bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Corn Husk Powder as a Novel Substrate to Produce a Surface Active Compound from Labrenzia aggregate KP‐5
Authors: Saimmai Atipan , Maneerat Suppasil , Chooklin Chanika S.
Published: May 2018

In this study, surface active compound (SAC)‐producing bacterial isolates were evaluated for SAC production using corn husk powder (CHP) as a sole carbon source. From the 51 isolates screened, Labrenzia aggregate KP‐5 produced the highest SAC activity. The highest SAC production (3.51 g L−1) was obtained when the strain was cultivated in a minimal salt medium containing 40 g L−1 CHP and 1 g L−1 commercial monosodium glutamate at 30 °C and 150 rpm after 51 h of cultivation. The produced SAC had the ability to decrease the surface tension of water from 72.0 to 25.5 mN m−1, with the critical micelle concentration of 9 mg L−1 (11.07 mM) and exhibited the highest emulsification activity (EA) of 81% against motor oil. The SAC showed stability at 4–121 °C and pH 4–10 against the surface and EA of vegetable oils and hydrocarbons, and showed tolerance at high salt concentrations (1–10% NaCl). The chemical structure of the SAC was confirmed as a rhamnolipid using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and mass spectrometric analysis. The SAC did not exhibit inhibitory effects on various vegetables tested; however, strong inhibitory activity against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria was observed. The application of SAC for microbial enhanced oil recovery by sand saturated with used lubricating oil resulted in above 89% of oil removal. The properties of the SAC we obtained from CHP have potential applications especially for microbial enhanced oil recovery and/or reducing the intensity of environmental contamination. In addition, the obtained SAC is a suitable alternative to antimicrobial agents.
Transformation from Nanofibers to Nanoribbons in Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) Solution by Adding Alkylthiols
Authors: Pan Shuang , Zhu Mingjing , He Luze , Zhang Hongdong , Qiu Feng , Lin Zhiqun , Peng Juan
Published: May 2018

An intriguing morphological transition from poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) 1D nanofibers to 2D nanoribbons enabled by the addition of a series of alkylthiols is reported. First, P3HT 1D nanofibers are formed due to strong anisotropic π–π stacking between planar rigid backbones. Upon the addition of alkylthiols, P3HT nanofibers are transformed into nanoribbons associated with the crystallographic transition from edge‐on orientation to flat‐on orientation. The content of alkylthiols has a great influence on the P3HT morphology in the solution. The mechanism of such a morphological transformation is discussed based on the interaction between alkylthiols and P3HT chains. This work offers an effective strategy to tailor the crystal morphology and dimension of P3HT, which not only improves the understanding of P3HT crystallization but also may enable such discovery into conjugated polymer‐based optoelectronic devices.
Exploiting NH···Cl Hydrogen Bonding Interactions in Cooperative Metallosupramolecular Polymerization
Authors: Langenstroer Anja , Dorca Yeray , Kartha Kalathil K. , Mayoral Maria Jose , Stepanenko Vladimir , Fernández Gustavo , Sánchez Luis
Published: May 2018

The self‐assembly features of hydrophobic bispyridyldichlorido Pd(II) complexes, equipped with an extended aromatic surface derived from oligophenyleneethynylene (OPE) and polarizable amide functional groups, are reported. The cooperative supramolecular polymerization of these complexes results in bundles of thin fibers in which the monomer units are arranged in a translationally displaced or slipped fashion. Spectroscopic and microscopy studies reveal that these assemblies are held together by simultaneous π‐stacking of the OPE moieties and NH···ClPd hydrogen bonds. These unconventional forces are often observed in crystal engineering but remain largely unexploited in supramolecular polymers. Both steric and electronic effects (the presence of bulky and polarizable metal‐bound Cl ligands as well as hydrogen bonding donor NH units) prevent the establishment of short Pd–Pd contacts and strongly condition the aggregation mode of the reported complexes, in close analogy to the previously reported amphiphilic Pd(II) complex 4. The results presented herein shed light on the subtle interplay between different noncovalent interactions and their impact on the self‐assembly of metallosupramolecular systems.
Stability and instability of the standing waves for the Klein‐Gordon‐Zakharov system in one space dimension
Authors: Yin Silu
Published: May 2018

The orbital instability of standing waves for the Klein‐Gordon‐Zakharov system has been established in two and three space dimensions under radially symmetric condition by Ohta‐Todorova in 2007. In the one space dimensional case, for the nondegenerate situation, we first check that the Klein‐Gordon‐Zakharov system satisfies Grillakis‐Shatah‐Strauss' assumptions on the stability and instability theorems for abstract Hamiltonian systems; see Grillakis‐Shatah‐Strauss (J. Funct. Anal. 1987). As to the degenerate case that the frequency, we follow the recent splendid work of Wu (2017) to prove the instability of the standing waves for the Klein‐Gordon‐Zakharov system, by using the modulation argument combining with the virial identity. For this purpose, we establish a modified virial identity to overcome several troublesome terms left in the traditional virial identity.
Retinal vascular segmentation using superpixel‐based line operator and its application to vascular topology estimation
Authors: Na Tong , Xie Jianyang , Zhao Yitian , Zhao Yifan , Liu Yue , Wang Yongtian , Liu Jiang
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Automatic methods of analyzing of retinal vascular networks, such as retinal blood vessel detection, vascular network topology estimation, and arteries/veins classification are of great assistance to the ophthalmologist in terms of diagnosis and treatment of a wide spectrum of diseases.

