bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On tangential deformations of homogeneous polynomials
Authors: Wang Zhenjian
Published: April 2017

The Jacobian ideal provides the set of infinitesimally trivial deformations for a homogeneous polynomial, or for the corresponding complex projective hypersurface. In this article, we investigate whether the associated linear deformation is indeed trivial, and show that the answer is no in a general situation. We also give a characterization of tangentially smoothable hypersurfaces with isolated singularities. Our results have applications in the local study of variations of projective hypersurfaces, complementing the global versions given by J. Carlson and P. Griffiths, R. Donagi and the author, and in the study of isotrivial linear systems on the projective space, showing that a general divisor does not belong to an isotrivial linear system of positive dimension.
Manganese concentration mapping in the rat brain with MRI, PET, and autoradiography
Authors: Topping Geoffrey J. , Yung Andrew , Schaffer Paul , Hoehr Cornelia , Kornelsen Rick , Kozlowski Piotr , Sossi Vesna
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Mn2+ is used as a contrast agent and marker for neuronal activity with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in rats and mice, but its accumulation is generally not assessed quantitatively. In this work, nonradioactive Mn and 52Mn are injected simultaneously in rats, and imaged with MRI, positron emission tomography (PET) and autoradiography (AR). Mn distributions are compared between modalities, to assess the potential and limitations on quantification of Mn with MRI, and to investigate the potential of multimodal measurement of Mn accumulation.

Methods

MRI (in vivo), PET (in vivo and post mortem), and AR (ex vivo) were acquired of rat brains, for which animals received simultaneous intraperitoneal (IP) or intracerebrovertricular (ICV)‐targeted injections containing the positron‐emitting radionuclide 52Mn and additional nonradioactive MnCl2, which acts as an MRI contrast agent. Pre and postinjection MR images were fit for the longitudinal relaxation rate (R1), coregistered, and subtracted to generate R1 difference maps, which are expected to be proportional to change in Mn concentration in tissue. AR and PET images were coregistered to smoothed R1 difference maps.

Results

Similar spatial distributions were seen across modalities, with Mn accumulation in the colliculus, near the injection site, and in the 4th ventricle. There was no 52Mn accumulation measurable with PET in the brain after IP injection. In areas of very highly localized and concentrated 52Mn accumulation in PET or AR, consistent increases of R1 were not seen with MRI. Scatter plots of corresponding voxel R1 difference and PET or AR signal intensity were generated and fit with least squares linear models within anatomical regions. Linear correlations were observed, particularly in regions away from very highly localized and concentrated Mn accumulation at the injection site and the 4th ventricle. Accounting for radioactive decay of 52Mn, the MnCl2 longitudinal relaxivity was between 4.0 and 5.1 s−1/mM, which is within 22% of the in vitro relaxivity.

Conclusions

This proof‐of‐concept study demonstrates that MR has strong potential for quantitative assessment of Mn accumulation in the brain, although local discrepancies from linear correlation suggest limitations to this use of MR in areas of inflammation or very high concentrations of Mn. These discrepancies also suggest that a combination of modalities may have additional utility for discriminating between different pools of Mn accumulation in tissue.
Assessment of the synergic effect of immunomodulation on nerve repair using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Zheng Chu‐Shan , Zhang Xiang , Chen Yue‐Yao , Zhang Fang , Duan Xiao‐Hui , Chen Mei‐Wei , Lu Lie‐Jing , Shen Jun
Published: April 2017

Introduction

The immune system plays a pivotal role in nerve injury. The aim of this study was to determine the role of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluation of the synergic effect of immunomodulation on nerve regeneration in neurotmesis.

Methods

Rats with sciatic nerve neurotmesis and surgical repair underwent serial multiparametric MR examinations over an 8‐week period after subepineurial microinjection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and subsequent subcutaneous injection of FK506 or subepineurial microinjection of LPS or phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) alone.

Results

Nerves treated with immunomodulation showed more prominent regeneration than those treated with LPS or PBS alone and more rapid restoration toward normal T2, fractional anisotropy (FA), and radial diffusivity (RD) values than nerves injected with LPS or PBS.

Discussion

Nerves treated with immunomodulation exert synergic beneficial effects on nerve regeneration that can be predicted by T2 measurements and FA and RD values. Muscle Nerve 57: E38–E45, 2018
The variation of electrical transport properties with thickness for ultrathin indium oxide films
Authors: Jiang Qing‐Kun , Yang Yang , Zhang Yu‐Jie , Liu Xin‐Dian , Li Zhi‐Qing
Published: April 2017

We have systematically investigated the electrical transport properties of a series of InO films (with thickness t ranging from 4 to 45 nm) grown on yttrium stabilized ZrO single crystal substrates. Those nm films reveal metallic characteristics in electrical transport properties, and electron–electron interaction effects govern the low temperature behaviors of the resistivity. For the 6.3 and 3.7 nm thick films, the resistivities variation with temperature [] curves show insulator behaviors in the whole measured temperature range (2–300K). In addition, the two‐dimensional (2D) Mott type variable‐range‐hopping (VRH) dominates the temperature behavior of resistivity in the temperature range , and a crossover to the 2D Efros–Shklovskii (ES) VRH occurs below . Our results are quantitatively consistent with the theoretical predications of the 2D Mott‐VRH and 2D ES‐VRH theories in the corresponding temperature regions.
Scale‐selective dissipation in energy‐conserving finite‐element schemes for two‐dimensional turbulence
Authors: Natale Andrea , Cotter Colin J.
Published: April 2017

