bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Connectivity‐based parcellation of the nucleus accumbens into core and shell portions for stereotactic target localization and alterations in each NAc subdivision in mTLE patients
Authors: Zhao Xixi , Yang Ru , Wang Kewan , Zhang Zhongping , Wang Junling , Tan Xiangliang , Zhang Jiajun , Mei Yingjie , Chan Queenie , Xu Jun , Feng Qianjin , Xu Yikai
Published: December 2017

The nucleus accumbens (NAc), an important target of deep brain stimulation for some neuropsychiatric disorders, is thought to be involved in epileptogenesis, especially the shell portion. However, little is known about the exact parcellation within the NAc, and its structural abnormalities or connections alterations of each NAc subdivision in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients. Here, we used diffusion probabilistic tractography to subdivide the NAc into core and shell portions in individual TLE patients to guide stereotactic localization of NAc shell. The structural and connection abnormalities in each NAc subdivision in the groups were then estimated. We successfully segmented the NAc in 24 of 25 controls, 14 of 16 left TLE patients, and 14 of 18 right TLE patients. Both left and right TLE patients exhibited significantly decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) and increased radial diffusivity (RD) in the shell, while there was no significant alteration in the core. Moreover, relatively distinct structural connectivity of each NAc subdivision was demonstrated. More extensive connection abnormalities were detected in the NAc shell in TLE patients. Our results indicate that neuronal degeneration and damage caused by seizure mainly exists in NAc shell and provide anatomical evidence to support the role of NAc shell in epileptogenesis. Remarkably, those NAc shell tracts with increased connectivities in TLE patients were found decreased in FA, which indicates disruption of fiber integrity. This finding suggests the regeneration of aberrant connections, a compensatory and repair process ascribed to recurrent seizures that constitutes part of the characteristic changes in the epileptic network.
Thermal and isotopic evidence for surface and subsurface water contributions to baseflow in a high Arctic river
Authors: Bolduc Christopher , Lamoureux Scott F. , Franssen Jan
Published: December 2017

Seven longitudinal water temperature tow surveys were conducted to attempt to identify the location of surface and subsurface river water exchanges along the length of the West River at the Cape Bounty Arctic Watershed Observatory, Melville Island, Nunavut, Canada (74°55′ N, 109°35′ W). Water temperature data were collected using a calibrated thermistor with an accuracy of ±0.002 °C (resolution <0.00005 °C) along the river during July 2014 in conjunction with stable water isotope sampling to support the thermal data and to determine the extent of surface water mixing from different sources such as precipitation, snowmelt, and surface/subsurface water contributions to the river. Atmospheric conditions were found to be the main contributor to seasonal temperature variance in the river, whereas tributary inflows and residual channel snow also had important thermal effects to river temperatures. Residual channel snow was a sustained source of cold water during much of the 2014 summer season (June–August) and substantially offset downstream warming. The longitudinal temperature profiles indicate notable changes to the thermal state of the river, which are interpreted to be indicative of subsurface and surface water exchange through inputs of relatively cold or warm water. Broadly, surface inflows were found to provide warmer water relative to the West River, and contributed to downstream warming of the river, along with downstream enrichment of δD and δ18O. Subsurface inflows provided cooler water relative to the river, and contributed to downstream depletion of δD and δ18O and downstream cooling of river temperatures. These results demonstrate that localized changes in river temperature, in conjunction with isotopic tracers, can be used to track channel–slope water interactions in Arctic hydrological systems, work previously limited to alpine and temperate settings.
Engineered method for directional growth of muscle sheets on electrospun fibers
Authors: Soliman Erfan , Bianchi Fabio , Sleigh James N. , George Julian H , Cader M. Zameel , Cui Zhanfeng , Ye Hua
Published: December 2017

Research on the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and its function and development spans over a century. However, researchers are limited in their ability to conduct experimentation on this highly specialized synapse between motor neurons and muscle fibers, as NMJs are not easily accessible outside the body. The aim of this work is to provide a reliable and reproducible muscle sheet model for in vitro NMJ study. A novel culture system was designed by engineering a method for the directional growth of myofiber sheets, using muscle progenitor cells cultured on electrospun fiber networks. Myoblastic C2C12 cells cultured on suspended aligned fibers were found to maintain directionality, with alignment angle standard deviations approximately two‐thirds lower on fibers than on regular culture surfaces. Morphological studies found nuclei and cytoskeleton aspect ratios to be elongated by 20 and 150%, respectively. Furthermore, neurons were shown to form innervation patterns parallel to suspended fibers when co‐cultured on developed muscle sheets, with alignment angle standard deviations three times lower compared with those on typical surfaces. The effect of agrin on samples was quantified through the slow release of agrin medium, encapsulated in alginate pellets and imbedded within culture chambers. Samples exposed to agrin showed significantly increased percentage of AChR‐covered area. The developed model has potential to serve as the basis for synaptogenesis and NMJ studies, providing a novel approach to bio‐artificial muscle alignment and setting the groundwork for further investigations in innervation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1165–1176, 2018.
Payday Lending and Microcredit: Two Faces of the Same Problem?
Authors: Islam Khan Jahirul , Simpson Wayne
Published: December 2017

