bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and electrical properties of ZnO‐modified (1−x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3−xPbTiO3 ceramics with wide MPB regions
Authors: Zhang Ji , Wang Rui‐Xue , Sun Lei , Gu Zheng‐Bin , Zhang Shan‐Tao
Published: September 2018

Ferro‐/piezoelectric ceramics with high performances are generally found at the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB), where two or more different ferroelectric phases coexist. However, the MPB region is usually very narrow; for example, that of (1−x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3−xPbTiO3 (PMN‐xPT) locates between x = 0.30−0.34. Herein, we report that ZnO‐modified PMN‐xPT polycrystalline ceramics have dramatically broadened MPB regions from x = 0.28, with rhombohedral and monoclinic coexisting phases, to x = 0.36, with tetragonal and monoclinic coexisting phases, as confirmed by powder X‐ray diffraction and piezoresponse force microcopy measurements. The wide MPB region is attributed to lattice distortion caused by the substitution of Zn for Mg cations. As a result, the ceramics show composition insensitive electrical properties over wide composition ranges; for example, the piezoelectric coefficient (d33) and electromechanical coupling factor (kp) remain at near constant values of 450 pC/N and 0.5, respectively, in the range from x = 0.28−0.34. This work not only provides a robust and feasible method to broaden the MPB region but also offers some novel insights into promoting fundamental research on high‐performance piezoelectric ceramics.
Development of boron oxide potentials for computer simulations of multicomponent oxide glasses
Authors: Deng Lu , Du Jincheng
Published: September 2018

Molecular dynamics and related atomistic computer simulations are effective ways in studying the structures and structure–property relations of glass materials. However, simulations of boron oxide (B2O3)‐containing oxide glasses pose a challenge due to the lack of reliable empirical potentials. This paper reports development of a set of partial charge pairwise composition‐dependent potentials for boron‐related interactions that enable simulations of multicomponent borosilicate glasses, together with some of the existing parameters. This set of potentials was tested in sodium borate glasses and sodium borosilicate glasses and it is shown capable to describe boron coordination change with glass composition in wide composition ranges. Structure features such as boron N4 value, density, Qn species distribution, fraction of non‐bridging oxygen around boron and silicon, total correlation function, and bond angle distribution function were calculated and compared with available experimental data. Mechanical properties of the simulated glasses calculated with the new potential also show good agreement with experiments. Therefore, this new set of potential can be used to simulate boron oxide‐containing multicomponent glasses including those with wide industrial and technology applications.
Pressure‐enhanced densification of TaC ceramics during flash spark plasma sintering
Authors: Gu Junfeng , Fu Zhengyi
Published: September 2018

Flash spark plasma sintering (FSPS) offers extremely high heating rates to consolidate ceramics at a short time. However, significant grain growth sometimes occurs accompanied by rapid densification. In this work, a FSPS apparatus available for applying pressure was used to sinter TaC ceramics from powder compacts without preheating. It is found that the use of a higher pressure can efficiently promote densification and retard significant grain growth. Dense bulk TaC ceramics (95.18%) with average grain size of 4.09 μm were obtained in 90 seconds under 80 MPa. Such a process should facilitate the fast preparation of refractory ceramics with fine‐grained microstructure.
Defect dipoles induced high‐energy storage density in Mn‐doped BST ceramics prepared by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Huang Yu Hui , Liu Bing , Liu Xiao Qiang , Li Juan , Wu Yong Jun
Published: September 2018

Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 ceramics with different Mn‐doping amount (Ba0.5Sr0.5Ti1‐xMnxO3, x = 0, 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%) were prepared by spark plasma sintering method. The single phase with cubic structure symmetry was confirmed and a gradual increase in lattice parameter with increasing x was observed. Fine grains with dense microstructure were revealed from the SEM images, while an obvious increase in grain size was detected when x = 0.5%. An optimized doping amount of 0.3% was determined, showing high dielectric constant (εr ≈ 2190), low dielectric loss (tanδ ≈ 2.78 × 10−3), enhanced breakdown strength (290 kV/cm), and high‐energy storage density (1.69 J/cm3) at room temperature. A possible mechanism, namely defect dipoles formation mechanism, was employed to explain the optimization of energy storage performance, and further confirmed from the variation in AC conductivity.
Does adaptation to different diets result in assortative mating? Ambiguous results from experiments on Drosophila
Authors: Belkina Elena G. , Naimark Elena B. , Gorshkova Anastasiya A. , Markov Alexander V.
Published: September 2018