We analyze the multiscale properties of energy‐conserving upwind‐stabilized finite‐element discretizations of the two‐dimensional incompressible Euler equations. We focus our attention on two particular methods: the Lie derivative discretization introduced by Natale and Cotter and the Streamline Upwind/Petrov–Galerkin (SUPG) discretization of the vorticity advection equation. Such discretizations provide control on enstrophy by modelling different types of scale interactions. We quantify the performance of the schemes in reproducing the non‐local energy backscatter that characterizes two‐dimensional turbulent flows.
Theoretical investigation of the weak interactions of rare gas atoms with silver clusters by resonance Raman spectroscopy modeling
Authors: Yasrebi Sara , Jamshidi Zahra
Published: April 2017

The interactions of rare gas atoms (Rg = Ar, Kr, and Xe) with small neutral and cationic silver clusters have been investigated by density functional methods and the effect of these weak interactions on the resonance Raman spectra of the complexes has been evaluated. The resonance Raman technique that depends on the properties of ground and excited state, seems deeply sensitive to the weak rare gas–metal cluster interactions, and the use of inert gases has been proven to be an excellent approach to recognize the ability of this technique to detect extremely weak interactions. In this work, for
, and
complexes the IR, normal and resonance Raman spectra have been calculated and the effect of rare gas–cluster stretching vibration (
) on the pattern and the relative intensities of different spectra have been investigated. The resonance Raman spectra for the weakly interacted complexes (with the interaction energies less than −2.0 kcal/mol) exhibit the
vibration with the detectable intensity that its intensity increases by going from Ag6–Ar to Ag6–Xe complex. Moreover, the resonance Raman spectra (based on the excited state gradient approximation) for high intensity nearly degenerate excited states, proved the effect of accumulation of the excited state charge density on the relative intensity of
vibration.
LMA: A generic and efficient implementation of the Levenberg–Marquardt Algorithm
Authors: Ramadasan Datta , Chevaldonné Marc , Chateau Thierry
Published: April 2017

This paper presents an open‐source, generic and efficient implementation of a very popular nonlinear optimization method: the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm (LMA). This minimization algorithm is well known and hundreds of implementations have already been released. However, none of them offer at the same time a high level of genericity, a friendly syntax and a high computational performance. In this paper, we propose a solution to gather all those advantages in one library named LMA. The main challenge is to implement an efficient solver for every encounter problem. To overcome this difficulty, LMA uses compile time algorithms to design a code specific to the given optimization problem. The features of LMA are presented and the performances are compared with the state‐of‐the‐art best alternatives through extensive benchmarks on different kind of problems. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A robust reconfiguration protocol for the dynamic update of component‐based software systems
Authors: Boyer Fabienne , Gruber Olivier , Pous Damien
Published: April 2017

This paper focuses on the dynamic reconfiguration of component‐based software systems. From a structural point of view, such systems are made of components linked together through their provided and required services, the code of components being defined by modules (e.g., jar files). Today, the ability to reconfigure component‐based systems at runtime faces limitations. Some component frameworks allow to dynamically reconfigure components – starting or stopping them, or changing how they are wired together for instance – but forbid any dynamic evolution of the modules defining their code. Other frameworks allow to dynamically update modules but at the cost of loosing control on component wires, preventing software architects or tools alike to decide how components are wired together. In this paper, we propose a component framework that addresses these limitations through a unified approach for the management of components and modules. Our approach uniquely enables to reconfigure both components and modules at runtime, without restrictions. We prototyped the proposed framework in Java and exercised various dynamic reconfigurations of component‐based systems. Furthermore, we formalized this framework and proved the correctness of its reconfiguration protocol with the Coq proof assistant. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Managing Your Placement
Authors: Herbert Ian , Rothwell Andrew
Published: April 2017

Managing Your Placement provides business and management undergraduates with a comprehensive guide to making the most of the opportunities available to them on a work placement. The book will guide students through everything, from the questions to ask to admission tutors on university open days, to selecting the best placement and securing a job upon graduation. Managing Your Placement will provide business students with the tools to assess their own skills and critically evaluate their career options. A must read for anyone about to embark upon a business course in Higher Education, about to make a placement selection or looking for their first job after graduation.
The Historical Study of Women
Authors: Capern Amanda
Published: April 2017

The Historical Study of Women: England 1500-1700 provides a richly detailed survey of the history and historiography of early-modern women in England during the Reformation and Civil War. Covering a wide variety of key topics, the book explores the history of ideas, women's rights, law and criminality, witchcraft, queenship, courtship and marriage, family and the household, childrearing and the world of property-ownership and work. It also provides valuable insights into the development of women's writing and political participation in the period.

Capern treats women's history as inherently political and offers a new interpretative framework for understanding the history of femininity in early-modern England. Clear and comprehensive, this is significant reading for anyone interested in early-modern English history.
Predictive Indices for Functional Improvement and Deterioration, Institutionalization, and Death Among Elderly Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Kurichi Jibby E. , Kwong Pui L. , Xie Dawei , Bogner Hillary R.
Published: April 2017

Background

Prediction models can help clinicians provide the best and most appropriate care to their patients and can help policy makers design services for groups at highest risk for poor outcomes.