Methods

We propose a new framework for precisely segmenting retinal vasculatures, constructing retinal vascular network topology, and separating the arteries and veins. A nonlocal total variation inspired Retinex model is employed to remove the image intensity inhomogeneities and relatively poor contrast. For better generalizability and segmentation performance, a superpixel‐based line operator is proposed as to distinguish between lines and the edges, thus allowing more tolerance in the position of the respective contours. The concept of dominant sets clustering is adopted to estimate retinal vessel topology and classify the vessel network into arteries and veins.

Results

The proposed segmentation method yields competitive results on three public data sets (STARE, DRIVE, and IOSTAR), and it has superior performance when compared with unsupervised segmentation methods, with accuracy of 0.954, 0.957, and 0.964, respectively. The topology estimation approach has been applied to five public databases (DRIVE,STARE, INSPIRE, IOSTAR, and VICAVR) and achieved high accuracy of 0.830, 0.910, 0.915, 0.928, and 0.889, respectively. The accuracies of arteries/veins classification based on the estimated vascular topology on three public databases (INSPIRE, DRIVE and VICAVR) are 0.90.9, 0.910, and 0.907, respectively.

Conclusions

The experimental results show that the proposed framework has effectively addressed crossover problem, a bottleneck issue in segmentation and vascular topology reconstruction. The vascular topology information significantly improves the accuracy on arteries/veins classification.
DNA double‐strand breaks as a method of radiation measurements for therapeutic beams
Authors: Obeidat Mohammad , McConnell Kristen A. , Li Xiaolei , Bui Brian , Stathakis Sotirios , Papanikolaou Niko , Rasmussen Karl , Ha Chul Soo , Lee Sang Eun , Shim Eun Yong , Kirby Neil
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Many types of dosimeters are used to measure radiation dose and calibrate radiotherapy equipment, but none directly measure the biological effect of this dose. The purpose here is to create a dosimeter that can measure the probability of double‐strand breaks (DSB) for DNA, which is directly related to the biological effect of radiation.

Methods

A DNA dosimeter, consisting of magnetic streptavidin beads attached to four kilobase pair DNA strands labeled with biotin and fluorescein amidite (FAM) on opposing ends, was suspended in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS). Fifty microliter samples were placed in plastic tubes inside a water tank setup and irradiated at the dose levels of 25, 50, 100, 150, and 200 Gy. After irradiation, the dosimeters were mechanically separated into beads (intact DNA) and supernatant (broken DNA/FAM) using a magnet. The fluorescence was read and the probability of DSB was calculated. This DNA dosimeter response was benchmarked against a Southern blot analysis technique for the measurement of DSB probability.

Results

For the DNA dosimeter, the probabilities of DSB at the dose levels of 25, 50, 100, 150, and 200 Gy were 0.043, 0.081, 0.149, 0.196, and 0.242, respectively, and the standard errors of the mean were 0.002, 0.003, 0.006, 0.005, and 0.011, respectively. For the Southern blot method, the probabilities of DSB at the dose levels of 25, 50, 100, 150, and 200 Gy were 0.053, 0.105, 0.198, 0.235, and 0.264, respectively, and the standard errors of the mean were 0.013, 0.024, 0.040, 0.044, and 0.063, respectively.

Conclusions

A DNA dosimeter can accurately determine the probability of DNA double‐strand break (DSB), one of the most toxic effects of radiotherapy, for absorbed radiation doses from 25 to 200 Gy. This is an important step in demonstrating the viability of DNA dosimeters as a measurement technique for radiation.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of appendiceal carcinoid tumors in children
Authors: Njere Ike , Smith Lisa Linnéa , Thurairasa Dushanthi , Malik Rubina , Jeffrey Iona , Okoye Bruce , Sinha Chandrasen
Published: May 2018

Objective

The study's aim was to review the literature regarding past and current practices in managing incidental appendiceal carcinoid tumors and need for more procedures.

Method

A search of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases of systematic reviews was undertaken of the English language literature. The mesh terms used were “carcinoid” or “neuroendocrine,” “tumour” or “tumor,” “appendix,” “appendicectomy,” or “appendectomy,” and “child,” “pediatric,” or “paediatric.” Of the 369 articles found, 37 met the inclusion criteria. Our hospital records and pathology database identified 11 patients with confirmed histological diagnosis of appendicular carcinoids from January 1996 to December 2016. Those cases were also included in this study.

Results

A total of 958 cases were identified from the literature and our own experience. There were 566 females and 343 males giving us a ratio of 1.65:1. The frequency was 0.3% of appendicectomies. There was a 28‐fold increase in the risk of having a positive lymph node if the tumor size was >2 cm compared with the risk of having a positive lymph node if the tumor size was ≤2 cm. There was no recurrence or mortality for those with criteria for secondary surgery, who were observed after appendicectomy compared to those that had secondary surgery. Mean follow‐up was 58.6 months (4.8 years) with a range of 0–396 months (33 years).

