bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Humidity on Microwave Characteristics of Screen Printed Paper‐Based Electronics
Authors: Shenton Samantha A. , Cooke Michael D. , Racz Zoltan , Balocco Claudio , Wood David
Published: April 2018

This paper addresses one of the key issues in using paper electronics at microwave frequencies. As paper is hygroscopic, the varying moisture content can lead to differing dielectric and even conductive properties of paper electronics and must be taken into consideration in any device design. In this work, coplanar waveguides (CPWs) have been screen printed using silver ink on matt paper. Increasing the relative humidity between 40 and 90% is shown to increase the losses, decrease the propagation velocity and decrease the characteristic impedance of CPWs. The effect of water on both silver flake ink and the matt paper used in this work are considered, and it is shown that the change in permittivity of the substrate as a result of absorbed water within paper is the most dominant factor on the microwave characteristics. The reported findings should be considered in paper‐based applications at microwave frequencies, as the changes in transmission‐line parameters can lead to drastic variations in device and system operation.
Low number concentration of ice nucleating particles in an aged smoke plume
Authors: Conen Franz , Bukowiecki Nicolas , Gysel Martin , Steinbacher Martin , Fischer Andrea , Reimann Stefan
Published: April 2018

Smoke from forest fires in the western part of North America reached the High Altitude Research Station Jungfraujoch, Switzerland, at the beginning of September 2017. Number concentration of ice nucleating particles (INPs) active at −15 °C or warmer decreased by about half during its passage. This is different to observations of enhanced INP concentrations in fresh plumes from forest fires. We hypothesise that INPs initially present in a smoke plume are lost or deactivated during long‐range transport, while components of smoke capable of deactivating INPs originally present or mixed later into the plume continue to remain active across a longer distance.
Characterization of degradation products of macitentan under various stress conditions using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Yerra Naga Veera , Pallerla Pavankumar , Pandeti Sukanya , Tabet Jean‐Claude , Thota Jagadeshwar Reddy
Published: April 2018

Rationale

Stress testing of a drug candidate is an important step in the drug discovery and development process. The presence of degradation products in a drug affects the quality as well as the safety and efficacy of drug formulation. Hence, it is essential to develop an efficient analytical method which could be useful for the separation, identification and characterization of all possible degradation products (DPs) of a drug. Macitentan (MT) is an endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) drug used to treat high blood pressure in the lungs. Comprehensive stress testing of MT was carried out as per ICH guidelines to understand the degradation profile of the drug.

Methods

MT was subjected to various stress conditions such as acidic, basic, neutral hydrolysis, oxidation, photolysis and thermal conditions; and the resulting degradation products were investigated using liquid chromatography/diode‐array detection/electrospray ionization high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC/DAD/ESI‐HRMS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) techniques. An efficient and simple ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method has been developed using an Accucore C18 column (4.6 × 150 mm, 2.6 μm) using a gradient elution of 5 mM ammonium formate and acetonitrile as mobile phases.

Results

MT was found to degrade under acid and base hydrolysis stress conditions; whereas it was stable under oxidation, neutral hydrolysis, thermal and photolytic conditions. MT formed nine DPs (DP1 to DP9) and one DP (DP10) under acidic and basic hydrolytic conditions, respectively. All the degradation products (DP1 to DP10) were identified and characterized by LC/MS/MS in positive ion mode with accurate mass measurements.

Conclusions

MT was found to be labile under hydrolytic conditions. The structures of the DPs were characterized by appropriate mechanisms. The proposed method can be effectively used for the characterization of MT and its DPs.
Screening of semifluorinated n‐alkanes by gas chromatography coupled to dielectric barrier discharge ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Hagenhoff Sebastian , Korf Ansgar , Markgraf Ullrich , Brandt Sebastian , Schütz Alexander , Franzke Joachim , Hayen Heiko
Published: April 2018

Rationale

The potential of an atmospheric pressure ionization source based on a dielectric barrier discharge in helium for the hyphenation of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/DBDI‐MS) has been demonstrated only recently and for a limited range of compounds. Due to its ‘soft’ ionization properties and the possibility to choose from a variety of atmospheric pressure ionization MS instruments, GC/DBDI‐MS has the potential to be an interesting alternative to ‘classic’ GC/MS techniques.

Methods

The hyphenation of GC with DBDI‐MS at atmospheric pressure is used for the determination of semifluorinated n‐alkanes in ski wax samples.

Results

Different to perfluorinated n‐alkanes, which are typically detected as [M − F + O]− and [M − F]−, semifluorinated n‐alkanes can be detected both in positive mode as [M − 3H + nO]+ and [M − H + nO]+ (n = 0, 1, 2, and 3) ions, as well as in negative mode as a fragment ion representing the fluorinated part of the respective semifluorinated n‐alkane. The method allowed the sensitive detection of semifluorinated n‐alkanes with achievable limits of detection (LODs) in the single digit pg range injected on column. To examine the applicability of the GC/DBDI‐MS method, semifluorinated n‐alkanes were determined in fluorinated ski waxes. Results were confirmed by complimentary GC/electron ionization MS measurements.