Objective

To develop prediction models identifying both risk factors and protective factors for functional deterioration, institutionalization, and death.

Design

Cohort study using data from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS).

Setting

Community survey.

Participants

This study included 21,264 Medicare beneficiaries 65 years of age and older who participated in the MCBS from the 2001‐2008 entry panels and were followed up for 2 years.

Methods

The index was derived in 60% and validated in the remaining 40%. β Coefficients from a multinomial logistic regression model were used to derive points, which were added together to create scores associated with the outcome.

Main Outcome Measure

The outcome was activity of daily living (ADL) stage transitions over 2 years following entry into the MCBS. Beneficiaries were categorized into 1 of 4 outcome categories: stable or improved function, functional deterioration, institutionalization, or death.

Results

Our model identified 16 factors for functional deterioration (age, gender, education, living arrangement, dual eligibility, proxy use, Alzheimer disease/dementia, angina pectoris/coronary heart disease, diabetes, emphysema/asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mental/psychiatric disorder, Parkinson disease, stroke/brain hemorrhage, hearing impairment, vision impairment, and baseline ADL stage) after backward selection (P < .05). Compared to stable or improved function, the risk of functional deterioration ranged from ≤1 to ≥6, ≤4 to ≥22 for the risk of institutionalization, and ≤3 to ≥16 for the risk of death.

Conclusion

Predictive indices, or point and scoring systems used to predict outcomes, can identify elderly Medicare beneficiaries at risk for functional deterioration, institutionalization, and death and can aid policy makers, clinicians, and family members in improving care for older adults and supporting successful aging in the community.

Level of Evidence

III
Introduction to Planetary Photometry
Authors: Shepard Michael K.
Published: April 2017

Introducing planetary photometry as a quantitative remote sensing tool, this handbook demonstrates how reflected light can be measured and used to investigate the physical properties of bodies in our Solar System. The author explains how data gathered from telescopes and spacecraft are processed and used to infer properties such as the size, shape, albedo, and composition of celestial objects including planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. Beginning with an overview of the history and background theory of photometry, later chapters delve into the physical principles behind commonly used photometric models and the mechanics of observation, data reduction, and analysis. Real-world examples, problems, and case studies are included, all at an introductory level suitable for new graduate students, planetary scientists, amateur astronomers and researchers looking for an overview of this field.
A writer’s guide to education scholarship: Quantitative methodologies for medical education research (part 1)
Authors: Thoma Brent , Camorlinga Paola , Chan Teresa M. , Hall Andrew Koch , Murnaghan Aleisha , Sherbino Jonathan
Published: April 2017

Background

Quantitative research is one of the many research methods used to help educators advance their understanding of questions in medical education. However, little research has been done on how to succeed in publishing in this area.

Objective

We conducted a scoping review to identify key recommendations and reporting guidelines for quantitative educational research and scholarship.

Methods

Medline, ERIC, and Google Scholar were searched for English-language articles published between 2006 and January 2016 using the search terms, “research design,” “quantitative,” “quantitative methods,” and “medical education.” A hand search was completed for additional references during the full-text review. Titles/abstracts were reviewed by two authors (BT, PC) and included if they focused on quantitative research in medical education and outlined reporting guidelines, or provided recommendations on conducting quantitative research. One hundred articles were reviewed in parallel with the first 30 used for calibration and the subsequent 70 to calculate Cohen’s kappa coefficient. Two reviewers (BT, PC) conducted a full text review and extracted recommendations and reporting guidelines. A simple thematic analysis summarized the extracted recommendations.

Results

Sixty-one articles were reviewed in full, and 157 recommendations were extracted. The thematic analysis identified 86 items, 14 categories, and 3 themes. Fourteen quality evaluation tools and reporting guidelines were found.

Discussion

This paper provides guidance for junior researchers in the form of key quality markers and reporting guidelines. We hope that quantitative researchers in medical education will be informed by the results and that further work will be done to refine the list of recommendations.
IRB Process Improvements: A Machine Learning Analysis
Authors: Shoenbill Kimberly , Song Yiqiang , Cobb Nichelle L. , Drezner Marc K. , Mendonca Eneida A.
Published: April 2017

Objective

Clinical research involving humans is critically important, but it is a lengthy and expensive process. Most studies require institutional review board (IRB) approval. Our objective is to identify predictors of delays or accelerations in the IRB review process and apply this knowledge to inform process change in an effort to improve IRB efficiency, transparency, consistency and communication.

Methods

We analyzed timelines of protocol submissions to determine protocol or IRB characteristics associated with different processing times. Our evaluation included single variable analysis to identify significant predictors of IRB processing time and machine learning methods to predict processing times through the IRB review system. Based on initial identified predictors, changes to IRB workflow and staffing procedures were instituted and we repeated our analysis.

Results

Our analysis identified several predictors of delays in the IRB review process including type of IRB review to be conducted, whether a protocol falls under Veteran’s Administration purview and specific staff in charge of a protocol's review.

