians. Cancer Cytopathol 2018;126:170‐8. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Multi‐level hp‐finite cell method for embedded interface problems with application in biomechanics
Authors: Elhaddad Mohamed , Zander Nils , Bog Tino , Kudela László , Kollmannsberger Stefan , Kirschke Jan , Baum Thomas , Ruess Martin , Rank Ernst
Published: December 2017

This work presents a numerical discretization technique for solving 3‐dimensional material interface problems involving complex geometry without conforming mesh generation. The finite cell method (FCM), which is a high‐order fictitious domain approach, is used for the numerical approximation of the solution without a boundary‐conforming mesh. Weak discontinuities at material interfaces are resolved by using separate FCM meshes for each material sub‐domain and weakly enforcing the interface conditions between the different meshes. Additionally, a recently developed hierarchical hp‐refinement scheme is used to locally refine the FCM meshes to resolve singularities and local solution features at the interfaces. Thereby, higher convergence rates are achievable for nonsmooth problems. A series of numerical experiments with 2‐ and 3‐dimensional benchmark problems is presented, showing that the proposed hp‐refinement scheme in conjunction with the weak enforcement of the interface conditions leads to a significant improvement of the convergence rates, even in the presence of singularities. Finally, the proposed technique is applied to simulate a vertebra‐implant model. The application showcases the method's potential as an accurate simulation tool for biomechanical problems involving complex geometry, and it demonstrates its flexibility in dealing with different types of geometric description.
Compressive tracking combined with sample weights and adaptive learning factor
Authors: Jin Yong , Li Hong‐ying , Zhang Dan‐dan , Wu Jing , Li Maozhen
Published: December 2017

The compressive tracking algorithm introduces a compressive sensing theory into the target tracking field and produces good real‐time performance. However, the original compressive tracking algorithm ignores the fact that individual samples make different contributions to the target and that the learning factor is an empirical value that remains constant when the template is updated. Therefore, adverse factors (such as noise) and errors can infiltrate into the parametric model during the updating of the model when the object is obscured or receives interference from external factors, which will lead to tracking drift. In view of these problems, the weights of samples are given according to the distance between the sample and the target when training the Naive Bayesian classifier; hence, the stability of the tracking is improved. While the introduction of the Bhattacharyya coefficient is utilized to adjust the learning factor, this can help parameters to self‐adapt effectively. Experimental results show that the improved tracking algorithm has a better adaption to the target appearance variations, illumination changes, occlusion, and so on, and has better robustness than the original algorithm.
An efficient three factor–based authentication scheme in multiserver environment using ECC
Authors: Ali Rifaqat , Pal Arup Kumar
Published: December 2017

Recently, Li et al have developed a smartcard‐based remote user authentication scheme in multiserver environment. They have claimed that their scheme is secured against some possible cryptographic attacks. However, we have analyzed that the scheme of Li et al cannot preserve all the proclaimed security goals, which are given as follows: (1) It is not withstanding password‐guessing, user impersonation, insider, and smartcard theft attacks, and (2) it fails to facilitate user anonymity property. To remedy these above‐mentioned security flaws, we have proposed an efficient three factor–based authentication scheme in a multiserver environment using elliptic curve cryptography. The Burrows‐Abadi‐Needham logic is used to confirm the security validation of our scheme, which ensures that it provides mutual‐authentication and session‐key agreement securely. Then, the random oracle model is also considered to analyze the proposed scheme, and it shows that the backbone parameters, ie, identity, password, biometrics, and the session key, are secure from an adversary. Further, the informal security analysis confirms that the suggested scheme can withstand against some possible mentioned attacks. Later, the Automated Validation of Internet Security Protocols and Applications tool is incorporated to ensure its security against passive and active attacks. Finally, the performance comparison of the scheme is furnished to confirm its enhanced security with other relevant schemes.
The Influence of Acids on Tuning the Pore Size of Mesoporous TiO2 Templated by Non‐Ionic Block Copolymers
Authors: Loreto Stefano , Vanrompay Hans , Mertens Myrjam , Bals Sara , Meynen Vera
Published: December 2017

We show the possibility to tune the pore size of mesoporous TiO2 templated by non‐ionic block copolymers by adding different inorganic acids at well‐chosen concentration. The effect of the inorganic anions on both the TiO2 cluster formation and the non‐ionic block copolymers micelles is investigated to explain the experimental results.
Investigation and optimization of the SND–SBR system for organic matter and ammonium nitrogen removal using the central composite design
Authors: Masoudi Seyed Mohammad Ali , Hedayati Moghaddam Amin , Sargolzaei Javad , Darroudi Abolfazl , Zeynali Vahid
Published: December 2017