Conclusions

The unique SFA ionization patterns serve for complementary unambiguous identification of semifluorinated n‐alkane species in positive mode and screening of contained n‐alkanes fluorinated chain lengths in negative mode.
A mass spectrometry based predictive strategy reveals ADAP1 is phosphorylated at tyrosine 364
Authors: Reisdorph Richard , Littrell‐Miller BobbiJo , Powell Roger , Reisdorph Nichole
Published: April 2018

Rationale

The goal of this work was to identify phosphorylation sites within the amino acid sequence of human ADAP1. Using traditional mass spectrometry based techniques we were unable to produce interpretable spectra demonstrating modification by phosphorylation. This prompted us to employ a strategy in which phosphorylated peptides were first predicted using peptide mapping followed by targeted MS/MS acquisition.

Methods

ADAP1 was immunoprecipitated from extracts of HEK293 cells stably transfected with ADAP1 cDNA. Immunoprecipitated ADAP1 was digested with proteolytic enzymes and analyzed by LC/MS in MS1 mode by high‐resolution quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (QTOF‐MS). Peptide molecular features were extracted using an untargeted data‐mining algorithm. Extracted peptide neutral masses were matched against the ADAP1 amino acid sequence with phosphorylation included as a predicted modification. Peptides with predicted phosphorylation sites were analyzed by targeted LC/MS2. Acquired MS2 spectra were then analyzed using database search engines to confirm phosphorylation. Spectra of phosphorylated peptides were validated by manual interpretation. Further confirmation was performed by manipulating phospho‐peptide abundance using calf intestinal phosphatase (CIP) and the phorbol ester, phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA).

Results

Of five predicted phosphopeptides, one, comprised of the sequence AVDRPMLPQEYAVEAHFK, was confirmed to be phosphorylated on a tyrosine at position 364. Pre‐treatment of cells with PMA prior to immunoprecipitation increased the ratio of phosphorylated to unphosphorylated peptide as determined by area counts of extracted ion chromatograms (EIC). Addition of CIP to immunoprecipitation reactions eliminated the phosphorylated form.

Conclusions

A novel phosphorylation site was identified at tyrosine 364. Phosphorylation at this site is increased by treatment with PMA. PMA promotes membrane translocation and activation of protein kinase C (PKC), indicating that tyrosine 364 is phosphorylated by a PKC‐dependent mechanism.
Nivolumab‐induced sialadenitis
Authors: Takahashi Saeko , Chieko Xu , Sakai Tetsuya , Hirose Shigemichi , Nakamura Morio
Published: April 2018

Nivolumab has been increasingly used for a range of malignancies, and a variety of immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) have been reported with its use. Nivolumab‐induced sialadenitis (inflammation of salivary glands) and xerostomia (dry mouth) have been reported to occur in 0.03% and 0.05% respectively, but there have been no case reports published about these side effects. Sialadenitis is not a life‐threatening irAEs, but xerostomia can become irreversible if not recognized and treated as it can otherwise lower quality of life and result in susceptibility to infection. Therefore, healthcare providers need to know about sialadenitis as one of the irAEs of Nivolumab. Thus, we present the first case of nivolumab‐induced sialadenitis.

A 70‐year old man with pulmonary adenocarcinoma developed sialadenitis 4 months after initiating nivolumab. His serum amylase levels were elevated to 1373 IU/L, and a biopsy of his labial minor salivary glands showed severe lymphocytic inflammation with damage to the glands. His sialadenitis was improved by taking corticosteroids and by ceasing nivolumab.
Estimation and cancellation of transponder distortions in satellite forward links using memory polynomials
Authors: Dimitrov Svilen
Published: April 2018

In this paper, a practical non‐linear equalizer with iterative distortion cancellation in a satellite receiver is studied. Assuming no prior satellite channel knowledge, distortion estimation and cancellation are performed at the receiver by means of a memory polynomial model used for channel estimation. A data packet transmission scenario over a single‐carrier satellite transponder is simulated, using the not‐linearized amplifier and onboard filter characteristics similar to the direct‐to‐home broadcast DVB‐S2X reference scenario. Varying the memory depth and the non‐linear order of the memory polynomial model trained in the receiver, we compared the packet‐error rate performance of the practical non‐linear equalizer to the standard fractionally spaced linear adaptive equalizer, as well as to an implementation of the non‐linear equalizer with ideal channel knowledge at the receiver. The improved receiver demonstrates superior performance as compared with the standard linear equalizer with up to 5.48‐dB energy efficiency gain for 64‐amplitude and phase‐shift keying for a practical memory polynomial set‐up, and it approaches consistently the packet‐error rate performance of the implementation with ideal channel knowledge when increasing the memory depth and the non‐linear order. Furthermore, it enables the use of high‐order modulation up to 256‐amplitude and phase‐shift keying in the studied scenario, improving significantly the spectral efficiency of the air interface.
Die Streckgrenze als Berechnungsgrundlage für den Konstrukteur
Authors: Kulka† Hugo
Published: April 2018

Faksimile aus „Der Stahlbau 1 (1928), H. 1, S. 6–9”
Loss analysis and efficiency enhancing method for a unipolar hysteresis‐Controlled single‐phase grid‐connected inverter
Authors: Haruna Junnosuke , Masubuchi Nobuhiro , Iwase Shintaro , Funato Hirohito
Published: April 2018