Conclusion

Appendicectomy alone is an adequate treatment for an appendicular carcinoid in children irrespective of size, position, lymph node, or mesenteric involvement. Post‐appendicectomy investigations were found to be not helpful in this study.
Posttransplant cyclophosphamide for haploidentical stem cell transplantation in children with Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome
Authors: Yue Yan , Shi Xiaodong , Song Zeliang , Qin Jiayue , Li Junhui , Feng Shunqiao , Liu Rong
Published: May 2018

Background

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the curative treatment for Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome (WAS). However, it is difficult to find a matched donor for patients. Therefore, haploidentical donors should be considered for patients lacking a suitable donor. Our pilot study evaluated whether HSCT with posttransplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) is an effective treatment for WAS.

Methods

Haploidentical family donors were selected as donor sources for a total of five patients without a suitable donor between March 2015 and March 2017. A modified transplant protocol using PTCy (50 mg/kg/day on days +3 and +4) was performed, including busulfan (16 mg/kg), fludarabine (150 mg/m2), and rabbit antihuman thymocyte globulin (7.5 mg/kg).

Results

The median time for neutrophil recovery over 1,000 × 103/mm3 was 15 days (range, 12–18 days), and that for keeping platelets counts over 50,000/mm3 was 27.5 days (range, 20–35 days). The median follow‐up was 2.1 years (range, 1.4–2.5 years). Two patients developed grade I acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), and one patient had limited chronic GVHD. All five patients are alive and independent of platelet infusion with 100% donor chimerism.

Conclusion

Our pilot study suggests that HSCT with modified PTCy is a safe and effective treatment for WAS, which needs further clinical practice and research.
Interstitial brachytherapy for pediatric soft tissue sarcoma: Evolving practice over three decades and long‐term outcomes
Authors: Laskar Siddhartha , Pilar Avinash , Khanna Nehal , Puri Ajay , Gulia Ashish , Qureshi Sajid , Chinnaswamy Girish , Vora Tushar , Ramadwar Mukta
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Evaluate long‐term clinical outcomes, adverse effects, and evolving practice of interstitial brachytherapy (BT) for pediatric soft tissue sarcomas (STS).

Methods

From September 1984 to December 2014, 105 children (median age 10 years) were included. There were 60 males and 45 females. The majority (74%) had primary lesions. Synovial sarcoma (22%) was the most frequent histology. Treatment included wide local excision and BT with or without external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Eighty‐five (81%) received BT alone.

Results

After a median follow‐up of 65 months, local control (LC), disease‐free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) at 10 years were 83, 66, and 73%, respectively. On univariate analysis, LC was superior with tumors <5 cm versus >5 cm (93% vs. 75%, P = 0.10), Grade I/II versus Grade III tumors (97% vs. 73%, P = 0.01), nonround cell versus round cell histology (89% vs. 72%, P = 0.03), and trunk/extremity versus head and neck/genitourinary sites (87% vs. 57%, P = 0.0001). On multivariate analysis tumor size (P = 0.03) and location (P = 0.002) retained significance. Children receiving BT alone had comparable LC to those receiving BT and EBRT (84% vs. 80%, P = 0.43). There was no difference in LC between LDR versus HDR BT (86% vs. 83%, P = 0.30). Wound complications were seen in 6%. Subcutaneous fibrosis (25%), limb edema (6%), skeletal abnormalities (3%), and neuropathy (1%) were the late complications. One child (0.9%) developed a second malignancy after 7 years.

Conclusion

Interstitial BT with or without EBRT results in excellent outcomes. Radical BT alone, when used judiciously, results in excellent local control and function with minimal treatment‐related morbidity.
Chemical Proteomics of Host–Microbe Interactions
Authors: Wright Megan H.
Published: May 2018

The dynamic proteome plays numerous roles in the interactions of microbes—whether they are invading pathogens or symbiotic organisms—and their hosts. Host and microbe sense, respond, and manipulate each other's biology via a multitude of mechanisms, resulting in alterations in protein expression or posttranslational modification that influence protein localization, activity, or binding partners. The intrinsic, temporal, and spatial complexity of multispecies systems makes identifying the molecular players challenging. Chemical proteomic approaches apply small molecule chemical tools to interrogate protein function, interactions or modifications. This review highlights recent advances in the application of these methods at the host–microbe interface.
The effects of Self‐Book© art therapy on cancer‐related distress in female cancer patients during active treatment: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Radl Donna , Vita Maureen , Gerber Nancy , Gracely Edward J. , Bradt Joke
Published: May 2018

Objective

National attention on patients' cancer‐related emotional distress produced a need for evidence‐based, psychosocial interventions in oncology care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Self‐Book© art therapy for emotional distress and psychological well‐being of female oncology patients during active oncology treatment.

Methods

Sixty consenting women with cancer were randomly assigned to either a 6‐session Self‐Book© art therapy program or standard care. A repeated measures randomized controlled trial design was employed. Data were collected by using the Distress Thermometer, Perceived Emotional Distress Inventory, Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Brief Psychological Well‐being test, and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Spiritual Well‐being. Measurements were obtained at baseline, week 3, week 6, and 1 to 2 months post intervention.