The emergence of behavioural isolation between populations under divergent selection can be crucial for ecological speciation, but the mechanisms underlying such isolation are poorly understood. Several experimental evolution studies have shown that positive assortative mating (preference for similar mates) can arise rapidly in Drosophila laboratory populations reared in different stressful conditions, while other studies failed to confirm this effect. Here, we present the results of an evolution experiment in which outbred lines of Drosophila melanogaster were reared for 1–2 years on one of the three different diets (standard, starch based or high salt). We show that nonrandom mating arose in some, but not all lines, and that the manifestations and possible interpretations of this nonrandomness depend strongly on the type of tests used to assess mating preferences. More specifically, multiple‐choice four‐fly tests revealed positive assortative mating (prevalence of homogamic matings) in some starch‐adapted and salt‐adapted lines when paired with a control line reared on the standard diet, but competitive three‐fly tests rather revealed competitive advantage of control males and females over the flies reared on stressful diets. The results imply that divergent adaptation can result in differences in mating propensity or competitive ability, which, in turn, may either facilitate or hamper speciation depending on the relative frequency of high‐ vs. low‐competition settings in natural habitats of the diverging populations. The results also emphasize the importance of using diverse tests for assessing mating structure in natural and laboratory populations.
A Comprehensive Measure of the Costs of Caring for a Parent: Differences According to Functional Status
Authors: Coe Norma B. , Skira Meghan M. , Larson Eric B.
Published: September 2018

Approximately 34 million family and friends provided unpaid care to individuals aged 50 and older in 2015. It is difficult to place a value on that time, because no payment is made to the caregiver, and multiplying caregiving hours by a wage does not account for the value of lost leisure time, implications for future employability and wages, or any intrinsic benefits accrued to the care provider. This study used a dynamic discrete choice model to estimate the costs of informal care provided by a daughter to her mother, including these other costs and benefits not typically accounted for, and compared these cost estimates for 4 categories of the mother's functional status: doctor‐diagnosed memory‐related disease, limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs), combination of both, cannot be left alone for 1 hour or more. We studied women aged 40 to 70 with a living mother at the start of the sample period (N=3,427 adult daughters) using data from the Health and Retirement Study (1998–2012). The primary outcome was the monetized change in well‐being due to caregiving, what economists call “welfare costs.” We estimate that the median cost to the daughter's well‐being of providing care to an elderly mother ranged from $144,302 to $201,896 over 2 years, depending on the mother's functional status. These estimates suggest that informal care cost $277 billion in 2011, 20% more than estimates that account only for current foregone wages.
The Nurse‐Engineer: A New Role to Improve Nurse Technology Interface and Patient Care Device Innovations
Authors: Glasgow Mary Ellen Smith , Colbert Alison , Viator John , Cavanagh Stephen
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to describe two innovative biomedical engineering and nursing collaborations designed to educate a new cadre of professionals and develop new knowledge and innovations (robots, patient care devices, and computer simulation).

Organizing Construct

Complex health problems demand a highly skilled response that uses teams of professionals from various disciplines. When the biomedical engineering lens is expanded to include the practical perspective of nursing, opportunities emerge for greater technology–nurse interface and subsequent innovation. A joint nursing‐engineering degree program provides the ideal preparation for a well‐informed nurse‐engineer who can explore new and innovative solutions that will improve care and patient outcomes.

Approach

A review of the literature provides the background on innovation and engineering in nursing and a rationale for the development of two innovative joint degrees, as well as a description of those programs.

Findings

These innovative programs will advance healthcare‐related technology and maximize the potential contribution of the nursing profession in the design and implementation of creative solutions. They also have the potential to increase the skills and knowledge for students enrolled in biomedical engineering or Bachelor of Science in nursing programs individually, providing them with interdisciplinary training and exposure.

Clinical Relevance

Important patient care improvement opportunities are missed when nurses are not actively engaged in patient care device innovation and creation. Innovative nurse and engineer collaborations are needed in various forms to leverage nurse ingenuity and create patient care innovations.
Gene transfer trials in clinical haematology
Authors: RICHTER J.
Published: September 2018

The haematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow have long been considered, at least in theory, as an ideal target for gene therapy. Of the more than 250 clinical gene transfer protocols reported from around the world up to December 1996, almost one in three involves manipulation of haematopoietic cells. This includes both marketing trials and trials with a therapeutic intent. The human gene transfer trials targeting haematopoietic cells, the knowledge gained from them and their limitations are briefly summarized.
Understanding von Willebrand's disease from gene defects to the patients
Authors: ZHANG Z. , BLOMBÄCK M. , ANVRET M.
Published: September 2018

von Willebrand's disease (vWD) is caused by qualitative (type 2) and quantitative (types 1 and 3) abnormalities of von Willebrand factor (vWF). vWD type 3, a severe form of the disease with nearly complete deficiency of the protein in plasma, are found to be homozygous or compound heterozygous for null mutations in the vWF gene. Null mutations in both alleles of the vWF gene completely disrupt the protein synthesis resulting in a nearly complete deficiency of the vWF in the type 3 patients. The vWD type 1 patients (mild form with partial deficiency of the protein) could be heterozygous for null mutations or compound heterozygous for the mutations (null mutation + missense mutation) in the gene. The vWD type 2, divided into four variants: types 2A, 2B, 2M and 2N, are caused exclusively by missense mutations within three different domains of the protein (gain or loss of function). The majority of type 2A mutations are located in the A2 domain and the types 2B and 2M mutations are in the A1 domain, while the type 2N mutation is in the FVIII binding domain.
Treatment of childhood and adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: LIESNER R. , GOLDSTONE A.H.
Published: September 2018

