bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drastic Scintillation Yield Enhancement of YAG:Ce with Carbon Doping
Authors: Sidletskiy Oleg , Arhipov Pavlo , Tkachenko Sergii , Zelenskaya Olga , Vasyukov Sergey , Moretti Federico , Dujardin Christophe
Published: May 2018

Scintillation performances of carbon‐doped YAG and YAG:Ce crystals obtained by the Czochralski method under novel conditions of Ar+CO reducing atmosphere is compared to their counterparts obtained by conventional technologies. While light yield and energy resolution in YAG crystals grown under different conditions is similar, a fast luminescence decay component of 4–6 ns is observed in YAG:C grown by the new procedure. Optimization of post‐growth thermal annealing procedure of YAG:Ce,C scintillator provides the very high light yield of 28 200 phot MeV−1, and the energy resolution of 7.8–8.5% at 662 KeV
Efficient Solution‐Processed Inverted Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes by Using Polyethyleneimine as Interface Layer
Authors: Zhou Tao , Ling Zhitian , Tang Zhenyu , Wang Shuanglong , Guo Kunping , Chen Guo , Cheng Zhiqun , Dai Xiwang , Gao Haijun , Xu Tao , Wei Bin
Published: May 2018

This paper demonstrates the use of multiple polyethyleneimine (PEI) films acting as interface layers in the inverted organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) to solve the mixing problem between different functional layers. The morphological, electrical and photoluminescence characteristics of PEI films are systematically investigated. The thickness of PEI layers is optimized to achieve both good electron transport and ability of preventing the miscibility. The authors’ results show that the insertion of double PEI interface layers in the inverted OLEDs allow the deposition of electron transport layer and emissive layer all in solution. Finally, the authors report an inverted green OLED with one and double PEI interface layers. The green OLED with double PEI interface layers yields a maximum current efficiency of 45.2 cd A−1, which is close to the device using thermal deposition method. The authors thus believe that the application of multiple PEI interface layers could provide a promising way to obtain highly efficient OLEDs in solution processing.
Pt/Alumina Hyperbolic Metafilms with High‐Temperature Stability, Wide Wavelength Tunability, and Omnidirectional Absorption
Authors: Lee Tae‐Il , Cho Jin‐Woo , Jeong Dasol , Lee Kyung‐Joon , Park Bo‐Young , Kim Tae Jung , Kim Young Dong , Kim Young‐Seok , Nam Youngsuk , Kim Sun‐Kyung
Published: May 2018

The authors report high‐temperature stable, spectrally tunable, Pt/alumina hyperbolic metafilms with broadband absorption. Two uniform pairs of Pt (10 nm)/alumina (100, 150, or 200 nm) multilayer films with a top alumina passivation layer and a bottom Pt mirror and are prepared on sapphire substrates by sputtering. These Pt/alumina multilayer films yielded strong light absorption at visible to near‐infrared wavelengths that are spectrally tunable by modulating the thickness of each alumina layer. Based on effective medium theory for 1D metafilms, such tuning behavior is well understood; the maximum absorption occurred at a specific range of wavelengths wherein the real part of the effective permittivity was near‐zero. The broadband absorption spectrum is only marginally altered over a wide range of incident angles from 0 to 70°, a finding supported by simulations using the transfer matrix method using the experimentally derived optical constants of Pt and alumina. The fabricated Pt/alumina multilayer films maintained their initial absorption spectra after a heating test at 1450 K for 12 h. Transmission electron microscopy images and fast Fourier transform diffraction patterns show pristine Pt/alumina interfaces, devoid of any features related to oxidation, interdiffusion, and deformation after the heating test. These pristine interfaces are further verified with the elemental mapping results obtained by energy dispersion X‐ray spectroscopy. This work demonstrates that a one‐dimensional stack of Pt and alumina layers with deep‐submicron thicknesses functions as a refractory hyperbolic metamaterial with a large absorption at specific wavelengths, which will be extensively utilized in a diverse range of thermal radiation‐engineered applications.
Experimental and Theoretical Soft X‐Ray Absorption Study on Co3+ Ion Spin States in Sr2−xCaxCoO3F
Authors: Chin Yi‐Ying , Hu Zhiwei , Su Yu , Tsujimoto Yoshihiro , Tanaka Arata , Chen Chien‐Te
Published: May 2018

To investigate the influence of chemical pressure on the eg orbital occupation and the spin state of Co3+ ions, which are closely related to electrochemical reaction of catalysts for energy storage applications, we have prepared a new material Sr1.7Ca0.3CoO3F, which was previously predicted to possess an intermediate‐spin (IS) state with eg1 configuration. Our experimental Co‐L2,3 X‐ray absorption spectrum of Sr1.7Ca0.3CoO3F was very similar to those of the high‐spin (HS) Co3+ references Sr2CoO3F and Sr2CoO3Cl indicating an HS Co3+ ground state. The HS‐Co3+ ground state in Sr1.7Ca0.3CoO3F was further confirmed by using O‐K XAS spectra and theoretical simulation of the Co‐L2,3 XAS spectra with configuration‐interaction cluster calculations. We present theoretical energy diagrams of three spin states for Co3+ ions in Sr2CoO3F as a function of external pressure based on the crystal structures observed in a previous high‐pressure study. We have also investigated the structural conditions that are required to stabilize the IS state in this effective local pyramidal structure theoretically, and found that the in‐plane Co–O distance (<1.88 Å) and the out‐of‐plane Co displacement (<0.18 Å) are critical conditions for obtaining the IS‐Co3+ ground state.
Accurate prediction of vertical electronic transitions of Ni(II) coordination compounds via time dependent density functional theory
Authors: Sciortino Giuseppe , Lihi Norbert , Czine Tamás , Maréchal Jean‐Didier , Lledós Agustí , Garribba Eugenio
Published: May 2018