This paper compares control schemes using hysteresis control and a conventional triangle‐carrier comparison control to discuss the theoretical efficiency of a grid‐connected inverter. Control schemes for the gird‐connected inverter are actively studied to improve the efficiency and performance of the system. Hysteresis controls are one of the solutions to satisfy these issues. However, the theoretical efficiency under the same performance using conventional carrier comparison method has not been discussed. This paper considers the performance of unipolar and bipolar hysteresis control compared with unipolar and bipolar carrier comparison methods by theoretical calculations, simulations, and experimental results. As a result, we find that unipolar hysteresis control can improve the efficiency of the inverter. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Investigation on left‐handed handling of tablet PC applications for nonverbal communications
Authors: Suzuki Kenya , Nosu Kiyoshi
Published: April 2018

In Japan, as with the rest of the world, most people use their right hand to accomplish day‐to‐day tasks. Therefore, adults with aphasia that affects the right side of the body typically face difficulties with writing, drawing, and handling objects in their daily lives. Users of tablet PCs can conveniently hold the device in their left hand. However, most tablet PC applications available for Japanese adults with aphasia have limited capability. This paper investigates left‐handed handling of tablet PC applications developed to facilitate nonverbal communications. The research results show the applicability of tablet PCs based on three applications for aphasic Japanese and their caregivers. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Interprofessional educator development: Build it and they will come
Authors: Pien Lily C. , Stiber Michaela , Prelosky Allison , Colbert Colleen Y.
Published: April 2018

Background We describe an interprofessional educator development program, designed intentionally, that was implemented at an academic healthcare centre. In 2014, we purposefully adapted our pre-existing educator development program to be able to include all interprofessional educators at our institution. The program’s goals were to enhance educator skills, a common need due to requirements of accreditation, and to create a local interprofessional community of teachers. The framework of the program was based upon adult learning principles, reflective practice, experiential learning and peer groups, all key characteristics of faculty development programs. It was also longitudinal and immersive. Kirkpatrick’s program evaluation model was used for identifying results; participants’ self-reported evaluation forms were collected and their narrative comments were analyzed.

Results After we opened our educator program to all interprofessional staff, our number of program participants increased. The interprofessional participants included, but was not limited to, physicians, physician trainees, nurses, physician assistants, audiologists, perfusionists, and basic science researchers. Our number of program sessions and program faculty were expanded. Our interprofessional participants reported that they were able to learn essential knowledge, skills and attitudes for their growth and development as educators, in the context of an interprofessional community, while also appreciating the diversity of their peers.

Discussion We share our insights with the redesign and implementation of an interprofessional educator program so that others can learn from our experiences.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery in Unselected North Indian Population: Significance and Counselling
Authors: Shah Nupur
Published: April 2018

This study was carried out to assess the incidence and association of aberrant right subclavian artery in North Indian population and to analyse its significance as a marker of Down syndrome and to formulate an adaptable protocol for counselling and management of such pregnancies. A prospective assessment of 1024 consecutive unselected pregnancies with gestational age between 12 and 34 weeks was carried out from May 2016 to August 2017 at the author’s fetal medicine centre in North India. The screening for ARSA was performed with Color Doppler using low PRF at 3 vessel trachea view in axial section followed by confirming of arterial flow pattern by pulse Doppler. Incidence of ARSA in this study was 0.58%. Thirty-three percent of cases of ARSA were associated with other anomalies whereas 66% were isolated. Trisomy 21 was found in 16.6% of cases. ARSA as a marker of Trisomy 21 has a high specificity (99%) but low sensitivity (33%, [95% CI]). Although global likelihood ratio (LR) for ARSA as a marker for Down syndrome was high, the LR for isolated ARSA was nil. Isolated ARSA can be considered a normal variant and does not warrant invasive prenatal diagnosis in the scenario of low biochemical risk. On the other hand, ARSA associated with other markers/anomalies warrants invasive prenatal diagnosis.
Outcome of Haemodynamically Unstable Open Pelvic Fracture Patients Managed with “3-in-1” Pelvic Damage Control Protocol in a Major Trauma Centre
Authors: Aaran Leung Heng Chi , Him Chui King , Bong Lee Kin , Wilson Li
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Open pelvic fractures are one of the most challenging and severe injuries of orthopaedics. These patients usually are associated with high mortality and morbidity. Therefore, multiple studies have suggested different methods to deal with this challenging problem. Our hospital is one of the few trauma centers in Hong Kong that deals with these patients. We have developed a “3-in-1” pelvic damage control protocol that strategically treats patients with pelvic injuries with open fractures. This article aims to review the outcomes of patients suffering from open pelvic fractures, admitted from January 2011 to 2016.

Patients & Methods

All patients diagnosed with hemodynamically unstable open fracture admitted from January 2011 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. All these patients were treated with our hospital's “3-in-1” pelvic damage control protocol. We analyzed their demographics, associated injuries, Injury Severity and final outcomes.

Results

Twelve consecutive patients were included in this study. Seventy-five percent (n = 9) of them were successfully resuscitated and discharged from hospital as their final outcome.