Wastewater containing ammonia nitrogen compounds is considered as a harmful material to environment due to eutrophication and toxicity effects; hence, finding practical methods for treating this type of wastewater seems necessary. In this study, performance of two sequencing batch reactors have been assessed for simultaneous nitrification and denitrification in treating synthesized wastewater containing ammonium nitrogen, using leachate obtained from cow dung as the biomass. The leachate obtained from cow dung as the source of bio‐sludge added to the reactors. Experiments were designed according to central composition design and response surface methodology with four operating variables including pH (6, 7.5, 9), cycle time (CT) (4, 12, 20 h),
ratio (5, 10, 15) and carbon source (Sodium acetate:
, Glucose:
). According to statistical analysis, experimental responses were in acceptable agreement with model predictions. CT was the most important operating variable in chemical oxygen demand (COD) and
removal. The maximum percentage of ammonium nitrogen removal was attained at pH 7.5 and CT 21.5 h. The optimum conditions were composed of pH 7.67, CT 19.15 h,
10.95 and sodium acetate as carbon source, while COD,
and total nitrogen removals were 94.96%, 94.93% and 93.60%, respectively. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1638–1646, 2018
Photosynthetic microalgae‐mediated transformation of hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine under initially anaerobic conditions
Authors: Hwang Yun Ho , Yun Seong‐Taek , Lee Seunghak , Kwon Man Jae
Published: December 2017

We examined the potential of photosynthetic microalgae to perform anaerobic transformation of an energetic explosive compound, hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinito‐1,3,5‐triazine (RDX). All species tested, including Microcystis sp., Pediastrum biwae, Nostoc commune, and Scenedesmus obliquus, exhibited the potential for RDX transformation under light and initially anaerobic conditions; 40 µM (∼ 8.9 mg L−1) of RDX decreased to 0∼7 µM within 7 d. The formation and subsequent removal of nitrite and ammonium occurred after RDX transformation in the presence of S. obliquus under light and anaerobic conditions. Significantly more RDX was transformed when incubated with S. obliquus than without microalgae, likely because the cells used RDX and its metabolites as carbon and nitrogen sources. In the absence of microalgae, RDX concentrations decreased by <5%, 40%, and 75% at light intensities of 0, 25, and 50 µmol s−1 m−2, respectively, within 15 d, and nitrite as a byproduct of RDX transformation was detected only under light conditions. This suggested that RDX transformation occurred not only by enzymatic transformation but also through an initial denitration pathway via photodegradation. This study demonstrates that photosynthetic microalgae can transform RDX and its intermediates effectively under light and anaerobic conditions, and suggests that photosynthetic microalgae are a viable option for treating RDX‐contaminated wastewater. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1677–1683, 2018
Physicochemical and sensory qualities of complemenatry meal made from sprouted and unsprouted sorghum, Irish potato and groundnut
Authors: Adegbanke Omolara R. , Dada Toluwase A. , Akinola Stephen A. , Akintuyi Temitope
Published: December 2017

Weaning food was produced from the blends of sprouted and unsprouted sorghum–Irish potato, and groundnut flour. In the developed weaning foods, moisture content ranged from 8.44% to 12.70%, crude protein (7.40%–14.53%) crude ash (1.53%–1.77%), crude fiber (6.65%–6.88%), crude fat (3.31%–3.73%) and carbohydrate content (65.10%–69.15%). Sprouting and protein supplementation with groundnut improved the protein content of the formulated meals with values comparable to commercial sample (cereals). Mineral content reduced with sprouting, whereas the addition of Irish potato and groundnut increased the mineral content. Calcium ranged from 91.00% to 121.33% and potassium (487.33%–956.67%). Sample NSIG2 had the highest potassium. Tannin ranged from 0.11 to 0.64 mg/100 g; phytate (4.98–7.42 mg/100 g); and oxalate (0.36–0.98 mg/100 g). Peak viscosity ranged from 43.08 to 23.57 RVU, trough (41.08–22.50 RVU), breakdown viscosity (61–14), final viscosity (84.33–52.53 RVU), setback viscosity (41.33–89.00 RVU), and peak time (5.07–7.00) in both the sprouted and unsprouted sorghum–irish potato–groundnut flour, respectively. The pasting temperature of the weaning food blends ranged between 87.25 and 89.60°C with SIG0 and NSIG2 having the lowest and highest values, respectively. The study showed that complementary food products formulated from this locally available food commodities is a promising food and has good nutritive value.
Design, Synthesis, and In Vitro Antileishmanial and Antitumor Activities of New Tetrahydroquinolines
Authors: Madkour Hassan Mohamed Fawzy , El‐Hashash Maher Abd El‐Aziz Mahmoud , Salem Marwa Sayed , Mahmoud Al‐Shimaa Omar Ali , Al kahraman Yasser M. S. A.
Published: December 2017

A novel series of tetrahydroquinolines containing acetohydrazide, oxopyrazole, oxothioxodihydropyrazole, and thioxotriazole have been synthesized. Antileishmanial, antitumor, and cytotoxicity activities of synthesized compounds were evaluated in vitro. Antileishmanial activity of the most synthesized compounds showed tremendous activity towards Leishmania major. Most of the test compounds exhibited significant level of tumor inhibition. The tetrahydropyrano[2,3‐b]quinolin‐2‐one 6 and 4‐oxo‐4H‐pyrazol‐3‐yloxytetrahydroquinoline‐3‐carbonitrile derivatives 18 showed 100% tumor inhibition comparable with standard drug vincristine (100% tumor inhibition). Tetrahydroquinolines under investigation showed cytotoxicity with LD50 values in the range 0.56–3.01 μg/mL compared with standard drug MS‐222 with LD50 value of 4.30 μg/mL. The presence of a pyrazole ring markedly improved the activity profiles of tetrahydroquinoline. All newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, and MS.
Sodium chloride inhibits IFN-γ, but not IL-4, production by invariant NKT cells
Authors: Jeong Dongjin , Kim Hye Young , Chung Doo Hyun
Published: December 2017

Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells are a distinct subset of T cells that exert Janus-like functions in vivo by producing IFN-γ and IL-4. Sodium chloride modulates the functions of various immune cells, including conventional CD4+ T cells and macrophages. However, it is not known whether sodium chloride affects iNKT cell function, so we addressed this issue. Sodium chloride inhibited IFN-γ, but not IL-4, production by iNKT cells upon TCR or TCR-independent (IL-12 and IL-18) stimulation in a dose-dependent manner. Consistently, sodium chloride reduced the expression level of tbx21, but not gata-3, in iNKT cells stimulated with TCR engagement or IL-12 + IL-18. Sodium chloride increased phosphorylated p38 expression in iNKT cells and inhibitors of p38, NFAT5, SGK1, and TCF-1 restored IFN-γ production by iNKT cells stimulated with sodium chloride and TCR engagement. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of iNKT cells pretreated with sodium chloride restored antibody-induced joint inflammation to a lesser extent than for untreated iNKT cells in Jα18 knockout mice. These findings suggest that sodium chloride inhibits IFN-γ production by iNKT cells in TCR-dependent and TCR-independent manners, which is dependent on p38, NFAT5, SGK1, and TCF-1. These findings highlight the functional role of sodium chloride in iNKT cell-mediated inflammatory diseases.
Preparation of polystyrene/MWCNT‐Valine composites: Investigation of optical, morphological, thermal, and electrical conductivity properties
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Nezamzadeh Ezhieh Ahmadreza
Published: December 2017

The attempt of this research was to examine the effect of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)‐Valine as efficient fillers on the thermal, optical, and electrical behaviors of polystyrene (PS). To reduce aggregation and obtain uniform spreading of fillers into the PS, at first, MWCNTs' surfaces were modified by Valine amino acid. Then, different contents of MWCNT‐Valine (0.5, 1, and 2 wt%) were added to PS by ultrasonication processes. The field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy results showed a uniform distribution of modified MWCNTs into the matrix. The thermal properties of nanocomposites were improved by increasing nanofiller content. In addition, embedding of MWCNT‐Valine into the PS matrix increased the electrical conductivity of nanocomposites in comparison with pure PS.
Cation Distribution Assisted Tuning of Magnetization in Nanosized Magnesium Ferrite
Authors: Thanh Nguyen Kim , Loan To Thanh , Duong Nguyen Phuc , Anh Luong Ngoc , Nguyet Dao Thi Thuy , Nam Nguyen Huu , Soontaranon Siriwat , Klysubun Wantana , Hien Than Duc
Published: December 2017

The MgFe2O4 nanoparticles are synthesized by combustion method and annealed at different temperatures from 500 to 1000 °C. Magnetic properties, morphology, valence states of iron, crystal structure, and microstructure of the samples are investigated systematically by vibrating sample magnetometer, field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, and synchrotron X‐ray diffraction. Cation distribution is determined from synchrotron X‐ray diffraction data using Rietveld refinement combined with extended X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. The results indicates that all the samples are phase‐pure with crystallite size ranging from 11 to 41 nm. By adjusting the annealing temperature, cation distribution and particle size can be changed, and consequently leading to the change in structure and magnetic properties. The saturation magnetization of the samples are enhanced significantly compared to that of the bulk material. The variation of magnetic properties is discussed based on cation distribution, particle size, valence state, surface effect, and spin canting.
Using agile methods for the development of green and sustainable software: Success factors for GSD vendors
Authors: Rashid Nasir , Khan Siffat Ullah
Published: December 2017

Over the last decade, the use of agile methods has grown dramatically for software development. Agile methods guarantee to accelerate the delivery of remarkable software with increased user satisfaction and reduced cost. However, in recent years, due to the emergence of green software engineering, software developers are compelled to focus more on green and sustainable aspects of software. Green software engineering aims to design, develop, and use the software with confined energy and computing resources. Recently, software engineers in global software development have adapted agile methods for quick, interactive, and environment‐friendly software development.

In this study, we have identified 16 success factors, through systematic literature review (SLR) and applied contrived search criteria derived from the research questions; 80 relevant papers were identified and reviewed. Findings of the SLR study were then empirically validated through questionnaire survey in global software development industry, in which 106 experts from 25 different countries participated.