Time dependent density functional theory calculations are completed for five Ni(II) complexes formed by polydentate peptides to predict the electronic absorption spectrum. The ligands examined were glycyl‐glycyl‐glycine (GGG), glycyl‐glycyl‐glycyl‐glycine (GGGG), glycyl‐glycyl‐histidine (GGH), glycyl‐glycyl‐cysteine (GGC), and triethylenetetramine (trien). Fifteen functionals and two basis sets were tested. On the basis of the mean absolute percent deviation (MAPD), the ranking among the functionals is: HSE06 ∼ MPW1PW91 ∼ PBE0 > ω‐B97x‐D ∼ B3P86 ∼ B3LYP ∼ CAM‐B3LYP > PBE ∼ BLYP ∼ BP86 > TPSS > TPSSh > BHandHLYP > M06 ≫ M06‐2X. Concerning the basis sets, the triple‐ζdef2‐TZVP performs better than the double‐ζ LANL2DZ. With the functional HSE06 and basis setdef2‐TZVP the MAPD with respect to the experimental λmaxis 1.65% with a standard deviation of 1.26%. The absorption electronic spectra were interpreted in terms of vertical excitations between occupied and virtual MOs based on Ni‐datomic orbitals. The electronic structure of the Ni(II) species is also discussed.
Detection of acetyltransferase modification of kanamycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, in bacteria using ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Perez Johnny J. , Chen Chin‐Yi
Published: May 2018

Rationale

The occurrence of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria is a worldwide issue that has the potential, if not addressed, to eliminate classes of antibiotics that have extended life expectancy in the last century. An approach to confront this threat is the development of technologies that greatly accelerate the detection of antibiotic resistance to minimize unnecessary treatment involving antibiotics. Development of an analytical method for rapid detection of aminoglycoside resistance using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) has not been reported in the literature and is described here.

Methods

A strain of Escherichia coli carrying a plasmid encoding an aminoglycoside‐modifide enzyme (N‐acetyltransferase) was incubated with kanamycin, an aminoglycoside. The antibiotic and its modified form were observed using LC/MS. An ABSciex QTrap 6500+ was used for kinetic and quantitative analysis and high‐resolution structural elucidation was performed using a Thermo Fisher Q‐Exactive hybrid quadrupole‐orbitrap mass spectrometer.

Results

Detection of kanamycin modification was achieved in less than an hour of incubation. Calibration curves for both modified and unmodified kanamycin from 0.5 to 50 μg mL−1 were obtained. Generation and depletion of modified and unmodified kanamycin as a function of time were performed. High‐resolution mass spectrometry was employed for confirmation and structural elucidation of the novel precursor and product ion biomarkers with high mass accuracy (≤7 ppm).

Conclusions

A newly developed analytical method is able to determine bacterial resistance to aminoglycosides (via acetylation of kanamycin), qualitatively and quantitatively, within 30 minutes and 6 hours of incubation with kanamycin, respectively. High‐resolution data support the placement of an acetyl group on kanamycin confirming aminoglycoside resistance and its mechanism. Quantification was achieved for both forms of the antibiotic 50‐ to 100‐fold lower than the minimum inhibitory concentration for the resistant bacteria and can be used to replace conventional antimicrobial susceptibility tests.
Ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole and time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry for the screening and identification of the main flavonoids and their metabolites in rats after oral administration of Cirsium japonicum DC. extract
Authors: Zhang Xia , Liao Man , Cheng Xiaoye , Liang Caijuan , Diao Xinpeng , Zhang Lantong
Published: May 2018

Rationale

Cirsium japonicum DC., a traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to have anti‐haemorrhagic and anti‐tumour effects. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that this curative effect may be related to flavonoids. The present work aimed to screen and identify the main flavonoids and their corresponding metabolites in rats after oral administration of Cirsium japonicum DC. extract.

Methods

A rapid and simple method based on ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole and time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/QTOF‐MS) was developed for the identification of the primary absorbing components and metabolites of the principal flavonoids. The absorbing components were first characterized, followed by the selection of representative constituents. In this study, the main flavonoids, pectolinarin, linarin and pectolinarigenin, were selected as templates to identify possible metabolites.

Results

A total of 27 metabolites were detected in rat blood, urine and bile samples. A hydrolysis reaction was the first step for pectolinarin and linarin, followed by oxidation and reduction reactions. However, phase II metabolites for pectolinarin and linarin were not detected. The primary biotransformation routes of pectolinarigenin were identified as oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, and glucuronide and glucose conjugation.