In the last 30 years the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia has radically changed and intensified and has resulted in improvements in the chances of cure in children to up to 70% but in adults only 30% will achieve long‐term disease‐free survival. Data from large therapeutic trials have determined good and poor prognostic risk factors which have been of use in planning risk‐directed treatment protocols and can influence the chance of cure. However intensification of treatment has also been associated with increased toxicity and significant late effects, particularly in children. In the future it will be necessary for more international collaboration and a more uniform approach to treatment in order to achieve continued improvements in the survival from this disease. In children it will be necessary to focus efforts on improving treatment of relapsed patients: chemotherapy protocols in those with a first remission of >36 months, or for the high‐risk patients with a shorter first remission, new transplantation approaches directed towards enhancing the graft‐versus‐leukaemia effect are going to be of increasing importance. In adults, continued efforts will be directed towards improving first remission rates with the use of increasingly intensive chemotherapeutic protocols and growth factors. The use of unrelated donor transplantation is also likely to increase, particularly in patients with ‘poor‐risk’ disease.
Treatment of follicular follicle centre lymphomas: current status and future perspectives
Authors: HIDDEMANN W. , UNTERHALT M. , BUSKE C. , SACK H.
Published: September 2018

Follicle centre lymphomas (FCLs) comprise the predominant subtype of indolent nodal lymphomas. Therapy is based on the stage of the disease and consists of extended field or total nodal irradiation in stages I and II. Patients with advanced stages III and IV may initially remain untreated and be watched until the occurrence of disease‐related symptoms such as B‐symptoms, haematopoetic insufficiency, lymphoma progression or bulky disease. On the occurrence of these signs a cytoreductive chemotherapy of mild to moderate intensity such as cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone (COP) or mitoxantrone, chlorambucil, prednisone (MCP) should be initiated. In responding cases maintenance with interferon‐alpha (IFNα) leads to a significant prolongation of the progression‐free interval. Modifications of this approach include the upfront combination of IFNα with anthracycline containing combinations such as cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, teniposide, prednisone (CHVP). New perspectives arise from the introduction of myeloablative radio‐chemotherapy with subsequent stem‐cell transplantation and antibody‐based immuno‐biological therapies.
An observational study of environmental exposures, airway cytology, and performance in racing thoroughbreds
Authors: Ivester Kathleen M. , Couëtil Laurent L. , Moore George E.
Published: September 2018

Background

Mild equine asthma is presumed to arise in response to environmental exposures but the relative impact of differing inflammatory phenotypes upon performance are largely unexplored.

Hypotheses: Airway inflammation negatively affects performance and cytological phenotype varies with environmental exposure.

Animals

Thoroughbred racehorses in active training and racing.

Methods

Thoroughbreds were recruited 24‐48 hours before racing. Each horse was eligible for re‐enrollment with each race entry. Within one hour of race completion, physical examination, respiratory endoscopy, and BAL were performed. Respirable and inhalable dust, respirable endotoxin, and respirable β‐glucan exposures were measured at the breathing zone within one week after racing. Controlling for age, trainer, and pulmonary hemorrhage, the relationship between performance, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology, and measures of exposure were modeled.

Results

Performance and BALF data were collected on 64 individual horses from 8 stables for a total of 98 race performances and 79 dust exposure assessments. Evidence of mild equine asthma was found in 80% (78/98) of BALF samples from 52/64 horses. For each percent increase in BALF mast cell and neutrophil proportions, speed figures were reduced by 2.9 (P = .012) and 1.4 (P = .046) points, respectively. Respirable dust concentration was associated with BALF neutrophil proportions (P = .015). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid mast cell proportions were only associated with respirable β‐glucan exposures (P = .030).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Mild equine asthma is common in racing horses and negatively impacts performance. The data support that respirable, rather than inhalable, dust exposure measures are pertinent to equine airway health.
Effect of valacyclovir on EHV‐5 viral kinetics in horses with equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Easton‐Jones Charlotte A. , Madigan John E. , Barnum Samantha , Maxwell Lara K. , Taylor Sandra D. , Arnesen Terry , Pusterla Nicola
Published: September 2018

Background

Equine herpesvirus‐5 is commonly isolated from the lungs of horses with EMPF, suggesting an etiological link. Valacyclovir is used empirically to treat EMPF; however, no data is available concerning its impact on EHV‐5 viral kinetics.

Objectives

To determine the effect of oral administration of valacyclovir on EHV‐5 viral load measured by qPCR in blood, nasal secretions (NS) and BALF in horses with EMPF.

Animals

Six horses diagnosed with EMPF.

Methods

A prospective clinical trial was performed. Horses received 10 days of PO administered valacyclovir (loading dose 30 mg/kg, maintenance dose 20 mg/kg). Blood, NS, and BALF were collected for EHV‐5 viral kinetics analyses during treatment. Blood and NS were collected every other day. BALF was collected on day 0 and day 10.

