bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Twin Physics Interpretation of Gravitational Waves
Authors: Backerra Anna C.M.
Published: January 2018

Gravitational waves may originate in two approaching black holes, circling around each other until they merge together. This phenomenon is considered by using twin physics, based upon a complementary mathematical language, after fitting Einstein’s idea about the relationship between time and space into it. According to the description obtained, the two black holes are annihilated as soon as they touch each other; only after a rearrangement of the constituent Heisenberg-units, these being units of potential energy, one new black hole is generated. During this rearrangement, a pair of oppositely charged particles appears, which is considered to be the birth of electromagnetism. This occurs during a period of time which is principally too short to measure, which seems to be the reason for the apparent merging of the black holes. The expectation is that extraordinarily large signals will be repeatedly received, related to a chain of annihilations of black solid particle pairs and subsequent generations of single black solid particles. We suppose that these signals represent gravitational waves.
Vehicle Scheduling Model Based on Data Mining
Authors: Zhang Guohua , Xie Ting , Liu Min , Liu Yang
Published: January 2018

The article presents a shortest-path model of vehicle scheduling, which based on analyzing the application of data mining in vehicle scheduling model by referring research status of data mining and describing logistics distribution process. The article also provides an algorithmic support by making the Dijkstra algorithm of the shortest path model simple and rational.
Investigation of a Pico Turgo Turbine for High-Rise Buildings Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Pettongkam Wichai , Roynarin Wirachai , Intholo Decha
Published: January 2018

Thailand is a rapidly developing country, and many high-rise buildings are being constructed to satisfy the demands of the increasing populace. The country is located in tropical South East Asia, which means it experiences abundant rainfall during the rainy season. The design of a hydropower system from a waterfall is re-invented in this study using rainwater flowing from the rooftop of a high-rise building to drive a Pico Turgo Turbine. In the building under study, the rooftop is restructured to receive and store 57.6 m3 of rainwater, which is allowed to flow down through a designed pipe of 21 m head to a Pico Turgo Turbine of 1 kW capacity. The turbine is fitted with four 10-mm-diameter nozzles that have a 17 angle of attack between the water jets and the buckets, a 430-mm runner diameter, and 21 buckets with a total capacity of 0.007 m3. The power generated by the device is analysed and compared with a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation under certain boundary conditions. The simulations use the k- turbulent flow model. The bucket is designed according to hydrodynamic theory and parameterised using Bezier polynomials. The theoretical calculation yields 1,310 W of electricity, the CFD simulation suggests 1,037 W, and the experimental result gives 950 W. The results are analysed according to the efficiency of output, with the CFD simulation representing 79.21% efficiency whereas the experimental result suggests 72.51% efficiency. The efficiency of the model is also investigated with respect to flow design and recommendations for future optimisation are presented.
Defining Sustainability in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Authors: Bergstrom Ryan D.
Published: January 2018

Because of the normative and subjective nature of the terms sustainability and sustainable development, solutions tend to be applicable for specific regions but not the whole of society. Thus, it is imperative understand better how community stakeholders and decision makers define the concept of sustainability. Not only will greater understanding of such definitions add to our understanding of nature-society relations, but also in certain contexts, this understanding may help to promote realistic and effective decision-making at local levels. The objective of this study was to determine how amenity-driven gateway communities surrounding Yellowstone and Grand Teton National parks define, conceptualize, and perceive sustainability, and if those perceptions varied between time in residence, community of origin, or role within the community. Thirty-five key informant interviews were conducted with decision makers within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to meet the study objectives. Throughout study communities, definitions of sustainability focused on the environment, the economy, and multi-generational thinking, and it is believed that these similarities can be the starting point for communication and collaboration among gateway communities, the long-term sustainability of their individual communities, and the collective resource upon which they all depend, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
(Ne)závislosť na poli: kognitívny štýl či schopnosť?
Authors: Krajčíková Lenka
Published: January 2018

Predkladaný krátky článok pojednáva o testovaní kognitívneho štýlu závislosti/nezávislosti na poli podľa Witkina. Tento kognitívny štýl popísaný v 50. rokoch bol v niekoľkých posledných dekádach vystavený kritike, ktorá sa na jednej strane týka samotnej definície kognitívneho štýlu, na strane druhej i metód, ktoré sú k testovaniu tohto štýlu používané. V práci sa čitateľ dozvie ako o metódach testovania závislosti/nezávislosti na poli tak o kritike tohto konceptu. Hlavným zámerom článku je poskytnúť historický exkurz do testovania kognitívneho štýlu závislosti/nezávislosti na poli pomocou testu k tomu pôvodne určenému (Embedded Figures Test). Čitateľ sa dozvie o nejednoznačnosti použitia testu EFT a pochybnostiach o tom, že skutočne testuje spomínaný kognitívny štýl. Test samotný bude predstavený v novom svetle potenciálne zaujímavého nástoja na testovanie priestorovej kognitívnej schopnosti či všeobecnej inteligencie, čo je však nutné ďalším výskumom objasniť. Presented short paper deals with testing of cognitive style of field dependence/independence by Herman Witkin. This cognitive style described in fifties was wildly criticized in last couple of decades. The criticism was aimed towards the definition of a cognitive style and also towards methods evaluating and testing this so called cognitive style. The paper describes various methods of testing this style and provides brief overview of a criticism of the concept. The main goal of this paper is to provide a historical overview of testing cognitive style of field dependence/independence and to evaluate test created for that purpose (Embedded Figures Test). The reader will find out that EFT is not a completely valid method of testing cognitive style mentioned above and there are some doubts about what this test is really measuring. EFT will be introduced from a slightly different angle, as an interesting method of testing spatial cognitive ability or general intelligence, but these new options of use of EFT require further research.
Recenzia editovanej monografie Psychometric Testing
Authors: Lisá Elena
Published: January 2018