Results

Forty participants were included in the final analysis. No significant differences between groups were found for the primary outcome measures: emotional distress and psychological well‐being. Greater improvements in Self‐Book© art therapy participants' spiritual well‐being were found compared with the standard care control participants (P = .02).

Conclusions

Although no statistically significant differences were present between the groups for the primary outcomes, several positive trends were noted. Thirty percent of Self‐Book© art therapy participants reported postintervention emotional distress scores that were below the abnormal range for emotional distress, compared with only 5% of standard care control participants, suggesting that Self‐Book© art therapy may have clinical value. Further studies are recommended to better understand the therapeutic mechanisms of Self‐Book© art therapy for enhancing psychological well‐being.
First‐Pass CYP3A‐Mediated Metabolism of Midazolam in the Gut Wall and Liver in Preterm Neonates
Authors: Brussee Janneke M. , Yu Huixin , Krekels Elke H. J. , de Roos Berend , Brill Margreke J. E. , van den Anker Johannes N. , Rostami‐Hodjegan Amin , de Wildt Saskia N. , Knibbe Catherijne A. J.
Published: May 2018

To predict first‐pass and systemic cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A‐mediated metabolism of midazolam in preterm neonates, a physiological population pharmacokinetic model was developed describing intestinal and hepatic midazolam clearance in preterm infants. On the basis of midazolam and 1‐OH‐midazolam concentrations from 37 preterm neonates (gestational age 26–34 weeks) receiving midazolam orally and/or via a 30‐minute intravenous infusion, intrinsic clearance in the gut wall and liver were found to be very low, with lower values in the gut wall (0.0196 and 6.7 L/h, respectively). This results in a highly variable and high total oral bioavailability of 92.1% (range, 67–95%) in preterm neonates, whereas this is around 30% in adults. This approach in which intestinal and hepatic clearance were separately estimated shows that the high bioavailability in preterm neonates is explained by, likely age‐related, low CYP3A activity in the liver and even lower CYP3A activity in the gut wall.
Ionic Liquid‐Assisted Improvements in the Thermal Stability of CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Du Jinglun , Wang Yinglin , Zhang Yu , Zhao Guiying , Jia Yuwen , Zhang Xintong , Liu Yichun
Published: May 2018

The instability of perovskite photovoltaic material is the key issue hindering its commercialization. Herein, we report a novel strategy to improve the thermal stability of perovskite materials containing methyl ammonium (MA) by adding a small amount of nonvolatile 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromine (BMIBr) ionic liquid. Nuclear magnetic resonance and scanning electron microscopy measurements show that BMIBr can anchor the MA cation via hydrogen bonding and can reduce the grain boundaries of the perovskite film. BMIBr‐doped perovskite films can tolerate heating for 50 min at 85 °C in contrast to the degradation of the undoped films at the beginning of heating. The retained photovoltaic performance of the perovskite solar cell can also be enhanced from 70 to 85% by BMIBr during thermal degradation at 85 °C for 20 min. This is a novel approach to developing perovskite photovoltaic devices with long‐term stability.
Quasi‐White Light‐Emitting Devices Based on SiC Quantum Dots
Authors: Chen Xifang , Guo Xiaoxiao , Wu Wenhui , Fan Jiyang
Published: May 2018

White electroluminescence based on quantum dots (QDs) is usually realized by incorporating different types of QDs or QDs plus rare earth ion phosphors into a single device. Herein, we report quasi‐white electroluminescence in pure silicon carbide QDs‐based light‐emitting devices (LEDs). The carrier transport and recombination mechanisms are investigated through analyzing the current density versus bias curves and spatial distribution of energy levels. The carrier transport mechanism is dominated by quantum tunneling at low bias and direct injection at high bias, respectively. The quasi‐white electroluminescence arises from recombination of the injected electrons and holes in the SiC QDs in the devices.
Carvacrol and human health: A comprehensive review
Authors: Sharifi‐Rad Mehdi , Varoni Elena Maria , Iriti Marcello , Martorell Miquel , Setzer William N. , del Mar Contreras María , Salehi Bahare , Soltani‐Nejad Azam , Rajabi Sadegh , Tajbakhsh Mercedeh , Sharifi‐Rad Javad
Published: May 2018

Carvacrol (CV) is a phenolic monoterpenoid found in essential oils of oregano (Origanum vulgare), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), pepperwort (Lepidium flavum), wild bergamot (Citrus aurantium bergamia), and other plants. Carvacrol possesses a wide range of bioactivities putatively useful for clinical applications such antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. Carvacrol antimicrobial activity is higher than that of other volatile compounds present in essential oils due to the presence of the free hydroxyl group, hydrophobicity, and the phenol moiety. The present review illustrates the state‐of‐the‐art studies on the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties of CV. It is particularly effective against food‐borne pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Bacillus cereus. Carvacrol has high antioxidant activity and has been successfully used, mainly associated with thymol, as dietary phytoadditive to improve animal antioxidant status. The anticancer properties of CV have been reported in preclinical models of breast, liver, and lung carcinomas, acting on proapoptotic processes. Besides the interesting properties of CV and the toxicological profile becoming definite, to date, human trials on CV are still lacking, and this largely impedes any conclusions of clinical relevance.
Copula‐based reliability and safety analysis of safety‐critical systems with dependent failures
Authors: Jia Xujie , Xing Liudong , Li Gang
Published: May 2018

