bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential of Pycnogenol® in acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: Rašković Aleksandar , Bukumirović Nina , Paut Kusturica Milica , Milić Nataša , Čabarkapa Velibor , Borišev Ivana , Čapo Ivan , Miljković Dejan , Stilinović Nebojša , Mikov Momir
Published: December 2018

Pycnogenol® (PYC) has already being used as a food supplement and herbal medicine due to its potent antioxidant properties. The aim of the present study was to examine the protective effect of PYC on acetaminophen‐induced acute liver injury in rats. The effect of PYC on acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity in rats was examined by determining biochemical parameters, in vitro antioxidant activity, histological assessment, and oxidative status in liver homogenates. The best antioxidant properties were demonstrated in methanolic extracts. Seven‐day pretreatment with PYC suppressed elevation of CYP2E1 protein expression induced by administration of toxic dose of acetaminophen. PYC at 50 mg/kg showed the ability to significantly decrease malondialdehyde (MDA) level compared with the group received acetaminophen. Xanthine oxidase (XOD) enzyme activity was significantly elevated in acetaminophen‐treated group compared with control, whereas concomitant administration of PYC in a dose of 50 mg/kg significantly reduced activity of this enzyme. Significant decrease of glutathione (GSH) hepatic content in acetaminophen‐intoxicated rats compared with the control rats was improved by concomitant administration of PYC at 50 mg/kg. Protective effect of PYC on acetaminophen‐induced acute liver injury in rats has showed the best in vitro antioxidant potential expressed in methanolic extract and consequent histological assessment and oxidative status in liver homogenates.
Investigation of the chemical structure and formation mechanism of polydopamine from self‐assembly of dopamine by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry coupled with isotope‐labelling techniques
Authors: Chan Wan
Published: December 2018

Rationale

Dopamine (Dp) is one of the neurotransmitters released by the brain, and it was recently observed to undergo “self‐polymerization” to form polydopamine (polyDp) functional materials, with a poorly understood polymerization mechanism. In this study, we investigated the chemical structure of polyDp as well as the mechanism of its formation using a combination of mass spectrometric techniques for both liquid and solid‐state samples.

Methods

Using the classical combustion analyses in combination with liquid chromatography coupled with spectrophotometric and mass spectrometric (MS) techniques and a ‘bottom up’ approach, we identified the major monomer units and a spectrum of oligomeric aggregates in the reaction mixtures of self‐assembling Dp. Furthermore, the effect of the reaction medium on the structure and composition of polyDp materials was also investigated using time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS) analysis.

Results

A study of the MS and MS/MS spectra revealed for the first time that polyDp is partially composed of non‐covalent supramolecular aggregates with unmodified Dp (3,4‐dihydroxyphenethylamine) and oxidized Dp (dopaminechrome) as the main building blocks. This finding was further validated via a heavy isotope labelling method and a ‘top‐down’ approach in which we detected Dp and dopaminechrome monomers in the synthesized polyDp material. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first direct evidence demonstrating the formation mechanism and chemical structure of polyDp.

Conclusions

It is anticipated that the knowledge generated from this study will provide insight into the structure–property relationship of polyDp and assist in developing polyDp‐based material with better performance.
Intensified 5‐Ethoxymethylfurfural Production from Biomass Components over Aluminum‐Based Mixed‐Acid Catalyst in Co‐Solvent Medium
Authors: Yu Xin , Gao Xueying , Peng Lincai , He Liang , Zhang Junhua
Published: December 2018

Presently, very few strategies are available for directly converting glucose‐like compounds to 5‐ethoxymethylfurfural (EMF), a remarkable biofuel candidate. We report here on this conversion effectively using aluminum‐based mixed‐acid catalyst in co‐solvent medium. The combination of aluminum triflate and Amberlyst‐15 exhibited an admirable synergistic catalytic effect for the one‐pot cascade conversion of glucose. Importantly, the interfusion of dimethyl sulfoxide into ethanol as co‐solvent medium can significantly promote the formation of EMF reducing the extent of side reactions. Based on this protocol, the effects of key process variables on the conversion of glucose were investigated via response surface methodology, leading to EMF in up to a 48.1% yield. The catalytic system can be separated with the reaction products and demonstrates reusability. Also, the generality of developed catalytic strategy can extended to synthesize EMF directly from glucose‐based polysaccharides, such as sucrose and starch.
Photocatalytic Performance on Visible Light Induced ZnS QDs‐MgAl Layered Double Hydroxides Hybrids for Methylene Blue Dye Degradation
Authors: Bhuvaneswari Kandasamy , Palanisamy Govindasamy , Pazhanivel Thangavelu , Bharathi Ganapathi , Nataraj Devaraj
Published: December 2018