The findings of our industrial survey are mostly in coherence with the SLR findings. However, there is a difference in ranks of the various success factors across the 2 data sets (SLR and industrial survey).
Scanning Probe Microscopy Applied to Organic–Inorganic Halide Perovskite Materials and Solar Cells
Authors: Hieulle Jeremy , Stecker Collin , Ohmann Robin , Ono Luis K. , Qi Yabing
Published: December 2017

To meet the increasing energy demands of the growing society, environmentally friendly and renewable energy sources are needed. Organic–inorganic halide perovskites are a promising class of materials for building solar cells due to their easy fabrication, flexibility, and bandgap tunability. The highest efficiency achieved with these materials in the lab is comparable to conventional silicon solar cells currently on the market. However, their commercialization is hampered by certain challenges, such as stability, lead toxicity, and reproducibility. Inhomogeneities in the perovskite material at the atomic scale are identified as a possible cause of these issues. To study this further, scanning probe microscopy offer a unique real‐space visualization of the sample topography down to the atomic level. Simultaneously, the sample morphology can be correlated to its electronic, chemical, and optoelectronic properties. Here, the latest studies on organic–inorganic halide perovskites using scanning probe microscopy methods such as atomic force microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, and scanning near field optical microscopy are reviewed. A comparison of each technique and their specific use in the field of perovskite photovoltaics is provided. Particular focus is given to unraveling specific properties that are relevant for a fundamental understanding of perovskite materials and solar cells.
Strengthening Mechanisms in Low Density Fe–26Mn–xAl–1C Steels
Authors: Ding Hua , Li Huaying , Misra R. Devesh Kumar , Wu Zhiqiang , Cai Minghui
Published: December 2017

The authors elucidate here the structure‐mechanical property relationship in Fe–26Mn–xAl–1C steels with different concentration of Al in conjunction with the quantitative assessment of different strengthening mechanisms. Nano‐sized κ carbides contribute significantly to the increase in yield strength of the steel, being ≈1.78 times of the effect of solution hardening by Al.
Different effects of chronic THC on the neuroadaptive response of dopamine D2/3 receptor‐mediated signaling in roman high‐ and roman low‐avoidance rats
Authors: Tournier Benjamin B. , Dimiziani Andrea , Tsartsalis Stergios , Millet Philippe , Ginovart Nathalie
Published: December 2017

The Roman high (RHA)‐ and low (RLA)‐avoidance rat sublines have been identified as an addiction‐prone and addiction‐resistant phenotype based on their high vs. low locomotor responsiveness to novelty and high vs. low ability to develop neurochemical and behavioral sensitization to psychostimulants, respectively. Most studies though have focused on psychostimulants and little is known about the neuroadaptive response of these two lines to cannabinoids. This study investigated the effects of chronic exposure to Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on dopamine D2/3 receptor (D2/3R) availabilities and functional sensitivity in the mesostriatal system of RHA and RLA rats. At baseline, RLA rats exhibited higher densities of mesostriatal D2/3R but lower levels of striatal CB1R mRNA and displayed a lower locomotor response to acute THC as compared to RHAs. Following chronic THC treatment, striking changes in D2/3R signaling were observed in RLA but not in RHA rats, namely an increased availability and functional supersensitivity of striatal D2/3R, as evidenced by a supersensitive psychomotor response to the D2/3R agonist quinpirole. Moreover, in RLA rats, the lower was the locomotor response to acute THC, the higher was the psychomotor response to quinpirole following chronic THC. These results showing a greater neuroadaptive response of RLA vs. RHA rats to chronic THC thus contrast with previous studies showing a resistance to neuroadaptive response of RLAs to psychostimulants, This suggests that, contrasting with their low proneness to psychostimulant drug‐seeking, RLAs may exhibit a heightened proneness to cannabinoid drug‐seeking as compared to RHA rats.
Lithium‐Associated Hypercalcemia: Pathophysiology, Prevalence, Management
Authors: Meehan Adrian D. , Udumyan Ruzan , Kardell Mathias , Landén Mikael , Järhult Johannes , Wallin Göran
Published: December 2017

Background

Lithium‐associated hypercalcemia (LAH) is an ill‐defined endocrinopathy. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of hypercalcemia in a cohort of bipolar patients (BP) with and without concomitant lithium treatment and to study surgical outcomes for lithium‐associated hyperparathyroidism.

Methods

Retrospective data, including laboratory results, surgical outcomes and medications, were collected from 313 BP treated with lithium from two psychiatric outpatient units in central Sweden. In addition, data were collected from 148 BP without lithium and a randomly selected control population of 102 individuals. Logistic regression was used to compare odds of hypercalcemia in these respective populations.

Results

The prevalence of lithium‐associated hypercalcemia was 26%. Mild hypercalcemia was detected in 87 out of 563 study participants. The odds of hypercalcemia were significantly higher in BP with lithium treatment compared with BP unexposed to lithium (adjusted OR 13.45; 95% CI 3.09, 58.55; p = 0.001). No significant difference was detected between BP without lithium and control population (adjusted OR 2.40; 95% CI 0.38, 15.41; p = 0.355). Seven BP with lithium underwent surgery where an average of two parathyroid glands was removed. Parathyroid hyperplasia was present in four patients (57%) at the initial operation. One patient had persistent disease after the initial operation, and six patients had recurrent disease at follow‐up time which was on average 10 years.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of LAH justifies the regular monitoring of calcium homeostasis, particularly in high‐risk groups. If surgery is necessary, bilateral neck exploration should be considered in patients on chronic lithium treatment. Prospective studies are needed.
Writing an effective literature review: Part I: Mapping the gap
Authors: Lingard Lorelei
Published: December 2017

None
Quantitative Assessment and Interpretation of Vaginal Conditions
Authors: Egorov Vladimir , Murphy Miles , Lucente Vincent , van Raalte Heather , Ephrain Sonya , Bhatia Nina , Sarvazyan Noune
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Few means exist to provide quantitative and reproducible assessment of vaginal conditions from biomechanical and functional standpoints.