Conclusion

Our hospital's “3-in-1” pelvic damage control protocol improves the survival rate of patients suffering from haemodynamically unstable open fracture, including open fracture. External fixation of pelvis, retroperitoneal packing and emergency angiography with embolization play important and inseparable roles in management of these critical patients. Adequate wound lavage, timely urinary and faecal diversion will improve the overall morbidity and survival further.
Soft Tissue Release and Osteotomies in the Treatment of Patients with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Kin-Wah Ng Bobby , Wai-Wang Chau , Lik-Hang Hung Alec , Tsz-Ping Lam , Chun-Yiu Cheng Jack
Published: April 2018

We aim to study the outcome of soft tissue releases by tendon elongations and osteotomies in fixed joint contractures by clinical examination and patient self-reported assessment on 20 patients (14 males and 6 females) with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy treated with single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) between 2000 and 2012. A questionnaire was used to collect information on problems encountered before and after surgery and decision on surgery. Comparing patients with Gross Motor Function Classification System class I/II, (N = 8), III (N = 8) and IV/V, patients of classes IV/V showed much slower mean recovery time than I/II group (14.00 vs. 4.38 months, p < 0.01). SEMLS in the treatment of patients with spastic diplegia had good mid-term results in most patients. The patients who had unfavourable outcomes are associated with mental retardation, general or local complications and previous selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery. Patient selection and good rehabilitations preoperation and postoperation provided the most favourable outcomes of SEMLS.
Interview with Gino Francato
Authors: Fowler Lewis , Francato Gino
Published: April 2018

Reinforced Plastics spoke with Gino Francato from SABIC (Saudi Basic Industries Corporation) about composites manufacturing and current trends in the composite industry.
Outcomes in Hospitalized Ischemic Stroke Patients with Dementia on Admission: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Zerna Charlotte , Lindsay Mary P. , Fang Jiming , Swartz Richard H. , Smith Eric E.
Published: April 2018

Background

Dementia prevalence is rising, and it will double in the next 20 years. This study sought to understand the prevalence of dementia in hospitalized patients with ischemic stroke, and its impact on outcomes.

Methods

Using the Canadian Institute of Health Information’s (CIHI) Discharge Abstract Database (DAD), all acute ischemic stroke admissions from April 2003 to March 2015 in Canada (excluding Quebec) were analyzed. Concurrent dementia at the time of admission was assessed based on hospital diagnostic codes. Characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were compared in patients with and without dementia using χ2 and negative binomial, as well as Poisson regression analysis.

Results

During the observed period, 313,138 people were admitted to a hospital in Canada for an ischemic stroke. Of those, 21,788 (7.0%) had a concurrent diagnosis of dementia. People with dementia had older median age (84 vs. 76 years; p<0.0001), were more often female (59.6% vs. 48.4%; p<0.0001) and more often had Charlson-Deyo Comorbidity Index ≥2 (64.5% vs. 43.5%; p<0.0001). Patients with dementia were less likely to be discharged to a rehabilitation facility (adjusted risk ratio [RR] 3.089, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.992-3.188, p<0.0001) or home independently (adjusted RR 0.756, 95% CI 0.737-0.776, p<0.0001).

Interpretation

Approximately 1 in 13 hospitalized ischemic stroke patients has coded dementia. Patients with ischemic stroke and concurrent dementia have higher mortality, face significantly more dependence after stroke and utilize greater healthcare resources than stroke patients without dementia. Causative conclusions are limited by the administrative data source. Early care planning and coordination could potentially optimize outcomes.
The Risk of Cross Infection in the Emergency Department: A Simulation Study
Authors: Hertzberg Vicki Stover , Wang Yuke A. , Elon Lisa K. , Lowery-North Douglas W.
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVES

The risk of cross infection in a busy emergency department (ED) is a serious public health concern, especially in times of pandemic threats. We simulated cross infections due to respiratory diseases spread by large droplets using empirical data on contacts (ie, close-proximity interactions of ≤1m) in an ED to quantify risks due to contact and to examine factors with differential risks associated with them.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

PARTICIPANTS

Health workers (HCWs) and patients.

SETTING

A busy ED.

METHODS

Data on contacts between participants were collected over 6 months by observing two 12-hour shifts per week using a radiofrequency identification proximity detection system. We simulated cross infection due to a novel agent across these contacts to determine risks associated with HCW role, chief complaint category, arrival mode, and ED disposition status.

RESULTS

Cross-infection risk between HCWs was substantially greater than between patients or between patients and HCWs. Providers had the least risk, followed by nurses, and nonpatient care staff had the most risk. There were no differences by patient chief complaint category. We detected differential risk patterns by arrival mode and by HCW role. Although no differential risk was associated with ED disposition status, 0.1 infections were expected per shift among patients admitted to hospital.