Despite large differences in socio‐economic, geographical and political background, this study finds noteworthy similarities in the determinants of financial exclusion in Canada and Bangladesh. Household income, education, regional differences and respondent age are common significant determinants of payday loan borrowing in Canada and microcredit borrowing in Bangladesh. Financial knowledge has been identified as a significant determinant of payday loan borrowing in Canada. Our results suggest the need for paying more attention to the causes of financial exclusion and to improving financial literacy because the regulatory policies on interest rates in both countries do not seem to be effective. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Large‐scale heavy precipitation over central Europe and the role of atmospheric cyclone track types
Authors: Hofstätter Michael , Lexer Annemarie , Homann Markus , Blöschl Günter
Published: December 2017

Precipitation patterns over Europe are largely controlled by atmospheric cyclones embedded in the general circulation of the mid‐latitudes. This study evaluates the climatologic features of precipitation for selected regions in central Europe with respect to cyclone track types for 1959–2015, focusing on large‐scale heavy precipitation.

The analysis suggests that each of the cyclone track types is connected to a specific pattern of the upper level atmospheric flow, usually characterized by a major trough located over Europe. A dominant upper level cut‐off low (COL) is found over Europe for strong continental (CON) and van Bebber's type (Vb) cyclones which move from the east and southeast into central Europe. Strong Vb cyclones revealed the longest residence times, mainly due to circular propagation paths.

The central European cyclone precipitation climate can largely be explained by seasonal track‐type frequency and cyclone intensity; however, additional factors are needed to explain a secondary precipitation maximum in early autumn. The occurrence of large precipitation totals for track events is strongly related to the track type and the region, with the highest value of 45% of all Vb cyclones connected to heavy precipitation in summer over the Czech Republic and eastern Austria. In western Germany, Atlantic winter cyclones are most relevant for heavy precipitation. The analysis of the top 50 precipitation events revealed an outstanding heavy precipitation period from 2006 to 2011 in the Czech Republic, but no gradual long‐term change. The findings help better understand spatio‐temporal variability of heavy precipitation in the context of floods and may be used for evaluating climate models.
Resident perceptions of tourism: The role of social distance
Authors: Thyne Maree , Watkins Leah , Yoshida Mari
Published: December 2017

The past 10 years has seen dramatic growth in international visitor numbers to Japan. Our research investigates Japanese host community perceptions of tourism development, specifically the impact that social distance has on these perceptions. Results from host residents (n = 1,569) confirmed significant differences in perceived social distance between visitor nationalities. Regression analyses reveal social distance to have a more significant influence on host perceptions towards tourism and its development than host attributes identified in earlier studies. Strategies and tactics for alleviating social distance are discussed, and implications are drawn for Japan's future development as a sustained successful tourism destination.
The Frankfurt Complaint Questionnaire for self‐assessment of basic symptoms in the early detection of psychosis—Factor structure, reliability, and predictive validity
Authors: Uttinger Martina , Studerus Erich , Ittig Sarah , Heitz Ulrike , Schultze‐Lutter Frauke , Riecher‐Rössler Anita
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Patients with schizophrenia often experience subtle disturbances in several domains of information processing—so‐called basic symptoms (BS). BS are already present before onset of frank psychosis and can be assessed by interviews but also by the self‐administered Frankfurt Complaint Questionnaire (FCQ). We investigated the factor structure, reliability, and predictive validity for transition to psychosis of the FCQ, comparing previously proposed factor solutions containing 1, 2, 4, and 10 factors.

Methods

Confirmatory factor analysis was used in a sample of 117 at‐risk mental state and 92 first‐episode psychosis participants of the Basel FePsy (early detection of psychosis) study.

Results

Although all factor models fitted to the data, the 2‐ or 4‐factor solutions performed best among the models that used at least half of the FCQ items, suggesting the covariance between FCQ items is best explained by 2 to 4 underlying factors. No FCQ‐scale predicted transition to psychosis.

Conclusion

We could confirm a 2‐ to 4‐factor structure of the FCQ in a sample of at‐risk mental state and first‐episode psychosis patients using confirmatory factor analysis. Contrary to interview‐assessed cognitive–perceptive BS, self‐assessed BS do not seem to improve prediction of psychosis. This result reinforces reports of poor correspondence between interview‐ and questionnaire‐assessed BS.
Online reinforcement learning for a class of partially unknown continuous‐time nonlinear systems via value iteration
Authors: Su Hanguang , Zhang Huaguang , Zhang Kun ,  Gao Wenzhong
Published: December 2017

In this paper, a modified value iteration–based approximate dynamic programming method is proposed for a class of affine nonlinear continuous‐time systems, whose dynamics are partially unknown. The value iteration algorithm is established in an online fashion, and the convergence proof is given. To attenuate the effect caused by the unascertained characteristics of the system dynamics, the integral reinforcement learning scheme is also used. In the proposed approximate dynamic programming method, it is emphasized that the single‐network structure is utilized to estimate the value functions and the control policies. That is, the iteration process is implemented on the actor/critic structure, in which case only the critic NN is required to be identified. Then, the least‐squares scheme is derived for the NN weights updating. Finally, a linear system and a nonlinear system are tested to evaluate the performance of the proposed online value iteration algorithm. Both of the examples show the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Delivering an accredited non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis service for monogenic disorders and recommendations for best practice
Authors: Jenkins Lucy A. , Deans Zandra C. , Lewis Celine , Allen Stephanie
Published: December 2017

