bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of high-k epoxy composites with low dielectric loss based on polymer shell-coated multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Su Yaotian , Ren Ye , Chen Guang-Xin , Li Qifang
Published: May 2016

A core–shell microstructured hybrid was controllably synthesized by coating cross-linked polymer shells onto multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via direct in situ free-radical polymerization and was compounded with epoxy to solve the problem of large dielectric loss.
Novel wide band gap polymers based on dithienobenzoxadiazole for polymer solar cells with high open circuit voltages over 1 V
Authors: Ding Dakang , Wang Jiuxing , Chen Weiye , Qiu Meng , Ren Junzhen , Zheng Huilin , Liu Deyu , Sun Mingliang , Yang Renqiang
Published: May 2016

Just by replacing sulfur with oxygen atom, the Voc of PBDT-fDTBO based PSCs is 0.2 V higher than PBDT-fDTBT based devices.
Enhanced relative cooling power in Ga-doped La0.7(Sr,Ca)0.3MnO3with ferromagnetic-like canted state
Authors: Mleiki Ali , Othmani Safa , Cheikhrouhou-Koubaa Wissem , Cheikhrouhou Abdelwaheb , Hlil E. K.
Published: May 2016

Variation of entropy as a function of the temperature of the compounds La0.7(Sr,Ca)0.3Mn1−​xGaxO3(x= 0.00, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175 and 0.20) under 5 T.
Isotopic homogenization and scrambling associated with oxygen isotopic exchange on hot platinum: studies on gas pairs (O2, CO2) and (CO, CO2)
Authors: Prasanna K. , Bhattacharya S. K. , Ghosh Prosenjit , Mahata Sasadhar , Liang Mao-Chang
Published: May 2016

The catalytic exchange between O2and CO2on hot platinum leads to isotope scrambling in CO2and homogenization of the oxygen isotopes in the two phases even though they could be different in isotope ratios from each other before the exchange.
Three iodocuprate hybrids symmetrically modulated by positional isomers and the chiral conformation of N-benzyl-methylpyridinium
Authors: Hao Pengfei , Qiao Yanrong , Yu Tanlai , Shen Junju , Liu Fang , Fu Yunlong
Published: May 2016

The successful synthesis and structural analysis of three novel iodocuprate frameworks, [N-Bz-2-MePy]2[Cu5I7] (1), [N-Bz-3-MePy]2[Cu5I7] (2), and [N-Bz-4-MePy][Cu4I5] (3), exhibit an excellent structural directing effect of the conformationally chiral N-Bz-MePy+.
Expression of concern: Filled and peptide-modified single-walled carbon nanotubes: synthesis, characterization, and in vitro test for cancer cell targeting
Authors: Shore Andrew
Published: May 2016

Expression of concern for ‘Filled and peptide-modified single-walled carbon nanotubes: synthesis, characterization, and in vitro test for cancer cell targeting’ by Zhiyuan Hu et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 16792–16800.
Changes of serum amino acid profiles by an epidermal growth factor receptor mutation and benzo[a]pyrene in mouse lung tumorigenesis
Authors: Lin Pinpin , Chen Yi-Rong , Chen Chao-Yu , Chang Ya-Ting , Chen Jhih-Sheng , Tsai Ming-Hsien , Kuo Cheng-Chin , Lee Hui-Ling
Published: May 2016

This study suggest that changes in serum amino acid profiles may be early indicators of lung tumorigenesis induced by a mutation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP).
Expressions of lipoprotein receptors and cholesterol efflux regulatory proteins during luteolysis in bovine corpus luteum
Authors: Horihata Kei , Yoshioka Shin , Sano Masahiro , Yamamoto Yuki , Kimura Koji , Skarzynski Dariusz J. , Okuda Kiyoshi
Published: May 2016

The corpus luteum (CL) synthesises and secretes progesterone (P4), which is essential for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in mammals. P4 is synthesised from cholesterol. Cholesterol is internalised by low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and/or scavenger receptor B1 (SR-BI), and is effluxed by ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter A1 (ABCA1) and G1 (ABCG1). To test the hypothesis that lipoprotein receptors and ABC transporters are involved in functional luteolysis, we examined the expression of LDLR, SR-BI, ABCA1 and ABCG1 in bovine CL during the luteal stages and after injection of prostaglandin (PG) F2α on Day 10 after ovulation. Expression of LDLR and SR-BI mRNA and protein was lower in the regressed luteal than late luteal stage. Injection of cows with a PGF2α did not affect LDLR mRNA and protein levels in the CL. Although expression of SR-BI mRNA did not change, SR-BI protein expression decreased 12 and 24 h after PGF2α injection. The overall findings of the present study suggest that the decreased expression of SR-BI induced by PGF2α is one of the factors responsible for the continuous decrease in P4 production during functional luteolysis.
The problem of empty names and Russellian Plenitude
Authors: Spencer Joshua
Published: May 2016