Publikácia Psychometrické testovanie: kritické perspektívy prináša postrehy z praxe od odborníkov z oblasti psychologického testovania. Kapitoly sú písané nielen psychológmi podkutými v teóriách a histórii psychometriky, ale aj odborníkmi s praktickými znalosťami a skúsenosťami. Z tohto dôvodu je čítanie publikácie osviežujúce, inšpiratívne, no zároveň informačne bohaté s dobrým základom.
Parental Bonding Instrument: Recenze metody
Authors: Woznicová Adéla
Published: January 2018

Dotazník je možné využívat za účelem rychlého a pouze orientačního zjištění rodičovské vazby k jedinci, a to i v aplikačních oblastech definovaných distributorem. Je však nutné výsledky zasazovat do celkového vyšetření, tj. používat je například jako základ k dalšímu rozhovoru, a nestavět závěry pouze na výsledcích této metody. Dotazník je vhodný pro využití ve výzkumu.
Jacques Maritain on the Rights of Man and the Common Good
Authors: Scrandis Denis A. ,   The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Published: January 2018

The notion of a properly functioning human nature as a moral standard is a tenet of Western culture and is at the core Western humanism, Christian moral teaching, and natural law theory. Although these traditions recognize that the virtue of justice is exercised by giving one’s neighbor his due, they did not explore a person’s legitimate claims to goods in a modern theory of human rights. Enlightenment thinkers, as materialists and atheists, theorized that human rights are not related to God or human nature but are privileges granted by government. Jacques Maritain (1882–1973) developed theories of natural law and human rights. Maritain’s theory of human rights, employing a Thomistic methodology and founded on God and nature, is applicable to contemporary disputes, such as claims to a right to “same-sex” marriage.
A one-year classroom-randomized trial of mental abacus instruction for first- and second-grade students
Authors: Barner David , Athanasopoulou Angeliki , Chu Junyi , Lewis Molly , Marchand Elisabeth , Schneider Rose , Frank Michael
Published: January 2018

Mental Abacus (MA) is a popular arithmetic technique in which students learn to solve math problems by visualizing a physical abacus structure. Prior studies conducted in Asia have found that MA can lead to exceptional mathematics achievement in highly motivated individuals, and that extensive training over multiple years can also benefit students in standard classroom settings. Here we explored the benefits of shorter-term MA training to typical students in a US school. Specifically, we tested whether MA (1) improves arithmetic performance relative to a standard math curriculum, and (2) leads to changes in spatial working memory, as claimed by several recent reports. To address these questions, we conducted a one-year, classroom-randomized trial of MA instruction. We found that first-graders students struggled to achieve abacus expertise over the course of the year, while second-graders were more successful. Neither age group showed a significant advantage in cognitive abilities or mathematical computation relative to controls, although older children showed some hints of an advantage in learning place-value concepts. Overall, our results suggest caution in the adoption of MA as a short-term educational intervention.
Shizofrenija z začetkom v poznem življenjskem obdobju
Authors: Žmuc Veranič Lea , Grilj Veronika , Bergant Gaber
Published: January 2018

In recent years, late-onset schizophrenia is a subject of controversial debate in the medical profession largely due to difficulties in reaching a consensus on the diagnosis of the disorder. In the present article we try to summarize in one place the scientific resources that were studying this disorder in the past decades and present a comprehensive overview from diagnosis to treatment of this relatively common disorder. Late-onset schizophrenia diﬀers from early-onset schizophrenia in terms of symptoms, treatment, prognosis and pathogenesis, which is in early-onset schizophrenia based mainly on the developmental causes, whereas late-onset schizophrenia is most likely the result of a degenerative process within the central nervous system. Diﬀerential diagnosis of this disorder can be especially challenging and therefore demands additional attention. It is necessary to exclude degenerative diseases, expansive processes, neurological and psychiatric disorders, and ultimately, the abuse of psychoactive substances. Lately, there has been a lot of research done on genetic causes that could explain pathogenesis of the disorder, however, knowledge of the genetic inﬂuence for the establishment of clinical diagnosis is at this moment still inadequate. Thus, a clinical examination of the patient still remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of late-onset schizophrenia. Finally, we highlight the particularities of pharmacotherapy and summarize the current treatment guidelines for late-onset schizophrenia.
Akutno vnetje žolčnika – zgodnja operacija ali poskus konzervativnega zdravljenja?
Authors: Janež Jurij
Published: January 2018