A safety‐critical system (SCS) is a system whose failure could result in a certain serious consequence, such as loss of life and significant damage to property or environment. Examples of SCSs abound in real‐world applications, such as medical instruments, emergency shutdown systems, and fire/gas detection systems. An SCS can assume 1 of 3 states: working, safe failure, and dangerous (or unsafe) failure. To analyze reliability and safety of SCSs accurately, we build multi‐state models of an SCS and its constituent units. The dependent relationships (nonlinear correlation) of different parts within a safety‐critical unit as well as across the units are modeled using the Copula method. Formulas computing reliability and safety indexes of a safety‐critical unit and of safety‐critical series or parallel systems are derived. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the application of the proposed methodology.
New GWMA‐CUSUM control chart for monitoring the process dispersion
Authors: Ali Rizwan , Haq Abdul
Published: May 2018

The cumulative sum (CUSUM) and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control charts have been widely accepted because of their fantastic speed in identifying small‐to‐moderate unusual variations in the process parameter(s). Recently, a new CUSUM chart has been proposed that uses the EWMA statistic, called the CS‐EWMA chart, for monitoring the process variability. On similar lines, in order to further improve the detection ability of the CS‐EWMA chart, we propose a CUSUM chart using the generally weighted moving average (GWMA) statistic, named the GWMA‐CUSUM chart, for monitoring the process dispersion. Monte Carlo simulations are used to compute the run length profiles of the GWMA‐CUSUM chart. On the basis of the run length comparisons, it turns out that the GWMA‐CUSUM chart outperforms the CUSUM and CS‐EWMA charts when identifying small variations in the process variability. A simulated dataset is also used to explain the working and implementation of the CS‐EWMA and GWMA‐CUSUM charts.
B−Hb←:X (X= N, O, P, S, F, Cl, Br) interactions: A density functional study
Authors: Saha Bapan , Bhattacharyya Pradip Kr.
Published: May 2018

Density functional theory calculation on BHb←:X interaction (X= N, O, P, S, F, Cl, Br) is performed. HOMO energy predicts the feasibility of such complexation. Steric and electronic effects play significant role on geometry of the complexes. Interaction energy suggests that the interaction is moderately strong (< 5.00 kcal mol−1) in nature and the complexes are stable in both gas and solvent phase. Electron donating group on: X facilitates the interaction whereas electron withdrawing group impedes the same. MP2 and CCSD(T) calculations further confirm the suitability of ωB97X‐D and M06‐2X functional for studying such interactions. Dispersive interaction is the primary mode of interaction in stabilizing the complexes. 1H NMR and IR study are also performed. Thermochemical analysis advocates exothermic nature of complexation.
Peering into the HIV reservoir
Authors: García Marcial , Buzón María J. , Benito José M. , Rallón Norma
Published: May 2018

The main obstacle to HIV eradication is the establishment of a long‐term persistent HIV reservoir. Although several therapeutic approaches have been developed to reduce and eventually eliminate the HIV reservoir, only a few have achieved promising results. A better knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the establishment and maintenance of HIV reservoir is of utmost relevance for the design of new therapeutic strategies aimed at purging it with the ultimate goal of achieving HIV eradication or alternatively a functional cure. In this regard, it is also important to take a close look into the cellular HIV reservoirs other than resting memory CD4 T‐cells with key roles in reservoir maintenance that have been recently described. Unraveling the special characteristics of these HIV cellular compartments could aid us in designing new therapeutic strategies to deplete the latent HIV reservoir.
Capital market development in Southeast Asia: From speculative crisis to spectacles of financialization
Authors: Rethel Lena
Published: May 2018

The aftermath of the Asian financial crisis of 1997–98 witnessed a significant transformation of the financial systems of the Southeast Asia region. It saw the ascendance of capital markets in financial systems that had traditionally relied on bank loans and other sorts of so‐called relationship finance. This emergence of capital markets was by design rather than the spontaneous and natural result of their evolving market orders as policymakers shifted from planning for outcomes to planning for uncertainty. A financialized version of capital market development, conceptualized here as situated knowledge practice, has manifested itself in increasingly spectacular financial designs. The article explores two sites of the circulation of new financial knowledge: the dramatic performances of financial knowledge at (Islamic) capital market conferences and the new urban designs where financial knowledge is put to work. The analysis is informed by observations from Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.
Market efficiency as a revolution in data analysis
Authors: Polillo Simone
Published: May 2018

Why did random walk models and market efficiency become central to financial economics, when other approaches did not? Attention to the terms of the debate that surrounded efficiency at a formative stage for the discipline reveals an emerging consensus about best practices in assembling data, framed in a mode of argumentation that emphasizes “reasonableness” over other standards. Changes in the scripts, and the broader styles, or “modes,” within which arguments in financial economics were couched, I submit, facilitated the rise to dominance of a type of research based on very specific kinds of data, paving the way for markets to be seen as efficient. The relationship between data‐driven knowledge and the systematic ignorance of what the data do not capture reveals the importance of tracing the practical consequences of the rhetoric of economics and invites broader questions about the effects data have on knowledge in other fields.
Of loans and livelihoods: Gendered “social work” in urban India
Authors: Radhakrishnan Smitha
Published: May 2018