Aim

To develop a new approach for quantitative biomechanical characterization of the vagina.

Methods

Vaginal tactile imaging (VTI) allows biomechanical assessment of soft tissue and function along the entire length of the anterior, posterior, and lateral vaginal walls. This can be done at rest, with applied vaginal deformation, and with pelvic muscle contraction.

Results

Data were analyzed for 42 subjects with normal pelvic floor support from an observational case-controlled clinical study. The average age was 52 years (range = 26–90 years). We introduced 8 VTI parameters to characterize vaginal conditions: (i) maximum resistance force to insertion (newtons), (ii) insertion work (millijoules), (iii) maximum stress-to-strain ratio (elasticity; kilopascals per millimeter), (iv) maximum pressure at rest (kilopascals), (v) anterior-posterior force at rest (newtons), (vi) left-right force at rest (newtons), (vii) maximum pressure at muscle contraction (kilopascals), and (viii) muscle contraction force (newtons). We observed low to moderate correlation of these parameters with subject age and no correlation with subject weight. 6 of 8 parameters demonstrated a P value less than .05 for 2 subject subsamples divided by age (≤52 vs >52 years), which means 6 VTI parameters change with age.

Conclusions

VTI allows biomechanical and functional characterization of the vaginal conditions that can be used for (i) understanding “normal” vaginal conditions, (ii) quantification of the deviation from normality, (iii) personalized treatment (radiofrequency, laser, or plastic surgery), and (iv) assessment of the applied treatment outcome.
Longitudinal uncoupling of cerebral perfusion, glucose metabolism, and tau deposition in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Leuzy Antoine , Rodriguez‐Vieitez Elena , Saint‐Aubert Laure , Chiotis Konstantinos , Almkvist Ove , Savitcheva Irina , Jonasson My , Lubberink Mark , Wall Anders , Antoni Gunnar , Nordberg Agneta
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Cross‐sectional findings using the tau tracer [18F]THK5317 (THK5317) have shown that [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) data can be approximated using perfusion measures (early‐frame standardized uptake value ratio; ratio of tracer delivery in target to reference regions). In this way, a single PET study can provide both functional and molecular information.

Methods

We included 16 patients with Alzheimer's disease who completed follow‐up THK5317 and FDG studies 17 months after baseline investigations. Linear mixed‐effects models and annual percentage change maps were used to examine longitudinal change.

Results

Limited spatial overlap was observed between areas showing declines in THK5317 perfusion measures and FDG. Minimal overlap was seen between areas showing functional change and those showing increased retention of THK5317.

Discussion

Our findings suggest a spatiotemporal offset between functional changes and tau pathology and a partial uncoupling between perfusion and metabolism, possibly as a function of Alzheimer's disease severity.
EXISTENCE OF TRAVELLING WAVES IN THE FRACTIONAL BURGERS EQUATION
Authors: CHMAJ ADAM
Published: December 2017

We construct travelling waves in the Burgers equation with the fractional Laplacian $(D^{2})^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}}$, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}\in (1/2,1)$. This is done by first constructing odd solutions $u_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}}$ of $uu^{\prime }=K_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}_{1}}\ast u-k_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}_{1}}u+\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}_{2}u^{\prime \prime }$, $u(-\infty )=u_{c}>0$, with $K_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}_{1}}\ast u-k_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}_{1}}u$ nonsingular, and then passing to the limit $\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}_{1},\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}_{2}\rightarrow 0$, to give $K_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}_{1}}\ast u_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}}-k_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}_{1}}u_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}}\rightarrow (D^{2})^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}}u_{0}$ pointwise. The proof relies on operator splitting.
What Descartes Doubted, Berkeley Denied, and Kant Endorsed
Authors: PEARCE KENNETH L.
Published: December 2017

According to Kant, there is some doctrine, which he sometimes calls ‘empirical realism,’ such that it was doubted by Descartes, denied by Berkeley, and endorsed by Kant himself. The primary aim of this paper will be to reconstruct Kant’s own narrative of the historical relationship between Descartes, Berkeley, and himself, in order to identify the doctrine Kant calls ‘empirical realism.’ I argue that the empirical realism that Descartes doubted, Berkeley denied, and Kant endorsed is the doctrine that the concept of extended substance has legitimate application.
The cross-national structure of mental disorders: results from the World Mental Health Surveys
Authors: de Jonge Peter , Wardenaar Klaas J. , Lim Carmen C.W. , Aguilar-Gaxiola Sergio , Alonso Jordi , Andrade Laura Helena , Bunting Brendan , Chatterji Somnath , Ciutan Marius , Gureje Oye , Karam Elie G. , Lee Sing , Medina-Mora Maria Elena , Moskalewicz Jacek , Navarro-Mateu Fernando , Pennell Beth-Ellen , Piazza Marina , Posada-Villa José , Torres Yolanda , Kessler Ronald C. , Scott Kate
Published: December 2017

Background

The patterns of comorbidity among mental disorders have led researchers to model the underlying structure of psychopathology. While studies have suggested a structure including internalizing and externalizing disorders, less is known with regard to the cross-national stability of this model. Moreover, little data are available on the placement of eating disorders, bipolar disorder and psychotic experiences (PEs) in this structure.