Semiconductor hybrids based photocatalytic reaction is one of the prominent methods to treat wastewater, containing the organic pollutants. In the present work, we report the development of ZnS QDs‐LDH hybrid structure for the photocatalytic treatment of methylene blue (MB) dye. The as‐synthesized ZnS QDs‐LDH hybrid structure was characterized by XRD, FESEM, HRTEM, EDX, XPS, and FTIR to analyze the formation, morphology and chemical structure. The UV‐Vis DRS was used to investigate the optical absorption characteristics of the ZnS QDs‐LDH hybrid. The photocatalytic performance of the as‐prepared samples was investigated against the methylene blue dye molecule under UV‐Vis light irradiation. The scavenging experiments were carried out in order to probe the radical formation by using EDTA, benzoquinone, and 2‐proponal. The cycling experiments were performed to check the stability of the ZnS QDs‐LDH hybrid photocatalyst after repeated photodegradation experiments.
Growth and Fabrication of High‐Quality Single Nanowire Devices with Radial p‐i‐n Junctions
Authors: Zhang Yunyan , Sanchez Ana M. , Aagesen Martin , Huo Suguo , Fonseka H. Aruni , Gott James A. , Kim Dongyoung , Yu Xuezhe , Chen Xingyou , Xu Jia , Li Tianyi , Zeng Haotian , Boras Giorgos , Liu Huiyun
Published: December 2018

Nanowires (NWs) with radial p‐i‐n junction have advantages, such as large junction area and small influence from the surface states, which can lead to highly efficient material use and good device quantum efficiency. However, it is difficult to make high‐quality core–shell NW devices, especially single NW devices. Here, the key factors during the growth and fabrication process that influence the quality of single core–shell p‐i‐n NW devices are studied using GaAs(P) NW photovoltaics as an example. By p‐doping and annealing, good ohmic contact is achieved on NWs with a diameter as small as 50–60 nm. Single NW photovoltaics are subsequently developed and a record fill factor of 80.5% is shown. These results bring valuable information for making single NW devices, which can further benefit the development of high‐density integration circuits.
Fully Air‐Processed Carbon‐Based Efficient Hole Conductor Free Planar Heterojunction Perovskite Solar Cells With High Reproducibility and Stability
Authors: Li Fangjie , Wang Changlei , Liu Pei , Xiao Yuqing , Bai Lihua , Qi Fei , Hou Xiaoyi , Zhang Huijie , Wang Yuan , Wang Shaofu , Zhao Xing‐Zhong
Published: December 2018

Organic‐inorganic hybrid metal halide perovskite solar cells have gained tremendous research interest in the past few years. Here, highly reproducible and efficient planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells (PHJ‐PVSCs) with good stability are fabricated using one‐step processed compact TiO2 as electron‐selective layers (ESLs) and carbon as counter electrodes with no requirements of hole conductors. The fabrication process is fully conducted in ambient air with relatively high humidity (≥45%). Our PVSCs have a simplified planar architecture with only a compact TiO2 ESL and carbon layer sandwiched with a methylammonium lead triiodide light absorber. Our best‐performing cell shows a good power conversion efficiency of 13.52% and superb illumination stability for 1200 s with no decrease under one sun. Our unencapsulated devices also show great thermal stability, retaining 90% of their initial efficiencies for 72 h under thermal stress at 80 °C in air. Notably, the open‐circuit voltage of our planar PVSCs are always over 1 V, and the best one is 1.07 V, which is the highest value ever reported for carbon‐based hole conductor free PVSCs. Our research demonstrates the feasibility of a fully ambient air fabrication process for carbon‐based PHJ‐PVSCs in simplified device architecture and paves the way to their further commercialization.
A new actinopterygian from the Late Devonian Gogo Formation, Western Australia
Authors: Choo Brian , Lu Jing , Giles Sam , Trinajstic Kate , Long John A.
Published: December 2018

The study of early actinopterygians (ray‐finned fishes) from the Devonian has been hampered by imperfect preservation in the majority of taxa. The Late Devonian (early Frasnian) Gogo Formation of north‐western Western Australia is notable in producing complete fossil actinopterygians with exceptional three‐dimensional preservation of both the dermal and endoskeletal anatomy. Four taxa have been described and have proved invaluable in understanding the anatomy of early representatives of this clade. Here, we present a fifth Gogo taxon, based on a single exceptionally preserved specimen and representing a new genus and species of early ray‐finned fish. The neurocranium was CT scanned, permitting a detailed examination of the endocast. The new taxon possesses unusual features including a greatly enlarged spiracular opening and extensive spinose ornamentation on the dermal skull bones, median ridge scutes and lepidotrichia. The endocast displays a mosaic of characters, some of which are similar to Mimipiscis and non‐actinopterygian outgroups, while other features are more akin to Raynerius from the Late Devonian of France as well as several stratigraphically younger taxa. A phylogenetic analysis resolves the new form as sister taxon to fishes from the Late Devonian of the northern hemisphere and all post‐Devonian actinopterygians, confirming that the assemblage of fossil ray fins from the Gogo Formation is part of the wider Devonian actinopterygian radiation.
Relevance of published blood concentrations of new psychoactive substance for rational case interpretation
Authors: Welter‐Luedeke Jessica , Maurer Hans H.
Published: December 2018