Through an ethnographic study of commercial microlending in urban India, this article examines how “everyday” financialization reinscribes class and gender hierarchies in working‐class communities at global finance's outer edges. Relatively privileged women deploy their knowledge of their communities to organize women, sometimes coercively, into precise formations that meet the exacting requirements of corporate microfinance institutions (MFIs). Through “social work,” powerful volunteers can convert intimate financial knowledge of households in their neighborhoods into social and cultural power. Concomitantly, MFIs aiming to funnel global capital into marginal neighborhoods achieve financial sustainability.
Prediction of binary interaction coefficients in grain boundary segregation
Authors: Lejček Pavel , Hofmann Siegfried
Published: May 2018

A simple semiempirical method is proposed for prediction of the values of the binary interaction coefficients in grain boundary segregation (Fowler interaction). The method is based on the volume solid solubility, the maximum possible concentration of the solute at the grain boundary, and an additional parameter that represents an activity exponent of both the solute and the host metal. Values of the interaction coefficients for numerous solutes in α‐iron are predicted. The comparison with available literature data shows reasonable agreement.
Monitoring daily events, coping strategies, and emotion during a desert expedition in the Middle East
Authors: Smith N. , Barrett E. , Sandal G. M.
Published: May 2018

Personnel operating in extreme environmental conditions are exposed to a variety of stressors. Whether a person adjusts to the conditions and is able to cope has implications for their psychological health. In previous extreme‐environment work, temporal changes in stress, coping, and emotion have been reported. Building on previous studies, we used a diary methodology to explore temporal changes in and associations between daily events, coping strategies, and affect during a unique hyperarid desert expedition. Four participants undertaking a crossing of the Empty Quarter desert were recruited to the study. Participants completed pre‐expedition, postexpedition, and 4‐month follow‐up questionnaires. A daily self‐report diary was used to collect situational data. Time‐based changes were analysed before testing predictive models linking events and coping strategies with affective responses. Findings suggest that participants had an overall positive experience. There were changes in both the events experienced and coping strategies used during the expedition. Variation in events and coping strategies significantly predicted fluctuations in positive and negative affect. Results offer valuable mechanistic information that could inform monitoring systems aimed at tracking psychological variables during operations in extreme environments. Results are discussed in relation to the novel context, diary methodology, and implications for those operating in extremes.
Fabrication of a 3D Hierarchical Sandwich Co9S8/α‐MnS@N–C@MoS2 Nanowire Architectures as Advanced Electrode Material for High Performance Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Kandula Syam , Shrestha Khem Raj , Kim Nam Hoon , Lee Joong Hee
Published: May 2018

Supercapacitors suffer from lack of energy density and impulse the energy density limit, so a new class of hybrid electrode materials with promising architectures is strongly desirable. Here, the rational design of a 3D hierarchical sandwich Co9S8/α‐MnS@N–C@MoS2 nanowire architecture is achieved during the hydrothermal sulphurization reaction by the conversion of binary mesoporous metal oxide core to corresponding individual metal sulphides core along with the formation of outer metal sulphide shell at the same time. Benefiting from the 3D hierarchical sandwich architecture, Co9S8/α‐MnS@N–C@MoS2 electrode exhibits enhanced electrochemical performance with high specific capacity/capacitance of 306 mA h g−1/1938 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, and excellent cycling stability with a specific capacity retention of 86.9% after 10 000 cycles at 10 A g−1. Moreover, the fabricated asymmetric supercapacitor device using Co9S8/α‐MnS@N–C@MoS2 as the positive electrode and nitrogen doped graphene as the negative electrode demonstrates high energy density of 64.2 Wh kg−1 at 729.2 W kg−1, and a promising energy density of 23.5 Wh kg−1 is still attained at a high power density of 11 300 W kg−1. The hybrid electrode with 3D hierarchical sandwich architecture promotes enhanced energy density with excellent cyclic stability for energy storage.
Seismic reliability evaluation of tunnel form (box‐type) RC structures under the accidental torsion
Authors: Mohsenian Vahid , Mortezaei Alireza
Published: May 2018

In the tunnel form (box‐type) structural system, walls arrangement and mass distribution have important effect on the interactions of thinner shear walls and slab configurations. In the other words, despite the regularity of these buildings as well as symmetry in wall arrangement and mass distribution, the first mode of structural behavior in many cases is twisting. This characteristic is limited to the flexible torsional buildings, which are often sensitive to the mass eccentricity and rotational components of earthquake. According to the available guidelines for design and construction of tunnel form systems and emphasizing on regularity of these structural systems, it seems that the most probable mass irregularity of this type of structures is asymmetric distribution of live loads during service life. Therefore, in this paper, seismic behavior of box‐type (tunnel form) buildings is evaluated under the accidental torsion caused by asymmetric distribution of mass in stories. The incremental nonlinear dynamic analysis is used for this purpose. Despite the asymmetric distribution of mass in plan, the results demonstrate high capacity and appropriate seismic behavior of the tunnel form system. Therefore, an eccentricity equal to 10% of the plan dimension does not change the building performance level, which is higher than the immediate occupancy level under the design and maximum probable earthquake hazard levels.
Walleye Population Responses to Experimental Exploitation in a Northern Wisconsin Lake
Authors: Sass Greg G. , Shaw Stephanie L.
Published: May 2018