Methods

We evaluated the structure of mental disorders with data from the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview, including 15 lifetime mental disorders and six PEs. Respondents (n= 5478–15 499) were included from 10 high-, middle- and lower middle-income countries across the world aged 18 years or older. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were used to evaluate and compare the fit of different factor structures to the lifetime disorder data. Measurement invariance was evaluated with multigroup CFA (MG-CFA).

Results

A second-order model with internalizing and externalizing factors and fear and distress subfactors best described the structure of common mental disorders. MG-CFA showed that this model was stable across countries. Of the uncommon disorders, bipolar disorder and eating disorder were best grouped with the internalizing factor, and PEs with a separate factor.

Conclusions

These results indicate that cross-national patterns of lifetime common mental-disorder comorbidity can be explained with a second-order underlying structure that is stable across countries and can be extended to also cover less common mental disorders.
SAY NO SCORE: A LEXICAL IMPROVISATION AFTER BOB OSTERTAG
Authors: Williams Christopher
Published: December 2017

Music that features the interface of notation and improvisation tends to dwell in liminal regions of musical labour. It thus calls much entrenched musical vocabulary into question. The word score is one such example. What seems like a synonym for notation in everyday parlance turns out to be something quite different on closer inspection – more regulatory, yet at the same time more inclusive. This article explores three different meanings of the word score through the lens of composer-improviser Bob Ostertag's 1990s tetralogySay No More: a cut, an index of a game, and a record kept.Say No Moreconsists of a chain of tape pieces and ensemble pieces in which performers Joey Baron, Mark Dresser, Gerry Hemingway and Phil Minton were put in front of a machine-made mirror of themselves … with wacky lenses that distorted the image into something superhuman. In the performances the musicians tried to keep up with their digital reflection, a task at which they could only fail. Although the notation seems to play a minor role in this dynamic, its usage in the score as a whole offers important lessons on what writing might still have to offer composers in the digital era.
NARRATIVES OF ORIGINALITY IN COMPETITIVE COMPOSITION OPPORTUNITIES FOR ‘EMERGING COMPOSERS’
Authors: Smith Neil Thomas , Thwaites Rachel
Published: December 2017

This article investigates the tension between originality and success for ‘emerging composers’ involved in composition opportunities in the British contemporary classical music scene. It utilises survey responses from 47 new music composers to better understand their experiences of these very public signs of compositional success. Though the narrative of the original artist is still significant, conflicts arise between ‘uniqueness’ and the realities of the composition opportunity. Composers aspire to be original, but are aware that a number of other, more instrumental, factors play a crucial role in being chosen. Despite the continuing importance of opportunities to many composers’ development, there are areas that could be made more transparent to ensure they are benefitting an aesthetically diverse range of artists.
‘IT'S NOT SOMETHING ONE CAN DELIBERATELY SET OUT TO DO’: CHRISTIAN WOLFF IN CONVERSATION
Authors: Gardner James , Fox Christopher
Published: December 2017

In 2002 Christian Wolff was a guest composer at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and during the course of the festival he was interviewed by Christopher Fox and by James Gardner. Fox's interview took place before an audience in the Lawrence Batley Theatre on 25 November; Gardner's interview was recorded in private in the George Hotel, Huddersfield on 27 November, and edited excerpts from that recording were subsequently used in a programme produced by Radio New Zealand. The conversation presented here has been compiled by James Gardner from his transcriptions of the two interviews and presents a wide-ranging discussion of Wolff's musical preoccupations across every phase of his compositional career, from the early piano pieces of the 1950s, to his involvement with indeterminacy in the 1960s, to the political concerns evident in his music after 1970, to the works of the last three decades in which indeterminate and determinate methods of composition are combined.
REMEMBERING RICHARD TOOP (1945–2017)
Authors: Fox Christopher , Campbell Rachel , Attinello Paul , Buckley Daryl , Barrett Richard
Published: December 2017

Since 1975 Richard had been based in Australia, where he taught at the Sydney Conservatorium, but he was born in England, in Chichester, and studied at Hull University. In the late 60s and early 70s he was active as a contemporary music pianist and in the mid-70s became part of the Cologne music scene, working as Stockhausen's Teaching Assistant at the Cologne Staatliche Musikhochschule from 1973 until his move to Australia. But his most significant contribution to new music was as a writer. His 1999 book on the life and work of Ligeti is a superb introduction to the composer's work, and in 2005 it was followed by his book of lectures on Stockhausen, Six Lectures from the Stockhausen Courses Kürten 2002; he also co-edited the collected writings of Ferneyhough with James Boros.
TOWARD INTEGRATION IN THE CONTEXT OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT: THE NEED FOR EVALUATIVE FRAMEWORKS
Authors: van der Wilt Gert Jan , Gerhardus Ansgar , Oortwijn Wija
Published: December 2017

Objectives: A comprehensive health technology assessment (HTA) enables a patient-centered assessment of the effectiveness, economic, ethical, socio-cultural, and legal issues of health technologies that takes context and implementation into account. A question is whether these various pieces of evidence need to be integrated, and if so, how that might be achieved. The objective of our study is to discuss the meaning of integration in the context of HTA and suggest how it may be achieved in a more structured way.