New psychoactive substances (NPS), as substitutes for classic drugs of abuse, are still very popular although the number of newly detected compounds slightly decreased in the last 2 years. Nevertheless, the number of published fatality and poisoning cases showed that they are far from harmless. The most relevant drug classes by number are synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones/phenethylamines. Synthetic opioids are the most dangerous compounds due to their potency and life‐threatening effects, such as respiratory and central depression. In contrast to pharmaceutical drugs, no clinical studies were mandatory before entering the drug market thus no information is available on their toxicity, pharmacokinetic properties as well as their effective and/or toxic concentration ranges. Published case reports may therefore be very helpful to estimate the risk of a respective NPS but only if some requirements were fulfilled. Main demands on such case reports are analytical confirmation and quantitation of the ingested NPS, screening for other potentially relevant central acting drugs and quantification, if appropriate, as well as documentation of the clinical signs, and other circumstances, such as the time between the observations and blood sampling and existing diseases and/or genetic variations. Based on the given information of as much as possible cases with the same constellation, reliable statements on effective/toxic concentration ranges should be possible.

This article is categorized under:

Toxicology > New Psychoactive Substances

Toxicology > Analytical Toxicology

Toxicology > Drug Analysis
Hair analysis in forensic toxicology
Authors: Kintz Pascal
Published: December 2018

Testing for drugs is important for most clinical and forensic toxicological situations, both for assessing the reality of the exposure/intoxication and for evaluation of the level of drug circulating in the body over a determined period of time. This review will focus on the evolution over the last three decades and the perspectives of hair analysis science. The presence of a drug analytes in a biological specimen can be used to document exposure. The standard in drug testing is the immunoassay screen, followed by chromatographic‐mass spectrometric confirmation conducted on a blood or a urine sample. In recent years, remarkable advances in sensitive analytical techniques have enabled the analysis of drugs in unconventional biological specimens such as hair. The advantages of this sample over traditional media, such as urine and blood, are obvious: collection is noninvasive, relatively easy to perform, and in forensic situations it may be achieved under close supervision of law enforcement officers to prevent adulteration or substitution. The window of drug detection is dramatically extended to weeks, months, or even years when testing hair. It appears that the value of alternative specimens analysis for the identification of drug users is steadily gaining recognition. This can be seen from its growing use in pre‐employment screening, in forensic sciences, in clinical applications and for doping control. The aim of this review is to document toxicological applications of hair analysis in various situations over the last years, focusing on major improvements, including screening of drug addicts (for ethanol, pharmaceuticals and drugs of abuse), child abuse, drug‐facilitated crimes, including sexual assaults under the influence of drug(s), doping control in sport and workplace drug testing for safety reasons. The detection of a single drug exposure in hair (doping offense, drug‐facilitated crime) will also be addressed by the author, who has more than 25 years of experience in the field. Despite late sampling or even lack of collection of traditional biological fluids, such as blood and/or urine, results for hair testing allow to document exposure to a drug.

This article is categorized under:

Toxicology > Hair Toxicology

Toxicology > Toxicology in Sport

Toxicology > Post‐Mortem Toxicology
Zivilgesellschaftliches Engagement
Authors: Kausmann Corinna , Burkhardt Luise , Rump Boris , Kelle Nadiya , Simonson Julia , Tesch-Römer Clemens
Published: December 2018

Wer sind die Menschen, die innerhalb und außerhalb zivilgesellschaftlicher Organisationen engagiert sind ? Wie hoch ist der Anteil dieser Personen an der Bevölkerung ? In welchen gesellschaftlichen Bereichen sind engagierte Menschen tätig ? Im vorliegenden Kapitel werden die vorangehenden Darstellungen zivilgesellschaftlicher Organisationen (siehe Kapitel 3) um die Akteure ergänzt, die in diesen Organisationen tätig sind. So sollen zum einen die Engagementquoten im Daten- und Zeitvergleich betrachtet und zum anderen dargestellt werden, in welchen gesellschaftlichen Bereichen sich Menschen engagieren, welche regionalen Unterschiede (Bundesländer) es gibt und wie sich das Engagement zwischen Bevölkerungsgruppen (nach Altersgruppen, Geschlecht, Migrationshintergrund, Bildung und Erwerbsstatus) unterscheidet. Als spezifische Formen des Engagements sollen organisationsgebundenes und informelles Engagement, zeitintensives Engagement sowie Freiwilligendienste betrachtet werden.
Zivilgesellschaft als Arbeitsmarkt
Authors: Hohendanner Christian , Priemer Jana , Rump Boris , Schmitt Wolfgang
Published: December 2018

Im folgenden Kapitel werden zivilgesellschaftliche Organisationen und ihr Beitrag für den Arbeitsmarkt behandelt. Neben allgemeinen Strukturen werden Entwicklungstendenzen vorgestellt. Die Ergebnisse beruhen auf den Daten des statistischen Unternehmensregisters des Statistischen Bundesamtes, dem IAB-Betriebspanel, den Erhebungen der Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft der Freien Wohlfahrtspflege, dem ZiviZ-Survey sowie auf Daten des Sportentwicklungsberichts (vgl. Kapitel 8.1).
Finanzierung der Zivilgesellschaft
Authors: Priemer Jana , Corcoran-Schliemann Bianca , Geue Daniela , Krimmer Holger , Schulz-Sandhof Karsten
Published: December 2018