CONCLUSION

These simulations demonstrate that, on average, 11 patients who were infected in the ED will be admitted to the hospital over the course of an 8-week local influenza outbreak. These patients are a source of further cross-infection risk once in the hospital.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:688–693
Differential formulation of the viscous history force on a particle for efficient and accurate computation
Authors: Parmar M. , Annamalai S. , Balachandar S. , Prosperetti A.
Published: April 2018

It is well known that the computation of the Basset-like history force is very demanding in terms of CPU and memory requirements, since it requires the evaluation of a history integral. We use the recent rational theory of Beylkin & Monzón (Appl. Comput. Harmon. Anal., vol. 19, 2005, pp. 17–48) to approximate the history kernel in the form of exponential sums to reformulate the viscous history force in a differential form. This theory allows us to approximate the history kernel in terms of exponential sums to any desired order of accuracy. This removes the need for long-time storage of the acceleration histories of the particle and the fluid. The proposed differential form approximation is applied to compute the history force on a spherical particle in a synthetic turbulent flow and a wall-bounded turbulent channel flow. Particles of various diameters are considered, and results obtained using the present technique are in reasonable agreement with those achieved using the full history integral.
How Role Stress Mediates the Relationship Between Destructive Leadership and Employee Silence: The Moderating Role of Job Complexity
Authors: Wu Mengying , Peng Zhenglong , Estay Christophe
Published: April 2018

Destructive leadership and employee silence have attracted increasing attention in the academy of organisational behaviour and human resource management. However, the research on the mediating mechanism and boundary variables of their relationship has received little attention. The main purpose of our research was to explore the underlying influence of negative leadership (specifically, destructive leadership) on employee silence by developing a moderated mediation model. Drawing from conservation of resources theory, role theory, and the job characteristic model, the new theoretical model concentrates on the role of stress with three dimensions as mediators and the job complexity as a moderator. Using 318 samples collected from multiple companies in southeast China, the model was tested through confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, and the PROCESS program in AMOS and SPSS environments. Results reveal that employees may resort to silence in the workplace due to their feelings of role conflict, role ambiguity, and role overload when they face destructive leadership; while the presence of high job complexity makes the adverse impact of destructive leadership even worse. Managerial and practical implications, limitations, and research directions in future are discussed and offered.
Taxes, Capital Structure Choices, and Equity Value
Authors: Faccio Mara , Xu Jin
Published: April 2018

We use a multitude of tax reforms across the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) countries as natural experiments to estimate the market value of the tax benefits of debt financing. We report time-series evidence that tax reforms are followed by large changes in the value of corporate equity. However, the impact of tax reforms is greatly mitigated by the presence of leverage. The value of debt tax savings is greater among top taxpayers, among highly profitable firms, and in countries where tax laws are more strongly enforced. Importantly, the value of debt tax savings is in line with the benchmark implied by a traditional approach.
Challenges in studying prosody and its pragmatic functions: Introduction toJIPAspecial issue
Authors: Niebuhr Oliver , Ward Nigel G.
Published: April 2018

The impetus for this special issue was an all-day event at the 2015 meeting of the International Pragmatics Association: The Panel on Prosodic Constructions in Dialog. This event had several motivations: (i) we have enormous data sets and tools to process them, but as a field we lack clear roadmaps for how to exploit these sets and tools to improve our understanding; (ii) we know that prosody is more than just the single stream of intonation, but we find it hard to accurately describe multistream phenomena; (iii) we have observed how prosody serves many dialog and interactional functions, but cannot yet really model how; and (iv) we have various schools of thought, each wielding its own methods, but we have difficulty reconciling and connecting their various insights.
What's in a word: Sounding sarcastic in British English
Authors: Chen Aoju , Boves Lou
Published: April 2018

Using a simulated telephone conversation task, we elicited sarcastic production in different utterance types (i.e. declaratives, tag questions andwh-exclamatives from native speakers of the southern variety of British English. Unlike previous studies which focus on static prosodic measurements at the utterance level (e.g. mean pitch, pitch span, intensity), we examined both static prosodic measurements and continuous changes in contour shape in the semantically most important words (or key words) of the sarcastic utterances and their counterparts in the sincere utterances. To this end, we adopted Functional Data Analysis to model pitch variation as contours and represent the contours as continuous function in statistical analysis. We found that sarcasm and sincerity are prosodically distinguishable in the key words alone. The key words in sarcastic utterances are realised with a longer duration and a flatter fall than their counterparts in sincere utterances regardless of utterance type and speaker gender. These results are compatible with previous reports on the use of a smaller pitch span and a slower speech rate in sarcastic utterances than in sincere utterances in North American English. We also observed notable differences in the use of minimum pitch, maximum pitch and contour shape in different utterance types and in the use of mean pitch and duration by male and female speakers. Additionally, we found that the prosody of the key words in sarcastic utterances and their counterparts in sincere utterances has yielded useful predictors for the presence (or absence) of sarcasm in an utterance. Together, our results lend direct support to a key-word–based approach. However, the prosodic predictors included in our analysis alone can achieve only an accuracy of 70.4%, suggesting a need to examine additional prosodic parameters and prosody beyond the key words.
The kink-turn in the structural biology of RNA
Authors: Huang Lin , Lilley David M. J.
Published: April 2018