‘Ahab is a whaler’ and ‘Holmes is a whaler’ express different propositions, even though neither ‘Ahab’ nor ‘Holmes’ has a referent. This seems to constitute a theoretical puzzle for the Russellian view of propositions. In this paper, I develop a variant of the Russellian view, Plenitudinous Russellianism. I claim that ‘Ahab is a whaler’ and ‘Holmes is a whaler’ express distinct gappy propositions. I discuss key metaphysical and semantic differences between Plenitudinous Russellianism and Traditional Russellianism and respond to objections that stem from those differences.
Influences of Summer Water Temperatures on the Movement, Distribution, and Resource Use of Fluvial Westslope Cutthroat Trout in the South Fork Clearwater River Basin
Authors: Dobos Marika E. , Corsi Matthew P. , Schill Daniel J. , DuPont Joseph M. , Quist Michael C.
Published: May 2016

Although many Westslope Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi populations in Idaho are robust and stable, population densities in some systems remain below management objectives. In many of those systems, such as in the South Fork Clearwater River (SFCR) system, environmental conditions (e.g., summer temperatures) are hypothesized to limit populations of Westslope Cutthroat Trout. Radiotelemetry and snorkeling methods were used to describe seasonal movement patterns, distribution, and habitat use of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in the SFCR during the summers of 2013 and 2014. Sixty-six radio transmitters were surgically implanted into Westslope Cutthroat Trout (170–405 mm TL) from May 30–June 25, 2013, and June 20–July 6, 2014. Sedentary and mobile summer movement patterns by Westslope Cutthroat Trout were observed in the SFCR. Westslope Cutthroat Trout were generally absent from the lower SFCR. In the upper region of the SFCR, fish generally moved from the main-stem SFCR into tributaries as water temperatures increased during the summer. Fish remained in the middle region of the SFCR where water temperatures were cooler than in the upper or lower regions of the SFCR. A spatially explicit water temperature model indicated that the upper and lower regions of the SFCR exceeded thermal tolerance levels of Westslope Cutthroat Trout throughout the summer. During snorkeling, 23 Westslope Cutthroat Trout were observed in 13 sites along the SFCR and at low density (mean ± SD, 0.0003 ± 0.0001 fish/m2). The distribution of fish observed during snorkeling was consistent with the distribution of radio-tagged fish in the SFCR during the summer. Anthropogenic activities (i.e., grazing, mining, road construction, and timber harvest) in the SFCR basin likely altered the natural flow dynamics and temperature regime and thereby limited stream habitat in the SFCR system for Westslope Cutthroat Trout.

Received June 15, 2015; accepted December 21, 2015 Published online May 16, 2016
Pellet refuelling of particle loss due to ELM mitigation with RMPs in the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak at low collisionality
Authors: Valovič M. , Lang P.T. , Kirk A. , Suttrop W. , Cavedon M. , Cseh G. , Dunne M. , Fischer L.R. , Garzotti L. , Guimarais L. , Kocsis G. , Mlynek A. , Plőckl B. , Scannell R. , Szepesi T. , Tardini G. , Thornton A. , Viezzer E. , Wolfrum E.
Published: May 2016

The complete refuelling of the plasma density loss (pump-out) caused by mitigation of edge localised modes (ELMs) is demonstrated on the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak. The plasma is refuelled by injection of frozen deuterium pellets and ELMs are mitigated by external resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs). In this experiment relevant dimensionless parameters, such as relative pellet size, relative RMP amplitude and pedestal collisionality are kept at the ITER like values. Refuelling of density pump out of the size of

Δ
n
/
n
∼
30
%

requires a factor of two increase of nominal fuelling rate. Energy confinement and pedestal temperatures are not restored to pre-RMP values by pellet refuelling.
Interaction of adhered metallic dust with transient plasma heat loads
Authors: Ratynskaia S. , Tolias P. , Bykov I. , Rudakov D. , De Angeli M. , Vignitchouk L. , Ripamonti D. , Riva G. , Bardin S. , van der Meiden H. , Vernimmen J. , Bystrov K. , De Temmerman G.
Published: May 2016

The first study of the interaction of metallic dust (tungsten, aluminum) adhered on tungsten substrates with transient plasma heat loads is presented. Experiments were carried out in the Pilot-PSI linear device with transient heat fluxes up to 550 MW m−2 and in the DIII-D divertor tokamak. The central role of the dust-substrate contact area in heat conduction is highlighted and confirmed by heat transfer simulations. The experiments provide evidence of the occurrence of wetting-induced coagulation, a novel growth mechanism where cluster melting accompanied by droplet wetting leads to the formation of larger grains. The physical processes behind this mechanism are elucidated. The remobilization activity of the newly formed dust and the survivability of tungsten dust on hot surfaces are documented and discussed in the light of implications for ITER.
The disappearance of the helium-giant progenitor of the Type Ib supernova iPTF13bvn and constraints on its companion
Authors: Eldridge J. J. , Maund J. R.
Published: May 2016

We report and discuss post-explosion observations of supernova iPTF13bvn. We find that the brightness of the supernova (SN) at +740 d is below the level of the pre-explosion source and thus confirm that the progenitor has exploded. We estimate that the late-time brightness is still dominated by the SN, which constrains the magnitude and thus mass of a possible companion star to below approximately 10 M⊙. In turn, this implies that the progenitor's initial mass is constrained to a narrow range between 10 and 12 M⊙. The progenitor of iPTF13bvn would have been a helium giant rather than a Wolf–Rayet star. In addition, we suggest that sufficiently deep observations acquired in 2016 would now stand a chance to directly observe the companion star.
The low abundance and insignificance of dark discs in simulated Milky Way galaxies
Authors: Schaller Matthieu , Frenk Carlos S. , Fattahi Azadeh , Navarro Julio F. , Oman Kyle A. , Sawala Till
Published: May 2016