Acute cholecystitis is a common disease, which ofen requires admission to hospital and surgical treatment. Acute cholecystitis is defined as inﬂammation of the gallbladder and usually occurs due to cystic duct obstruction from stones or sludge. It is a relatively common complication of gallstones, but it can also occur without gallstones. A combination of relevant clinical symptoms and ultrasound evidence is required to make a diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. Early surgery is recommended for all patients that are in good physical condition. There is still a debate how to treat high-risk and critically ill patients. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the method of choice for treatment of patients with acute cholecystitis. Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be done within 72 hours from the onset of symptoms.This article presents current guidelines according to the Tokyo guidelines and the World Society of Emergency Surgery guidelines, and at the end, experiences of some clinical trials.
Priporočila za odkrivanje in zdravljenje vazospastičnih motenj (Raynaudovega fenomena)
Authors: Poklukar Janez , Plešivčnik Novljan Martina , Mulej Mija , Hočevar Alojzija , Prešeren Štrukelj Metka , Kozak Matija
Published: January 2018

In the article diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations for the treatment of patients with suspected vasospastic disorders (Raynaud‘s phenomenon) are presented. All recommendations are evaluated according to evidence and general agreement.
Albutrepenonacog alfa (Idelvion®) for the treatment of Italian patients with hemophilia B: a budget impact model
Authors: Pradelli Lorenzo , Villa Sara , Castaman Giancarlo
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND: Enhanced pharmacokinetic profile of albutrepenonacog alfa allows to prolong the interdose period in prophylaxis, maintaining higher trough level, and to reduce dosage needed for bleeding. This improvement could lead to a better efficiency of the hemophilia B treatment.OBJECTIVES: To estimate the impact of this new drug on the Italian National Health System (NHS).METHODS: A model was developed from the NHS perspective to assess the budget impact of treating severe hemophilia B with reimbursed recombinant factor IX over 3 years in Italy. Target population was based on data from the National Registry of Congenital Coagulopathies, which collects data from 54 Hemophilia Treatment Centers. Treatment options were: albutrepenonacog alfa (Idelvion®), eftrenonacog alfa (Alprolix®) and nonacog alfa (BeneFIX®). Annual bleeding rate, dose and infusions needed to treat an episode based on clinical trials data were considered.RESULTS: Mean costs per patient were calculated for prophylaxis and bleeding treatment by age groups. Applying age-specific costs to the expected new pattern of drugs utilization, the impact on the NHS budget was € 6 million of savings cumulated in 3 years. The model results most sensitive to drug dosages. Lower drug consumption in prophylaxis and reduced bleeding rate than the alternatives reduce expenditures. Main limitations of this analysis were the assumptions that all severe patients receive prophylaxis and the lack of consideration of positive effects of hemorrhagic complications reduction (with consequent lower need of physiotherapy/prosthetic substitution).CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of Idelvion® as therapeutic option for hemophilia B is expected to decrease pharmaceutical costs and improve patient’s quality of life due to less frequent infusions.
Cadre institutionnel et pratiques locales de l’aménagement en territoire nordique
Authors: Breton Marie-Pier , Cloutier Geneviève
Published: January 2018

Depuis les débuts de la sédentarisation des communautés inuites du Québec, au coeur duxxesiècle, une pluralité et une diversité d’acteurs sont intervenus en matière d’aménagement et d’habitation. Au fil du temps, la coexistence des référentiels étatique et inuit a généré des singularités spatiales et organisationnelles sur le territoire. Cet article expose, selon trois périodes clés, le dialogue entre les deux référentiels qui fait montre du rapport mouvant entre l’État et les Inuits. Le partage des responsabilités en matière de planification relatif à ces trois périodes distinctes amène une réflexion quant à l’intégration de la culture inuite dans les plus récents aménagements territoriaux. La planification urbaine, la morphogenèse et les pratiques citoyennes explorées dans la municipalité de Kuujjuaq permettent de saisir le dialogue entre le cadre institutionnel et les pratiques locales. L’évolution du décalage entre les référentiels sous forme de compromis attenant à la partialité de la prise en charge locale est constatée.
La percepción de la publicidad entre los inmigrantes latinos. Análisis exploratorio de sus opiniones y de la publicidad gráfica en medios especializados
Authors: López Vázquez Belén , Sebastián Morillas Ana , Villagra García Nuria , Carcelén García Sonia
Published: January 2018