The identification of cell‐free fetal DNA circulating in maternal blood combined with technological developments, in particular next‐generation sequencing, is enabling the development of safer prenatal diagnosis. While this technology has been widely applied as a highly sensitive screening test for aneuploidy, there has been relatively little clinical application for the diagnosis of monogenic disorders. In the UK, we have established non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) as a clinical service for a range of inherited disorders. The results from NIPD do not require confirmation by invasive testing and are welcomed by patients and health professionals alike. Here, we describe the technical approaches used, current practice and outline recommendations for best practice when delivering an NIPD service from an accredited laboratory. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of vulcanization nanoactivators with low zinc content: characterization of zinc oxides, cure, physico‐mechanical properties, Zn2+ release in water and cytotoxic effect of EPDM compositions
Authors: Gujel A. A. , Bandeira M. , Menti C. , Perondi D. , Guégan R. , Roesch‐Ely M. , Giovanela M. , Crespo J. S.
Published: December 2017

The aim of this work is to evaluate the impact of the reduction of zinc content in Ethylene, Propylene and Diene Monomer (EPDM) elastomeric compositions. Vulcanization nanoactivators ZnO 30 (ZnO dispersed in CaCO3) and ZnO 40 (active ZnO) were used as reinforces in the elastomers, and both the properties and the cytotoxicity were investigated and compared to those of EPDM with a standard zinc oxide (sZnO) commonly used in the bus rubber profile industry. After a complete description of the physico‐chemical characteristics of whole zinc oxides, the vulcanization activators were dispersed in EPDM. Although elastomers with sZnO display a cytotoxic behavior, EPDM formulations containing ZnO 30 and ZnO 40 appeared to be environmental friendly while displaying similar mechanical properties to that with sZnO composition. ZnO 30 represents the most interesting vulcanization activator to replace sZnO allowing a reduction of 77% in the zinc content without any loss of mechanical properties. Moreover, the formulations associating this nanoactivator show the lowest release of Zn2+ in water with a poor cytotoxicity in comparison to sZnO. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1800–1809, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Place, kinship, and employment
Authors: Holm Einar , Westin Kerstin , Haugen Katarina
Published: December 2017

This study explores the magnitude and composition of kinship ties at Swedish workplaces. By analysing official register data and illustrating findings from interviews with HR personnel at different workplaces, the following questions are discussed: How much kinship concentration is there today on the labour market in a modern Western society such as Sweden? How is the kin‐based selection of workplace members structured by place? The study is based on an analysis of individually connected register information on all workplaces in Sweden in 2012. The number of individual links between relatives and couples at an average workplace amounts to 14% of the number of employees as derived from 310, 000 couples and pairs of relatives among 4.3 million workers. So, even today in Sweden, kinship is a common phenomenon observable for most workers at most workplaces. Of all such connected pairs of kin at workplaces, more than a third contain counterparts living in the same household. A non‐linear individual‐level regression reveals that population density in the vicinity of the workplace is substantially related to kin density. Large agglomerations seem to coexist with low kin density workplaces. Although some level of kin membership is unavoidable especially at workplaces in sparsely populated places, removing this part still reveals that kinship above an unavoidable level seems to exist. The study contributes to the discussion of kinship in workplaces by examining the magnitude and composition of kinship ties in the whole work force and complementing findings with interviews.
Attracting and retaining expatriates in Qatar during an era of uncertainty: Would you stay or would you go?
Authors: Ewers Michael C. , Shockley Bethany
Published: December 2017

How do foreign workers navigate competing pressures when deciding to remain in a place or leave for a new destination? Here, we explore migration decision‐making across a diverse set of migrant nationalities using an innovative survey experiment implemented in the Arab Gulf state of Qatar. Extending recent work that highlights the contribution of experiments to the study of complex migration decision‐making choices, we employ a conjoint survey experiment that asks respondents whether they would remain in the country or seek to leave under randomised scenarios. Responses to conventional migration questions about past and future migration decisions are compared with experimental findings, covering a range of economic, social, and political factors. Both the conventional and experimental results are analysed across nationality subgroups. We find that local security and stability underpin both the reasons that migrants were attracted to Qatar and their propensities to leave, conditional on regional background. This has major implications for migrant decision‐making calculus in light of regional economic and political deterioration. The results confirm the importance of a variety of economic factors for complex migration decision‐making and suggest that survey experiments present a fruitful option for future research on this topic.
Beyond the obvious: A comparison of some demographic changes across selected shrinking and growing cities in the United States from 1990 to 2010
Authors: Danko Joseph J. , Hanink Dean M.
Published: December 2017