We investigate the presence and importance of dark matter discs in a sample of 24 simulated Milky Way galaxies in the apostle project, part of the eagle programme of hydrodynamic simulations in ΛCDM cosmology. It has been suggested that a dark disc in the Milky Way may boost the dark matter density and modify the velocity modulus relative to a smooth halo at the position of the Sun, with ramifications for direct detection experiments. From a kinematic decomposition of the dark matter and a real space analysis of all 24 haloes, we find that only one of the simulated Milky Way analogues has a detectable dark disc component. This unique event was caused by a merger at late time with an LMC-mass satellite at very low grazing angle. Considering that even this rare scenario only enhances the dark matter density at the solar radius by 35 per cent and affects the high-energy tail of the dark matter velocity distribution by less than 1 per cent, we conclude that the presence of a dark disc in the Milky Way is unlikely, and is very unlikely to have a significant effect on direct detection experiments.
A Randomized, Double-blinded Trial of a “Rule of Threes” Algorithm Versus Continuous Infusion of Oxytocin During Elective Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Kovacheva V.P. , Soens M.A. , Tsen L.C.
Published: May 2016

(Anesthesiology. 2015;123:92–100)

Oxytocin is commonly used to improve uterine tone during cesarean delivery. However, if administered too quickly or in high doses it can lead to such adverse effects as hemodynamic instability, cardiovascular collapse, and even death. There are also currently no established recommended doses, timing, or rates of administration.
17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone Caproate for Maintenance Tocolysis: A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: Saccone G. , Suhag A. , Berghella V.
Published: May 2016

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2015;213(1):16–22)

Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal death and morbidity in the United States. Preterm labor can be halted using tocolytic agents, but since a mother’s risk of preterm birth remains high even once preterm labor has been arrested, some suggest the use of continued maintenance tocolysis.
Once More Unto the Breech: Planned Vaginal Delivery Compared With Planned Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Joseph K.S. , Pressey Tracy , Lyons Janet , Bartholomew Sharon , Liu Shiliang , Muraca Giulia , Liston Robert M.
Published: May 2016

(Obstet Gynecol. 2015;125:1162–1167)

This commentary provides an overview of the current evidence regarding planned vaginal versus planned cesarean delivery for breech presentation at term gestation, relying primarily on the 2001 Term Breech Trial and its 2-year follow-up study and the 2006 presentation and mode of delivery (PREMODA) study.
Trends in Care Practices, Morbidity, and Mortality of Extremely Preterm Neonates, 1993 to 2012
Authors: Stoll B.J. , Hansen N.I. , Bell E.F. , Walsh M.C. , Carlo W.A. , Shankaran S. , Laptook A.R. , Sánchez P.J. , Van Meurs K.P. , Wyckoff M. , Das A. , Hale E.C. , Ball M.B. , Newman N.S. , Schibler K. , Poindexter B.B. , Kennedy K.A. , Cotten C.M. , Watterberg K.L. , D’Angio C.T. , DeMauro S.B. , Truog W.E. , Devaskar U. , Higgins R.D.
Published: May 2016

(JAMA. 2015;314(10):1039–1051)

Extremely preterm infants contribute disproportionately to the burden of neonatal morbidity, mortality, and long-term neurodevelopmental disability. This study of extremely preterm infants born at Human Development Neonatal Research Network (NRN) centers is the first comprehensive review to evaluate how care practices, major morbidities, and mortality have evolved over a 20-year period.
National Partnership for Maternal Safety: Consensus Bundle on Obstetric Hemorrhage
Authors: Main E.K. , Goffman B.M. , Kane L.K. , Bingham D. , Fontaine P.L. , Gorlin J.B. , Lagrew D.C. , Levy B.S.
Published: May 2016

(Anesth Analg. 2015;121(1):142–48)

This consensus bundle compiles a selection of guidelines and recommendations for best clinical practices regarding obstetric hemorrhage. The consensus bundle on obstetric hemorrhage was developed by a workgroup of the Partnership for Maternal Safety within the Council on Patient Safety in Women’s Health Care, and represents all major women’s health care professional organizations. The goal of the partnership is implementation of the safety bundle in every birthing facility in the United States. As it is unlikely that many hospitals will have all of the elements of the consensus bundle in place, it is intended to serve as a checklist from which to work. The consensus bundle is divided into 4 action domains—readiness, recognition and prevention, response, and reporting and systems learning—and encompasses 13 key elements within these domains.
Induction of Labour Versus Expectant Management for Large-for-Date Fetuses: A Randomized-Controlled Trial
Authors: Boulvain M. , Senat M.V. , Perrotin F. , Winer N. , Beucher G. , Subtil D. , Bretelle F. , Azria E. , Hejaiej D. , Vendittelli F. , Capelle M. , Langer B. , Matis R. , Connan L. , Gillard P. , Kirkpatrick C. , Ceysens G. , Faron G. , Irion O. , Rozenberg P.
Published: May 2016