Conclusions

The metabolic pathways of pectolinarin, linarin and pectolinarigenin were summarized. This study not only proposed a practical strategy for rapidly screening and identifying metabolites but also provided useful information for further pharmacological studies and the design of new drugs based on Cirsium japonicum DC.
An improved least squares constant modulus algorithm for collision messages separation in multichannel space‐based AIS
Authors: Zhang Peixin , Wang Jianxin , Zhou Haosu , Ban Tian
Published: May 2018

In space‐based automatic identification system, message collision is inevitable. To separate collision messages in multichannel space‐based automatic identification system, an improved least squares constant modulus algorithm (LSCMA) is proposed in this paper. The algorithm initializes LSCMA by using the result of complex symmetric fast independent component analysis and reduces the dimension of the received signal by using the minimum description length algorithm. At the same time, a new metric named failure rate is proposed to measure the separation performance. The simulation shows that the performance loss caused by the delay, the frequency and phase offset, and the input signal‐to‐interference ratio is within an acceptable range. The proposed algorithm outperforms the original LSCMA and other algorithms in terms of red packet error rate and failure rate.
Fewer Defects in the Surface Slows the Hydrolysis Rate, Decreases the ROS Generation Potential, and Improves the Non‐ROS Antimicrobial Activity of MgO
Authors: Anicˇić Nemanja , Vukomanović Marija , Koklicˇ Tilen , Suvorov Danilo
Published: May 2018

Magnesium oxide (MgO) is recognised as exhibiting a contact‐based antibacterial activity. However, a comprehensive study of the impact of atomic‐scale surface features on MgO's antibacterial activity is lacking. In this study, the nature and abundance of the native surface defects on different MgO powders are thoroughly investigated. Their impacts on the hydrolysis kinetics, antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (ATCC 47076), Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation potential are determined and explained. It is shown that a reduction in the abundance of low‐coordinated oxygen atoms on the surface of the MgO improves its resistance to both hydrolysis and antibacterial activity. The ROS generation potential, determined in‐situ using a fluorescence microplate assay and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, is not an inherent property of the studied MgO, rather it is a side product of hydrolysis (only for the most highly defected MgO particles) and/or a consequence of the MgO/bacteria interaction. The evaluation of the mutual correlations of the hydrolysis, the antibacterial activity and the ROS generation, with their origin in the surface defects' peculiarities, led to the conclusion that the acid/base reaction between the MgO surface and the bacterial wall contributes considerably to the MgO's antibacterial activity.
Endoplasmic Reticulum–Targeted Fluorescent Nanodot with Large Stokes Shift for Vesicular Transport Monitoring and Long‐Term Bioimaging
Authors: Shi Leilei , Gao Xihui , Yuan Wangzhang , Xu Li , Deng Hongping , Wu Chenwei , Yang Jiapei , Jin Xin , Zhang Chuan , Zhu Xinyuan
Published: May 2018

Herein, a highly stable aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) fluorescent nanodot assembled by an amphiphilic quinoxalinone derivative‐peptide conjugate, namely Quino‐1‐Fmoc‐RACR (also termed as Q1‐PEP), which exhibits large Stokes shift and an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐targeting capacity for bioimaging is reported. It is found that the resulting nanodot can effectively enter the ER with high fluorescent emission. As the ER is mainly involved in the transport of synthesized proteins in vesicles to the Golgi or lysosomes, the Q1‐PEP nanodot with ER‐targeting capacity can be used to monitor vesicular transport inside the cells. Compared to conventional fluorescent dyes with small Stokes shifts, the self‐assembled fluorescent nanodot shows superior resistance to photobleaching and aggregation‐induced fluorescence quenching, and elimination of the spectra overlap with autofluorescence of biosubstrate owning to their AIE‐active and red fluorescence emission characteristics. All these optical properties make the fluorescent nanodot suitable for noninvasive and long‐term imaging both in vitro and in vivo.
Unique Tube–Ring Interactions: Complexation of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes with Cycloparaphenyleneacetylenes
Authors: Miki Koji , Saiki Kenzo , Umeyama Tomokazu , Baek Jinseok , Noda Takeru , Imahori Hiroshi , Sato Yuta , Suenaga Kazu , Ohe Kouichi
Published: May 2018

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) interlocked by cyclic compounds through supramolecular interaction are promising rotaxane‐like materials applicable as 2D and 3D networks of nanowires and disease‐specific theranostic agents having multifunctionalities. Supramolecular complexation of CNTs with cyclic compounds in a “ring toss'' manner is a straightforward method to prepare interlocked CNTs; however, to date, this has not been reported on. Here, the “ring toss” method to prepare interlocked CNTs by using π‐conjugated carbon nanorings: [8]‐, [9]‐, and [10]cycloparaphenyleneacetylene (CPPA) is reported. CPPAs efficiently interact with CNTs to form CNT@CPPA complexes, while uncomplexed CPPAs can be recovered without decomposition. CNTs, which tightly fit in the cavities of CPPAs through convex–concave interaction, efficiently afford “tube‐in‐ring”‐type CNT@CPPA complexes. “Tube‐in‐ring”‐type and “ring‐on‐tube”‐type complexation modes are successfully distinguished by spectroscopic, thermogravimetric, and microscopic analyses.
Viscous Behavior of FeO‐Bearing Slag Melts Considering Structure of Slag
Authors: Lee Sunghee , Min Dong Joon
Published: May 2018