Shrinking cities have undergone rapid demographic changes since World War II, especially as many of these urban centres deindustrialized during the 1970s and onwards. However, not all shrinking cities have experienced the same type of demographic changes. In fact, the shrinking designation may even be considered misleading in some places because not all population segments decrease during periods of overall total population decline. In order to gain a better grasp of these changes and trends over the past two decades, this paper use Franklin's () demographic shift‐share analysis to explore and compare changes in a series of racial and ethnic population characteristics across a selection of five shrinking cities (Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis) and five growing cities (Atlanta, Denver, Phoenix, San Diego, and Seattle) in the United States during the two intercensal periods of 1990 to 2000 and 2000 to 2010. The list of case studies is hardly exhaustive or necessarily representative but was rather chosen as a set of fairly high‐profile cities in the United States that would be useful in making comparisons with respect to their recent decline or growth. Results show that each of the shrinking cities and growing cities had exceptions among the population segments considered in this paper. For example, shrinking cities generally experienced growth in terms of their Mexican, Puerto Rican, Asian, and foreign‐born populations even as their White and Black populations rapidly declined between 1990 and 2010.
Multiple model adaptive control for switched linear systems: A two‐layer switching strategy
Authors: Xie Jing , Yang Dong , Zhao Jun
Published: December 2017

In this paper, the multiple model adaptive control scheme is first introduced into a class of switched systems. A switched multiple model adaptive control scheme is proposed to improve the transient behavior by resetting the controller parameters. Firstly, a finite‐time parameter identification model is presented, which greatly reduces the number of identification models. Secondly, a two‐layer switching strategy is constructed. The outer layer switching mechanism is to ensure the stability of the switched systems. The inner layer switching mechanism is to improve the transient behavior. Then, by using the constructed jumping multiple Lyapunov functions, the proposed adaptive control scheme guarantees that all the closed‐loop system signals remain bounded and the state tracking error converges to a small ball whose radius can be made arbitrarily small by appropriately choosing the design parameter. Finally, a practical example about model reference adaptive control of an electrohydraulic system using multiple models is given to demonstrate the validity of the main results.
Disturbance rejection of singularly perturbed switched systems subject to actuator saturation
Authors: Wang Qianjin , Zhou Linna , Ma Xiaoping , Yang Chunyu
Published: December 2017

This paper addresses the disturbance rejection problem for singularly perturbed switched systems subject to actuator saturation. We focus our attention on the synthesis of feedback control laws to achieve disturbance rejection for the systems. By using the average dwell‐time approach together with the piecewise Lyapunov function technique, sufficient conditions for the existence of a controller are derived in terms of LMIs, which are independent of the singular perturbation parameter ε. Some convex optimization problems are formulated to get a larger estimate of the basin of attraction and a better disturbance rejection ability. The state‐feedback controller depends on the singular perturbation parameter ε, but it is shown to be well posed for all ε∈(0,ε0]. In addition, if ε is sufficiently small, the ε‐dependent controller can be reduced to an ε‐independent one. Finally, a hydraulic servoposition system is used to show the feasibility and effectiveness of the obtained results.
Mitochondria‐Targeted Anticancer Activity of BODIPY‐Appended Iron(III) Catecholates in Red Light
Authors: Garai Aditya , Pant Ila , Bhattacharyya Arnab , Kondaiah Paturu , Chakravarty Akhil R.
Published: December 2017

Iron(III) catecholates of dipicolylamine (dpa) bases having appended Benzyl (in bzdpa) or BODIPY (borondipyrromethene) moiety (in L1 and L2), viz. [Fe(Bzdpa)(cat)Cl] (1), [Fe(L1)(cat)Cl] (2) and [Fe(L2)(cat)Cl] (3), were prepared and characterized (H2cat=catechol). The iron(III) complexes with a ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer (LMCT) band within 600–800 nm were studied for their photocytotoxicity in visible (400–700 nm) and red (600–720 nm) light. Complex 2 with a BODIPY fluorophore in L1 gave IC50 values of 2.2±0.5 and 15.0±0.7 μM in visible and red light, respectively, in HeLa cells. Complex 3 with a diiodo‐BODIPY moiety showed excellent PDT activity giving respective IC50 values of 0.8±0.2 and 12.6±1.1 μM. They are less toxic in dark (IC50: ≥85 μM). A similar activity was observed in MCF‐7 cancer cells. The BODIPY complexes showed significant mitochondrial localization. Annexin FITC assay showed apoptotic cell death involving reactive oxygen species (ROS). Photo‐generation of ROS was evidenced from dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) assay. Mechanistic studies on DNA photocleavage reactions showed the presence of two types of ROS. Singlet oxygen formation from BODIPY was evidenced from the 1,3‐diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) experiments. Hydroxyl radical was generated on red light photo‐activation of the LMCT band within photodynamic therapy (PDT) spectral window.
Deterioration of Chronotropic Responses and Heart Rate Recovery Indices in Men With Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Kucukdurmaz Faruk , Acar Gurkan , Resim Sefa
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular (CV) diseases share common risk factors and ED has been accepted as an early manifestation of CV disease. Exercise stress testing (EST) is used to evaluate CV functions in men with ED. Low exercise workload, a slower heart rate recovery (HRR) after exercise, and inability to increase heart rate during EST (chronotropic incompetence) are independent negative predictors of adverse CV outcomes.