The continuous arrival of citizens from different nationalities to Spain in the last years has supposed a phenomenon of enormous impact in our country. In addition to causing a series of social and economical changes, one of the aspects that has been affected is that of advertising campaigns. This article reflects the results of research carried out among immigrants of Latin origin who live in the Community of Madrid, with the aim of studying their perception of Spanish advertising. This study was developed through qualitative research carried out on eight discussion groups made up of Latin American immigrants segmented by sex, age and amount of time living in the Community of Madrid and whose perceptions about advertising were studied. Apart from the information gathered at the forums, a descriptive study of different graphic campaigns placed in press aimed at Latin American immigrants was done. This was carried out with the idea of finding out which sectors and brands are currently most oriented towards this public as well as analyzing the main characteristics of advertising messages used in their ads. The immigrants interviewed point out the usefulness of informative advertising (with direct reference to price and product characteristics) as it helps them in the process of making purchasing decisions, although they also criticize aspects such as saturation and the use, on occasion, of advertising messages which makes them distrust the offer. They also point out the use of Latin-like characters in the advertisements because it helps them to identify with them as well as the use of specific symbols from their countries (for example, flags) alongside expressions and slang from Latin America. In addition, the use of music, colors, and a happy communication tone are elements which draw their attention. Also, emotional advertising messages (especially in the telephone sector) stand out as they are, on occasion, according to the interviewees, excessively nostalgic which in turn makes them feel bad by reminding them of the families they have left behind in their own countries. One of the most important results obtained from the research was, after comparing the information received from the Spanish campaigns aimed at immigrants along with the opinion of those interviewed, to verify that most of the graphic advertising adapts to what this public requires in advertising messages.
El posicionamiento de los distribuidores españoles. Percepciones de los consumidores de alta frecuencia versus consumidores de baja frecuencia
Authors: Abril Carmen , Gavilan Diana , Avello Maria
Published: January 2018

In today’s highly competitive marketing environment, the positioning decision of retailers is one of the most important element of marketing management. Retailing positioning is an integrated management activity that takes in elements of the retail mix and is of critical importance for retailers and for manufacturers. Whereas consumer theory has traditionally place brand choice as the focus of the analysis, there is evidence that consumers are turning to shopping strategies rather than brand decisions. The objective of this research is to better understand the positioning of spanish retailers analyzing the different perceptions between high frequency and low frequency consumers. Our results show the difficulties hypermarkets are facing to deliver a distinctive consumer proposition and the different perceptions on discounters accordingly to different types of consumers reflecting the need to deliver further benefits to consumers beyond pricing. On the other hand the overwhelming superiority of Mercadona is shown through their relevant price and store brands proposition leading consumer to perceive high level of service and consumer satisfaction.
MpBsmi: A new algorithm for the recognition of continuous biological sequence pattern based on index structure
Authors: Li Weina , Ren Jiadong
Published: January 2018

A significant approach for the discovery of biological regulatory rules of genes, protein and their inheritance relationships is the extraction of meaningful patterns from biological sequence data.The existing algorithms of sequence pattern discovery, like MSPM and FBSB, suffice their low efficiency and accuracy. In order to deal with this issue, this paper presents a new algorithm for biological sequence pattern mining abbreviated MpBsmi based on the data Index Structure.The MpBsmi algorithm employs a sequence position table abbreviated ST and a sequence database index structure named DB-Index for data storing, mining and pattern expansion. The ST and DB-Index of single items are firstly obtained through scanning sequence database once. Then a new algorithm for fast support counting is developed to mine the table ST to identify the frequent single items. Based on a recursive connection strategy, the frequenct patterns are expanded and the expanded table ST is updated by scanning the DB-Index. The fast support counting algorithm is used for obtaining the frequent expansion patterns. Finally, a new pruning techniqueis developed for extended pattern to avoid the generation of unnecessarily large number of candidate patterns. The experiments results on multiple the classical protein sequence from the Pfam database validate the performance of the proposed algorithm including the accuracy, stability and scalability. It is showed that the proposed algorithm has achieved the better space efficiency, stability and scalability comparing with MSPM, FBSB which are the two main algorithms for biological sequence mining.
Improved draft of the Mojave Desert tortoise genome, Gopherus agassizii, version 1.1
Authors: Webster Timothy H , Dolby Greer A , Wilson Sayres Melissa A , Kusumi Kenro
Published: January 2018

Exogenous sequence contamination presents a challenge in first-draft genomes because it can lead to non-contiguous, chimeric assembled sequences. This can mislead downstream analyses reliant on synteny, such as linkage-based analyses. Recently, the Mojave Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) draft genome was published as a resource to advance conservation efforts for the threatened species and discover more about chelonian biology and evolution. Here, we illustrate steps taken to improve the desert tortoise draft genome by removing contaminating sequences—actions that are typically carried out after the initial release of a draft genome assembly. We used information from NCBI’s Vecscreen output to remove intra-scaffold contamination and trim heading and trailing Ns. We then reordered and renamed scaffolds, and transferred the gene annotation onto this assembly. Finally, we describe the tools developed for this pipeline, freely available on Github (https://github.com/thw17/G_agassizii_reference_update), which facilitate post-assembly processing of other draft genomes. The new gopAga1.1 genome has an N50 of 251 kb, L50 of 2592 scaffolds, and its annotation retains 17,201 of the original 20,172 genes that were unaffected by the scaffold processing.
Activity-induced Ca2+ signaling in perisynaptic Schwann cells of the early postnatal mouse is mediated by P2Y1 receptors and regulates muscle fatigue
Authors: Heredia Dante J , Feng Cheng-Yuan , Hennig Grant W , Renden Robert B , Gould Thomas W
Published: January 2018