Conclusions

We have identified several predictors of delays in IRB protocol review processing times using statistical and machine learning methods. Application of this knowledge to process improvement efforts in two IRBs has led to increased efficiency in protocol review. The workflow and system enhancements that are being made support our four-part goal of improving IRB efficiency, consistency, transparency, and communication.
Foreign Direct Investment and Intellectual Property Rights: International Intangible Assets in Spain over the Long Term
Authors: SÁIZ PATRICIO , CASTRO RAFAEL
Published: April 2017

This article reflects on foreign direct investment (FDI) and intellectual property rights (IPRs) over the long term, and analyzes the case of Spain during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Although the interactions between IPRs and FDI have attracted significant research efforts in distinct economic and business areas, the results lack permanent answers. Our findings demonstrate that, from a macro-level perspective: (1) FDI and IPRs are effectively related over the long term; (2) weak IPR protection does not seem to have stopped FDI; and (3) the countries with major FDI in Spain were less worried about IPR management than were other countries with less FDI.
FEDERALISM, SUBSIDIARITY, AND VOTING RIGHTS: CRITIQUING THESHELBY COUNTYDECISION THROUGH JOHANNES ALTHUSIUS AND CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING
Authors: Rothchild Jonathan
Published: April 2017

This article develops a legal and theological critique of theShelby County, Alabama v. Holderdecision that dismantled portions of the Voting Rights Act. Defending the Voting Rights Act in light of four basic features of voting rights—access, participation, empowerment, and expression of conscience—I refute theShelbydecision in terms of its oversimplified notions of discrimination and its overly narrow construal of federalism as state sovereignty and equality. I draw upon Catholic social teaching's subsidiarity and Johannes Althusius's federalism to defend the individual and communal dimensions of voting rights. I examine post-Shelbydevelopments, including voter-identification laws, and I argue that such laws are unfounded and have deleterious effects. I conclude by offering modest recommendations for a post-Shelbyworld, including continued roles for Congress and the Department of Justice, the use of intermediary organizations, and the rescinding of felon disenfranchisement laws.
A reappraisal of the Eocene priacanthid fishPristigenys substriata(Blainville, 1818) from Monte Bolca, Italy
Authors: Carnevale Giorgio , Johnson G. David , Marramà Giuseppe , Bannikov Alexandre F.
Published: April 2017

Priacanthids are a small family of percomorph fishes comprising fewer than 20 extant species currently assigned to four genera. One of these,Pristigenys, was established by Louis Agassiz (1835) to include the Eocene speciesPristigenys substriatafrom Monte Bolca, and is usually regarded as a subjective senior synonym ofPseudopriacanthus. Consequently,Pristigenyscurrently comprises five extant species plus the fossilPristigenys substriata. The osteology of the type species of this genus, however, is poorly known, and this makes it difficult to provide an adequate comprehensive definition of the taxonomy of the whole family.Pristigenys substriatais redescribed in detail based on five well-preserved articulated skeletons.Pristigenys substriatacan be easily distinguished from other priacanthids based on its unique combination of characters. Morphological analysis of the fossil specimens reveals that there is substantial evidence to justify recognition of bothPristigenysandPseudopriacanthusas valid genera, with extant species previously assigned toPristigenysnow referred toPseudopriacanthus. Within the Priacanthidae,PristigenysandPseudopriacanthusform sister taxa and this pair can be considered as the sister-group to all remaining extant priacanthid genera (Cookeolus+ [Heteropriacanthus+Priacanthus]).
Probiotics to prevent necrotising enterocolitis and nosocomial infection in very low birth weight preterm infants
Authors: Uberos J. , Aguilera-Rodríguez E. , Jerez-Calero A. , Molina-Oya M. , Molina-Carballo A. , Narbona-López E.
Published: April 2017

The aim of the study was to determine whether routine probiotic supplementation (RPS) with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) or Lactobacillus acidophilus +Lactobacillus bifidum is associated with reduced risk of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC)≥Stage II in preterm neonates born at ≤32 weeks’ gestation. We conducted a retrospective cohort study on the effect of probiotic supplementation in very low birth weight infants in our neonatal unit by comparing two periods: before and after supplementation. The incidence of NEC≥Stage II, late-onset sepsis and all-cause mortality was compared for an equal period ‘before’ (Period I) and ‘after’ (Period II) RPS with LGG or L. acidophillus+L. bifidum. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to adjust for relevant confounders. The study population was composed of 261 neonates (Period I v. II: 134 v. 127) with comparable gestation duration and birth weights. In <32 weeks, we observed a significant reduction in NEC≥Stage II (11·3 v. 4·8 %), late-onset sepsis (16 v. 10·5 %) and mortality (19·4 v. 2·3 %). The benefits in neonates aged ≤27 weeks did not reach statistical significance. RPS with LGG or L. acidophillus+L. bifidum is associated with a reduced risk of NEC≥Stage II, late-onset sepsis and mortality in preterm neonates born at ≤32 weeks’ gestation.
Ratifying Greatness: Franklin D. Roosevelt in Film and Television
Authors: KOTLOWSKI DEAN
Published: April 2017

Scholars rank Franklin D. Roosevelt as a great President, and Hollywood agrees. During his presidency and in the decades that followed, Roosevelt appeared in various film and television productions, emerging as an idealized leader who overcomes physical disability, inspires the public, and pursues wise policies. The origins of, reasons behind, and manifestations of this tenaciously consistent image are the subject of this article. The process began with FDR's own successful leadership and media (including film) savvy. It was sustained by the influence of Roosevelt's family and admirers in the entertainment industry. It seldom has been challenged, even as portraits of FDR widened across of a variety of film and television genres from the 1970s onward.
Contemporary Religious Life in Russia's Provinces: A New Source
Authors: DANIEL WALLACE
Published: April 2017