Aim

To assess the association among EST parameters, ED, and testosterone levels.

Methods

The study population consisted of 41 patients with ED and 40 controls. All participants underwent treadmill EST to assess cardiac autonomic functions. HRR indices were calculated by subtracting 1st (HRR1), 2nd (HRR2), and 3rd (HRR3) minute heart rates during the recovery period from maximal heart rate. Total exercise duration, exercise capacity and chronotropic response, and plasma testosterone levels were evaluated. Erectile functions were evaluated with the Sexual Health Inventory for Men. Patients were divided into subgroups according to severity and duration of ED.

Main Outcome Measures

Mean HRR1 (30.6 ± 11.9 vs 36.9 ± 9.9; P = .01), HRR2 (44.9 ± 12.4 vs 54.9 ± 7.8; P < .001), and HRR3 (50.1 ± 11.7 vs 63.0 ± 7.9; P < .001) were significantly lower in the ED than in the control group. Total exercise duration (9.4 ± 1.9 vs 10.9 ± 1.7 minutes; P < .001), exercise capacity (12.5 ± 1.9 vs 13.6 ± 1.4 metabolic equivalents; P = .004), and chronotropic response (0.88 ± 0.1 vs 1.0 ± 0.1; P < .001) were worse in the ED group. However, we found no association between severity and duration of ED and EST parameters. In addition, serum testosterone levels were significantly correlated with HRR1 (r = 0.36, P = .02) in men with ED.

Conclusion

Our data suggested that cardiac autonomic functions are impaired in patients with ED. A weak correlation between cardiac autonomic dysfunction and low testosterone levels in patients with ED was noted. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the prognostic significance and clinical implications of impaired autonomic functions and testosterone replacement therapy in patients with ED.
Prediction of lean blowout performance of gas turbine combustor based on flow structures
Authors: Ahmed E. , Yong H.
Published: December 2017

The insufficient depth of modelling to capture the flow physics within primary combustion zone is the prime reason behind limited accuracy of semi-empirical correlations. Flame volume concept establishes a better connection between LBO performance and flame parameters, which improves the modelling depth and hence the prediction accuracy. Nonetheless, estimation of flame parameters is a challenging task. In addition, the iterative loop to approach convergence for a single geometry demands several numerical simulation runs. In this study, the association of LBO performance has been extended to flow structures, they are uniquely associated with the geometric features and can efficiently relate global LBO performance with primary zone geometry. The lean blowout phenomenon was presented as a contest between igniting and extinction forces within Reverse Flow Zone. These forces were quantified by four performance parameters including area, minimum axial velocity, average temperature, and average velocity. Selected parameters provide valuable information regarding the size of recirculation bubble, the intensity of flow reversal and the amount of entrained hot gases. For the purpose of validation, 11 combustor geometries were selected. The RANS simulation was carried out to estimate performance parameters, and predicted performance was compared against experimental data. The excellent agreement highlights the efficiency and promising future for the proposed methodology. Moreover, the association of prediction process with flow structure, instead of geometric features/dimension, makes it universal prediction methodology for wide range of combustor configurations.
Forest stability during the early and late Holocene in the igapó floodplains of the Rio Negro, northwestern Brazil
Authors: Rodríguez-Zorro Paula A. , Turcq Bruno , Cordeiro Renato C. , Moreira Luciane S. , Costa Renata L. , McMichael Crystal H. , Behling Hermann
Published: December 2017

Located at the northwestern part of the Amazon basin, Rio Negro is the largest black-water river in the world and is one of the poorest studied regions of the Amazon lowlands. In the middle-upper part of the Rio Negro were retrieved sediment cores form Lake Acarabixi, which were analyzed using pollen, spores, charcoal, and geochemistry. The aim of this study was to detect the influences from humans and river dynamics on the vegetation history in the region. Two main periods of vegetation and river dynamics were detected. From 10,840 to 8240 cal yr BP, the river had a direct influence into the lake. The lake had a regional input of charcoal particles, which reflected the effect of the dry Holocene period in the basin. Furthermore, highland taxa such asHedyosmumandMyrsinewere found at that time along with igapó forest species that are characteristic to tolerate extended flooding likeEschweilera,Macrolobium, Myrtaceae,Swartzia, andAstrocaryum. During the late Holocene (1600 to 650 cal yr BP), more lacustrine phases were observed. There were no drastic changes in vegetation but the presence of pioneer species likeVismiaandCecropia, along with the signal of fires, which pointed to human disturbances.
Between New Ideals and Conservatism: The Early Lutheran Church Interior in Sixteenth-Century Denmark
Authors: Jürgensen Martin Wangsgaard
Published: December 2017

This essay examines how the Lutheran Reformation changed church spaces in the Danish kingdom after 1536—the official year of Reformation in Denmark. Rather than addressing the long-term consequences of the Reformation, the essay demonstrates how the ideas of the first and second generation of reformers came to be expressed in churches; that is, how the reception of Lutheran thinking was materialized in church interiors prior to what is commonly known as the period of Lutheran orthodoxy. This early period of change, spanning the second half of the sixteenth century, is particularly fickle and difficult to grasp, not only because many of the first Lutheran Church fittings were replaced in later centuries, but also because the speed at which the new religious ideals found their way into churches varied greatly from region to region. Nevertheless, certain trends emerged that are still evident today. While these short-lived, idealistic attempts at a new evangelical church interior failed as a whole, they nevertheless left a pronounced impact on the churches in general.
“Finding Luther”: Toward an Archaeology of the Reformer and the Earliest Reformation
Authors: Nebelsick Louis D. , Emmerling Tomoko
Published: December 2017