In the present study, an investigation on the viscosity of FeO‐bearing slag, clarifies the effect of CaO/SiO2 and FeO from an ionic structure perspective. The viscosity of FeO‐bearing slag shows a complex dependence on CaO/SiO2, with viscosity minima for CaO/SiO2 = 1.3. It is suggested that the viscosity behavior is caused by the transition in the ionic structure of the slag from a melilite‐like structure to a dicalcium‐silicate‐like structure. In addition, it is confirmed that FeO dissociates the silicate network structure in the melilite region and decreases the viscosity. In the dicalcium silicate region, however, viscosity decreases with increasing FeO owing to interference in the attraction between the calcium cation and the orthosilicate anion. Based on these experimental results and discussions, the relationship between the slag viscosity and ionic structure of the slag, and the influence of FeO on this relationship, are discussed in detail.
Ecological modernization and responses for a low‐carbon future in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries
Authors: Al‐Saidi Mohammad , Elagib Nadir Ahmed
Published: May 2018

Low‐carbon development is a challenging endeavor for many fossil fuels exporting nations around the world, and is especially important in light of the recent Paris Agreement on climate change. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have been adopting innovations and policies in order to diversify their economies and decrease environmental degradation. After decades of high demographic and economic growth, balancing ecological concerns and the need for more dynamic growth have now become cornerstones of those countries' national, urban, and infrastructure planning strategies. This review article introduces the ecological modernization in the GCC region through innovations and reforms. Such a pathway might be a viable model for other oil‐ and gas‐rich economies. The review outlines the current model in the GCC region for achieving a low‐carbon future through interventions in the built environment, deployment of renewables, technological investments, and gradual integration in knowledge‐intensive global industries. On the other hand, the review points to mixed results with regards to megaprojects and the still existing barriers to adoption of renewables. The obstacles in addressing large environmental footprints and fossil fuel dependency are evaluated. Overall, modernization policies in the Gulf region are still emerging, are rather supply‐side focused, and are implicitly driven by the idea of technological primacy. At the same time, in an effort to develop local capacities, policymakers seek to promote comparatively high‐potential sectors and maintain the region's global image as a crossroads of trade and modernity.

This article is categorized under:

The Carbon Economy and Climate Mitigation > Decarbonizing Energy and/or Reducing Demand

Trans‐Disciplinary Perspectives > Regional Reviews
Comparison of 2 vegetation height methods for assessing greater sage‐grouse seasonal habitat
Authors: Di Stefano Sean , Karl Jason W. , Mccord Sarah E. , Stauffer Nelson G. , Makela Paul D. , Manning Mary
Published: May 2018

The 2015 Sage‐Grouse Habitat Assessment Framework (HAF) was developed to evaluate habitat quality for sage‐grouse (Centrocercus spp.), with the greater sage‐grouse (C. urophasianus) as the primary focus of HAF evaluations and basis of the indicators in the HAF. Site‐scale assessments of sage‐grouse habitat can be completed using either data collection methods described in the HAF or core methods adopted by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) program. However, there is a discrepancy in how vegetation height is measured between HAF and AIM methods, which has led to confusion as to which protocol should be used and if the AIM height method is compatible with the HAF for habitat assessments. Our objective was to use simulations and data from multiple study areas to determine how often differences between the 2 methods would result in a different determination of quality for the vegetation‐height habitat indicator. We confirmed that the AIM method generally yields lower estimates of height than the HAF method because it estimates mean vegetation height whereas the HAF method estimates mean maximum height (d = 0.031). However, differences between methods at the plot level most often were not substantial enough to lead to a different conclusion about the HAF vegetation‐height indicator for habitat quality. There is value in implementing the AIM method because it is widely used for other monitoring purposes, and slight modifications to the AIM technique (i.e., increasing measurement frequency, adding measurements for both grasses and forbs) could improve usefulness for sage‐grouse habitat assessments. © 2018 This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Asymptotic behavior of weakly dissipative Bresse‐Timoshenko system on influence of the second spectrum of frequency
Authors: Almeida Júnior D. S. , Ramos A. J. A. , Santos M. L. , R.M. L. Gutemberg
Published: May 2018

In the present work, we consider a dissipative Bresse‐Timoshenko type system, which is free of physical anomaly know as second spectrum of frequency according important observations made by Elishakoff et al.,[11–13] and we establish a new result of exponential decay. We prove that frictional damping acting on vertical displacement of this system is exponentially stable regardless the equality between velocities of wave propagation. This result is new and completely different from ones obtained by Almeida Júnior et al.[4] for the Timoshenko system with the same damping acting on vertical displacement. Our approach is strongly inspired in a recent result due to Almeida Júnior and Ramos[2] where the authors justified, from physical point of view, a classical and pioneering result due to Soufyane.[36] That is, the dissipative mechanism of frictional type acting on angular rotation of the Timoshenko system truncates the consequences of the second spectrum when the velocities of wave propagation are equal. Also, for dissipative Bresse‐Timoshenko systems which are free of the second spectrum, the exponential decay occurs regardless of any condition on coefficients of system. Based on the new results, it is demonstrated that the classical Bresse‐Timoshenko beam theory, as an overcomplicated theory, requires damping terms to eliminate the second spectrum.
6D fractional quantum Hall effect
Authors: Heckman Jonathan J. , Tizzano Luigi
Published: May 2018