In 1976, shortly after leaving the Soviet Union with his wife and daughter, the Leningrad native and Dostoevsky scholar Evgenii Aleksandrovich Vagin reflected on Russia's past and its possible future. He emphasised the central role that he believed the provinces would play. ‘Unquestionably’, he said, ‘the future of Russia depends a great deal on the extent to which the provinces will awaken, the extent to which all the processes of democratisation and spiritual rebirth will touch their depths.’
Comparative osteology of the family Tripterygiidae (Teleostei: Blenniiformes)
Authors: Jawad Laith A. , Fricke Ronald , Näslund Joacim
Published: April 2017

This paper presents the results of a comparative study of five osteological complexes, the infraorbital bones, branchial arches, urohyal bone, interdigitation of the median fins, and the caudal fin skeleton, of some members of the fish family Tripterygiidae. Osteological characters that may prove valuable for taxonomic purposes are described, and on the basis of the material handled, their use to separate species within the family is discussed. Several formulae were developed for the distribution of the osteological complexes of the dorsal fin, dorsal and ventral caudal procurrent ray distribution, and caudal fin in the different tripterygiid species studied.
The multiple roles of the task design mediator in telecollaboration
Authors: Fuchs Carolin , Snyder Bill , Tung Bruce , Jung Han Yu
Published: April 2017

This case study explores how a Chinese-American novice teacher acted as mediator in a telecollaboration with student teacher (ST) peers in the USA who designed tasks for his English as a foreign language (EFL) learners in China. The novice teacher was instrumental in mediating the student teachers’ task design process by providing feedback regarding technological and institutional constraints, and the nuances of his target student population. He appropriated and adapted the tasks to make them relevant for his EFL learners. Against the backdrop of the three dimensions of professional capital – human, social, and decisional – the research questions explored how the novice teacher used the different types of knowledge of context (pedagogical, institutional, technical) in relation to task design, and his perception of his role as mediator. Within a sociocultural framework for telecollaboration studies, this exploratory case study shares characteristics of ethnography, action research, and narrative inquiry. Data triangulation included text-based computer-mediated communication (CMC) data (Google Groups, emails), a narrative written by the novice teacher, and a semi-structured, reflective Skype interview with him. The findings indicate that he demonstrated high commitment, thorough preparation, continuous reflection, and development while navigating between his different roles of mediator, assessor, implementer, and field observer.
NEW DIRECTIONS IN LEGAL EXPRESSIVISM
Authors: Etchemendy Matthew X.
Published: April 2017

Numerous legal scholars have adopted the view that H. L. A. Hart offered an expressivist (or at least proto-expressivist) account of legal discourse. But philosophers of law have given comparatively little attention to the prospect of developing newer forms of legal expressivism informed by contemporary metaethics. One notable exception is Kevin Toh, who has recently addressed this constructive project. This article critically evaluates Toh's contributions to the project of legal expressivism. Despite the value of Toh's work in reviving legal expressivism as an explanatory strategy in jurisprudence, neither he nor anyone else has paid sufficient attention to the most important question now facing legal expressivists. I call this the “question of content”: to wit, what distinguishes the mental states expressed by legal statements from the mental states expressed in other forms of normative discourse? I argue that theorists interested in legal expressivism must prioritize this question.
Impacts of Bt cotton on profitability, productivity and farm inputs in Pakistan: use of panel models
Authors: Bakhsh Khuda
Published: April 2017

This study estimates the benefits from adopting Bt cotton seeds in Punjab, Pakistan over two cropping seasons - 2008 and 2009. The study uses the panel modeling approach to determine the average effects of Bt cotton technology on short-run profits, yields and farm inputs. This approach controls for biases resulting from self-selection and endogenous farm inputs. The study shows that, on average, Bt adopting farmers receive 9 per cent higher yields per hectare (ha), reduce per-ha pesticide use by 21.7 per cent, and increase per-ha use of irrigation water by 6 per cent. Our estimates of the increase in cotton yield are far below estimates from previous studies conducted in Pakistan and India, which do not use panel methods. Allowing more Bt cotton varieties and ensuring the availability of quality Bt cotton seeds in the market is likely to lead to further increase in the private benefits from Bt cotton.
Comparing the Consistency of Atom Probe Tomography Measurements of Small-Scale Segregation and Clustering Between the LEAP 3000 and LEAP 5000 Instruments
Authors: Martin Tomas L. , London Andrew J. , Jenkins Benjamin , Hopkin Sarah E. , Douglas James O. , Styman Paul D. , Bagot Paul A. J. , Moody Michael P.
Published: April 2017