In view of Martin Luther's prominence as a person who changed the course of world history with his Reformation and given the abundance of historical sources on the reformer's life and work, the great extent to which archaeological discoveries of the last fifteen years have shed new and sometimes surprising light on the reformer's life might seem astonishing. The study at hand presents these new insights by introducing the results of archaeological excavations that took place on the premises of Martin Luther's parents’ home in Mansfeld and in the garden of the Luther House in Wittenberg, which for more than thirty years was the home of the reformer. The discoveries made in both places allow new insights into the reformer's and his family's everyday life. They enrich, or even correct, our knowledge about these aspects with fascinating, new, and sometimes surprising facets. The majority of the archaeological finds took place prior to the exhibition “Finding Luther: Archaeologists on the Reformer's Trail” at the State Museum of Prehistory Halle (Saale) (2008/2009) and in the framework of the project “Luther Archaeology” at the State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology of Saxony-Anhalt (2010–2015). These finds, as well as architectural, archival, and scientific investigations, shed new light on Martin Luther's family background and childhood, on the social status of his parents, as well as on his immediate living environment and the high living standard in his Wittenberg home. Taken together, these conditions reflect his social status as a respected professor of theology, protagonist of the Reformation, and member of the highest social class in Wittenberg. The last section of this study gives an insight into some selected results of further excavations that have been carried out throughout Wittenberg during the last few years. They make it possible to contextualize not only Luther's household but also the consequences of the Reformation within early modern Wittenberg.
MAKING PHILOSOPHICAL PROGRESS: THE BIG QUESTIONS, APPLIED PHILOSOPHY, AND THE PROFESSION
Authors: Brake Elizabeth
Published: December 2017

The debate over whether philosophy makes progress has focused on its failure to answer a core set of “big” questions. I argue that there are other kinds of philosophical progress which are equally important yet underappreciated: the creative development of new “philosophical devices” which increase our ability to think about the world, and the broadening of philosophical topics to ever greater adequacy to what matters. The conception of philosophy as defined by a narrow “core” set of questions is responsible for skepticism about progress, as well as for philosophy’s “marketing problem” — its failure to reach the general public. I argue for abandoning the distinction between “core” and “marginal” questions. The greater openness of philosophy to methodological diversity and diversity in topics, especially applied topics, will make a distinct kind of progress: in the breadth and completeness of the questions asked, phenomena investigated, and theories generated. Such openness may also make philosophy more hospitable to more diverse practitioners. This would also be conducive to progress, in the sense of reaching true answers to philosophical questions: greater diversity of philosophical practitioners has epistemic benefits, such as increasing objectivity.
Using pre- and post-survey instruments in interventions: determining the random response benchmark and its implications for measuring effectiveness
Authors: Davis George C , Baral Ranju , Strayer Thomas , Serrano Elena L
Published: December 2017

Objective

The present communication demonstrates that even if individuals are answering a pre/post survey at random, the percentage of individuals showing improvement from the pre- to the post-survey can be surprisingly high. Some simple formulas and tables are presented that will allow analysts to quickly determine the expected percentage of individuals showing improvement if participants just answered the survey at random. This benchmark percentage, in turn, defines the appropriate null hypothesis for testing if the actual percentage observed is greater than the expected random answering percentage.

Design

The analysis is demonstrated by testing if actual improvement in a component of the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program is significantly different from random answering improvement.

Setting

USA.

Subjects

From 2011 to 2014, 364320 adults completed a standardized pre- and post-survey administered by the USDA.

Results

For each year, the statement that the actual number of improvements is less than the expected number if the questions were just answered at random cannot be rejected. This does not mean that the pre-/post-test survey instrument is flawed, only that the data are being inappropriately evaluated.

Conclusions

Knowing the percentage of individuals showing improvement on a pre/post survey instrument when questions are randomly answered is an important benchmark number to determine in order to draw valid inferences about nutrition interventions. The results presented here should help analysts in determining this benchmark number for some common survey structures and avoid drawing faulty inferences about the effectiveness of an intervention.
Von Vertrauenskrisen und Handlungsnormen zu Selbstreflexion und persönlichem Handeln
Authors: Raab Markus , Hoffmann Sven , Laborde Sylvain , Lobinger Babett
Published: December 2017