Abstract

We present a 6D generalization of the fractional quantum Hall effect involving membranes coupled to a three-form potential in the presence of a large background four-form flux. The low energy physics is governed by a bulk 7D topological field theory of abelian three-form potentials with a single derivative Chern-Simons-like action coupled to a 6D anti-chiral theory of Euclidean effective strings. We derive the fractional conductivity, and explain how continued fractions which figure prominently in the classification of 6D superconformal field theories correspond to a hierarchy of excited states. Using methods from conformal field theory we also compute the analog of the Laughlin wavefunction. Compactification of the 7D theory provides a uniform perspective on various lower-dimensional gapped systems coupled to boundary degrees of freedom. We also show that a supersymmetric version of the 7D theory embeds in M-theory, and can be decoupled from gravity. Encouraged by this, we present a conjecture in which IIB string theory is an edge mode of a 10 + 2-dimensional bulk topological theory, thus placing all twelve dimensions of F-theory on a physical footing.
Impact of Enteral Nutrition with an Immunomodulating Diet Enriched with Hydrolyzed Whey Peptide on Infection After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Kamo Naoko , Kaido Toshimi , Hamaguchi Yuhei , Uozumi Ryuji , Okumura Shinya , Kobayashi Atsushi , Shirai Hisaya , Yagi Shintaro , Okajima Hideaki , Uemoto Shinji
Published: May 2018

Background

Infection is a leading cause of death after liver transplantation (LT). Therefore, prevention of infection is crucial for improving outcomes after LT. We examined the impact of early enteral nutrition with an immunomodulating diet (IMD) enriched with hydrolyzed whey peptide (HWP) formulation on infection after living donor LT (LDLT), focusing on sarcopenia.

Methods

This study enrolled 279 consecutive patients who underwent primary LDLT at our institute between January 2008 and April 2015. Early enteral nutrition with the IMD enriched with HWP formulation and a conventional elemental diet were started within the first 24 h after surgery for 164 (IMD‐HWP) and 115 (conventional) patients. Sequential changes in nutritional parameters, and the incidences of acute cellular rejection (ACR) and bacteremia were compared between the IMD‐HWP and control groups. The comparison was made between those members of each group that did or did not exhibit sarcopenia. Risk factors for post‐transplant bacteremia were also assessed.

Results

Postoperative nutritional parameters and the incidence of ACR were comparable between the groups, except for the prealbumin level. The incidence of bacteremia was significantly lower in the IMD‐HWP group, and among patients without sarcopenia in the IMD‐HWP group compared with the conventional group (24.4 vs. 41.7%; P = 0.002 and 20.8 vs. 39.0%; P = 0.040, respectively). Independent risk factor for bacteremia comprised bleeding ≥10,000 mL (P = 0.025). In contrast, enteral nutrition without HWP formulation was not significantly associated with bacteremia. However, enteral nutrition without HWP formulation (P = 0.080), MELD scores (P = 0.097), and ABO incompatibility (P = 0.088) showed a trend toward increased incidence of bacteremia, although they did not reach statistical significance in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Postoperative immunonutrition with an IMD enriched with HWP formulation was closely involved with post‐transplant bacteremia.
Phase Ib study of pevonedistat, a NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitor, in combination with docetaxel, carboplatin and paclitaxel, or gemcitabine, in patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Lockhart A Craig , Bauer Todd M. , Aggarwal Charu , Lee Carrie B. , Harvey R Donald , Cohen Roger B. , Sedarati Farhad , Nip Tsz Keung , Faessel Hélène , Dash Ajeeta B. , Dezube Bruce J. , Faller Douglas V. , Dowlati Afshin
Published: May 2018

Purpose This phase Ib study (NCT01862328) evaluated the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), safety, and efficacy of pevonedistat in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapies in patients with solid tumors. Methods Patients received pevonedistat with docetaxel (arm 1, n = 22), carboplatin plus paclitaxel (arm 2, n = 26), or gemcitabine (arm 3, n = 10) in 21-days (arms 1 and 2) or 28-days (arm 3) cycles. A lead-in cohort (arm 2a, n = 6) determined the arm 2 carboplatin dose. Dose escalation proceeded via continual modified reassessment. Results Pevonedistat MTD was 25 mg/m2 (arm 1) or 20 mg/m2 (arm 2); arm 3 was discontinued due to poor tolerability. Fifteen (23%) patients experienced dose-limiting toxicities during cycle 1 (grade ≥3 liver enzyme elevations, febrile neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia), managed with dose holds or reductions. Drug-related adverse events (AEs) occurred in 95% of patients. Most common AEs included fatigue (56%) and nausea (50%). One drug-related death occurred in arm 3 (febrile neutropenia). Pevonedistat exposure increased when co-administered with carboplatin plus paclitaxel; no obvious changes were observed when co-administered with docetaxel or gemcitabine. Among 54 response-evaluable patients, two had complete responses (arm 2) and 10 had partial responses (three in arm 1, one in arm 2a, six in arm 2); overall response rates were 16% (arm 1) and 35% (arm 2). High ERCC1 expression correlated with clinical benefit in arm 2. Conclusion Pevonedistat with docetaxel or with carboplatin plus paclitaxel was tolerable without cumulative toxicity. Sustained clinical responses were observed in pretreated patients receiving pevonedistat with carboplatin and paclitaxel.
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01862328.
Peer-to-Peer Collaboration Adds Value for Surgical Colleagues
Authors: Elbuluk Ameer M. , Ast Michael P. , Stimac Jeffrey D. , Banka Trevor R. , Abdel Matthew P. , Vigdorchik Jonathan M.
Published: May 2018

Background

Peer-to-peer advisory among colleagues in orthopedic surgery is commonplace in academic medical centers. In the private practice setting, however, it becomes more difficult for surgeons to discuss complex cases among peers.