Perisynaptic glial cells respond to neural activity by increasing cytosolic calcium, but the significance of this pathway is unclear. Terminal/perisynaptic Schwann cells (TPSCs) are a perisynaptic glial cell at the neuromuscular junction that respond to nerve-derived substances such as acetylcholine and purines. Here, we provide genetic evidence that activity-induced calcium accumulation in neonatal TPSCs is mediated exclusively by one subtype of metabotropic purinergic receptor. In P2ry1 mutant mice lacking these responses, postsynaptic, rather than presynaptic, function was altered in response to nerve stimulation. This impairment was correlated with a greater susceptibility to activity-induced muscle fatigue. Interestingly, fatigue in P2ry1 mutants was more greatly exacerbated by exposure to high potassium than in control mice. High potassium itself increased cytosolic levels of calcium in TPSCs, a response which was also reduced P2ry1 mutants. These results suggest that activity-induced calcium responses in TPSCs regulate postsynaptic function and muscle fatigue by regulating perisynaptic potassium.
Tunable Elliptical Split Ring Resonator Using Single Varactor Diode
Authors: Elkorany A. S. , Ahmed G. , Saleeb D. , Mohamed H. A.
Published: January 2018

In this paper, the effect of changing the structure of split ring resonator SRR from circular to elliptical shape is presented and tested. The theoretical analysis of circular SRR (CSRR) is tested and its results are compared with the simulated ones. Comparison between both configurations is introduced. The new elliptical SRR (ESRR) can be adapted to operate in multi range of frequencies. The effect of gap position in ESRR resonant is also examined. When both gaps are moved but still aligned, the resonant frequency still the same. But when single gap is moved only the resonant frequency the resonant frequency in changed to reach its maximum value when both gaps are in the same position. Frequency tunability can be offered by loading a single variable capacitor between ESRR metallic rings.  The resonant frequency of the ESRR can be controlled by varying the capacitance of the varactor diode. Finite element method FEM is used to simulate the proposed structures using HFSS.
An Energetic Electron Flux Dropout Due to Magnetopause Shadowing on 1 June 2013
Authors: Kang Suk‐Bin , Fok Mei‐Ching , Komar Colin , Glocer Alex , Li Wen , Buzulukova Natalia
Published: January 2018

We examine the mechanisms responsible for the dropout of energetic electron flux during 31 May to 1 June 2013 using Van Allen Probe (Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP)) electron flux data and simulations with the Comprehensive Inner Magnetosphere‐Ionosphere (CIMI) model. During the storm main phase, L‐shells at RBSP locations are greater than ~8, which are connected to open drift shells. Consequently, diminished electron fluxes were observed over a wide range of energies. The combination of drift shell splitting, magnetopause shadowing, and drift loss all results in butterfly electron pitch angle distributions (PADs) at the nightside. During storm sudden commencement, RBSP observations display electron butterfly PADs over a wide range of energies. However, it is difficult to determine whether there are butterfly PADs during the storm main phase since the maximum observable equatorial pitch angle from RBSP is not larger than ~40° during this period. To investigate the causes of the dropout, the CIMI model is used as a global 4‐D kinetic inner magnetosphere model. The CIMI model reproduces the dropout with very similar timing and flux levels and PADs along the RBSP trajectory for 593 keV. Furthermore, the CIMI simulation shows butterfly PADs for 593 keV during the storm main phase. Based on comparison of observations and simulations, we suggest that the dropout during this event mainly results from magnetopause shadowing.
Wind‐Eroded Crater Floors and Intercrater Plains, Terra Sabaea, Mars
Authors: Irwin Rossman P. , Wray James J. , Mest Scott C. , Maxwell Ted A.
Published: January 2018

Ancient impact craters with wind‐eroded layering on their floors provide a record of resurfacing materials and processes on early Mars. In a 54 km Noachian crater in Terra Sabaea (20.2°S, 42.6°E), eolian deflation of a friable, dark‐toned layer up to tens of meters thick has exposed more resistant, underlying light‐toned material. These layers differ significantly from strata of similar tone described in other regions of Mars. The light‐toned material has no apparent internal stratification, and visible/near‐infrared spectral analysis suggests that it is rich in feldspar. Its origin is ambiguous, as we cannot confidently reject igneous, pyroclastic, or clastic alternatives. The overlying dark‐toned layer is probably a basaltic siltstone or sandstone that was emplaced mostly by wind, although its weak cementation and inverted fluvial paleochannels indicate some modification by water. Negative‐relief channels are not found on the crater floor, and fluvial erosion is otherwise weakly expressed in the study area. Small impacts onto this crater's floor have exposed deeper friable materials that appear to contain goethite. Bedrock outcrops on the crater walls are phyllosilicate bearing. The intercrater plains contain remnants of a post‐Noachian thin, widespread, likely eolian mantle with an indurated surface. Plains near Hellas‐concentric escarpments to the north are more consistent with volcanic resurfacing. A 48 km crater nearby contains similar dark‐over‐light outcrops but no paleochannels. Our findings indicate that dark‐over‐light stratigraphy has diverse origins across Mars and that some dark‐toned plains with mafic mineralogy are not of igneous origin.
Sun‐Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence, Photosynthesis, and Light Use Efficiency of a Soybean Field from Seasonally Continuous Measurements
Authors: Miao Guofang , Guan Kaiyu , Yang Xi , Bernacchi Carl J. , Berry Joseph A. , DeLucia Evan H. , Wu Jin , Moore Caitlin E. , Meacham Katherine , Cai Yaping , Peng Bin , Kimm Hyungsuk , Masters Michael D.
Published: January 2018