Results

There was no statistical difference in median EHV‐5 viral load between day 0 and day 10 for all samples tested. In blood median EHV‐5 viral load was 7676 (range 575‐39 781) on day 0 and 6822 (range 1136‐18 635) glycoprotein B (gB) gene copies per million cells on day 10. For NS median EHV‐5 viral load was 2.944 × 106 (range 184 691‐3.394 × 109) on day 0 and 8.803 × 106 (range 251 186‐9.868 × 108) gB gene copies per million cells on day 10. For BALF median EHV‐5 viral load was 59,842 (range 61‐315 655) on day 0 and 185 083 (range 3562‐542 417) gB gene copies per million cells on day 10.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Valacyclovir might not be an effective short‐term antiviral treatment but efficacy in treatment of EMPF is unknown.
Agency Theory and Work from Home
Authors: White Dustin R.
Published: September 2018

Wages for individuals working from home have converged toward, and even exceeded, those of office‐workers. I argue that these changes are driven by the ability of firms to monitor employees working from home. Using American Community Survey and Census data spanning 1980–2014, I find wage differentials have shifted from a 26 per cent penalty in 1980 to a 5 per cent premium in 2014. Furthermore, I find that higher wage variance (44 per cent greater in 1980) for home‐workers disappears by 2013. Changes in variance suggest that the falling cost of monitoring employee effort has made it less costly for firms to allow work from home. These findings support agency theory as a driver of the changes in wages and wage structure for individuals working from home.
“Is this our boasted constitution? Is this our liberty?”: Reading Milton in Ireland
Authors: Lahive Colin
Published: September 2018

This essay examines a largely undocumented aspect of Irish literary history: the reception and circulation of John Milton's writings in Ireland. Milton's negative views of the inhabitants of Ireland have been well documented, but this essay analyses some of the intellectual responses of readers, writers, and thinkers in Ireland to the English republic's leading apologist for the conquest of Ireland. I argue that such an approach is required in order to redirect the critical narrative away from examinations of the hackneyed anti‐Irish stereotypes written for colonial agendas and to shed light on the ways in which Milton was read to speak to and about a range of political, religious, social, and ethical issues in early modern and late modern Ireland. The essay also seeks to introduce my book‐length study of the topic which, ranging across printed and manuscript sources—from Irish translations of Milton's poetry to political appropriations of his controversial prose—interrogates the collective assumptions, aspirations, fears, anxieties, and prejudices of readers and writers in Ireland as they are revealed in response to the self‐conflicting voice of civil and religious liberties, on the one hand, and aggressive English colonialism on the other.
Thorns and roses: The international dimension of ‘Old English’ literature in Ireland
Authors: Herron Thomas
Published: September 2018

The amount of extant early modern “Old English” literature written in Ireland in English is scant and little referenced by modern scholars, and its historical and political dimensions are often ignored. This paper surveys the important place of the Old English community in early modern English and Irish letters. The modern, international, often Catholic, and renaissance dimension to Old English art, life, and letters in the Pale and beyond is emphasized. The Old English always looked beyond Ireland and England while directly or subtly referring to their own tumultuous affairs in their writing.
Anticoagulation and the risk of complications in ventricular tachycardia and premature ventricular complex ablation
Authors: Lane Jem D. , Cannie Douglas , Volkova Elena , Graham Adam , Chow Anthony , Earley Mark J. , Hunter Ross J. , Khan Fakhar , Lambiase Pier D. , Schilling Richard , Sporton Simon , Dhinoja Mehul
Published: September 2018

Background

Many patients undergoing ventricular tachycardia (VT) or premature ventricular complex (PVC) ablation receive antithrombotic medications.  Their uninterrupted use has the potential to affect complication rates.

We assessed the incidence of complications in a large cohort of patients undergoing these procedures, according to antithrombotic medication use.

Methods

From June 2014 to June 2016, 201 VT and PVC ablations were performed at a single center. We allocated patients to three groups: (A) anticoagulation group (international normalized ratio ≥ 1.5 or non‐vitamin K anticoagulant or full‐dose low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) heparin on day of procedure); (B) antithrombotic group (antiplatelet therapy and/or prophylactic LMW heparin on day of procedure); and (C) no antithrombotics group.  We assessed periprocedural complication rates in each group.  Multivariable analysis was performed.

Results

Group A (47 patients) had 8.5% procedural complication rate: one stroke, one pseudoaneurysm, one femoral artery occlusion, and one access site hematoma. In this group, 37 patients had femoral arterial and 18 had epicardial access.

In Group B (46 patients), the complication rate was 6.5%: two cardiac tamponades and one pericardial effusion without compromise.

Group C (108 patients) had a 5.6% complication rate: three cardiac tamponades (with one periprocedural death and one concomitant gastric vessel injury), one pericardial effusion without compromise, one stomach perforation, and two access site hematomas.

Multivariable analysis did not show any significant predictors of complications, though age approached significance.

Conclusions

Complication rates were not significantly different between groups. These findings suggest that VT and PVC ablation can be performed safely in patients with uninterrupted antithrombotic medications.
Incidence and predictors of MRI scan utilization in MRI‐conditional pacemaker recipients: A multicenter experience
Authors: Gopinathannair Rakesh , Mar Philip L. , Gandhi Gaurang , Leiserowitz Amy , Tripuraneni Ajay , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya , Chen Guanhua , Kreps Eric , Botting Luke , Copeland Stephanie , Firsich Nancy , Kioussopoulos Kathy , Granato Jerome E.
Published: September 2018

Background

Patient characteristics, higher device cost, and vendor contracts likely prevent use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐conditional pacemakers (MRC) in all pacemaker (PM)‐eligible patients. We sought to identify the incidence and predictors of MRI scan utilization in MRC recipients.