Methods: An analysis of the concept of integration in the context of HTA and a review of approaches that were adopted in the INTEGRATE-HTA project that may support integration.

Results: Current approaches to integration in HTA are mainly methods of commensuration, which are not optimally geared to support public deliberation. In contrast, articulating evaluative frameworks could be an important means of integration which allows for exploring how facts and values can be brought to bear on each other.

Conclusions: Integration is not something that only needs to be addressed at the end, but rather throughout an HTA, right from the start. Integration can be conceived as a matter of accounting for the relevance of empirical evidence in view of a commitment to a set of potentially conflicting values. Various elements of the INTEGRATE-HTA project, such as scoping and the development of logic models, can help to achieve integration in HTA.
The Kennedy–Johnson Tax Cut of 1964, the Defeat of Keynes, and Comprehensive Tax Reform in the United States
Authors: Mozumi Seiichiro
Published: December 2017

In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson, the successor of John F. Kennedy, signed into law the largest tax cut in U.S. history until 1981, the so-called Kennedy–Johnson tax cut. Many scholars have evaluated it as representative Keynesian tax policy; this article focuses on the effort of the Treasury Department, tax experts such as Stanley S. Surrey and Wilbur D. Mills, the chairman of House Committee on Ways and Means, to reform the federal income tax system comprehensively—making it simpler, fairer, and more equitable—and their defeat by the 1964 tax cut. Through the policymaking and legislative process, the Kennedy administration’s Council Economic Advisers defeated the Treasury and Surrey by domesticating Keynes’s ideas on tax policy. Until the 1964 passage of the tax cut, Mills, with his inconsistent action, abandoned the accomplishment of their ideal tax reform.
Integrated Water Resources Management and Collaboration: The Failure of the Klamath River Agreements
Authors: McCool Daniel
Published: December 2017

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is one of the most utilized models in water policy and administration. One of the crucial components in IWRM is collaboration, where multiple stakeholders negotiate solutions. This article explores the role of collaboration in one of the most contentious water conflicts in the nation—the Klamath River. The range of stakeholders is enormous and complex, including Indian tribes, farmers, fishermen, recreationists, environmentalists, advocates of endangered species, two states, and multiple federal agencies. The parties in the Klamath Basin negotiated three settlements to resolve many of the major issues. However, the U.S. Congress failed to approve the settlements in late 2015, effectively ending this long-term effort to resolve these vexing issues through collaborative negotiations. This conflict is analyzed using a multimethod approach, and discusses how the failure of the settlement process can provide insights into the role of collaboration in IWRM, and suggests refinements to the model.
The stress–weight interface in metre
Authors: Ryan Kevin M.
Published: December 2017

Metres are typically classified as being accentual (mapping stress, as in English) or quantitative (mapping weight, as in Sanskrit). This article treats the less well-studied typology of hybrid accentual-quantitative metres, which fall into two classes. In the first, stress and weight map independently onto the same metre, as attested in Latin and Old Norse. In the second, stress and weight interact, such that weight is regulated more strictly for stressed than unstressed syllables, as illustrated here by new analyses of Dravidian and Finno-Ugric metres. In both of these latter cases (as well as in Serbo-Croatian), strictness of weight-mapping is modulated gradiently by stress level.
Polymorphism in Tmem132d regulates expression and anxiety-related behavior through binding of RNA polymerase II complex
Authors: Naik Roshan R. , Sotnikov Sergey V. , Diepold Rebekka P. , Iurato Stella , Markt Patrick O. , Bultmann Andrea , Brehm Nadine , Mattheus Tobias , Lutz Beat , Erhardt Angelika , Binder Elisabeth B. , Schmidt Ulrike , Holsboer Florian , Landgraf Rainer , Czibere Ludwig
Published: December 2017