Engagierte Arbeit und Geld sind die beiden zentralen Ressourcen zivilgesellschaftlicher Organisationen. Der Faktor Arbeit lässt sich – wie in den vorangegangenen Kapiteln vorgenommen – differenzieren in bezahlte und unbezahlte, also ehrenamtlich geleistete, Arbeit. Der Faktor Geld lässt sich analog nach unterschiedlichen Finanzierungsquellen in vier Hauptgruppen differenzieren: Mitgliedsbeiträge, Spenden, selbsterwirtschaftete Mittel und Zuwendungen sowie Förderungen aus öffentlichen Quellen(vgl. Darstellung im Kasten, ZiviZ-Survey 2017, Kapitel 6.2). Letztere können insbesondere nach den föderalen Ebenen Kommune, Land und Bund weiter differenziert werden. Aber auch Mittel von der europäischen Ebene, unter anderem aus dem Europäischen Sozialfonds (ESF), und von anderen internationalen Akteuren müssen berücksichtigt werden.
Voting Theory for Two Parties Under Approval Rule
Authors: Zheng Jeffrey
Published: December 2018

The Simple Ballot Model (SBM) and the Component Ballot Model (CBM)—are proposed for solving uncertainty in an election when two candidates gain the same number of votes under the approval rule. The SBM establishes a framework to support counting. In separating the two candidates, it is essential to extract additional information from dominantly valid votes. The CBM uses probability matrices, vectors and permutation group as components. A stable-voting mechanism under permutation invariant can be created to distinguish candidates. The result of the chapter establishes a voting authority to resolve uncertainty of two candidates under the approval rule.
Biometrics and Knowledge Management Information Systems
Authors: Zheng Jeffrey , Zheng Chris
Published: December 2018

Biometrics and knowledge management information systems are two important fields in recent years to attract wider attentions from different social groups. This chapter explores the use of hierarchical construction linking with biometrics applications and knowledge management information systems. The key issues are discussed and a sample case of information acquisition in content-based image retrieval system has been illustrated.
Permutation and Complementary Algorithm to Generate Random Sequences for Binary Logic
Authors: Wan Jie , Zheng Jeffrey
Published: December 2018

Randomness number generation plays a key role in network, information security, and IT applications. In this chapter, a permutation and complementary algorithm is proposed to use vector complementary and permutation operations to extend n-variable logic function space from $$ 2^{{2^{n} }} $$

2

2
n

functions to $$ 2^{{2^{n} }} \times 2^{n} ! $$

2

2
n

×

2
n

!

configurations for variant logic framework. Each configuration contains $$ 2^{{2^{n} }} $$

2

2
n

functions that can be shown in a $$ 2^{{2^{n - 1} }} \times 2^{{2^{n - 1} }} $$

2

2

n
-
1

×

2

2

n
-
1

matrix. A set of visual results can be represented by their symmetric properties in W, F, and C codes, respectively, to provide the essential support on the variant logic framework.
3D Visual Method of Variant Logic Construction for Random Sequence
Authors: Wang Huan , Zheng Jeffrey
Published: December 2018

As Internet security threats continue to evolve, in order to ensure information transmission security, various encrypts and decrypts have been used in channel coding and decoding of data communication. While cryptography requires a very high degree of apparent randomness, random sequences play an important role in cryptography. Both Cellular Automata (CA) and RC4 contain pseudorandom number generators and may have intrinsic properties, respectively. In this chapter, a 3D visualization model 3DVM is proposed to display spatial characteristics of the random sequences from CA or RC4 keystream. Key components of this model and core mechanism are described. Every module and their I/O parameters are discussed, respectively. A serial of logic function of CA is selected as examples to compare with some RC4 keystreams to show their intrinsic properties in three-dimensional space. Visual results are briefly analyzed to explore their intrinsic properties including similarity and difference. The results provide support to explore the RC4 algorithm by using 3D dimensional visualization tools to organize its interactive properties as visual maps.
Synchronous Property—Key Fact on Quantum Interferences
Authors: Zheng Jeffrey
Published: December 2018

Double-slit experiment plays a key role in Quantum Theory to distinct particle and wave interactions according to Feynman’s claims. In this chapter, double path model and variant logic principle are applied to establish a simulation system for exhaustive testing targets. Using Einstein quanta interaction, different measure quaternion structures are investigated. Under Symmetry/Anti-symmetry and Synchronous/Asynchronous interaction conditions, eight groups of statistical results are generated as eight histograms to show their distributions. From this set of simulation results, it can be recognized that the synchronous condition is the key fact to generate quantum wave interference patterns and, in addition, the asynchronous condition is the key fact to make classic particle distributions. Sample results are illustrated and explanations are discussed.
RC4 Cryptographic Sequence on Variant Maps
Authors: Yang Zhonghao , Zheng Jeffrey
Published: December 2018