Methods

Patients receiving an MRC or non‐MRI‐conditional PM (NMRC) at four centers were included. Incidence of MRI scans following PM insertion was obtained from hospital records and patient phone calls.

Results

Of 1,244 patients (74 ± 12 years, 54.6% male), 927 had MRC and 317 had NMRC. At baseline, MRC recipients had a higher incidence of atrial tachycardia and MRI risk factors (syncope, recurrent falls, neurological disease, severe musculoskeletal disease, malignancy). In the MRC group, more patients had commercial health insurance (26% vs 15%, P < 0.001). Sixty MRC patients (6.5%) had an MRI during 21 ± 17 months’ follow‐up. Using the Weilbull parametric survival model, the projected percentage of MRC patients receiving an MRI scan at 7‐ and 11‐year follow‐up were 45% and 73%, respectively. By multivariate regression, a prior history of MRI (odds ratio [OR] 4.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2–9.1, P < 0.001) and active smoking (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.1–6.7, P  =  0.039) independently predicted the performance of an MRI following MRC implant.

Conclusions

In this MRC cohort, MRI scan utilization during follow‐up was low but projection analyses showed a higher incidence over the lifetime of the MRC. A history of prior MRI and active smoking independently predicted the performance of an MRI scan during follow‐up.
Size and Substitution Effect on Antimicrobial Activity of Polythiophene Polyelectrolyte Derivatives Under Photolysis and Dark Conditions
Authors: Brown Dylan M. , Yang Jianzhong , Strach Edward W. , Khalil Mohammed I. , Whitten David G.
Published: September 2018

Cationic polythiophenes have been shown to be potent antimicrobial compounds due to their ability to absorb visible light and sensitize the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as their ability to selectively associate with and damage negatively charged cell envelopes. This study demonstrates the ability of differentially sized imidazolium‐ and tertiary amine‐functionalized poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) to inactivate Gram‐negative Escherichia coli and Gram‐positive Bacillus atrophaeus under photolysis and dark conditions. Flow cytometry viability assays are used to quantify cell death. Each compound shows high levels of killing at both 1 and 10 μg mL−1 polymer concentrations for each microbial species after photoactivation as well as high levels of dark inactivation in many cases. Tertiary amine‐functionalized P3HT is shown to have different killing patterns, shown by transmission electron microscopy, compared to the imidazolium‐functionalized derivatives.
Upper‐Body Strength and Political Egalitarianism: Twelve Conceptual Replications
Authors: Petersen Michael Bang , Laustsen Lasse
Published: September 2018

Animal models of conflict behavior predict that an organism's behavior in a conflict situation is influenced by physical characteristics related to abilities to impose costs on adversaries. Stronger and larger organisms should be more motivated to seek larger shares of resources and higher places in hierarchies. Previous studies of human males have suggested that measures of upper‐body strength are associated with measures of support for inequality including Social Dominance Orientation (SDO), a measure of individual differences in support for group‐based hierarchies. However, other studies have failed to replicate this association. In this article, we reexamine the link between upper‐body strength and support for inequality using 12 different samples from multiple countries in which relevant measures were available. These samples include student and locally representative samples with direct measures of physical strength and nationally representative samples with self‐reported measures related to muscularity. While the predicted correlation does not replicate for every single available measure of support for inequality, the overall data pattern strongly suggests that for males, but not females, upper‐body strength correlates positively with support for inequality.
Moral Hazard: German Public Opinion on the Greek Debt Crisis
Authors: Rathbun Brian C. , Powers Kathleen E. , Anders Therese
Published: September 2018

The recent Eurozone crisis and negotiations over bailout packages to Greece are more than a simple controversy about financial resources. They have a decidedly moralistic overtone. Giving more funds is thought by some to be unfair to hard‐working taxpayers and does not teach Greece an important moral lesson. Yet much international political economy scholarship neglects such considerations. We build on moral psychology to understand the ethical drivers of both German support and opposition to the 2015 Greek government bailout package. We analyze original survey data to show how morality is an essential factor in Germany's hard‐line approach. Our results show that caring and European attachment are associated with bailout support, while authority, national attachment, and retributive fairness drive opposition. Some morals also have boundaries: National attachment attenuates the effect of harm/care on support for foreign financial assistance but strengthens the effect of fairness on bailout opposition. Moral psychology helps us understand foreign policy but must be adapted to account for multiple potential ingroups.
Photosynthetic characteristics of non‐foliar organs in main C3 cereals
Authors: Hu Ling , Zhang Yunxiu , Xia Haiyong , Fan Shoujin , Song Jie , Lv Xuemei , Kong Lingan
Published: September 2018