(Lancet. 2015;385(9987):2600–2605)

As macrosomia is a risk factor for unfavorable delivery outcomes, including operative vaginal or cesarean delivery and shoulder dystocia (with its associated neonatal morbidity), it is important to determine the best clinical practices for the management of pregnancies with large-for-date fetuses. This randomized-controlled trial evaluated the risks and benefits of induction of labor versus expectant management in women with large-for-date fetuses, hypothesizing that induction of labor would prevent shoulder dystocia and other neonatal and maternal morbidity associated with macrosomia, without significantly affecting the risk of cesarean delivery.
A Follow-up of a Randomized Study of Metformin and Insulin in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Growth and Development of the Children at the Age of 18 Months
Authors: Ijäs H. , Vääräsmäki M. , Saarela T. , Keravuo R. , Raudaskoski T.
Published: May 2016

(BJOG. 2015;122(7):994–1000)

The present study is a follow-up to a previous randomized-controlled trial conducted by the authors, which compared metformin and insulin as pharmacological treatments of gestational diabetes mellitus. That study found both treatments to be equivalent for the prevention of fetal macrosomia and found no difference between the study groups in the incidence of short-term perinatal adverse events. The present study compared the growth and motor, social, and linguistic development up to 18 months of age in children exposed during pregnancy to maternal metformin or insulin. The primary outcome was the children’s weight and height at ages 6, 12, and 18 months. In addition to motor, social, and linguistic development until the age of 18 months, secondary outcomes included body composition of the children as defined by ponderal index (PI) and the rates of overweight and obesity.
The Prophylactic Use of Remifentanil for Delayed Extubation After Elective Intracranial Operations: a Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded Trial
Authors: Wu Yuan-Xing , Chen Han , Li Qian , Hao Jing-Jing , Zhao Li-Hong , He Xuan , Sun Xiu-Mei , Xu Ming , Zhou Jian-Xin
Published: May 2016

Background:

Endotracheal extubation is a painful and stressful procedure. The authors hypothesized that the prophylactic use of remifentanil would attenuate the pain intensity and stress responses resulting from extubation in neurosurgical patients.

Materials and Methods:

In this prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial, 160 patients with planned delay extubation after elective intracranial operation were randomized 1:1 to receive either remifentanil or normal saline (control) before their extubation. The dose regime of remifentanil was a bolus of 0.5 μg/kg over 1 minute, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.05 μg/kg/min for 20 minutes. The primary outcome was the incidence of severe pain during the periextubation period. Secondary outcomes included changes in the pain intensity and vital signs, failing to pass an extubation evaluation after the study drug infusion, severe adverse events, postextubation complications, and clinical outcomes.

Results:

Two patients in the remifentanil group did not pass the extubation evaluation. The incidence of severe pain during the periextubation period was significantly lower in the remifentanil group compared with the control group (25.0% vs. 41.3%, P=0.029). Compared with the control group, the visual analog scale in the remifentanil group was significantly lower after the bolus of remifentanil (12±18 vs. 25±27, P=0.001) and immediately after extubation (19±25 vs. 34±30, P=0.001). There were no significant differences in the vital signs immediately after extubation between the 2 groups (P>0.05).

Conclusions:

The prophylactic use of remifentanil decreases the incidence of severe pain. Our preliminary findings merit a larger trial to clarify the effect of the prophylactic use of remifentanil on clinical outcomes and adverse events.
Evaluation of the Effect of Aneurysmal Clipping on Electrocardiography and Echocardiographic Changes in Patients With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Jangra Kiran , Grover Vinod K. , Bhagat Hemant , Bhardwaj Avanish , Tewari Manoj K. , Kumar Bhupesh , Panda Nidhi B. , Sahu Seelora
Published: May 2016

Background:

Electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic changes that are subsequent to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (a-SAH) are commonly observed with a prevalence varying from 27% to 100% and 13% to 18%, respectively. There are sparse data in the literature about the pattern of ECG and echocardiographic changes in patients with SAH after clipping of the aneurysm. Hence, we observed the effect of aneurysmal clipping on ECG and echocardiographic changes during the first week after surgery, and the impact of these changes on outcome at the end of 1 year.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective, observational study was conducted in 100 consecutive patients with a-SAH undergoing clipping of ruptured aneurysm. ECG and echocardiographic changes were recorded preoperatively and every day after surgery until 7 days. Outcome was evaluated using the Glasgow outcome scale at the end of 1 year.

Results:

Of 100 patients, 75 had ECG changes and 17 had echocardiographic changes preoperatively. The ECG changes observed were QTc prolongation, conduction defects, ST-wave and T-wave abnormalities, tachyarrhythmias, and bradyarrhythmias. The echocardiography changes included global hypokinesia and regional wall motion abnormalities. Both echocardiographic and ECG changes showed significant recovery on the first postoperative day. Patients presenting with both echocardiographic and ECG changes were found to require higher ionotropic support to maintain the desired blood pressure, and were associated with poor outcome (Glasgow outcome scale, 1 to 2) at 1 year after surgery. There was no association of ECG and echocardiographic changes with mortality (both in-hospital or at 1 year).