In modern cyberspace environment, big data streams are the most important issue in people’s daily lives, each person produces a larger number of data streams every day from personal computer, cell phone, and kinds of wearable smart device. Security risks of storage and transmission of data streams may lead to personal privacy disclosure, it is important for network security to have useful tools facing challenges. Randomness testing provides useful tools to secure results of stream ciphers. Based on multiple statistical probability distributions, this chapter presents a visual scheme, variant maps, to measure a whole cryptographic sequence into multiple 1D and 2D maps. Mapping mechanism and sample cases are provided.
Using Information Entropy to Measure Stationary Randomness of Quantum Random Sequences
Authors: Yang Weizhong , Luo Yamin , Li Zhefei , Zheng Jeffrey
Published: December 2018

Different statistical measurements can be used to determine stationary randomness for random sequences. This chapter proposes a testing scheme for random sequences using information entropy as measurements. Datasets are collected from University of Science & Technology of China (USTC), three quantum random sequences are selected for testing. Multiple results are created on three maps, entropy curves, and quantitative measurements of stationary randomness are compared. Three differences of Max-Min entropy variation ratios are bounded in $$[0.08,0.09]\%$$

[
0.08
,
0.09
]
%

region. The whole structure has measurable stationary properties.
Visual Maps of Variant Combinations on Random Sequences
Authors: Zheng Jeffrey , Wan Jie
Published: December 2018

Random sequences play the key role in network security applications. Randomness testing schemes are very important to ensure the randomness qualities for relevant sequences. This chapter proposes a visual scheme based on variant construction to measure sequences to intuitively show some combinatorial properties of key stream generated by stream ciphers. Basic models are described. This scheme provides a flexible framework for the variant measure method on the key stream of stream ciphers to describe randomness in various combinatorial maps.
Variant Map System to Simulate Complex Properties of DNA Interactions Using Binary Sequences
Authors: Zheng Jeffrey , Zhang Weiqiong , Luo Jin , Zhou Wei , Shen Ruoyu
Published: December 2018

Stream cipher, DNA cryptography and DNA analysis are the most important R&D fields in both Cryptography and Bioinformatics. HC-256 is an emerged scheme as the new generation of stream ciphers for advanced network security. From a random sequencing viewpoint, both sequences of HC-256 and real DNA data may have intrinsic pseudo-random properties respectively. In a recent decade, many DNA sequencing projects are developed on cells, plants and animals over the world into huge DNA databases. Researchers notice that mammalian genomes encode thousands of large noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), interact with chromatin regulatory complexes, and are thought to play a role in localizing these complexes to target loci across the genome. It is a challenge target using higher dimensional visualization tools to organize various complex interactive properties as visual maps. The Variant Map System VMS as an emerging scheme is systematically proposed in this chapter to apply multiple maps that uses four Meta symbols as same as DNA or RNA representations. System architecture of key components and core mechanism on the VMS are described. Key modules, equations and their I/O parameters are discussed. Applying the VM System, two sets of real DNA sequences from both sample human (noncoding DNA) and corn (coding DNA) genomes are collected in comparison with pseudo DNA sequences generated by HC-256 to show their intrinsic properties in higher levels of similar relationships among relevant DNA sequences on 2D maps. Sample 2D maps are listed and their characteristics are illustrated under controllable environment. Visual results are briefly analyzed to explore their intrinsic properties on selected genome sequences.
Whole DNA Sequences of Cebus capucinus on Variant Maps
Authors: Mao Yuyuan , Zheng Jeffrey , Liu Wenjia
Published: December 2018

DNA sequences as a big data stream have been researched for years. However, researches on whole DNA sequences have various limitations to use existing research methods. A new scheme is proposed to map whole DNA sequences as 2D maps in this chapter, the whole DNA sequence of Capuchin monkey (Cebus capucinus) in apes was used as an example to demonstrate the mapping results.
Elementary Equations of Variant Measurement
Authors: Zheng Jeffrey
Published: December 2018

Four variant measures are used to represent combinatorial functions including binomial coefficients. These variant measures are based on two types of m-bit vectors. Type A corresponds to non-periodic boundary conditions, while Type B corresponds to periodic boundary conditions. For each type, groups containing the four variant measures are formed, which are invariant against permutative and associative operations. By mapping two group elements of Type B on coefficients of binomial decompositions, patterns similar to Pascal’s triangle are observed.
Triangular Numbers and Their Inherent Properties
Authors: Zheng Chris , Zheng Jeffrey
Published: December 2018

A method to classify one-dimensional binary sequences using three parameters intrinsic to the sequence itself is introduced. The classification scheme creates combinatorial patterns that can be arranged in a two-dimensional triangular structure. Projections of this structure contain interesting properties related to the Pascal triangle numbers. The arrangement of numbers within the triangular structure has been named “triangular numbers”, and the essential parameters, elementary equation, and sequencing schemes are discussed as well as visualizations of sample distributions, special cases, and search results. We believe this to be a novel finding as sequences generated using this method are not contained in the On-Line Encyclopedia of Integer Sequences or OEIS.
Variant Maps of Elementary Equations
Authors: Zheng Jeffrey
Published: December 2018