The kink-turn (k-turn) is a widespread structural motif found in functional RNA species. It typically comprises a three-nucleotide bulge followed by tandem trans sugar edge-Hoogsteen G:A base pairs. It introduces a sharp kink into the axis of duplex RNA, juxtaposing the minor grooves. Cross-strand H-bonds form at the interface, accepted by the conserved adenine nucleobases of the G:A basepairs. Alternative acceptors for one of these divides the k-turns into two conformational classes N3 and N1. The base pair that follows the G:A pairs (3b:3n) determines which conformation is adopted by a given k-turn. k-turns often mediate tertiary contacts in folded RNA species and frequently bind proteins. Common k-turn binding proteins include members of the L7Ae family, such as the human 15·5k protein. A recognition helix within these proteins binds in the widened major groove on the outside of the k-turn, that makes specific H-bonds with the conserved guanine nucleobases of the G:A pairs. L7Ae binds with extremely high affinity, and single-molecule data are consistent with folding by conformational selection. The standard, simple k-turn can be elaborated in a variety of ways, that include the complex k-turns and the k-junctions. In free solution in the absence of added metal ions or protein k-turns do not adopt the tightly-kinked conformation. They undergo folding by the binding of proteins, by the formation of tertiary contacts, and some (but not all) will fold on the addition of metal ions. Whether or not folding occurs in the presence of metal ions depends on local sequence, including the 3b:3n position, and the −1b:−1n position (5′ to the bulge). In most cases −1b:−1n = C:G, so that the 3b:3n position is critical since it determines both folding properties and conformation. In general, the selection of these sequence matches a given k-turn to its biological requirements. The k-turn structure is now very well understood, to the point at which they can be used as a building block for the formation of RNA nano-objects, including triangles and squares.
A Composite Coastal Cordon on Exmoor? Exploring Local Influence on First-Centurya.d.Fortlet Use
Authors: Symonds Matthew
Published: April 2018

Exceptional aspects of the design and location of a pair of first-century fortlets on the Exmoor coast are explicable as a product of local influence. Previous explanations for the remote setting of these small posts and the distinctive defences securing them have focused on a signalling role, with the fortlets serving as a means to transmit messages to naval vessels patrolling the Bristol Channel. Instead, both the landscape setting and articulation with local settlement patterns imply that these installations strengthened pre-existing measures to counter coastal raiding. Parallels between this variant fortlet design and settlement morphology in the South-West peninsula suggest that the army co-opted an indigenous architectural style. The two fortlets could act as components of what was effectively a composite coastal cordon, built on collaboration between the Roman military and the local population.
Classification and diversity of amblyopia
Authors: MAURER DAPHNE , McKEE SUZANNE P.
Published: April 2018

Amblyopia is a developmental disorder that affects the spatial vision of one or both eyes in the absence of an obvious organic cause; it is associated with a history of abnormal visual experience during childhood. Subtypes have been defined based on the purported etiology, namely, strabismus (misaligned eyes) and/or anisometropia (unequal refractive error). Here we consider the usefulness of these subclassifications.
Early diagnosis of amblyopia
Authors: HUNTER DAVID , COTTER SUSAN
Published: April 2018

Amblyopia can be improved or eliminated more easily when treated early in life. Because amblyopia in older children is generally less responsive to treatment (Holmes et al., 2011), there is a premium on the early identification of amblyopia and its risk factors and the subsequent treatment thereof. Clinical preference is to institute treatment in children before 7 years of age when an optimal visual outcome is typically easier to obtain.
Treatment of amblyopia as a function of age
Authors: HOLMES JONATHAN M. , LEVI DENNIS M.
Published: April 2018

Although historically, treatment of amblyopia has been recommended prior to closure of a critical window in visual development, the existence and duration of that critical window is currently unclear. Moreover, there is clear evidence, both from animal and human studies of deprivation amblyopia, that there are different critical windows for different visual functions and that monocular and binocular deprivation have different neural and behavioral consequences. In view of the spectrum of critical windows for different visual functions and for different types of amblyopia, combined with individual variability in these windows, treatment of amblyopia has been increasingly offered to older children and adults. Nevertheless, treatment beyond the age of 7 years tends to be, on average, less effective than in younger children, and the high degree of variability in treatment response suggests that age is only one of many factors determining treatment response. Newly emerging treatment modalities may hold promise for more effective treatment of amblyopia at older ages. Additional studies are needed to characterize amblyopia by using new and existing clinical tests, leading to improved clinical classification and better prediction of treatment response. Attention also needs to be directed toward characterizing and measuring the impact of amblyopia on the patients’ functional vision and health-related quality of life.
Animal models of amblyopia
Authors: MITCHELL DONALD , SENGPIEL FRANK
Published: April 2018

Unquestionably, the last six decades of research on various animal models have advanced our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the many complex characteristics of amblyopia as well as provided promising new avenues for treatment. While animal models in general have served an important purpose, there nonetheless remain questions regarding the efficacy of particular models considering the differences across animal species, especially when the goal is to provide the foundations for human interventions. Our discussion of these issues culminated in three recommendations for future research to provide cohesion across animals models as well as a fourth recommendation for acceptance of a protocol for the minimum number of steps necessary for the translation of results obtained on particular animal models to human clinical trials. The three recommendations for future research arose from discussions of various issues including the specific results obtained from the use of different animal models, the degree of similarity to the human visual system, the ability to generate animal models of the different types of human amblyopia as well as the difficulty of scaling developmental timelines between different species.
Amblyopia: New molecular/pharmacological and environmental approaches
Authors: STRYKER MICHAEL P. , LÖWEL SIEGRID
Published: April 2018