TMEM132D is a candidate gene, where risk genotypes have been associated with anxiety severity along with higher mRNA expression in the frontal cortex of panic disorder patients. Concurrently, in a high (HAB) and low (LAB) trait anxiety mouse model, Tmem132d was found to show increased expression in the anterior cingulate cortex (aCC) of HAB as compared to LAB mice. To understand the molecular underpinnings underlying the differential expression, we sequenced the gene and found two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter differing between both lines which could explain the observed mRNA expression profiles using gene reporter assays. In addition, there was no difference in basal DNA methylation in the CpG Island that encompasses the HAB vs. LAB Tmem132d promoter region. Furthermore, we found significantly higher binding of RNA polymerase II (POLR2A) to the proximal HAB-specific SNP (rs233264624) than the corresponding LAB locus in an oligonucleotide pull-down assay, suggesting increased transcription. Virus mediated overexpression of Tmem132d in the aCC of C57BL/6 J mice could confirm its role in mediating an anxiogenic phenotype. To model gene–environmental interactions, HAB mice exposed to enriched environment (HAB-EE) responded with decreased anxiety levels but, had enhanced Tmem132d mRNA expression as compared to standard-housed HAB (HAB-SH) mice. While LAB mice subjected to unpredictable chronic mild stress (LAB-UCMS) exhibited higher anxiety levels and had lower mRNA expression compared to standard-housed LAB (LAB-SH) mice. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed significantly higher binding of POLR2A to rs233264624 in HAB-EE, while LAB-UCMS had lower POLR2A binding at this locus, thus explaining the enhanced or attenuated expression of Tmem132d compared to their respective SH controls. To further investigate gene–environment interactions, DNA methylation was assessed using Illumina 450 K BeadChip in 74 panic disorder patients. Significant methylation differences were observed in two CpGs (cg26322591 and cg03283235) located in TMEM132D depending on the number of positive life events supporting the results of an influence of positive environmental cues on regulation of Tmem132d expression in mice.
Assembly of an early-matured japonica (Geng) rice genome, Suijing18, based on PacBio and Illumina sequencing
Authors: Nie Shou-Jun , Liu Yu-Qiang , Wang Chun-Chao , Gao Shi-Wei , Xu Tian-Tian , Liu Qing , Chang Hui-Lin , Chen Yu-Bao , Yan Peng-Cheng , Peng Wei , Zheng Tian-Qing , Xu Jian-Long , Li Zhi-Kang
Published: December 2017

The early-matured japonica (Geng) rice variety, Suijing18 (SJ18), carries multiple elite traits including durable blast resistance, good grain quality, and high yield. Using PacBio SMRT technology, we produced over 25 Gb of long-read sequencing raw data from SJ18 with a coverage of 62×. Using Illumina paired-end whole-genome shotgun sequencing technology, we generated 59 Gb of short-read sequencing data from SJ18 (23.6 Gb from a 200 bp library with a coverage of 59× and 35.4 Gb from an 800 bp library with a coverage of 88×). With these data, we assembled a single SJ18 genome and then generated a set of annotation data. These data sets can be used to test new programs for variation deep mining, and will provide new insights into the genome structure, function, and evolution of SJ18, and will provide essential support for biological research in general.
Sensitive detection of Brilliant Blue using fluorescence resonance energy transfer with YVO4:Eu nanocrystals as donors
Authors: Yu Yongli , Niu Jianli , Li Wei , Liu Haixia , Wang Meng
Published: December 2017

A FRET system was established using YVO4:Eu nanocrystals (NCs) as the energy donors and Brilliant Blue (BB) as the energy acceptor. Based on FRET, fluorimetry was successfully applied to determine BB in juice and candy samples.
Synergistic effects and mechanism of a non-thermal plasma catalysis system in volatile organic compound removal: a review
Authors: Feng Xinxin , Liu Hongxia , He Chi , Shen Zhenxing , Wang Taobo
Published: December 2017

Non-thermal plasma catalysis with high efficiency, high by-product selectivity and superior carbon balance is one of the most promising technologies in the control of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Dopamine functionalization of BaTiO3: an effective strategy for the enhancement of electrical, magnetoelectric and thermal properties of BaTiO3-PVDF-TrFE nanocomposites
Authors: Mayeen Anshida , M. S. Kala , Jayalakshmy M. S. , Thomas Sabu , Rouxel Didier , Philip Jacob , Bhowmik R. N. , Kalarikkal Nandakumar
Published: December 2017

Electro-active polymer–ceramic composites are emerging materials in the fields of nano/macro electronic and microelectromechanical device applications.
Tailoring 2D and 3D molecular sieves structures for polyolefin composites: do all roads lead to remarkable performances?
Authors: Moura H. M. , Gibbons N. L. , Miller S. A. , Pastore H. O.
Published: December 2017

Strategies to tether a Zr-based catalyst to 2D and 3D molecular sieves for olefin polymerizations and their interactions with the surface.
Rainwater harvesting solar pasteurization treatment systems for the provision of an alternative water source in peri-urban informal settlements
Authors: Reyneke Brandon , Cloete Thomas Eugene , Khan Sehaam , Khan Wesaal
Published: December 2017

Solar pasteurization systems are able to reduce microbial contamination in rainwater to within drinking water guidelines and thereby provide households in informal settlements and rural areas with an alternative water source.
Metabolic fate of strawberry polyphenols after chronic intake in healthy older adults
Authors: Sandhu Amandeep K. , Miller Marshall G. , Thangthaeng Nopporn , Scott Tammy M. , Shukitt-Hale Barbara , Edirisinghe Indika , Burton-Freeman Britt
Published: December 2017

Strawberry (poly)phenols produce an array of metabolites, some that persist in plasma while others are acutely enhanced when eaten chronically.
A study on platinum(iv) species containing an estrogen receptor modulator to reverse tamoxifen resistance of breast cancer
Authors: Hu Weiwei , Zhao Jian , Hua Wuyang , Gou Shaohua
Published: December 2017

Dual-action Tam–Pt(iv) complexes increase the accumulation of platinum in ER-positive cancer cells and reverse the resistance of the TamR-MCF-7 cell line.