The local electrode atom probe (LEAP) has become the primary instrument used for atom probe tomography measurements. Recent advances in detector and laser design, together with updated hit detection algorithms, have been incorporated into the latest LEAP 5000 instrument, but the implications of these changes on measurements, particularly the size and chemistry of small clusters and elemental segregations, have not been explored. In this study, we compare data sets from a variety of materials with small-scale chemical heterogeneity using both a LEAP 3000 instrument with 37% detector efficiency and a 532-nm green laser and a new LEAP 5000 instrument with a manufacturer estimated increase to 52% detector efficiency, and a 355-nm ultraviolet laser. In general, it was found that the number of atoms within small clusters or surface segregation increased in the LEAP 5000, as would be expected by the reported increase in detector efficiency from the LEAP 3000 architecture, but subtle differences in chemistry were observed which are attributed to changes in the way multiple hit detection is calculated using the LEAP 5000.
Substance Abuse in Older Psychiatric Inpatients
Authors: Wetterling Tilman , Junghanns Klaus
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Aim: This study investigates the characteristics of older patients with substance abuse disorders admitted to a psychiatric department serving about 250.000 inhabitants. Methods: The clinical diagnoses were made according to ICD-10. The data of the patients with substance abuse were compared to a matched sample of psychiatric inpatients without substance abuse as well as to a group of former substance abusers with long-term abstinence. Results: 19.3 % of the 941 patients aged > 65 years showed current substance abuse, 9.4 % consumed alcohol, 7.9 % took benzodiazepines or z-drugs (zolpidem and zopiclone), and 7.0 % smoked tobacco. Multiple substance abuse was rather common (30.8 %). About 85 % of the substance abusers had psychiatric comorbidity, and about 30 % showed severe withdrawal symptoms. As with the rest of the patients, somatic multimorbidity was present in about 70 % of the substance abusers. Remarkable was the lower rate of dementia in current substance abusers. Conclusion: These results underscore that substance abuse is still a challenge in the psychiatric inpatient treatment of older people.
COPD-Therapie in Praxis und Spital: Exazerbationen verhindern, Prognose verbessern
Authors: Barandun Jürg
Published: April 2017

Zusammenfassung. Die chronisch obstruktive Lungenkrankheit (COPD) wird weltweit häufiger. Der Hauptrisikofaktor in unseren Breitengraden ist das Zigarettenrauchen. Rauchen führt zur chronischen Bronchitis und zu einer COPD und/oder einem Lungenemphysem. Die initiale Abklärung ist einfach und erfolgt mittels Spirometrie in der hausärztlichen Praxis. Die Einteilung der COPD erfolgt anhand der COPD-GOLD-Richtlinien, mit dem lungenfunktionellen Obstruktionsgrad und den Symptomen bzw. der Exazerbationshäufigkeit. Therapeutisch muss immer ein Nikotinstopp erreicht werden. Regelmässige körperliche Betätigung, bzw. eine pulmonale Rehabilitation, sind sinnvoll. Medikamentös wird vor allem inhalativ behandelt. Im Vordergrund steht die Bronchodilatationstherapie. Da viele neue Medikamente auf dem Markt sind, muss der Hausarzt die Handhabung der Inhalationsgeräte und die Wirkung der Inhalationsmedikamente gut kennen. Korrekte Instruktionen und Anleitungen zu einem Selbstmanagement-Programm sind für den Therapieerfolg entscheidend.
Management Strategies for Sustainable Western Water
Authors: Tyler Scott , Chandra Sudeep , Grant Gordon
Published: April 2017

U.S. National Science Foundation Workshop: Quenching a Thirsty West; Lake Tahoe, Nevada/California, 29–30 August 2016
A Bike Built for Magnetic Mapping
Authors: Schattner Uri
Published: April 2017

Mounting a magnetic sensor on a bicycle offers an efficient, low-cost method of collecting ground magnetic field data over rough terrain where conventional vehicles dare not venture.
Inflammation of mammary adipose tissue occurs in overweight and obese patients exhibiting early-stage breast cancer
Authors: Vaysse Charlotte , Lømo Jon , Garred Øystein , Fjeldheim Frøydis , Lofteroed Trygve , Schlichting Ellen , McTiernan Anne , Frydenberg Hanne , Husøy Anders , Lundgren Steinar , Fagerland Morten W. , Richardsen Elin , Wist Erik A. , Muller Catherine , Thune Inger
Published: April 2017

Growing evidence indicates that adiposity is associated with breast cancer risk and negatively affects breast cancer recurrence and survival, a paracrine role of mammary adipose tissue being very likely in this process. In contrast to other adipose depots, occurrence of a sub-inflammatory state of mammary adipose tissue defined by dying adipocytes surrounded by macrophages forming crown-like structures in overweight and obese subjects, remains only partially described. In a general population of breast cancer patients (107 patients) mostly undergoing breast-conserving surgery, we found a positive association between patient’s body composition, breast adipocytes size, and presence of crown-like structures in mammary adipose tissue close to the tumor. Overweight (BMI: 25.0–29.9 kg/m2) and obese (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2) patients have 3.2 and 6.9 times higher odds ratio of crown-like structures respectively, compared with normal weight patients. The relatively small increase in adipocyte size in crown-like structures positive vs. negative patients suggests that mammary adipose tissue inflammation might occur early during hypertrophy. Our results further highlight that body mass index is an adequate predictor of the presence of crown-like structures in mammary adipose tissue among postmenopausal women, whereas in premenopausal women truncal fat percentage might be more predictive, suggesting that mammary adipose tissue inflammation is more likely to occur in patients exhibiting visceral obesity. Finally, the presence of crown-like structures was positively associated with systemic markers such as the Triglyceride/High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio serum C-reactive protein and glucose/(HbA1c) glycated Haemoglobin. These compelling results demonstrate that excess adiposity, even in overweight patients, is associated with mammary adipose tissue inflammation, an event that could contribute to breast cancer development and progression.
Simultaneous Quantification of Amino Metabolites in Multiple Metabolic Pathways Using Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Tandem-mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wang Jin , Zhou Lihong , Lei Hehua , Hao Fuhua , Liu Xin , Wang Yulan , Tang Huiru
Published: April 2017