Using four measures in Type B, there are 11 invariant expressions to form elementary equations of variant measurement. In this chapter, two invariant expressions are selected to illustrate sample procedures from elementary equations to relevant variant maps. Using various projections and multiple levels of representations, complicated binomial coefficients and their variations are illustrated under various conditions. Using multinomial coefficients, multiple viewpoints are used for references. Due to this type of variation framework contains rich structures, further explorations are required from multiple levels on both theoretical foundation and practical applications.
Bulk-boundary correspondence between charged, anyonic strings and vortices
Authors: Gußmann Alexander , Sarkar Debajyoti , Wintergerst Nico
Published: December 2018

Abstract

We discuss a unified framework of dealing with electrically charged, anyonic vortices in 2+1 dimensional spacetimes and extended, anyonic string-like vortices in one higher dimension. We elaborate on two ways of charging these topological objects and point out that in both cases the vortices and strings obey fractional statistics as a consequence of being electrically charged. The statistics of the charged vortices and strings can be obtained from the phase shift of their respective wave-functions under the classic Aharonov-Bohm type experiments. We show that for a manifold with boundary, where one can realize 2+1 dimensional vortices as endpoints of trivially extended 3+1 dimensional strings, there is a smooth limit where the phase shift of a bulk string-vortex goes over to the phase shift of the boundary vortex. This also enables one to read off the bulk statistics (arising essentially from either a QCD theta-type term or an external current along the string) just from the corresponding boundary statistics in a generic setting. Finally, we discuss various applications of these findings, and in particular their prospects for the AdS/CFT duality.
Genetische Nierensteinerkrankungen
Authors: Weigert Alexander , Beck Bodo B. , Hoppe Bernd
Published: December 2018

Die Inzidenz und Prävalenz von Steinerkrankungen haben in den letzten Jahren deutlich zugenommen. Es ist von entscheidender Bedeutung, möglichst frühzeitig eine richtige Diagnose der zugrunde liegenden Erkrankung zu stellen, um die richtige Therapie einzuleiten und damit möglicherweise schwerwiegende Folgen, wie terminales Nierenversagen, zu verhindern. Bei Kindern lassen sich in ca. 75 % der Fälle genetische oder anatomische Ursachen identifizieren. Die verschiedenen zugrunde liegenden Erkrankungen für die jeweiligen lithogenen Risikofaktoren werden hier präsentiert und die entsprechenden Therapieoptionen, sofern vorhanden, erläutert.
Pathway and workspace study of Endonasal Endoscopic Transsphenoidal (EET) approach in 80 cadavers
Authors: Chumnanvej Sorayouth , Chalongwongse Suwiphat , Pillai Branesh M. , Suthakorn Jackrit
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

Background:

The Endonasal Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery (EETS) is used to remove the sellar lesion. Because of the unique location of the lesion, a subtle deviation of tools may result in severe complications. The better coordination between workspace and working environment is vital. The aim of this study is to determine the pathways and workspace utilized in EETS. In addition, this result will be used to develop the robotic assisted technology model further.

Methods:

Pathway and workspace details were studied in 80 soft cadavers and dissections were performed in a stepwise manner to simulate EETS. The optical tracking system was used to collect data. MATLAB programming was applied to analyze workspace and pathway. The descriptive data analysis was presented as percentage, mean, and standard deviation.

Results:

The amplitude of P2S vectors or the length of the EETS workspace was around 70–75 mm. EETS workspace was found to be a cylindrical shape, narrow diameter in the middle with an average volume of 15.97 cm3, the average length of 53.9 mm and average widest width of 19.08 mm.

Conclusion:

This study presents characteristics of EETS pathway and workspace. Detailed knowledge of the EETS pathway and workspace will facilitate understanding for further robotic research.

Highlights:
THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY AND HIGHER-ORDER EVIDENCE
Authors: Green Adam
Published: December 2018

Appeals to “being on the right side of history” or accusations of being on the wrong side of history are increasingly common on social media, in the media proper, and in the rhetoric of politics. One might well wonder, though, what the value is of invoking history in this manner. Is declaring who is on what side of history merely dramatic shorthand for one's being right and one's opponents wrong? Or is there something more to it than that? In this paper, I argue that an appeal to being on the right side of history is best construed as an invocation of higher-order evidence. I do not deny that there are purely rhetorical, non-evidential uses of the right and wrong side of history, but the phrase can be construed in a more substantive manner. I use work on virtual epistemic elections to model these appeals to history. Zeroing in on the kind of higher-order evidence invoked helps us clarify the criterion for better or worse, more or less convincing appeals to it.
How to Build and Wield Business Power: The Political Economy of Pension Regulation in Chile, 1990–2018
Authors: Bril-Mascarenhas Tomás , Maillet Antoine
Published: December 2018

What explains the remarkable resilience of pension regulation in postauthoritarian Chile, even after decades of majoritarian voter discontent and growing international and domestic criticism of Pinochet’s pioneering private capitalization system? This puzzling outcome can be understood only by looking at the combined effect of the pension industry’s long-term power-building investments and its short-term political actions to outmaneuver state and societal challengers. Engaging new theoretical developments in political economy and historical institutionalism, this study examines the long-term process by which the previously nonexistent Chilean pension industry expanded and leveraged its power during key episodes of open contestation. The analysis of pension regulation in Chile between the 1980s and the 2010s illustrates the importance of placing business power in time, motivating new rounds of theory building in the quest to address the perennial question of how business gets what it wants in the political arena.
BEST PROXIMITY POINTS AND FIXED POINTS WITH -FUNCTIONS IN THE FRAMEWORK OF -DISTANCES
Authors: KOSTIĆ ALEKSANDAR , KARAPINAR ERDAL , RAKOČEVIĆ VLADIMIR
Published: December 2018