Zusammenfassung. Die Autoren und die Autorin dieses Kommentars nehmen das Schwerpunktheft zur Vertrauenskrise in den empirischen Sozialwissenschaften und deren Bedeutung für die Sportpsychologie als Anlass, die Diskussion um Vertrauenskrisen und Handlungsmaxime hin zu Transparenz und eigener Selbstverpflichtung zu verschieben. Basierend auf einer kritischen Analyse des eigenen Handels diskutieren wir in diesem Beitrag, inwiefern Handlungsnormen und statistische Kennwerte von Studien das sportpsychologische Handeln und Forschen abbilden können. Wir votieren für eine kritische Selbstreflexion, die das gesamte Handeln im Berufsfeld einbezieht.
Publisher Correction: Puerarin attenuates diabetic kidney injury through the suppression of NOX4 expression in podocytes
Authors: Li Xueling , Cai Weijing , Lee Kyung , Liu Bohan , Deng Yueyi , Chen Yiping , Zhang Xianwen , He John Cijiang , Zhong Yifei
Published: December 2017

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Understanding the activity and selectivity of single atom catalysts for hydrogen and oxygen evolution via ab initial study
Authors: Gao Guoping , Bottle Steven , Du Aijun
Published: December 2017

To identify the specific activity sites for both the HER and OER in experimental realized single transition-metal atom decorated graphene sheets, we assume the number of metal–C bonds (coordination) determines the adsorption strength of reaction intermediates on the metal atom sites.
Ni–Mn LDH-decorated 3D Fe-inserted and N-doped carbon framework composites for efficient uranium(vi) removal
Authors: Zhu Jiahui , Liu Qi , Liu Jingyuan , Chen Rongrong , Zhang Hongsen , Li Rumin , Wang Jun
Published: December 2017

Extraction of uranium from seawater is of great interest because of its potential applications in the nuclear energy field.
Effect of lubricant viscosity on the self-healing properties and electrically driven sliding of droplets on anisotropic slippery surfaces
Authors: Wang Zubin , Heng Liping , Jiang Lei
Published: December 2017

This work demonstrates the effect of lubricant viscosity on the self-healing properties and electrically driven sliding of droplets on anisotropic slippery surfaces.
Small bandgap porphyrin-based polymer acceptors for non-fullerene organic solar cells
Authors: Zhou Shichao , Li Cheng , Ma Junshu , Guo Yiting , Zhang Jianqi , Wu Yonggang , Li Weiwei
Published: December 2017

Conjugated polymers based on electron-rich porphyrin and electron-deficient naphthalene/perylene diimide were developed as electron acceptors for non-fullerene solar cells, in which a broad photoresponse from 300 nm to 1000 nm can be achieved.
Kinetically controlled synthesis of Cu nanowires with tunable diameters and their applications in transparent electrodes
Authors: Wang Xiao , Wang Ranran , Shi Liangjing , Sun Jing
Published: December 2017

High quality Cu nanowires with tunable diameters were synthesized through adjusting the reaction kinetics to construct high-performance transparent electrodes.
Investigating the effect of heteroatom substitution in 2,1,3-benzoxadiazole and 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole compounds for organic photovoltaics
Authors: Cameron Joseph , Abed Mahmoud Matar , Chapman Steven J. , Findlay Neil J. , Skabara Peter J. , Horton Peter N. , Coles Simon J.
Published: December 2017

Subtle changes in the choice of the chalcogen atom in benzochalcogenadiazole ‘small molecules’ can lead to a marked difference in the PCE of bulk heterojunction organic solar cells.
Evaluation of efficacy and safety of Reteplase and Alteplase in the treatment of hyper-acute cerebral infarction
Authors: Lin Zhi-Jian , Qiu Hong-Yan , Tong Xiao-Xin , Guo Yi , Han Man-Fu , Yang Chun-Shui , Lin Kai-Hua , Wu Jun , Li Xing , Yang Yang
Published: December 2017

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of Reteplase (rPA) and Alteplase (rt-PA) in the treatment of hyper-acute cerebral infarction (CI).

Methods: Six hundred and eleven patients with hyper-acute CI selected from September 2014 to September 2016 were assigned into the aspirin, rt-PA, rPA, rt-PA + aspirin, and rPA + aspirin groups based on their willingness. The difference of efficacy in five groups were evaluated with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified rankin scale (mRS), and Barthel Index (BI). Coagulation function, blood lipid, and hemodynamics were analyzed. The safety differences were compared by observing the adverse reactions.

Results: Compared with the rt-PA, rPA, and aspirin groups, NIHSS score, mRS score, the incidence of non- and symptomatic cerebral hemorrhage as well as the rate of adverse reactions were decreased, while BI were increased in the rt-PA + aspirin and rPA + aspirin groups after treatment. Compared with the rt-PA and rPA groups, total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were lower, whereas the hematocrit, whole blood high shear viscosity, whole blood low shear viscosity, plasma viscosity, erythrocyte electrophoresis time, fibrinogen, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), K value in blood sedimentation equation, and the comprehensive abnormality degree of blood rheology were higher in the rt-PA + aspirin and rPA + aspirin groups.