Photosynthesis in non‐foliar organs plays an important role in crop growth and productivity, and it has received considerable research attention in recent years. However, compared with the capability of photosynthetic CO2 fixation in leaves, the distinct attributes of photosynthesis in the non‐foliar organs of wheat (a C3 species) are unclear. This review presents a comprehensive examination of the photosynthetic characteristics of non‐foliar organs in wheat. Compared with leaves, non‐foliar organs had a higher capacity to refix respired CO2, higher tolerance to environmental stresses and slower terminal senescence after anthesis. Additionally, whether C4 photosynthetic metabolism exists in the non‐foliar organs of wheat is discussed, as is the advantage of photosynthesis in non‐foliar organs during times of abiotic stress. Introducing the photosynthesis‐related genes of C4 plants into wheat, which are specifically expressed in non‐foliar organs, can be a promising approach for improving wheat productivity.
Modification of the prolonged mechanical ventilation prognostic model score to predict short‐term and 1‐year mortalities
Authors: Park Yu Rang , Lee Ji Sung , Kim Hwa Jung , Hong Sang‐Bum , Lim Chae‐Mann , Koh Younsuck , Huh Jin Won
Published: September 2018

Background and objective

We aimed to validate the use of the Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation Prognostic Model (ProVent) score in medically ill patients with co‐morbidities and to modify the score to improve the prediction power of 1‐year mortality.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of all patients who required at least 14 days of mechanical ventilation (MV) and established two groups (14–20 and ≥21 days of MV) based on the MV duration. We performed external validation of the present ProVent Model in our patients on Day 14 (or Day 21 for the ≥21‐day MV group) of MV, and established the extended ProVent model, while considering the albumin and bilirubin levels and co‐morbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer).

Results

A total of 1288 patients (666 and 622 with 14–20 and ≥21 days of MV, respectively) with at least 14 days of MV were enrolled. The 1‐year mortality was 79.9% and 78.7% in the ≥21‐ and 14–20‐day groups, respectively. Most of the observed mortality rates in all groups were within the 95% CI of predicted mortality as per the ProVent Model, except for the ProVent scores of 0 and 5. In the ProVent model, the area under the curve for the prediction of 1‐year mortality was 0.69 in all patients with ≥14 days of MV, whereas in the extended ProVent model, the area under the curve was 0.89.

Conclusion

The extended ProVent model, which considers co‐morbidities and laboratory data, increases the prediction power of 1‐year mortality in patients who require prolonged MV.
Dualities in the q‐Askey Scheme and Degenerate DAHA
Authors: Koornwinder Tom H. , Mazzocco Marta
Published: September 2018

The Askey–Wilson polynomials are a four‐parameter family of orthogonal symmetric Laurent polynomials that are eigenfunctions of a second‐order q‐difference operator L, and of a second‐order difference operator in the variable n with eigenvalue . Then, L and multiplication by generate the Askey–Wilson (Zhedanov) algebra. A nice property of the Askey–Wilson polynomials is that the variables z and n occur in the explicit expression in a similar and to some extent exchangeable way. This property is called duality. It returns in the nonsymmetric case and in the underlying algebraic structures: the Askey–Wilson algebra and the double affine Hecke algebra (DAHA). In this paper, we follow the degeneration of the Askey–Wilson polynomials until two arrows down and in four different situations: for the orthogonal polynomials themselves, for the degenerate Askey–Wilson algebras, for the nonsymmetric polynomials, and for the (degenerate) DAHA and its representations.
Mathematics teachers' implementation of high‐leverage teaching practices: A Q‐sort study
Authors: Wilburne Jane , Polly Drew , Franz Dana , Wagstaff David A.
Published: September 2018

This paper presents the results of a Q‐sort activity in which 38 grades 4–10 mathematics teachers reflected on their classroom teaching and ranked a set of teaching actions that support high‐leverage mathematics teaching from most to least characteristic of their classroom teaching. Data analysis included examining the overall ranking of each teacher action as well as the overall ranking of the associated high‐leverage teaching practice. Examination of the rankings indicated that teachers identified actions associated with the practices of supporting productive struggle in students' learning of mathematics and posing purposeful questions as most characteristic of their teaching. Teachers identified actions associated with the practices of eliciting and using evidence of student thinking and establishing mathematics goals to focus learning as least characteristic of their teaching. Thematic networks were created to represent the teachers' rationales for their priorities regarding implementation of high‐leverage teaching practices. We share the implications of our findings for the mathematics education field and professional development leaders.
Posttransfusion purpura with antibodies against human platelet antigen‐4a following checkpoint inhibitor therapy: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Vu Khoan , Leavitt Andrew D.
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Posttransfusion purpura (PTP) is a rare condition characterized by severe thrombocytopenia following receipt of blood products. Most reported PTP cases involve alloantibodies directed against human platelet antigen (HPA)‐1a. We present a case of PTP‐mediated severe thrombocytopenia associated with alloantibodies directed against HPA‐4a in the setting of combination checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

CASE REPORT

A 62‐year‐old woman with rectal melanoma that progressed on combination checkpoint inhibitors (ipilimumab and nivolumab) was admitted for abdominoperineal resection. She received multiple blood products during surgery, and between the sixth and eighth days post‐surgery her platelet (PLT) count decreased from 126 × 109/L to a nadir of 1 × 109/L. She received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), steroids, and romiplostim with eventual recovery of her PLT count to 50 × 109/L 20 days after surgery. She tested positive for anti‐HPA‐4a and was shown not to express HPA‐4a, confirming a diagnosis of PTP.