Metabolites containing amino groups cover multiple pathways and play important roles in redox homeostasis and biosyntheses of proteins, nucleotides and neurotransmitters. Here, we report a new method for simultaneous quantification of 124 such metabolites. This is achieved by derivatization-assisted sensitivity enhancement with 5-aminoisoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate (5-AIQC) followed with comprehensive analysis using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). In an one-pot manner, this quantification method enables simultaneous coverage of 20 important metabolic pathways including protein biosynthesis/degradation, biosyntheses of catecholamines, arginine and glutathione, metabolisms of homocysteine, taurine-hypotaurine etc. Compared with the reported ones, this method is capable of simultaneously quantifying thiols, disulfides and other oxidation-prone analytes in a single run and suitable for quantifying aromatic amino metabolites. This method is also much more sensitive for all tested metabolites with LODs well below 50 fmol (at sub-fmol for most tested analytes) and shows good precision for retention time and quantitation with inter-day and intra-day relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 15% and good recovery from renal cancer tissue, rat urine and plasma. The method was further applied to quantify the amino metabolites in silkworm hemolymph from multiple developmental stages showing its applicability in metabolomics and perhaps some clinical chemistry studies.
Familial History of Diabetes is Associated with Poor Glycaemic Control in Type 2 Diabetics: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Wu Ming , Wen Jinbo , Qin Yu , Zhao Hailong , Pan Xiaoqun , Su Jian , Du Wencong , Pan Enchun , Zhang Qin , Zhang Ning , Sheng Hongyan , Liu Chunlan , Shen Chong
Published: April 2017

To investigate the association of familial history (FH) of diabetes with the glycaemic control status of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), a cross-sectional study using stratified cluster sampling was conducted with 20,340 diabetic patients in Jiangsu, China. In total, 21.3% of the subjects reported a FH of diabetes. Patients with a FH of diabetes showed a higher risk of poor glycaemic control (59.7%) than those without a diabetic FH (49.8%), with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.366 (P < 0.001). Glycaemic control status did not significantly differ between the T2D patients with parental FH and those with sibling FH. Compared with patients with paternal FH, patients with maternal FH had a higher risk of poor glycaemic control (OR = 1.611, P = 0.013). Stratified analyses showed that a FH of diabetes was significantly associated with poor glycaemic control among T2D patients with a low education level (P < 0.05). In the <60 years old, overweight, and low level of physical activity groups, patients with a maternal history of diabetes showed a higher risk of poor glycaemic control than those without a FH (P < 0.05). In conclusion, FH of diabetes, especially a maternal history, had an independently adverse effect on the glycaemic control of T2D patients.
LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2: Enhanced Electrochemical Performance From Reduced Cationic Disordering in Li Slab
Authors: Xiao Peng , Lv Tingjian , Chen Xueping , Chang Chengkang
Published: April 2017

Sub-micron sized LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 cathode materials with improved electrochemical performance caused by the reduced cationic disordering in Li slab were synthesized through a solid state reaction routine. In a typical process, spherical precursor powder was prepared by spray drying of a uniform suspension obtained from the ball-milling of the mixture of the starting raw materials. Then the precursor powders were pressed into tablets under different pressures and crushed into powder. The pressing treated powders were finally calcinated under oxygen atmosphere to obtain the target cathode materials. XRD investigation revealed a hexagonal layered structure without impurity phase for all samples and significant increase in the diffraction intensity ratio of I(003)/I(104) was observed. Rietveld refinement further confirmed the reduced cationic disordering in Li slab by such pressing treatment, and the smallest disordering was observed for sample S4 with only 1.3% Ni ions on Li lattice position. The electrochemical testing showed an improvement in electrochemical behavior for those pressing treated samples. The calculation of diffusion coefficients using EIS data showed improved Li diffusion coefficient after pressing treatment. The sample S4 presented a diffusion coefficient of 4.36 × 10−11 cm2·s−1, which is almost 3.5 times the value of untreated sample.
Cocaine Cue-Induced Dopamine Release in Recreational Cocaine Users
Authors: Cox Sylvia M. L. , Yau Yvonne , Larcher Kevin , Durand France , Kolivakis Theodore , Delaney J. Scott , Dagher Alain , Benkelfat Chawki , Leyton Marco
Published: April 2017

It has been proposed that the acquisition of drug seeking is related to the development of conditioned dopamine responses in the ventral striatum. As drug use continues and becomes habit-like, conditioned responses have been shown to shift to the dorsal striatum. Here, using the PET [11C]raclopride method and highly personalized cocaine cues, we report the first evidence in humans of the dorsal dopamine response prior to the onset of addiction.
A unifying mathematical framework for experimental TCR-pMHC kinetic constants
Authors: Faro Jose , Castro Mario , Molina-París Carmen
Published: April 2017