We study best proximity points in the framework of metric spaces with
$w$
-distances. The results extend, generalise and unify several well-known fixed point results in the literature.
Wheat gluten intake increases the severity of experimental colitis and bacterial translocation by weakening of the proteins of the junctional complex
Authors: Menta Penélope L. R. , Andrade Maria E. R. , Leocádio Paola C. L. , Fraga Júlia R. , Dias Melissa T. S. , Cara Denise C. , Cardoso Valbert N. , Borges Luciano F. , Capettini Luciano S. A. , Aguilar Edenil C. , Alvarez-Leite Jacqueline I.
Published: December 2018

Gluten is only partially digested by intestinal enzymes and can generate peptides that can alter intestinal permeability, facilitating bacterial translocation, thus affecting the immune system. Few studies addressed the role of diet with gluten in the development of colitis. Therefore, we investigate the effects of wheat gluten-containing diet on the evolution of sodium dextran sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis. Mice were fed a standard diet without (colitis group) or with 4·5 % wheat gluten (colitis + gluten) for 15 d and received DSS solution (1·5 %, w/v) instead of water during the last 7 d. Compared with the colitis group, colitis + gluten mice presented a worse clinical score, a larger extension of colonic injury area, and increased mucosal inflammation. Both intestinal permeability and bacterial translocation were increased, propitiating bacteria migration for peripheral organs. The mechanism by which diet with gluten exacerbates colitis appears to be related to changes in protein production and organisation in adhesion junctions and desmosomes. The proteinα-E-catenin was especially reduced in mice fed gluten, which compromised the localisation of E-cadherin andβ-catenin proteins, weakening the structure of desmosomes. The epithelial damage caused by gluten included shortening of microvilli, a high number of digestive vacuoles, and changes in the endosome/lysosome system. In conclusion, our results show that wheat gluten-containing diet exacerbates the mucosal damage caused by colitis, reducing intestinal barrier function and increasing bacterial translocation. These effects are related to the induction of weakness and disorganisation of adhesion junctions and desmosomes as well as shortening of microvilli and modification of the endocytic vesicle route.
The Real Effect of Smoking Bans: Evidence from Corporate Innovation
Authors: Gao Huasheng , Hsu Po-Hsuan , Li Kai , Zhang Jin
Published: December 2018

We identify a positive causal effect of healthy working environments on corporate innovation, using the staggered passage of U.S. state-level laws that ban smoking in workplaces. We find a significant increase in patents and patent citations for firms headquartered in states that have adopted such laws relative to firms headquartered in states without such laws. The increase is more pronounced for firms in states with stronger enforcement of such laws and in states with weaker preexisting tobacco controls. We present suggestive evidence that smoke-free laws affect innovation by improving inventor health and productivity and by attracting more productive inventors.
Value Pluralism, Constitutionalism, and Democracy: Waldron and Berlin in Debate
Authors: Crowder George
Published: December 2018

Jeremy Waldron claims that Isaiah Berlin wrongly neglects, and is hostile to, constitutional and democratic institutions. I argue that although Berlin offers no extended discussion of constitutionalism or democracy, he is not hostile to them. Moreover, the logic of Berlin's value pluralism is strongly supportive of these ideas—for example, it fits well with constitutionalist notions such as the separation of powers and checks and balances. On the other hand, Waldron's rejection of judicial review on the ground of democracy is questionable in these same pluralist terms. Here I argue that Berlinian pluralism supports democracy as long as this is inclusive in its outcomes. But contemporary democracy cannot be relied upon to be sufficiently inclusive, in part because of the effects of the war on terror and the rise of populism. Under these conditions it is unwise for pluralists to dispense with judicial review.
Truth, Good and Beauty: The Politics of Celebrity in China
Authors: Sullivan Jonathan , Kehoe Séagh
Published: December 2018

A visit to a Chinese city of any size – looking up at downtown billboards, riding public transport, shopping at a mall – is to be in the presence of a Chinese celebrity endorsing a product, lifestyle or other symbols of “the good life.” Celebrity in China is big business, feeding off and nourishing the advertising-led business model that underpins the commercialized media system and internet. It is also a powerful instrument in the party-state's discursive and symbolic repertoire, used to promote regime goals and solidify new governmentalities through signalling accepted modes of behaviour for mass emulation. The multi-dimensional celebrity persona, and the public interest it stimulates in off-stage lives, requires an academic focus on the workings of celebrity separate to the products that celebrities create in their professional roles. The potential to connect with large numbers of ordinary people, and the emergence of an informal celebrity-making scene in cyberspace symptomatic of changing attitudes towards fame among Chinese people, marks the special status of celebrity within China's constrained socio-political ecology. The motivation for this article is to further scholarly understanding of how celebrity operates in China and to bring this expression of popular culture into the broader conversation about contemporary Chinese politics and society.
Father-child play, child emotional dysregulation, and adolescent internalizing symptoms: A longitudinal multiple mediation analysis
Authors: Gregory Jenifer , Kivisto Katherine Little , Perdue Neil H. , Estell David B.
Published: December 2018