Recent development of sun‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) technology is stimulating studies to remotely approximate canopy photosynthesis (measured as gross primary production, GPP). While multiple applications have advanced the empirical relationship between GPP and SIF, mechanistic understanding of this relationship is still limited. GPP:SIF relationship, using the standard light use efficiency framework, is determined by absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (APAR) and the relationship between photosynthetic light use efficiency (LUE) and fluorescence yield (SIFy). While previous studies have found that APAR is the dominant factor of the GPP:SIF relationship, the LUE:SIFy relationship remains unclear. For a better understanding of the LUE:SIFy relationship, we deployed a ground‐based system (FluoSpec2), with an eddy‐covariance flux tower at a soybean field in the Midwestern U.S. during the 2016 growing season to collect SIF and GPP data simultaneously. With the measurements categorized by plant growth stages, light conditions, and time scales, we confirmed that a strong positive GPP:SIF relationship was dominated by an even stronger linear SIF:APAR relationship. By normalizing both GPP and SIF by APAR, we found that under sunny conditions our soybean field exhibited a clear positive SIFy:APAR relationship and a weak negative LUE:SIFy relationship, opposite to the positive LUE:SIFy relationship reported previously in other ecosystems. Our study provides a first continuous SIF record over multiple growth stages for agricultural systems and reveals a distinctive pattern related to the LUE:SIFy relationship compared with previous work. The observed positive relationship of SIFy:APAR at the soybean site provides new insights of the previous understanding on the SIF's physiological implications.
Occupational Therapy Treatment to Improve Upper Extremity Function in Individuals with Early Systemic Sclerosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Murphy Susan L. , Barber Mary Whitehouse , Homer Kate , Dodge Carole , Cutter Gary R. , Khanna Dinesh
Published: January 2018

Objective

To determine the feasibility and preliminary effects of occupational therapy to improve upper extremity function in patients with early systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) who have upper extremity contractures.

Methods

A single‐group pilot clinical rehabilitation trial was conducted at the University of Michigan Scleroderma Center. Patients with SSc and ≥1 upper extremity contracture (n = 21) participated in a total of 8 weekly in‐person occupational therapy sessions. The therapy consisted of thermal modalities, tissue mobilization, and upper extremity mobility exercises. The participants were instructed to perform upper extremity exercises at home between sessions. Feasibility was measured by the percent enrollment as well as session attendance and session duration. The primary outcome measure was the Shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand measure (QuickDASH); secondary and exploratory outcomes included the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) physical function measures; objective measures of upper extremity mobility, strength, and coordination; and skin thickening. Linear mixed models were used to determine the effects of treatment on the primary and secondary outcomes.

Results

Fifty percent of potentially eligible subjects (24 of 48) were interested in participating. Twenty‐one (88%) of the 24 subjects were enrolled, and 19 (91%) of these 21 subjects completed all sessions. The mean ± SD age of the participants was 47.9 ± 16.1 years; 100% had diffuse SSc, and the mean disease duration was 3.1 years. At 8 weeks, participants had statistically significant improvement in the QuickDASH and PROMIS physical function measure (P = 0.0012 and P = 0.004, respectively). Approximately one‐half of participants in the sample achieved improvement in the QuickDASH and PROMIS measure that exceeded minimally important differences.

Conclusion

In‐person treatment sessions were feasible in the patients with SSc and resulted in statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in upper extremity and physical function. In future studies, the effects of SSc should be compared with those in a control condition, and the durability of treatment effects should be examined.
Swimming Against the Current: A Qualitative Review of the Work Experiences and Adaptations Made by Employees With Arthritis
Authors: Purc‐Stephenson R. J. , Dostie Jessica , Smith Hailey J.
Published: January 2018

Objective

To describe the experiences and strategies of employees with arthritis to maintain employment, and to use this information to build a conceptual model.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of qualitative studies that examined the work experiences of employees with arthritis. Published studies on arthritis and employment were searched from electronic databases (1980–2017) and bibliographic reviews of relevant studies. We used meta‐ethnography to synthesize the findings.

Results

We reviewed 17 studies that reported on the experiences of 873 employees. We identified 11 main themes that highlight common issues experienced by employees with arthritis and grouped these into 4 higher‐order categories: changing nature of the disease (emotional issues, cognitive struggles, unpredictable physical symptoms), intrapersonal issues (personal meaning of work, preserving a work identity), interpersonal issues (managing disclosure, gaining coworker support, organizational culture issues), and work‐sustainability strategies (making personal adjustments, using social support, using workplace accommodations). Using these themes, we developed the Job Sustainability Model to illustrate how disease, personal, and work‐related factors interact to influence what type of coping behaviors are used and when. Initially, employees with arthritis rely on making personal adjustments, using social support, and medical intervention. However, when these coping behaviors fail to be effective, they draw upon workplace accommodations and resources.