Conclusions:

The ECG changes, such as QTc prolongation, bradycardia, conduction abnormality, and echocardiographic changes, recover on postoperative day-1, in most of the cases after clipping. Patients with combined ECG and echocardiographic changes tend to have poor neurological outcome at the end of 1 year.
When Is the Rotator Cuff Not Repairable?
Authors: Herbst Elmar , Dyrna Felix , Buchmann Stefan , Imhoff Andreas B. , Beitzel Knut
Published: May 2016

Rotator cuff (RC) repair is a common procedure, which provides high patient satisfaction. Despite advances in surgical techniques, the RC repair failure rate is still high. Alterations in glenohumeral and scapulothoracic kinematics and a decreased acromiohumeral distance are related to an inferior clinical outcome after RC repair. To evaluate the reparability of large and massive RC tears, several factors should be taken into account. Patients’ age, comorbidities, and poor tendon and muscle quality lead to higher failure rates. If fatty infiltration grades 3 and 4 according to Goutallier and significant muscle atrophy and tear gaps of >3.5 cm with contracted and immobile tendons are present, an RC tear should primarily be considered as not repairable. In such cases, a partial repair or a tendon transfer technique is recommended. However, if patients have an advanced cuff arthropathy with acetabularization and glenohumeral osteoarthritis, an inverse shoulder arthroplasty could be performed instead of an RC repair.
Prevalence and Recognition of Depressive Disorder in Three Medical Outpatient Departments of General Hospitals in Beijing, China
Authors: Liu Chang , Liu Meiyan , Jiang Ronghuan , Ma Hong , Wu Xiamin , Luan Shuxin , He Yanling , Wei Jing , Bai Wenpei
Published: May 2016

This purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence and recognition of depressive disorders in cardiology, gastroenterology, and neurology outpatient departments of general hospitals. Patients screened with a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score of 8 or higher were interviewed by psychiatrists using Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Prevalence of depressive disorders within the cohort was determined, sociodemographic data were analyzed for correlations to a depression diagnosis, and comparisons between the surveys and the clinical diagnosis were done to assess recognition of depressive disorders by physicians. Of the patients screened for this study (1552 cases), 12.8% were diagnosed with depressive disorders by MINI, with major depressive disorder, depression due to general medical conditions, and dysthymia having prevalence values of 10.8%, 1.4%, and 0.6%, respectively. As compared with MINI, physicians only recognized 27.6% of any of the depressive disorders. Among the complaints examined, both mood problems and sleeping problems predicted the probability of recognition.
Unusual Mismatch Repair Immunohistochemical Patterns in Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Watkins Jaclyn C. , Nucci Marisa R. , Ritterhouse Lauren L. , Howitt Brooke E. , Sholl Lynette M.
Published: May 2016

Universal screening for Lynch syndrome through mismatch repair (MMR) immunohistochemistry (IHC) on tumor samples has brought to light several heterogenous MMR staining patterns. At our institution, a prospective study of universal Lynch syndrome screening using MMR IHC on 125 endometrial cancers (EC) led to the identification of subclonal loss of MMR protein expression within the tumor (n=9). We also interrogated the MMR staining patterns in MMR-deficient EC with concurrent endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN; n=14) and all mixed-type ECs (n=14) to look for concordant or discordant profiles between the various components. MLH1 promoter methylation and microsatellite instability testing was performed on discordant subclones. Abrupt and complete subclonal loss of MMR expression was identified in 9 cases (7.2%; 7 subclonal MLH1/PMS2 loss, 1 subclonal loss of MLH1 and complete loss of PMS2, and 1 subclonal MSH6 loss). All subclonal MLH1 losses were associated with epigenetic silencing. In cases with concomitant EIN (n=14), 7 cases showed concordant MMR IHC between EC and EIN, and 4 cases showed MMR protein loss confined to the EC. The remaining 3 cases demonstrated subclonal staining in the EIN. In mixed tumors (n=14), subclonal or total MMR IHC deficiency was confined to endometrioid components. In summary, discrete subclonal loss of MMR protein expression occurs in up to 7.2% of EC and, in our experience, only in endometrioid components. Importantly, subclonal MLH1 MMR defects appear to be a biological phenomenon that can be explained by methylation and somatic events, without evidence of underlying germline alterations.
Differences in Cognitive Outcomes After ECT Depending on BDNF and COMT Polymorphisms
Authors: Bennett Daniel Mark , Currie James , Fernie Gordon , Perrin Jennifer S. , Reid Ian C.
Published: May 2016

Objective

The study aimed to explore cognitive outcomes after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) depending on which version of common single nucleotide polymorphisms the patient expressed for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT).

Methods

A total of 87 patients from the clinical ECT service in Aberdeen, Scotland, were included in the study. Cognitive function testing (using Spatial Recognition Memory task from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery and Mini–Mental State Examination) and mood ratings (Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale) were performed before ECT, after 4 treatments, at the end of ECT and 1 and 3 months after the end of treatment. These scores were compared depending on BDNF and COMT variant at each time point using the Student t test and using a time series generalized least squares random effects model.

Results

No differences were found between the val and met versions of the BDNF or COMT polymorphism in either cognitive or mood outcomes at any time point during ECT treatment or up to 3 months of follow-up.