Emerging technologies are now giving us unprecedented access to manipulate brain circuits, shedding new light on treatments for amblyopia. This research is identifying key circuit elements that control brain plasticity and highlight potential therapeutic targets to promote rewiring in the visual system during and beyond early life. Here, we explore how such recent advancements may guide future pharmacological, genetic, and behavioral approaches to treat amblyopia. We will discuss how animal research, which allows us to probe and tap into the underlying circuit and synaptic mechanisms, should best be used to guide therapeutic strategies. Uncovering cellular and molecular pathways that can be safely targeted to promote recovery may pave the way for effective new amblyopia treatments across the lifespan.
Relationship between mean platelet volume-to-lymphocyte ratio and coronary artery abnormalities in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Bozlu Gulcin , Karpuz Derya , Hallioglu Olgu , Unal Selma , Kuyucu Necdet
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Recently, mean platelet volume-to-lymphocyte ratio has emerged as a novel parameter of inflammation. No study has investigated the role of mean platelet volume-to-lymphocyte ratio in children with Kawasaki disease. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between mean platelet volume-to-lymphocyte ratio and coronary artery abnormalities in Kawasaki disease.

Methods

Between January 2008 and January 2017, a total of 58 children with Kawasaki disease and 42 healthy subjects matched for sex and age were enrolled. Before the treatment, transthoracic echocardiography for all children was performed. Clinical and laboratory results including mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, red blood cell distribution width, and counts of platelets, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and white blood cells, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein levels were measured. Mean platelet volume-to-lymphocyte ratio was calculated as mean platelet volume divided by lymphocyte count.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, mean platelet volume-to-lymphocyte ratio was significantly lower in the children with Kawasaki disease (p<0.01). A total of 14 patients (24.1%) had incomplete Kawasaki disease and 15 (25.8%) children with Kawasaki disease had coronary involvement. Mean platelet volume-to-lymphocyte ratio was significantly lower in patients with coronary artery abnormalities (p<0.01). According to receiver operating characteristic curve analysis performed for the prediction of coronary artery abnormalities, the best cut-off point for mean platelet volume-to-lymphocyte ratio was 2.5 (area under curve=0.593, sensitivity 53.3%, specificity 51.1%).

Conclusion

It was first shown that the children with Kawasaki disease have lower mean platelet volume-to-lymphocyte ratio compared with control subjects. Mean platelet volume-to-lymphocyte ratio may be helpful in predicting coronary artery lesions in patients with Kawasaki disease.
Radiofrequency catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia in ischaemic cardiomyopathy due to Kawasaki disease
Authors: Komaki Hisaaki , Nakashima Takashi , Minatoguchi Shinya
Published: April 2018

In some patients with Kawasaki disease, a prior myocardial infarction causes ventricular tachycardia in the chronic post-myocardial infarction phase. We report the case of a 41-year-old man with symptomatic and haemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia in whom substrate ablation was performed for the ventricular tachycardia before insertion of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.
Validity of an FFQ to measure nutrient and food intakes in Tanzania
Authors: Zack Rachel M , Irema Kahema , Kazonda Patrick , Leyna Germana H , Liu Enju , Gilbert Susan , Lukmanji Zohra , Spiegelman Donna , Fawzi Wafaie , Njelekela Marina , Killewo Japhet , Danaei Goodarz
Published: April 2018

Objective

FFQ are often used to estimate food and nutrient intakes to rank individuals by their level of intake. We evaluated the relative validity of a semi-quantitative FFQ created for use in Tanzania by comparing it with two 24 h diet recalls.

Design

We measured relative validity of the FFQ with deattenuated energy-adjusted rank correlations for nutrients, deattenuated rank correlations for food groups, and performed a cross-classification analysis of energy-adjusted nutrient quartiles using percentage of agreement and Bland–Altman analysis.

Setting

Interviews were conducted in 2014 in participants’ homes in Ukonga, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Subjects

We surveyed 317 adults aged 40 years or older from the general public.

Results

Deattenuated energy-adjusted rank correlation coefficients of nutrients ranged from −0·03 for riboflavin to 0·41 for percentage of energy from carbohydrates, with a median correlation of 0·21. Coefficients for food groups ranged from 0·00 for root vegetables to 0·51 for alcohol, with a median of 0·35. Relative to the average of the two 24 h diet recalls, the FFQ overestimated energy intake and intakes of all nutrients and food groups, other than tea, with ratios among nutrients ranging from 1·34 for SFA to 7·08 for vitamin A; and among food groups from 0·92 for tea to 9·00 for fruit. The percentage of participants classified into the same nutrient intake quartile ranged from 23 % for SFA to 32 % for both niacin and pantothenic acid, with a median of 28 %.