Conclusion

Arthritis disrupts an employee's work life by impairing his or her capacity to be a productive worker. Our results highlight how employees with arthritis make strategic adaptations to maintain a productive work life for as long as possible. The findings of this study have implications for work‐related interventions aimed at preserving employment.
Calorimetric Study with Uncertainty Analysis to Investigate the Precipitation Kinetics in a Nanostructured Al Composite
Authors: Cohn Ryan , Fullenwider Blake , Ma Kaka , Schoenung Julie M.
Published: January 2018

Nanostructured Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy and boron carbide/Al–Zn–Mg–Cu composite powders are fabricated through cryomilling. η'‐MgZn2 precipitation in each material is characterized through differential scanning calorimetry. The activation energy of η' precipitation is derived through Kissinger analysis. The addition of boron carbide to nanostructured Al–Zn–Mg–Cu powder increases the onset and peak temperatures of η' precipitation, but do not significantly affect the activation energy. Further analysis of uncertainties in measurement indicates that weighted least squares linear regression is a more reliable method that supplements the use of differential scanning calorimetry as a method for rapid characterization of precipitation in materials.
Thick Binder‐Free Electrodes for Li–Ion Battery Fabricated Using Templating Approach and Spark Plasma Sintering Reveals High Areal Capacity
Authors: Elango Rakesh , Demortière Arnaud , De Andrade Vincent , Morcrette Mathieu , Seznec Vincent
Published: January 2018

The templating approach is a powerful method for preparing porous electrodes with interconnected well‐controlled pore sizes and morphologies. The optimization of the pore architecture design facilitates electrolyte penetration and provides a rapid diffusion path for lithium ions, which becomes even more crucial for thick porous electrodes. Here, NaCl microsize particles are used as a templating agent for the fabrication of 1 mm thick porous LiFePO4 and Li4Ti5O12 composite electrodes using spark plasma sintering technique. These sintered binder‐free electrodes are self‐supported and present a large porosity (40%) with relatively uniform pores. The electrochemical performances of half and full batteries reveal a remarkable specific areal capacity (20 mA h cm−2), which is 4 times higher than those of 100 µm thick electrodes present in conventional tape‐casted Li–ion batteries (5 mA h cm−2). The 3D morphological study is carried out using full field transmission X‐ray microscopy in microcomputed tomography mode to obtain tortuosity values and pore size distributions leading to a strong correlation with their electrochemical properties. These results also demonstrate that the coupling between the salt templating method and the spark plasma sintering technique turns out to be a promising way to fabricate thick electrodes with high energy density.
Airborne and food sensitization patterns in children and adults with eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: He Yu Ting , Christos Paul J. , Reisacher William R.
Published: January 2018

Background

The pathogenesis of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is currently unknown, but evidence suggests that allergic sensitization to food and airborne allergens may play a key role. This retrospective study examines the rate of sensitization to both food and airborne allergens in EoE patients, and compares their sensitivity patterns to control groups.

Methods

We identified 103 patients with a diagnosis of EoE via esophageal eosinophilia (≥15 eosinophils/high‐power field [hpf]), who had undergone comprehensive food and/or airborne allergen testing through either skin or in vitro methods. Food and airborne allergen sensitization was defined as positive testing in at least 1 food subgroup (milk, peanut, tree nut, seafood/fish, soy, grain, egg) or airborne subgroup (tree, grass, weed, mite/cockroach, animal, mold), respectively. The same sensitization criterion was applied to allergic rhinitis (AR) patients, with and without a clinical suspicion of food allergy (FA), in order to create control groups.

Results

Sensitization in the EoE group to at least 1 subgroup of food allergen and airborne allergen was seen in 77.1% (64/83) and 71.7% (38/53), respectively (p = 0.82). There were significant differences in sensitization between EoE and control groups for tree nut, soy, grain, and egg, but no differences noted in any of the other food or airborne allergen subgroups, even after accounting for age and gender.

Conclusion

EoE and control groups had similar airborne allergen sensitization patterns, yet dissimilar food allergen sensitization patterns, suggesting that specific allergens may play a more prominent role in the pathogenesis of EoE. The EoE group had a more uniform distribution pattern for food allergens, compared to controls.
Increased Circulating Follicular Treg Cells Are Associated With Lower Levels of Autoantibodies in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis in Stable Remission
Authors: Liu Chen , Wang Dongwei , Lu Songsong , Xu Qinzhu , Zhao Lei , Zhao Jingzhong , Song Ying , Wang Hui
Published: January 2018

Objective

To examine the expression and changes in function of circulating CD4+CXCR5+FoxP3+ follicular Treg (Tfr) cells in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and in patients with RA in stable remission, and to clarify the role of Tfr cells in the pathogenesis of RA.