Understanding how fish populations respond to exploitation is critical for sustainable fisheries management. Walleye Sander vitreus have been exploited by tribal spear and angling fisheries in the Ceded Territory of Wisconsin (CTWI) since 1985, and harvest in individual lakes has been regulated using a 35% adult exploitation limit reference point since 1990. We conducted a 35% annual adult Walleye exploitation experiment (1993–1997: baseline exploitation at ~13%; 1998–2008: 35% exploitation) on Big Crooked Lake, Wisconsin, to test for responses in adult, male, female, age‐0, and age‐1 density and sex‐specific mean length at age and proportional size distribution (PSD) indices. Adjacent Wolf Lake was used as the reference system. Adult Walleye density in Big Crooked Lake declined significantly between exploitation periods and was due to the experiment. Adult Walleye density declined from about 16 to 10 fish/ha and was about 7 fish/ha during 2001–2008. Male density declined significantly between exploitation periods, whereas female density did not change. Age‐0 and age‐1 density did not change as a result of the experiment. Male and female mean length at age across several age‐classes increased significantly over time. The PSD indices did not change over time for males, but female PSD‐Quality and PSD‐Preferred increased significantly. Our results suggest that sustained 35% annual exploitation on the Big Crooked Lake Walleye population led to an undesirable adult density (≤7.4/ha) but improved growth. Walleye recruitment did not change in Big Crooked Lake under sustained exploitation; however, we caution that other CTWI populations may respond differently to this level of targeted exploitation. Based on our results, long‐term declines in CTWI Walleye natural recruitment and productivity, and as suggested by other independent studies, we recommend that the limit reference point be lowered to reduce exploitation and be protective of all Walleye populations in the CTWI.
Dual boundary conditions in 3d SCFT’s
Authors: Dimofte Tudor , Gaiotto Davide , Paquette Natalie M.
Published: May 2018

Abstract

We propose matching pairs of half-BPS boundary conditions related by IR dualities of 3d

$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$

N
=
2

gauge theories. From these matching pairs we construct duality interfaces. We test our proposals by anomaly matching and the computation of supersymmetric indices. Examples include basic abelian dualities, level-rank dualities, and Aharony dualities.
Production of W+W− pairs via γ*γ* → W+W− subprocess with photon transverse momenta
Authors: Łuszczak Marta , Schäfer Wolfgang , Szczurek Antoni
Published: May 2018

Abstract

We discuss production of W
+
W
− pairs in proton-proton collisions induced by two-photon fusion including, for a first time, transverse momenta of incoming photons. The unintegrated inelastic fluxes (related to proton dissociation) of photons are calculated based on modern parametrizations of deep inelastic structure functions in a broad range of their arguments (x and Q
2). In our approach we can get separate contributions of different W helicities states. Several one- and two-dimensional differential distributions are shown and discussed. The present results are compared to the results of previous calculations within collinear factorization approach. Similar results are found except of some observables such as e.g. transverse momentum of the pair of W
+ and W
−. We find large contributions to the cross section from the region of large photon virtualities. We show decomposition of the total cross section as well as invariant mass distribution into the polarisation states of both W bosons. The role of the longitudinal F

L
structure function is quantified. Its inclusion leads to a 4–5% decrease of the cross section, almost independent of M

WW
.
Probing neutrino coupling to a light scalar with coherent neutrino scattering
Authors: Farzan Yasaman , Lindner Manfred , Rodejohann Werner , Xu Xun-Jie
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Large neutrino event numbers in future experiments measuring coherent elastic neutrino nucleus scattering allow precision measurements of standard and new physics. We analyze the current and prospective limits of a light scalar particle coupling to neutrinos and quarks, using COHERENT and CONUS as examples. Both lepton number conserving and violating interactions are considered. It is shown that current (future) experiments can probe for scalar masses of a few MeV couplings down to the level of 10−4 (10−6). Scalars with masses around the neutrino energy allow to determine their mass via a characteristic spectrum shape distortion. Our present and future limits are compared with constraints from supernova evolution, Big Bang nucleosynthesis and neutrinoless double beta decay. We also outline UV-complete underlying models that include a light scalar with coupling to quarks for both lepton number violating and conserving coupling to neutrinos.
Improved Outcomes of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocol for Radical Cystectomy with Addition of a Multidisciplinary Care Process in a US Comprehensive Cancer Care Center
Authors: Patel Sephalie Y. , Garcia Getting Rosemarie E. , Alford Brandon , Hussein Karim , Schaible Braydon J. , Boulware David , Lee Jae K. , Gilbert Scott M. , Powsang Julio M. , Sexton Wade J. , Spiess Philippe E. , Poch Michael A.
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Although enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) components include both anesthesia and surgical care processes, it is unclear whether a multidisciplinary approach to implementing ERAS care processes improves clinical outcomes. The addition of multidisciplinary care with anesthesiology‐related components to an existing ERAS protocol for radical cystectomy at a US comprehensive cancer center provided an opportunity to compare short‐ and long‐term outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively compared the outcomes of 116 consecutive patients who underwent cystectomy after implementation of a multidisciplinary ERAS protocol with those of a historical control group of 143 consecutive patients who had been treated with a surgical ERAS protocol. Length of stay, return of bowel function, rate of blood transfusion, nausea, pain, and readmission rates were examined.