Conclusions

The FFQ performed moderately well in urban Tanzanian adults.
Improving wood properties for wood utilization through multi-omics integration in lignin biosynthesis
Authors: Wang Jack P. , Matthews Megan L. , Williams Cranos M. , Shi Rui , Yang Chenmin , Tunlaya-Anukit Sermsawat , Chen Hsi-Chuan , Li Quanzi , Liu Jie , Lin Chien-Yuan , Naik Punith , Sun Ying-Hsuan , Loziuk Philip L. , Yeh Ting-Feng , Kim Hoon , Gjersing Erica , Shollenberger Todd , Shuford Christopher M. , Song Jina , Miller Zachary , Huang Yung-Yun , Edmunds Charles W. , Liu Baoguang , Sun Yi , Lin Ying-Chung Jimmy , Li Wei , Chen Hao , Peszlen Ilona , Ducoste Joel J. , Ralph John , Chang Hou-Min , Muddiman David C. , Davis Mark F. , Smith Chris , Isik Fikret , Sederoff Ronald , Chiang Vincent L.
Published: April 2018

A multi-omics quantitative integrative analysis of lignin biosynthesis can advance the strategic engineering of wood for timber, pulp, and biofuels. Lignin is polymerized from three monomers (monolignols) produced by a grid-like pathway. The pathway in wood formation of Populus trichocarpa has at least 21 genes, encoding enzymes that mediate 37 reactions on 24 metabolites, leading to lignin and affecting wood properties. We perturb these 21 pathway genes and integrate transcriptomic, proteomic, fluxomic and phenomic data from 221 lines selected from ~2000 transgenics (6-month-old). The integrative analysis estimates how changing expression of pathway gene or gene combination affects protein abundance, metabolic-flux, metabolite concentrations, and 25 wood traits, including lignin, tree-growth, density, strength, and saccharification. The analysis then predicts improvements in any of these 25 traits individually or in combinations, through engineering expression of specific monolignol genes. The analysis may lead to greater understanding of other pathways for improved growth and adaptation.
Nucleus accumbens controls wakefulness by a subpopulation of neurons expressing dopamine D1 receptors
Authors: Luo Yan-Jia , Li Ya-Dong , Wang Lu , Yang Su-Rong , Yuan Xiang-Shan , Wang Juan , Cherasse Yoan , Lazarus Michael , Chen Jiang-Fan , Qu Wei-Min , Huang Zhi-Li
Published: April 2018

Nucleus accumbens (NAc) is involved in behaviors that depend on heightened wakefulness, but its impact on arousal remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that NAc dopamine D1 receptor (D1R)-expressing neurons are essential for behavioral arousal. Using in vivo fiber photometry in mice, we find arousal-dependent increases in population activity of NAc D1R neurons. Optogenetic activation of NAc D1R neurons induces immediate transitions from non-rapid eye movement sleep to wakefulness, and chemogenetic stimulation prolongs arousal, with decreased food intake. Patch-clamp, tracing, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy reveal that NAc D1R neurons project to the midbrain and lateral hypothalamus, and might disinhibit midbrain dopamine neurons and lateral hypothalamus orexin neurons. Photoactivation of terminals in the midbrain and lateral hypothalamus is sufficient to induce wakefulness. Silencing of NAc D1R neurons suppresses arousal, with increased nest-building behaviors. Collectively, our data indicate that NAc D1R neuron circuits are essential for the induction and maintenance of wakefulness.
Self-replication of DNA by its encoded proteins in liposome-based synthetic cells
Authors: van Nies Pauline , Westerlaken Ilja , Blanken Duco , Salas Margarita , Mencía Mario , Danelon Christophe
Published: April 2018

Replication of DNA-encoded information and its conversion into functional proteins are universal properties of life. In an effort toward the construction of a synthetic minimal cell, we implement here the DNA replication machinery of the Φ29 virus in a cell-free gene expression system. Amplification of a linear DNA template by self-encoded, de novo synthesized Φ29 proteins is demonstrated. Complete information transfer is confirmed as the copied DNA can serve as a functional template for gene expression, which can be seen as an autocatalytic DNA replication cycle. These results show how the central dogma of molecular biology can be reconstituted and form a cycle in vitro. Finally, coupled DNA replication and gene expression is compartmentalized inside phospholipid vesicles providing the chassis for evolving functions in a prospective synthetic cell relying on the extant biology.
Quantum spin liquid in the semiclassical regime
Authors: Rousochatzakis Ioannis , Sizyuk Yuriy , Perkins Natalia B.
Published: April 2018

Quantum spin liquids (QSLs) have been at the forefront of correlated electron research ever since their proposal in 1973, and the realization that they belong to the broader class of intrinsic topological orders. According to received wisdom, QSLs can arise in frustrated magnets with low spin S, where strong quantum fluctuations act to destabilize conventional, magnetically ordered states. Here, we present a Z2 QSL ground state that appears already in the semiclassical, large-S limit. This state has both topological and symmetry-related ground-state degeneracy, and two types of gaps, a “magnetic flux” gap that scales linearly with S and an “electric charge” gap that drops exponentially in S. The magnet is the spin-S version of the spin-1/2 Kitaev honeycomb model, which has been the subject of intense studies in correlated electron systems with strong spin–orbit coupling, and in optical lattice realizations with ultracold atoms.