Purpose/Questions

We sought to study the effect of peer-to-peer mentorship on surgeons’ decision-making and on patient care across academic and private adult joint reconstruction practices via the use of group secured messages.

Methods

From 2013 to 2016, we established a messaging system that was compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) among five previous adult hip and knee reconstruction co-fellows in order to discuss complex cases. Data collected from each case included patient demographics (age and sex), history and physical examination, relevant imaging in orthogonal planes, and preliminary diagnosis and treatment plans. Data collected from group responses included nature of additional inquiries, literature citations, operative recommendations, and sample imaging of similar cases previously treated.

Results

The group consisted of two private practice surgeons and three academic surgeons. Data was collected on 283 cases discussed during the study period. None of the patients had any HIPAA violations. The mean number of reviewers who commented on a case was 2.4, with at least one response in 97% of cases. In 33% of the cases, the peers confirmed the initial treatment plan, and in 67% of the cases, an alternative treatment plan was recommended and executed. The case distribution was 94 primary and 189 revision procedures, including 173 hips, 103 knees, three ankles, two shoulders, and two pelvises.

Conclusion

In the majority of cases exchanged between young surgeons via a group messaging system, a significant impact on patient care was appreciated. In a technology-driven era, peer-to-peer advisory for difficult cases via a rapid feedback method may allow for substantial improvement in patient care, particularly for surgeons not practicing at a large academic medical center with access to several partners and multiple opinions.
Droplet Evolution and Refinement During Liquid–Liquid Decomposition of Zn-6 Wt Pct Bi Immiscible Alloy Under High Static Magnetic Fields
Authors: Zheng Tianxiang , Zhong Yunbo , Wang Jiang , Ren Zhongming , Ren Weili , Lei Zuosheng , Debray Francois , Beaugnon Eric , Wei Xicheng
Published: May 2018

In situ solidification experiments on Zn-6 wt pct Bi immiscible alloys were conducted to investigate the droplet evolution under high static magnetic fields (HSMFs). The results showed that a microstructure with extremely fine Bi-rich particles distributed in the matrix can be obtained under an HSMF of 29 T. The average diameter of the Bi-rich phase decreased with the increasing magnetic flux density. Stokes sedimentation disappeared when the HSMF was larger than 18 T. Starting at an HSMF of 18 T, Bi-rich droplets grew via pure diffusion in the liquid matrix. The HSMF decreased the spacing of the droplet arrays when the cooling rate (R) was approximately 1600 °C/min. The formation of a Zn-rich phase surrounded by a Bi-rich shell at HSMFs below 18 T, when R was approximately 60 °C/min, was attributed to the thermoelectric magnetic force.
Birth Intervals and Health in Adulthood: A Comparison of Siblings Using Swedish Register Data
Authors: Barclay Kieron J. , Kolk Martin
Published: May 2018

A growing body of research has examined whether birth intervals influence perinatal outcomes and child health as well as long-term educational and socioeconomic outcomes. To date, however, very little research has examined whether birth spacing influences long-term health. We use contemporary Swedish population register data to examine the relationship between birth-to-birth intervals and a variety of health outcomes in adulthood: for men, height, physical fitness, and the probability of falling into different body mass index categories; and for men and women, mortality. In models that do not adjust carefully for family background, we find that short and long birth intervals are clearly associated with height, physical fitness, being overweight or obese, and mortality. However, after carefully adjusting for family background using a within-family sibling comparison design, we find that birth spacing is generally not associated with long-term health, although we find that men born after very long birth intervals have a higher probability of being overweight or obese in early adulthood. Overall, we conclude that birth intervals have little independent effect on long-term health outcomes.
Cerebral small vessel disease and the risk of dementia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of population‐based evidence
Authors: Bos Daniel , Wolters Frank J. , Darweesh Sirwan K.L. , Vernooij Meike W. , de Wolf Frank , Ikram M. Arfan , Hofman Albert
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Cerebral small vessel disease is increasingly linked to dementia.

Methods

We systematically searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases for prospective population‐based studies addressing associations of white matter hyperintensities, covert brain infarcts (i.e., clinically silent infarcts), and cerebral microbleeds with risk of all‐dementia or Alzheimer's disease and performed meta‐analyses.

Results

We identified 11 studies on white matter hyperintensities, covert brain infarcts, or cerebral microbleeds with risk of all‐dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Pooled analyses showed an association of white matter hyperintensity volume and a borderline association of covert brain infarcts with risk of all‐dementia (hazard ratio: 1.39 [95% confidence interval: 1.00; 1.94], N = 3913, and 1.47 [95% confidence interval: 0.97; 2.22], N = 8296). Microbleeds were not statistically significantly associated with an increased risk of all‐dementia (hazard ratio: 1.25 [95% confidence interval: 0.66; 2.38], N = 8739).