Results

Implementation of a multidisciplinary ERAS protocol was associated with better postsurgical symptom control, as indicated by lower rates of patient‐reported nausea (P < .05). Multivariate Poisson regression analysis showed a decrease in estimated intraoperative transfusions (P ≤ .001) after adjusting for the effects of potential confounding variables. There were no statistically significant differences noted in length of stay, return of bowel function, 30‐ and 90‐day complications, or readmissions.

Conclusion

This is the first study to investigate the effects of adding anesthesia ERAS components to an existing surgical ERAS protocol for radical cystectomy. We found that with the addition of anesthesia‐related interventions, there was a decrease in transfusions and nausea.
Molecular diversity of Scutellonema
bradys populations from Benin, based on ITS1 rDNA and COI
mtDNA
Authors: Etchiha Afoha Sètondji Alban Paterne , Affokpon Antoine , Waeyenberge Lieven , de Sutter Nancy , Agbangla Clément , Dansi Alexandre , Coyne Daniel L. , Viaene Nicole
Published: May 2018

In Benin, yam production continues to face numerous production
constraints, including yield and quality reduction by Scutellonema bradys. Implementation of efficient management
techniques against this pest requires an improved understanding, including at the
molecular level, of the pest. The current study aimed at identifying the Scutellonema spp. associated with yam in Benin and
investigating the phylogenetic relationships between populations. Nematodes of the
genus Scutellonema were obtained from tubers
exhibiting external dry rot symptoms. DNA was extracted from nematodes belonging to
138 populations collected from 49 fields from 29 villages. For 51 of these
populations, both the ITS1 and COI regions could be amplified via PCR, sequenced, compared with available sequences
in the NCBI database and were identified as S.
bradys. Maximum likelihood was used to construct 60% consensus
phylogenetic trees based on 51 sequences. This phylogenetic analysis did not reveal
any genetic separation between populations by cultivar, village, cropping system nor
by agroecological zone. Neither could any subgroups within S. bradys be separated, indicating that no subspecies were present.
An earlier published species-specific primer set was verified with the DNA of the 51
sequences and was considered a reliable and rapid method for S. bradys identification.
The Brain Health Registry: An internet‐based platform for recruitment, assessment, and longitudinal monitoring of participants for neuroscience studies
Authors: Weiner Michael W. , Nosheny Rachel , Camacho Monica , Truran‐Sacrey Diana , Mackin R. Scott , Flenniken Derek , Ulbricht Aaron , Insel Philip , Finley Shannon , Fockler Juliet , Veitch Dallas
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Recruitment, assessment, and longitudinal monitoring of participants for neuroscience studies and clinical trials limit the development of new treatments. Widespread Internet use allows data capture from participants in an unsupervised setting. The Brain Health Registry, a website and online registry, collects data from participants and their study partners.

Methods

The Brain Health Registry obtains self and study partner report questionnaires and neuropsychological data, including the Cogstate Brief Battery, Lumos Labs Neurocognitive Performance Test, and MemTrax Memory Test. Participants provide informed consent before participation.

Results

Baseline and longitudinal data were obtained from nearly 57,000 and 28,000 participants, respectively. Over 18,800 participants were referred to, and nearly 1800 were enrolled in, clinical Alzheimer's disease and aging studies, including five observational studies and seven intervention trials.

Discussion

Online assessments of participants and study partners provide useful information at relatively low cost for neuroscience studies and clinical trials and may ultimately be used in routine clinical practice.
LATE DORSET TRIANGULAR MIDPASSAGES IN THE CANADIAN ARCTIC AND NORTHWEST GREENLAND: ORIGINS AND DISPERSAL
Authors: Darwent John , Savelle James M. , Darwent Christyann M. , Dyke Arthur S. , Lange Hans , LeMoine Genevieve M. , Pinard Claude
Published: May 2018

Midpassages are the most recognizable architectural feature associated with the entire Paleoeskimo period (2800 BC–AD 1300) in the Canadian and Greenlandic Arctic. Usually built of stone, midpassages are rectangular-shaped axial structures that run through the center of tent rings and semisubterranean house depressions. However, a unique triangular form of midpassage developed in association with the Late Dorset complex in the Boothia Peninsula area of the Canadian Arctic around AD 400. Unlike the rectangular-shaped varieties that were built contemporaneously across the Arctic, distribution of the triangular form is limited, and occurrences are rare. Initially, construction appears restricted to the Boothia Peninsula region, where the form persisted for the subsequent 400 years. After AD 900, they are found in Inglefield Land, Greenland, and a few other locations in the Canadian Arctic where they continued to be built until around AD 1200, representing an over 800-year period in a remarkably unvarying configuration. Further, these triangular midpassage structures very likely represent a regional architectural variant that moved northward with the Late Dorset diaspora after AD 800.