Conclusion: The efficacy and safety of rt-PA or rPA combined with aspirin in the treatment of hyper-acute CI were better than those of rPA or rt-PA monotherapy.
GLP-1 receptor regulates cell growth through regulating IDE expression level in Aβ1–42-treated PC12 cells
Authors: Li Huajie , Cao Liping , Ren Yi , Jiang Ying , Xie Wei , Li Dawen
Published: December 2017

This study aimed to validate whether glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) / cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) / protein kinase (PKA) / insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) signaling pathway was associated with neuronal apoptosis. We developed an animal model presenting both Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), by crossing APP/PS1 mice (AD model) with streptozotocin (STZ)-treated mice (a T2D model). Neuronal apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining and the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins were examined by Western blotting. The viability of PC12 cells was analyzed by MTT assay and apoptosis of PC12 cells was detected by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression level was detected by qRT-PCR. T2D contributes to AD progress by prompting neuronal apoptosis and increasing expression of pro-apoptotic protein. β-Amyloid peptide1–42 (Aβ1–42) was shown to exert effects on inhibiting cell viability and prompting cell apoptosis of PC12 cells. However, GLP-1R agonist geniposide (Gen) significantly reversed them, exerting a protective role on PC12 cells. And IDE antagonist bacitracin (Bac) markedly reversed the protective effects of Gen on Aβ1–42-treated PC12 cells. Besides, Gen significantly reversed the effects of Aβ1–42 treatment on IDE expression, and the inhibitor of cAMP/PKA signaling pathway markedly reversed the effects of Gen on IDE expression level in Aβ1–42-treated PC12 cells. In conclusion, GLP-1R regulates cell growth, at least partially, through regulating cAMP/PKA/IDE signaling pathway in Aβ1–42-treated PC12 cells.
Temporal Features of Otoacoustic Emissions
Authors: Mishra Srikanta K. , Hernandez Michelle
Published: December 2017

The true power of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) continues to be explored. OAE spectral characteristics are typically studied in research and applied in the clinic. However, OAE temporal aspects are relatively underexplored. Not using temporal features is similar to ignoring nearly half of the information that OAEs provide. Besides providing information related to the generation of OAEs and cochlear mechanics, the temporal characteristics have important clinical implications, such as for assessing frequency selectivity, characterizing the strength of the efferent auditory system. This review provides a general synopsis of the fundamental principles of OAE delay and latency and discusses some of the relevant applications in probing the strength of the efferent neural pathway and frequency selectivity. It is expected that the reader will gain an overview of the implications of the latency or phase behavior of OAEs.
Was ist eine motorische Einheit und wie funktioniert sie?
Authors: Wirsching Isabelle , Müller Lorenz , Zeller Daniel
Published: December 2017

Als motorische Einheit wird die Gesamtheit aus einem Motoneuron und der von ihm innervierten Muskelfasern bezeichnet. Nach Bewegungsinitiierung im ZNS – sei es im Rahmen einer bewussten, geplanten Bewegung oder einer reflektorischen Antwort – wird ein Aktionspotenzial vom Motoneuron über sein Axon bis zur neuromuskulären Endplatte weitergeleitet, wo eine chemische Übertragung mittels Acetylcholin stattfindet. Je nach erforderlicher Funktion eines Muskels im Spektrum zwischen feinsten Augenbewegungen und grober Kraftentwicklung variieren Größe und Zusammensetzung der motorischen Einheiten. Innerhalb eines Muskels erfolgt die präzise Kraftdosierung über die Kombination verschiedener und die Entladungsfrequenz gleicher motorischer Einheiten. In der klinisch-neurophysiologischen Routinediagnostik werden regelhaft die motorische Neurografie und die Elektromyografie (EMG) dazu eingesetzt, die motorischen Einheiten eines Muskels in Bezug auf ihre Zusammensetzung, Rekrutierung und Größe zu beurteilen. Gute Grundkenntnisse über Aufbau und Funktion des peripheren motorischen Systems im Ganzen und der motorischen Einheit als „Basismodul“ im Speziellen können das Verständnis neuromuskulärer Erkrankungen und ihrer Korrelate in der neurophysiologischen Routinediagnostik erheblich erleichtern. Im vorliegenden Artikel sollen einige typische Fragen des neurophysiologischen Untersuchers aufgegriffen und in verständlicher Form beantwortet werden.
Wind power project size and component costs: An Alaska case study
Authors: VanderMeer Jeremy , Mueller-Stoffels Marc , Whitney Erin
Published: December 2017

Many communities in Alaska, especially along the coast, have excellent wind resources and serve as ideal laboratories for microgrids around the Arctic and the world. Wind power systems have been installed in a number of locations in Alaska, both in remote areas and along the road system. As more isolated microgrids are developed worldwide, understanding the cost and performance of wind power in these systems is of increased importance. In this review of wind power project sizes and costs in Alaska, the costs per kilowatt for the different components of wind turbine installations generally were found to decrease with increasing sizes. Capacity factors ranged from approximately 10% to 40%, with variability from rated wind speeds, wind turbine heights, and the resolution of the wind power class map. Due to the size of communities in Alaska as well as other factors, turbines installed in Alaska are smaller than the trend in the larger market. Evidence indicates that installing overcapacity wind farms, together with energy storage and significant diversion into thermal loads, would allow communities to achieve diesel-off and least-cost energy when considering displacement of diesel fuel for both electricity and heat. However, the size of wind turbines that can be installed in Alaska is limited by the small size of the state's communities and the challenges of integrating high penetrations of wind power into microgrids. Demonstrations of different high-penetration wind power integration techniques are still needed.