Discussion

White matter hyperintensities are associated with an increased risk of all‐dementia and Alzheimer's disease in the general population. However, studies are warranted to further determine the role of markers of cerebral small vessel disease in dementia.
Worth the wait? How restaurant waiting time influences customer behavior and revenue
Authors: De Vries Jelle , Roy Debjit , De Koster René
Published: May 2018

In many service industries, customers have to wait for service. When customers have a choice, this waiting may influence their service experience, sojourn time, and ultimately spending, reneging, and return behavior. Not much is known however, about the system‐wide impact of waiting on customer behavior and resulting revenue. In this paper, we empirically investigate this by analyzing data obtained from 94,404 customers visiting a popular Indian restaurant during a 12 month period. The results show that a longer waiting time relates to reneging behavior, a longer time until a customer returns, and a shorter dining duration. To find out the impact of the consequences of waiting time, we use the empirical findings and data collected in a simulation experiment. This experiment shows that, without waiting, the total revenue generated by the restaurant would increase by nearly 15% compared to the current situation. Stimulating customers to reserve could enable restaurants to reap part of this benefit. Furthermore, the results of simulation experiments suggest that, within the boundaries of the current capacity, revenue could be increased by a maximum of 7.5% if more flexible rules were used to allocate customers to tables. Alternatively, by increasing the existing seating capacity by 20%, revenue could be boosted by 7.7% without the need to attract additional customers. Our findings extend the knowledge on the consequences of customer waiting, and enable service providers to better understand the financial and operational impact of waiting‐related decisions in service settings.
NO KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED
Authors: Reuter Kevin , Brössel Peter
Published: May 2018

Assertions are the centre of gravity in social epistemology. They are the vehicles we use to exchange information within scientific groups and society as a whole. It is therefore essential to determine under which conditions we are permitted to make an assertion. In this paper we argue and provide empirical evidence for the view that the norm of assertion is justified belief: truth or even knowledge are not required. Our results challenge the knowledge account advocated by, e.g. Williamson (1996), in general, and more specifically, put into question several studies conducted by Turri (2013, 2016) that support a knowledge norm of assertion. Instead, the justified belief account championed by, e.g. Douven (2006), seems to prevail.
INTRASPECIES IMPERMISSIVISM
Authors: Stapleford Scott
Published: May 2018

The Uniqueness thesis says that any body of evidence E uniquely determines which doxastic attitude is rationally permissible regarding some proposition P. Permissivists deny Uniqueness. They are charged with arbitrarily favouring one doxastic attitude out of the set of attitudes they regard as rationally permissible. Simpson (Episteme, 2017) claims that an appeal to differences in cognitive abilities can remove the arbitrariness. I argue that it can't. Impermissivists face a challenge of their own: The problem of fine distinctions. I suggest that meeting this challenge requires impermissivists to loosen up at higher levels – when comparing belief-forming systems that differ in the fineness of their doxastic outputs. This more relaxed take on Uniqueness is a kind of ‘intraspecies impermissivism’.
NO SAFE HAVEN FOR THE VIRTUOUS
Authors: Hirvelä Jaakko
Published: May 2018

In order to deal with the problem caused by environmental luck some proponents of robust virtue epistemology have attempted to argue that in virtue of satisfying the ability condition one will satisfy the safety condition. Call this idea the entailment thesis. In this paper it will be argued that the arguments that have been laid down for the entailment thesis entail a wrong kind of safety condition, one that we do not have in mind when we require our beliefs to be safe from error in order for them to be knowledge.
The relationship between parent mental health and intimate partner violence on adolescent behavior, stigma and school attendance in families in rural Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Glass Nancy , Kohli Anjalee , Surkan Pamela J. , Remy Mitma Mpanano , Perrin Nancy
Published: May 2018

Background.

Prolonged conflict and economic instability challenge the existing support networks in families and society places significant stress on both adults and adolescents. Exploring individual, family and social factors that increase the likelihood of or protect adolescents from negative outcomes are important to the development of evidence-based prevention and response programing in global settings.

Objective.

Examine the relationship between parent mental health and experience/perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) and adolescent behaviors, stigma, and school attendance. The relationship is further examined for differences by gender.

Methods.

Secondary analysis of data from an ongoing comparative effectiveness trial of a productive asset transfer program in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Results.

Three hundred and eighty-eight adolescent and parent dyads were included in the analysis. The analysis demonstrated that parent mental health and IPV can have a negative impact their children's well-being and the impact is different for boys and girls, likely linked to gender roles and responsibilities in the home and community. Social relationships of adolescents, as reported through experienced stigma, were negatively impacted for both boys and girls. Parent report of symptoms of PTSD and depression had a stronger negative effect on girls’ outcomes, including experienced stigma, externalizing behaviors, and missed days of school than boys. For adolescent boys, their parent's report of IPV victimization/perpetration was associated with more negative behaviors at the 8-month follow-up assessment.

Conclusion.

The findings reinforce the critical importance of interventions that engage parents and their children in activities that advance health and improve relationships within the family.
Compelling Vansina: Contributions to Early African History
Authors: de Luna Kathryn M.
Published: May 2018

This short essay explores Jan Vansina’s contributions to the study of Africa’s early pasts. In particular, it explores the impact of sustained ethnographic fieldwork on Vansina’s narrative style, which often imagined for deeper pasts the sorts of small-scale social interactions definitive of most experiences of fieldwork. This narrative style produced a tension between Vansina’s interest in large-scale institutions and historical processes and the smaller-scale social interactions sustaining them, offering us new research topics. Attention to the historical significance of the sorts of intimate interactions imagined by Vansina requires new approaches to the variety of archives he compelled us to consider in the pages of this journal.
Boundary control in computational haemodynamics
Authors: Koltukluoğlu Taha S. , Blanco Pablo J.
Published: May 2018