CONCLUSION

Alloantibodies strongly reactive to HPA‐4a were detected in this patient who received multiple blood products during abdominoperineal resection surgery. Her thrombocytopenia improved with prompt administration of IVIG, steroids, and romiplostim. PTP must always be considered in patients with acute severe thrombocytopenia after receipt of blood products, and treatment should not be delayed while awaiting laboratory confirmation. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of PTP with antibodies against HPA‐4a.
Secondary thrombotic microangiopathy with severely reduced ADAMTS13 activity in a patient with Capnocytophaga canimorsus sepsis: a case report
Authors: Smeets Nori J.L. , Fijnheer Rob , Sebastian Silvie , De Mast Quirijn
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

The Gram‐negative bacillus Capnocytophaga canimorsus may cause a severe illness resembling thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). The pathogenesis and optimal therapy of this secondary thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) remain uncertain.

CASE REPORT

A 63‐year‐old Caucasian man was admitted with suspicion for TTP, but blood cultures grew C. canimorsus. Initial investigations revealed severe thrombocytopenia, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13) activity level of less than 1%, and strongly elevated D‐dimer and lactate dehydrogenase levels. He made a full recovery with antibiotics and plasma infusion for 3 days. Plasmapheresis was not performed. Retrospective determination of serial ADAMTS13 activity levels revealed that ADAMTS13 activity had already increased to 25% at the start of plasma infusion.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights that a C. canimorsus sepsis may cause a secondary TMA with a severe ADAMTS13 deficiency. It also illustrates that the adjunctive role of plasma exchange or plasma infusion is doubtful as ADAMTS13 activity levels increased with antibiotics alone.
Acute kidney injury secondary to traumatic rhabdomyolysis in a dog
Authors: Chen Hilla , Aroch Itamar , Segev Gilad
Published: September 2018

Objective

To describe the clinical course and successful management of a dog with crush syndrome, rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinuria, and associated acute kidney injury (AKI).

Case Summary

An 8‐year‐old female, neutered, mixed‐breed dog was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital due to crush injury and suspected AKI. Blood tests and urinalysis showed markedly increased serum creatine kinase activity, myoglobinuria, and AKI. The dog was managed successfully with intermittent hemodialysis, and completely recovered.

New or Unique Information Provided

This is the first report of a dog with crush syndrome with secondary myoglobinuria and AKI.
Exposing System and Model Disparity and Agreement Using Wavelets
Authors: Atkinson Andrew D. , Hill Raymond R. , Pignatiello Joseph J. , Geoffrey Vining G. , White Edward D. , Chicken Eric
Published: September 2018

Model verification and validation (V&V) remain a critical step in the simulation model development process. A model requires verification to ensure that it has been correctly transitioned from a conceptual form to a computerized form. A model also requires validation to substantiate the accurate representation of the system it is meant to simulate. Validation assessments are complex when the system and model both generate high-dimensional functional output. To handle this complexity, this paper reviews several wavelet-based approaches for assessing models of this type and introduces a new concept for highlighting the areas of contrast and congruity between system and model data. This concept identifies individual wavelet coefficients that correspond to the areas of discrepancy between the system and model.
Predictions of the linear rheology of polydisperse, entangled linear polymer melts by using the discrete slip-link model
Authors: Taletskiy Konstantin , Tervoort Theo A. , Schieber Jay D.
Published: September 2018

We present a more efficient way to predict the dynamic modulus of a broadly disperse, entangled polymer melt that uses the discrete slip-link model. Polydisperse blends provide a computational challenge because of the large number of molecular weights that contribute to the modulus. Here, we simulate the order 10 probes to capture the sliding dynamics of chains, but a continuous background to capture constraint dynamics. Contributions of other molecular weights can be interpolated from the simulated probes. Since we use the continuous background, additional probes can be added as needed without re-doing the prior simulations. We show that the method is capable of predicting the modulus well for two different chemistries. Comparison with a simplified double reptation model for a third chemistry shows agreement between the two approaches for frequencies near and below the crossover point of the dynamic modulus even though the distribution is rather narrow.
Modulation of Cortical Activity by High-Frequency Whole-Body Vibration Exercise: An fNIRS Study
Authors: Choi Dong-Sung , Lee Hwang-Jae , Shin Yong-II , Lee Ahee , Kim Hee-Goo , Kim Yun-Hee
Published: September 2018