Conclusions

This study did not detect significant differences in cognitive or mood outcomes between patients who have the val66val or met versions of the BDNF polymorphism. Our results suggest that these polymorphisms will not be helpful in clinical practice for predicting cognitive outcomes after ECT.
Electronic hardware design of electrical capacitance tomography systems
Authors: Saied I. , Meribout M.
Published: May 2016

Electrical tomography techniques for process imaging are very prominent for industrial applications, such as the oil and gas industry and chemical refineries, owing to their ability to provide the flow regime of a flowing fluid within a relatively high throughput. Among the various techniques, electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) is gaining popularity due to its non-invasive nature and its capability to differentiate between different phases based on their permittivity distribution. In recent years, several hardware designs have been provided for ECT systems that have improved its resolution of measurements to be around attofarads (aF, 10
−18
 F), or the number of channels, that is required to be large for some applications that require a significant amount of data. In terms of image acquisition time, some recent systems could achieve a throughput of a few hundred frames per second, while data processing time could be achieved in only a few milliseconds per frame. This paper outlines the concept and main features of the most recent front-end and back-end electronic circuits dedicated for ECT systems. In this paper, multiple-excitation capacitance polling, a front-end electronic technique, shows promising results for ECT systems to acquire fast data acquisition speeds. A highly parallel field-programmable gate array (FPGA) based architecture for a fast reconstruction algorithm is also described.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Supersensing through industrial process tomography’.
Interface and permittivity simultaneous reconstruction in electrical capacitance tomography based on boundary and finite-elements coupling method
Authors: Ren Shangjie , Dong Feng
Published: May 2016

Electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) is a non-destructive detection technique for imaging the permittivity distributions inside an observed domain from the capacitances measurements on its boundary. Owing to its advantages of non-contact, non-radiation, high speed and low cost, ECT is promising in the measurements of many industrial or biological processes. However, in the practical industrial or biological systems, a deposit is normally seen in the inner wall of its pipe or vessel. As the actual region of interest (ROI) of ECT is surrounded by the deposit layer, the capacitance measurements become weakly sensitive to the permittivity perturbation occurring at the ROI. When there is a major permittivity difference between the deposit and the ROI, this kind of shielding effect is significant, and the permittivity reconstruction becomes challenging. To deal with the issue, an interface and permittivity simultaneous reconstruction approach is proposed. Both the permittivity at the ROI and the geometry of the deposit layer are recovered using the block coordinate descent method. The boundary and finite-elements coupling method is employed to improve the computational efficiency. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated with the simulation tests.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Supersensing through industrial process tomography’.
Characterizing the correlations between local phase fractions of gas–liquid two-phase flow with wire-mesh sensor
Authors: Tan C. , Liu W. L. , Dong F.
Published: May 2016

Understanding of flow patterns and their transitions is significant to uncover the flow mechanics of two-phase flow. The local phase distribution and its fluctuations contain rich information regarding the flow structures. A wire-mesh sensor (WMS) was used to study the local phase fluctuations of horizontal gas–liquid two-phase flow, which was verified through comparing the reconstructed three-dimensional flow structure with photographs taken during the experiments. Each crossing point of the WMS is treated as a node, so the measurement on each node is the phase fraction in this local area. An undirected and unweighted flow pattern network was established based on connections that are formed by cross-correlating the time series of each node under different flow patterns. The structure of the flow pattern network reveals the relationship of the phase fluctuations at each node during flow pattern transition, which is then quantified by introducing the topological index of the complex network. The proposed analysis method using the WMS not only provides three-dimensional visualizations of the gas–liquid two-phase flow, but is also a thorough analysis for the structure of flow patterns and the characteristics of flow pattern transition.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Supersensing through industrial process tomography’.
Crystal structure of 1,3-bis(1H-benzotriazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene
Authors: Macías Mario A. , Nuñez-Dallos Nelson , Hurtado John , Suescun Leopoldo
Published: May 2016

The molecular structure of the title compound, C20H16N6, contains two benzotriazole units bonded to a benzene nucleus in ametaconfiguration, forming dihedral angles of 88.74 (11) and 85.83 (10)° with the central aromatic ring and 57.08 (9)° with each other. The three-dimensional structure is controlled mainly by weak C—H...N and C—H...π interactions. The molecules are connected in inversion-related pairs, forming the slabs of infinite chains that run along the [-110] and [110] directions.
An AMG strategy for efficient solution of free-surface flows
Authors: Mowat Andrew Gavin Bradford , van den Bergh Wilhelm Johann , Malan Arnaud George , Wilke Daniel
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– An area of great interest in current computational fluid dynamics research is that of free-surface modelling (FSM). Semi-implicit pressure-based FSM flow solvers typically involve the solution of a pressure correction equation. The latter being computationally intensive, the purpose of this paper is to involve the implementation and enhancement of an algebraic multigrid (AMG) method for its solution.

Design/methodology/approach

– All AMG components were implemented via object-oriented C++ in a manner which ensures linear computational scalability and matrix-free storage. The developed technology was evaluated in two- and three-dimensions via application to a dam-break test case.