Methods

Levels of Tfr cells and follicular helper T (Tfh) cells in the peripheral blood of 39 patients with active RA, 39 patients with RA in stable remission, and 33 healthy controls were detected by flow cytometry. The function of Tfr cells was measured by coculturing them with Tfh cells and B cells. Activated CD45RA−FoxP3high Tfr cells were also analyzed. Clinical indicators, including serum Ig and autoantibody levels, were tested, and correlations with Tfr cells were systematically analyzed. The Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) was calculated, and correlation analysis with Tfr cells was conducted.

Results

The level of CD4+CXCR5+FoxP3+ Tfr cells and the Tfr cell:Tfh cell ratio in peripheral blood from patients with RA in stable remission were significantly increased compared with the same measures in patients with active RA and in healthy controls. The function of Tfr cells was enhanced, and the activated CD45RA−FoxP3high Tfr cell subset was increased in patients with RA in stable remission compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, the number of Tfr cells in RA patients was inversely correlated with IgG, rheumatoid factor, and anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide as well as with the DAS28.

Conclusion

Circulating Tfr cells are increased as patients with RA achieve stable remission of disease, and increased Tfr cells can suppress autoimmunity in RA patients to stabilize their condition. Our results provide novel insight into RA pathogenesis.
Solution‐Processable Balanced Ambipolar Field‐Effect Transistors Based on Carbonyl‐Regulated Copolymers
Authors: Yang Chengdong , Fang Renren , Yang Xiongfa , Chen Ru , Gao Jianhua , Fan Hanghong , Li Hongxiang , Hu Wenping
Published: January 2018

It is very important to develop ambipolar field effect transistors to construct complementary circuits. To obtain balanced hole‐ and electron‐transport properties, one of the key issues is to regulate the energy levels of the frontier orbitals of the semiconductor materials by structural tailoring, so that they match well with the electrode Fermi levels. Five conjugated copolymers were synthesized and exhibited low LUMO energy levels and narrow bandgaps on account of the strong electron‐withdrawing effect of the carbonyl groups. Polymer thin film transistors were prepared by using a solution method and exhibited high and balanced hole and electron mobility of up to 0.46 cm2 V−1 s−1, which suggested that these copolymers are promising ambipolar semiconductor materials.
Energy Transfer in Dye‐Coupled Lanthanide‐Doped Nanoparticles: From Design to Application
Authors: Wang Juan , Deng Renren
Published: January 2018

Surface modification with organic dye molecules is a useful strategy to manipulate the optical properties of lanthanide‐doped nanoparticles (LnNPs). It enables energy transfer between dyes and LnNPs, which provides unprecedented possibilities to gain new optical phenomena from the dye–LnNPs composite systems. This has led to a wide range of emerging applications, such as biosensing, drug delivery, gene targeting, information storage, and photon energy conversion. Herein, the mechanism of energy transfer and the structural‐dependent energy‐transfer properties in dye‐coupled LnNPs are reviewed. The design strategies for achieving effective dye–LnNP functionalization are presented. Recent advances in these composite nanomaterials in biomedicine and energy conversion applications are highlighted.
Identification of a small‐molecule ligand of β‐arrestin1 as an inhibitor of stromal fibroblast cell migration accelerated by cancer cells
Authors: Suvarna Kruthi , Honda Kaori , Kondoh Yasumitsu , Osada Hiroyuki , Watanabe Nobumoto
Published: January 2018

Stromal fibroblasts, which occupy a major portion of the tumor microenvironment, play an important role in cancer metastasis. Thus, targeting of these fibroblasts activated by cancer cells (carcinoma‐associated fibroblasts; CAFs) might aid in the improved treatment of cancer metastasis. NIH3T3 fibroblasts cocultured with MCF7 cells displayed enhanced migration compared to NIH3T3 fibroblasts cultured alone. We used this system to identify the small‐molecule inhibitors responsible for their enhanced migration, a characteristic of CAFs. We selected β‐arrestin1, which showed high expression in cocultured cells, as a molecular target for such inhibitors. Cofilin, a protein downstream of β‐arrestin1, is activated/dephosphorylated in this condition. The small‐molecule ligands of β‐arrestin1 obtained by chemical array were then examined using a wound healing coculture assay. RKN5755 was identified as a selective inhibitor of activated fibroblasts. RKN5755 inhibited the enhanced migration of fibroblasts cocultured with cancer cells by binding to β‐arrestin1 and interfering with β‐arrestin1‐mediated cofilin signaling pathways. Therefore, these results demonstrate the role of β‐arrestin1 in the activation of fibroblasts and inhibiting this protein by small molecule inhibitor might be a potential therapeutic target for the stromal fibroblast activation (cancer–stroma interaction).
Recent Progress of Carbon‐Based Materials in Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalysis
Authors: Wang Yao , Li Jing , Wei Zidong
Published: January 2018

Carbon‐based materials have been regarded as the most promising alternatives to high‐cost and scarce Pt‐based catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Thus, developing highly efficient carbon‐based catalysts becomes the key to realize the commercialization of fuel cells. In this Minireview, the recent advances in the carbon‐based ORR catalysts have been reviewed carefully, with particular attention paid to understanding of the types and structures of active sites, and the strategies used in manipulating the electron and geometry structures for better performances. Besides, we also discuss the challenges and directions for future research of carbon‐based catalysts.