Receptor binding and triggering are central in Immunology as T cells activated through their T cell receptors (TCR) by protein antigens orchestrate immune responses. In order to understand receptor-ligand interactions, many groups working with different experimental techniques and assays have generated a vast body of knowledge during the last decades. However, in recent years a type of assays, referred to astwo-dimensionalor membrane-to-membrane, has questioned our current understanding of the role of different kinetic constants (for instance,on- versusoff-rate constants) on TCR-ligand interaction and subsequent T cell activation. Here we present a general mathematical framework that provides a unifying umbrella to relate fundamental and effective (or experimentally determined) kinetic constants, as well as describe and compare state-of-the-art experimental methods. Our framework is able to predict the correlations between functional output, such as 1/EC50, and effective kinetic constants for a range of different experimental assays (in two and three dimensions). Furthermore, our approach can be applied beyond Immunology, and serve as a “translation method” for the biochemical characterization of receptor-ligand interactions.
Correction: Corrigendum: Intronless WNT10B-short variant underlies new recurrent allele-specific rearrangement in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Lazzaroni Francesca , Giacco Luca Del , Biasci Daniele , Turrini Mauro , Prosperi Laura , Brusamolino Roberto , Cairoli Roberto , Beghini Alessandro
Published: April 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 37201; published online: 17 November 2016; updated: 26 April 2017 This Article contains typographical errors in the Methods section under subheading ‘WNT10B/WNT10B IVS1 Gene expression analysis’. “The WNT10B (P4-P2 primers) amplification was performed with following thermal conditions: 94 °C for 1 min, 33 cycles at 94° for 30 s, 58 °C for 30 s, 72 °C for 30 s and 72 °C for 5 min.
KVPO4F and KVOPO4toward 4 volt-class potassium-ion batteries
Authors: Chihara Kuniko , Katogi Akihiro , Kubota Kei , Komaba Shinichi
Published: April 2017

Structurally identical KVPO4F and KVOPO4are evaluated as positive electrode materials for non-aqueous potassium-ion batteries.
Free energy profiles for two ubiquitous damaging agents: methylation and hydroxylation of guanine in B-DNA
Authors: Grüber R. , Aranda J. , Bellili A. , Tuñón I. , Dumont E.
Published: April 2017

DNA methylation and hydroxylation are two ubiquitous reactions in DNA damage induction, yet insights are scarce concerning the free energy of activation within B-DNA.
Desorption of CO from individual ruthenium porphyrin molecules on a copper surface via an inelastic tunnelling process
Authors: Omiya Takuma , Poli Paolo , Arnolds Heike , Raval Rasmita , Persson Mats , Kim Yousoo
Published: April 2017

The coordination of CO to metalloporphyrins changes their electronic and magnetic properties.
A near-infrared organic light-emitting diode based on an Yb(iii) complex synthesized by vacuum co-deposition
Authors: Jinnai Kazuya , Kabe Ryota , Adachi Chihaya
Published: April 2017

Yb(DBM)3(DPEPO), an emitter, was directly synthesized on a substrate by the vacuum co-deposition of the precursor Yb(DBM)3(H2O)2 and the ligand DPEPO.
Temperature switchable Brønsted acid-promoted selective syntheses of spiro-indolenines and quinolines
Authors: Fedoseev Pavel , Van der Eycken Erik
Published: April 2017

A high-yielding, temperature switchable divergent approach towards the synthesis of either spiro-indolenines or quinolines is described, starting from easily available indolyl ynones.
Formic acid catalyzed isomerization of protonated cytosine: a lower barrier reaction for tautomer production of potential biological importance
Authors: Jin Lingxia , Lv Mengdan , Zhao Mengting , Wang Rui , Zhao Caibin , Lu Jiufu , Wang Ling , Wang Wenliang , Wei Yawen
Published: April 2017

Isomerization barrier for isolated unimolecular reaction is quite high, and its probability may be very small. Reduction of isomerization barrier is over 36 kJ mol−1in going from H2O to HCOOH⋯H2O group catalysts.
Physical chemistry in a single live cell: confocal microscopy
Authors: Amin Md. Asif , Nandi Somen , Mondal Prasenjit , Mahata Tanushree , Ghosh Surajit , Bhattacharyya Kankan
Published: April 2017

A confocal microscope can be used to differentiate between cancer and non-cancer cells, and to enrich our knowledge of 3D tumor spheroids and drug delivery.
Reply to the ‘Comment on “Colloidal stability of reduced graphene oxide materials prepared using different reducing agents”’ by M. Moazzami Gudarzi, Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2017, 4, DOI: 10.1039/C6EN00424E
Authors: Qi Yu , Xia Tianjiao , Li Yao , Duan Lin , Chen Wei
Published: April 2017

This article provides our response to the comment by Gudarzi regarding our interpretation of the results of particle aggregation in NaCl presented in our recent publication.
On-chip enzymatic microbiofuel cell-powered integrated circuits
Authors: Mark Andrew G. , Suraniti Emmanuel , Roche Jérôme , Richter Harald , Kuhn Alexander , Mano Nicolas , Fischer Peer
Published: April 2017

A CMOS based digital circuit that is powered by an integrated on-chip enzymatic microbiofuelcell.