Findings

– AMG performance was assessed via comparison of CPU cost to that of several other competitive sparse solvers. The standard AMG implementation proved inferior to other methods in three-dimensions, while the developed Freeze version achieved significant speed-ups and proved to be superior throughout.

Originality/value

– A so-called Freeze method was developed to address the computational overhead resulting from the dynamically changing coefficient matrix. The latter involves periodic AMG setup steps in a manner that results in a robust and efficient black-box solver.
Hybrid asymptotic-numerical modeling of thin layers for dynamic thermal analysis of structures
Authors: Tuval Israel , Givoli Dan , Behar Ehud
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a computational model for thin layers, for problems of linear time-dependent heat conduction. The thin layer is replaced by a zero-thickness interface. The advantage of the new model is that it saves the need to construct and use a fine mesh inside the layer and in regions adjacent to it, and thus leads to a reduction in the computational effort associated with implicit or explicit finite element schemes.

Design/methodology/approach

– Special asymptotic models have been proposed for linear heat transfer and linear elasticity, to handle thin layers. In these models the thin layer is replaced by an interface with zero thickness, and specific jump conditions are imposed on this interface in order to represent the special effect of the layer. One such asymptotic interface model is the first-order Bövik-Benveniste model. In a paper by Sussmann et al., this model was incorporated in a FE formulation for linear steady-state heat conduction problems, and was shown to yield an accurate and efficient computational scheme. Here, this work is extended to the time-dependent case.

Findings

– As shown here, and demonstrated by numerical examples, the new model offers a cost-effective way of handling thin layers in linear time-dependent heat conduction problems. The hybrid asymptotic-FE scheme can be used with either implicit or explicit time stepping. Since the formulation can easily be symmetrized by one of several techniques, the lack of self-adjointness of the original formulation does not hinder an accurate and efficient solution.

Originality/value

– Most of the literature on asymptotic models for thin layers, replacing the layer by an interface, is analytic in nature. The proposed model is presented in a computational context, fitting naturally into a finite element framework, with both implicit and explicit time stepping, while saving the need for expensive mesh construction inside the layer and in its vicinity.
Private investor extrapolation bias – evidence through qualitative content analysis (QCA)
Authors: Rapp Albert
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to address the importance of behavioural finance issues among real investors. It analyses whether private investors are susceptible to extrapolation bias and whether this bias affects market prices.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative coding of message board posts facilitates the construction of sentiment proxies. Using linear techniques, it is tested whether after-hours sentiment is positively predicted by daily share return and whether daily share return exhibits positive autocorrelation.

Findings

Private investors are impaired by extrapolation bias, while market prices remain unaffected. Probably, sophisticated professional investors benefit by offsetting the irrational private investor transactions.

Research limitations/implications

As the sample of German blue-chip banks is small and covers a period during the Eurozone crisis, the findings should be generalised with caution. Future research might use a different sample and explore whether non-crisis periods provide comparable results.

Practical implications

Investors should not take for granted the neoclassical assumption that all market participants always act rationally and according to self-interest.

Social implications

Irrespective of whether market prices are efficient, a level playing field between private and professional investors is necessary. Otherwise, confidence in the financial marketplace is not guaranteed and society may incur welfare losses.

Originality/value

The approach of extracting sentiment from a German share message board through qualitative content analysis (QCA) is unique for analysing extrapolation bias. This paper is valuable in drawing attention to the importance of rational investment behaviour among private investors.
Are Unrealistic Assumptions/Simplifications Acceptable? Some Methodological Issues in Economics
Authors: Ng Yew‐Kwang
Published: May 2016

Are unrealistic assumptions acceptable? If results are not changed in a misleading way, they are acceptable. The same assumption may be acceptable in one context and not in another. Assuming identical pairs of individuals in the parity and limit theorems in general equilibrium theory is acceptable as results are not changed substantially. The alleged equivalence of the first‐price and second‐price auctions is based on misleading assumptions; Coase's case against taxing pollution is based on a misleading all‐or‐nothing comparison. The contrasting results (neutrality versus non‐neutrality of money) of perfect versus imperfect competition in macroeconomics with important real‐world policy relevance are also used to illustrate the point.
Pioneering surgery for retinal detachment in Australasia: a review
Authors: Hadden Bruce
Published: May 2016

In the 1930s there was excitement worldwide with the realization that Jules Gonin's observation that closing the retinal break was the key to successful retinal re‐attachment surgery. Australians and New Zealanders kept pace with these developments despite the limitations of travel and communication in the 1930s. Dr J. Bruce Hamilton of Tasmania was training at Moorfields Eye Hospital in 1930 and was exposed to the surgical technique espoused by Gonin in its first year of being adopted in Britain. Walter Lockhart Gibson was the first in Australasia to report a successful retinal re‐attachment operation in 1931. In the 1960s Australians made two significant contributions to retinal surgery: the Schultz‐Crock portable indirect ophthalmoscope and the first instrument for closed pars plana vitrectomy. The latter was developed at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital by Dr Jean‐Marie Parel and Professor Gerard Crock, in association with Dr Robert Machemer, and it was used by Machemer when he carried out the world's first closed pars plana vitrectomy in 1971.
Shenzhen in China's Financial Center Networks
Authors: Meyer David R.
Published: May 2016