In this work, a data assimilation method is proposed following an optimise-then-discretise approach, and is applied in the context of computational haemodynamics. The methodology aims to make use of phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging to perform optimal flow control in computational fluid dynamic simulations. Flow matching between observations and model predictions is performed in luminal regions, excluding near-wall areas, improving the near-wall flow reconstruction to enhance the estimation of related quantities such as wall shear stresses. The proposed approach remarkably improves the flow field at the aortic root and reveals a great potential for predicting clinically relevant haemodynamic phenomenology. This work presents model validation against an analytical solution using the standard 3-D Hagen–Poiseuille flow, and validation with real data involving the flow control problem in a glass replica of a human aorta imaged with a 3T magnetic resonance scanner.In vitroexperiments consist of both a numerically generated reference flow solution, which is considered as the ground truth, as well as real flow MRI data obtained from phase-contrast flow acquisitions. The validation against thein vitroflow MRI experiments is performed for different flow regimes and model parameters including different mesh refinements.
Marine n-3 PUFA, heart rate variability and ventricular arrhythmias in patients on chronic dialysis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rantanen Jesper M. , Schmidt Erik B. , Riahi Sam , Lundbye-Christensen Søren , Christensen Jeppe H.
Published: May 2018

Marine n-3 PUFA may improve autonomic dysfunction by an increase in heart rate variability (HRV) and may reduce the risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Only a few smaller studies have examined such effects in patients on chronic dialysis, who often have autonomic dysfunction and a high risk of sudden cardiac death, which accounts for almost 30 % of all deaths. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between the plasma phospholipid content of n-3 PUFA and 24-h HRV or ventricular arrhythmias in patients on chronic dialysis. A 48-h Holter monitoring was performed on 169 patients on in-centre dialysis (83 %), home haemodialysis (10 %) or peritoneal dialysis (7 %) obtaining data on arrhythmias (n 152) and 24-h HRV (n 135). The mean overall HRV (standard deviation of normal intervals (SDNN)) was low and 71 % had a reduced overall HRV (SDNN<100 ms) indicating autonomic dysfunction. No significant associations between plasma phospholipid content of total marine n-3 PUFA, EPA (22 : 5n-3) or DHA (22 : 6n-3) and time-domain or frequency-domain HRV were detected in crude or adjusted linear regression analysis. However, a higher plasma phospholipid content of DHA was associated with a significantly lower proportion of patients with ventricular tachycardia (higher DHA-tertile: 9 % v. lower DHA-tertile: 28 %, P=0·02). In conclusion, the content of marine n-3 PUFA in plasma phospholipids was not associated with 24-h HRV, but a higher plasma phospholipid content of DHA was associated with a lower occurrence of ventricular tachycardia suggesting an antiarrhythmic effect of marine n-3 PUFA in patients on chronic dialysis.
JUDICIOUS REVIEW: THE CONSTITUTIONAL PRACTICE OF THE UK SUPREME COURT
Authors: Murkens Jo Eric Khushal
Published: May 2018

The role of the UK Supreme Court (UKSC) as conventionally understood is to give effect to, and not to challenge, the will of Parliament. At the same time, the UK's constitution forces the UKSC to develop a constitutional jurisprudence to resolve clashes of higher-order principles, for instance between parliamentary sovereignty and the rule of law. This development puts the legitimacy of unelected and unaccountable judges invalidating legislation under the spotlight. Instead of arguing for US-style strike-down powers, I argue that cautious and corrective judicial intervention is constitutionally mandated and democratically legitimate.
A TESTIMONIUM ON PROCLUS’ VIEWS ABOUT THE RATIONALITY OF ANIMALS
Authors: Gertz S.R.P.
Published: May 2018

In this brief note, I wish to highlight Proclus’ unappreciated contribution to a well-documented debate in antiquity that continues to hold great contemporary interest: what psychological characteristics (such as deliberation, purposiveness, practical intelligence, but also emotions, memory and self-awareness), if any, distinguish humans from non-human animals?
Existence of a Solution for a Non-Local Problem in ℝNvia Bifurcation Theory
Authors: Alves Claudianor O. , de Lima Romildo N. , Souto Marco A. S.
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we study the existence of a solution for the following class of non-local problems:P$$\eqalign{\big\{&-\Delta u=\left(\lambda f(x)-\int_{{open R}^N}K(x,y)\vert u(y)\vert ^{\gamma}\hbox{d}y\right)u\quad \mbox{in } \R^{N}, \cr &\lim_{\vert x\vert \to +\infty}u(x)=0,\quad u \gt 0 \quad \text{in } {open R}^{N},}$$whereN≥ 3, λ > 0, γ ∈ [1, 2),f: ℝ → ℝ is a positive continuous function andK: ℝN× ℝN→ ℝ is a non-negative function. The functionsfandKsatisfy some conditions that permit us to use bifurcation theory to prove the existence of a solution for (P).
Flesh and the Common Man: Robert Penn Warren's Huey Long Drama
Authors: KUHN JOSEPH
Published: May 2018

R. P.Warren's play about Huey Long,Proud Flesh(1937–39), is not a provisional draft ofAll the King's Men(1946) but a distinct work in its own right. Its conservative criticism of New Deal “common-man-ism” makes it unusual in the politicized literature of the 1930s. At the core of the play is a political symbolism of the flesh, which Warren derives from Shakespeare's representation of the Tudor doctrine of the king's two bodies. Governor Strong embodies the people through his second or immortal body, a dictatorial flesh that Warren resists by trying to articulate an existential “definition” of the self.