Context: Whole-body vibration (WBV) has shown many positive effects on the human body in rehabilitation and clinical settings in which vibration has been used to elicit muscle contractions in spastic and paretic muscles. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether WBV exercise (WBVe) differently modulates the cortical activity associated with motor and prefrontal function based on its frequency. Methods: A total of 18 healthy male adults (mean age: 25.3 [2.4] y) participated in this study and performed WBVe (Galileo Advanced plus; Novotec Medical, Pforzheim, Germany) under 3 different vibration frequency conditions (4-mm amplitude with 10-, 20-, and 27-Hz frequencies) and a control condition (0-mm amplitude with 0-Hz frequency). Each condition consisted of 2 alternating tasks (squatting and standing) every 30 seconds for 5 repetitions. All subjects performed the 4 conditions in a randomized order. Main Outcome Measure: Cortical activation during WBVe was measured by relative changes in oxygenated hemoglobin concentration over the primary motor cortex, premotor cortex, supplementary motor area, and prefrontal and somatosensory cortices using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Results: Oxygenated hemoglobin concentration was higher during the 27-Hz vibration condition than the control and 10-Hz vibration conditions. Specifically, these changes were pronounced in the bilateral primary motor cortex (P < .05) and right prefrontal cortex (P < .05). In contrast, no significant changes in oxygenated hemoglobin concentration were observed in any of the cortical areas during the 10-Hz vibration condition compared with the control condition. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that the motor network and prefrontal cortical areas of healthy adult males can be activated by 27-Hz WBVe. However, WBVe at lower frequencies did not induce significant changes in cortical activation.
Motoneuron Function Does not Change Following Whole-Body Vibration in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: Otzel Dana M. , Hass Chris J. , Wikstrom Erik A. , Bishop Mark D. , Borsa Paul A. , Tillman Mark D.
Published: September 2018

Context: Following a lateral ankle sprain, ∼40% of individuals develop chronic ankle instability (CAI), characterized by recurrent injury and sensations of giving way. Deafferentation due to mechanoreceptor damage postinjury is suggested to contribute to arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI). Whole-body vibration (WBV) has the potential to address the neurophysiologic deficits accompanied by CAI and, therefore, possibly prevent reinjury. Objective: To determine if an acute bout of WBV can improve AMI and proprioception in individuals with CAI. Design and Participants: The authors examined if an acute bout of WBV can improve AMI and proprioception in individuals with CAI with a repeated-measures design. A total of 10 young adults with CAI and 10 age-matched healthy controls underwent a control, sham, and WBV condition in randomized order. Setting: Biomechanics laboratory. Intervention: WBV. Main Outcome Measures: Motoneuron pool recruitment was assessed via Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex) in the soleus. Proprioception was evaluated using ankle joint position sense at 15° and 20° of inversion. Both were assessed prior to, immediately following, and 30 minutes after the intervention (pretest, posttest, and 30mPost, respectively). Results: Soleus maximum H-reflex:M-response (H:M) ratios were 25% lower in the CAI group compared with the control group (P = .03). Joint position sense mean constant error did not differ between groups (P = .45). Error at 15° in the CAI (pretest 0.8 [1.6], posttest 2.0 [2.8], 30mPost 2.0 [1.9]) and control group (pretest 0.8 [2.0], posttest 0.6 [2.9], 30mPost 0.5 [2.1]) did not improve post-WBV. Error at 20° did not change post-WBV in the CAI (pretest 1.3 [1.7], posttest 1.0 [2.4], 30mPost 1.5 [2.2]) or control group (pretest −0.3 [3.0], posttest 0.8 [2.1], 30mPost 0.6 [1.8]). Conclusion: AMI is present in the involved limb of individuals with CAI. The acute response following a single bout of WBV did not ameliorate the presence of AMI nor improve proprioception in those with CAI.
Prevalence and Factors Associated With Injuries in Elite Spanish Volleyball
Authors: Cuñado-González Álvaro , Martín-Pintado-Zugasti Aitor , Rodríguez-Fernández Ángel L.
Published: September 2018

Context: Prevalence studies have been carried out widely on elite volleyball players. However, the extent to which specific prevention strategies are used and the influence of the sport equipment on the occurrence of injuries have been sparsely investigated. Objective: To describe the prevalence of injuries sustained during 1 season in elite Spanish volleyball leagues and to investigate the association of injuries with factors such as player court position, injury mechanism, type of shoes used when playing, or participation in prevention activities. Design: Descriptive cross-sectional epidemiology study: observational study. Setting: European elite professional volleyball. Participants: Professional volleyball players from the elite Spanish volleyball league. Main Outcome Measures: A self-report questionnaire assessed the presence of injury during a volleyball season. Questions included the type of injury, its anatomic location, participation in prevention strategies, shoe type, the injury mechanism, the season period, the period of leave, and the treatment received. Results: In total, 490 players (71.2% response rate) completed and returned the questionnaire. The injury prevalence was 66.9%, and the average of injuries per player was 0.94 (0.85) (range: 0–4). Most Spanish elite volleyball players participated in prevention programs during the season (90.3%) and played volleyball with low-top shoes (83.6%), but these factors were not associated with the prevalence of injuries (P > .05). The anatomic regions with the most injuries were the ankle, knee, and shoulder; the most common types of injury were sprains, tendinopathies, and strains, usually occurring during blocking and attack actions during the in-season period. Conclusions: Despite most elite volleyball players participating in prevention programs, the results reveal a high injury prevalence. Further prospective research on the effectiveness of prevention strategies in elite volleyball is needed.