Shenzhen, China, aspires to be an international financial center; however, its financial sector occupies an anomalous position in China's networks. The sector is tightly integrated into mainland networks, and Shenzhen's local banks provide access to Hong Kong's networks. Nonetheless, the city's proximity to Hong Kong, the Asia‐Pacific center of financial networks, confers few incremental benefits compared to those received by other mainland centers. The proposed Qianhai financial district, which is to be a laboratory for opening China's capital accounts, does not differentially boost Shenzhen because other financial centers will be allowed to experiment. A network theory of financial centers provides the explanatory framework for interpreting Shenzhen in China's financial center networks. Empirical analyses focus on Shenzhen's network ties with the Mainland and with Hong Kong. Shenzhen's future rests on the capacity of its financial firms to participate in the networks of South China, as well as to operate across the Mainland.
The effect of shear on the rheology and structure of heat‐induced whey protein gels
Authors: Badii Fojan , Atri Halleh , Dunstan Dave E.
Published: May 2016

The influence of mechanical shearing on the small deformation properties and microstructure of heat‐induced whey protein gel has been studied. The viscoelastic properties of these gels at different concentrations of 10% and 20% (w/w) exposed to different shear rates of 0, 50, 100, 200 and 500 s−1 during gelation were measured using dynamic oscillatory rheometry. The structure of both the shear treated and unsheared gels was then investigated using light microscopy. The results showed that the storage modulus of the gels at both concentrations was increased by increasing the shear rate exposure during gelation while the shear‐treated gels were more elastic and showed frequency‐independent behaviour. As the total protein concentration of the gel increased, the viscoelastic properties of the gels also increased significantly and the gels showed greater elasticity. The gels obtained from the higher shear rate exposure were stronger with higher elastic moduli at both protein concentrations. Images of the gels obtained using light microscopy showed that shearing resulted in phase separation and some aggregation in the structure of the gels at both concentrations. However, the shearing rates applied in this study were not enough to cause aggregation breakdown in the gel network.
Sensing kuuki among visiting nurses
Authors: Shimamura Atsuko , Suwa Sayuri , Tsujimura Mayuko
Published: May 2016

This study aimed to explore how visiting nurses in Japan sense Kuuki (mood or atmosphere) in the homes of patients and families. Participants were 15 Japanese visiting nurses with experience sensing kuuki in homes of patients and families. Data were collected through two 90 min focus group interviews with experienced visiting nurses, and a qualitative content analysis was performed. The qualitative analysis showed that experienced visiting nurses sensed kuuki in eight ways. Kuuki differs based on type of illness, state of health and number of visits. Sensitivity to kuuki is thought to be linked to understanding of patient and family feelings, changes in the physical condition of patients and evaluation of nursing care delivery. Perception of kuuki also contributes to care planning especially on the very first home visit and when visiting terminally ill patients.
Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging: Current role in prostate cancer management
Authors: Ueno Yoshiko , Tamada Tsutomu , Bist Vipul , Reinhold Caroline , Miyake Hideaki , Tanaka Utaru , Kitajima Kazuhiro , Sugimura Kazuro , Takahashi Satoru
Published: May 2016

Digital rectal examination, serum prostate‐specific antigen screening and transrectal ultrasound‐guided biopsy are conventionally used as screening, diagnostic and surveillance tools for prostate cancer. However, they have limited sensitivity and specificity. In recent years, the role of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging has steadily grown, and is now part of the standard clinical management in many institutions. In multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, the morphological assessment of T2‐weighted imaging is correlated with diffusion‐weighted imaging, dynamic contrast‐enhanced imaging perfusion and/or magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging is currently regarded as the most sensitive and specific imaging technique for the evaluation of prostate cancer, including detection, staging, localization and aggressiveness evaluation. This article presents an overview of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, and discusses the current role of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in the different fields of prostate cancer management.
Managing Beliefs about Monetary Policy under Discretion
Authors: MERTENS ELMAR
Published: May 2016

In models of monetary policy, discretionary policymaking is typically constrained in its ability to manage public beliefs. However, when a policymaker possesses private information, policy actions serve as signals to the public about unobserved economic conditions and belief management becomes an integral part of optimal discretion policies. This article derives the optimal time‐consistent policy for a general linear‐quadratic setting. The optimal policy is illustrated in a simple New Keynesian model, where analytical solutions can be derived as well. In this model, imperfect information about the policymaker's output target leads to lower policy losses.
The Roles of Corporate Governance in Bank Failures during the Recent Financial Crisis
Authors: BERGER ALLEN N. , IMBIEROWICZ BJÖRN , RAUCH CHRISTIAN
Published: May 2016

We analyze the roles of bank ownership, management, and compensation structures in bank failures during the recent financial crisis. Our results suggest that failures are strongly influenced by ownership structure: high shareholdings of lower‐level management and non‐chief executive officer (non‐CEO) higher‐level management increase failure risk significantly. In contrast, shareholdings of banks’ CEOs do not have a direct impact on bank failure. These findings suggest that high stakes in the bank induce non‐CEO managers to take high risks due to moral hazard incentives, which may result in bank failure. We identify tail risk in noninterest income as a primary risk‐taking channel of lower‐level managers.