Emerging literature suggests fathers may contribute uniquely to child development and emotional health through play. In the present study, a multiple mediational model was analyzed using data from 476 families that participated in the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development. After accounting for infant–mother attachment, infant temperament, and family income and stability, a significant indirect effect from father–child play quality to adolescent internalizing symptoms was found through father-reported child emotional dysregulation, B = –.05, 95% confidence interval; CI [–.14, –.01]. Specifically, in first grade, dyads where fathers were rated highly on sensitivity and stimulation during play, and children demonstrated high felt security and affective mutuality during play, had children with fewer father-reported emotional dysregulation problems in third grade, B = –.23, 95% CI [–.39, –.06]. Children with fewer emotional dysregulation problems had lower self-reported internalizing symptoms at age 15, B = .23, 95% CI [.01, .45]. Mothers’ ratings of children's emotional dysregulation were not a significant mediator. Results are discussed regarding the importance of father–child play for children's adjustment as well as the usefulness of inclusion of fathers in child developmental research.
Trajectories of mother-child and father-child relationships across middle childhood and associations with depressive symptoms
Authors: Yan Jia , Schoppe-Sullivan Sarah J. , Feng Xin
Published: December 2018

Using a family systems perspective, we examined the trajectories of father-child and mother-child closeness and conflict across Grades 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6, and their associations with child depressive symptoms across middle childhood among 685 families in the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (SECCYD). Father-child and mother-child relationship conflict increased, whereas relationship closeness decreased from Grades 1 to 6. Girls with more slowly increasing father-child conflict, and more slowly decreasing father-child closeness, were at lower risk for depressive symptoms. Boys with more slowly increasing mother-child conflict were at lower risk for depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the important roles of both father-child and mother-child relationships in children's emotional adjustment during middle childhood.
Exploring How Eruption Source Parameters Affect Volcanic Radiative Forcing Using Statistical Emulation
Authors: Marshall Lauren , Johnson Jill S. , Mann Graham W. , Lee Lindsay , Dhomse Sandip S. , Regayre Leighton , Yoshioka Masaru , Carslaw Ken S. , Schmidt Anja
Published: December 2018

The radiative forcing caused by a volcanic eruption is dependent on several eruption source parameters such as the mass of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emitted, the eruption column height, and the eruption latitude. General circulation models with prognostic aerosol and chemistry schemes can be used to investigate how each parameter influences the volcanic forcing. However, the range of multidimensional parameter space that can be explored is restricted because such simulations are computationally expensive. Here we use statistical emulation to explore the radiative impact of eruptions over a wide covarying range of SO2 emission magnitudes, injection heights, and eruption latitudes based on only 30 simulations. We use the emulators to build response surfaces to visualize and predict the sulfate aerosol e‐folding decay time, the stratospheric aerosol optical depth, and net radiative forcing of thousands of different eruptions. We find that the volcanic stratospheric aerosol optical depth and net radiative forcing are primarily determined by the mass of SO2 emitted, but eruption latitude is the most important parameter in determining the sulfate aerosol e‐folding decay time. The response surfaces reveal joint effects of the eruption source parameters in influencing the net radiative forcing, such as a stronger influence of injection height for tropical eruptions than high‐latitude eruptions. We also demonstrate how the emulated response surfaces can be used to find all combinations of eruption source parameters that produce a particular volcanic response, often revealing multiple solutions.
Electrification in Mesoscale Updrafts of Deep Stratiform and Anvil Clouds in Florida
Authors: Dye James E. , Bansemer Aaron
Published: December 2018

Airborne observations in deep stratiform and anvil clouds showed extensive layers of 10‐ to 40‐kV/m electric fields colocated with highly stratified uniform radar reflectivity of 20 to 25 dBZ from 5‐ to 9‐km altitude. Size distributions with numerous small‐ and intermediate‐sized ice crystals (mostly aggregates) and large aggregates were observed in these regions. We infer that the uniform electric field, radar reflectivity, and broad particle size distributions were the result of mesoscale updrafts, confirmed by high‐resolution images of particles showing diffusional growth and no riming. No measurable supercooled liquid water was found in these regions from −10 to −45 °C. Calculated particle collision rates from observed distributions were >5 × 103 collisions per cubic meter per second in this volume. Laboratory results show that weak charge separation occurs when ice particles collide and separate even in the absence of supercooled water. We infer that charge separation occurred in the mesoscale updrafts via a noninductive mechanism in which ice particles growing by diffusion collide and transfer charge without supercooled water being present. These regions with strong, uniform fields, stratified radar reflectivity, and broad size distributions also occurred in anvils that barely reached the melting zone. Thus, we deduce that the nonriming collisional mechanism acts at middle to upper cloud levels and is not dependent upon electrification occurring near the melting zone. This mechanism should produce two oppositely charged layers of charge with the top layer residing on smaller particles often existing near the top of the cloud.