bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of Pełczyński's property (V)
Authors: Krulišová Hana
Published: September 2017

A Banach space X has Pełczyński's property (V) if for every Banach space Y every unconditionally converging operator is weakly compact. In 1962, Aleksander Pełczyński showed that spaces for a compact Hausdorff space K enjoy the property (V), and some generalizations of this theorem have been proved since then. We introduce several possibilities of quantifying the property (V). We prove some characterizations of the introduced quantitative versions of this property, which allow us to prove a quantitative version of Pelczynski's result about spaces and generalize it. Finally, we study the relationship of several properties of operators including weak compactness and unconditional convergence, and using the results obtained we establish a relation between quantitative versions of the property (V) and quantitative versions of other well known properties of Banach spaces.
A new family of 7 stages, eighth‐order explicit Numerov‐type methods
Authors: Simos T.E. , Tsitouras Ch.
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we consider the integration of the special second‐order initial value problem. Hybrid Numerov methods are used, which are constructed in the sense of Runge‐Kutta ones. Thus, the Taylor expansions at the internal points are matched properly in the final expression. A new family of such methods attaining eighth algebraic order is given at a cost of only 7 function evaluations per step. The new family provides us with an extra parameter, which is used to increase phase‐lag order to 18. We proceed with numerical tests over a standard set of problems for these cases. Appendices implementing the symbolic construction of the methods and derivation of their coefficients are also given.
A novel leadless, miniature implantable Tibial Nerve Neuromodulation System for the management of overactive bladder complaints
Authors: Heesakkers John P. F. A. , Digesu Guiseppe A. , van Breda Jetske , Van Kerrebroeck Philip , Elneil Sohier
Published: September 2017

Background

Overactive bladder is a chronic condition affecting lower urinary tract function that has a significant negative impact on QoL.

Objective

Evaluation of the BlueWind implantable tibial nerve system performance and safety in refractory OAB.

Design, Setting, and Participants Intervention

A 6‐month multi‐center prospective intervention study.

Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis

Objective assessment was done by voiding diary parameters including voids/day, volume voided/day, urgency assessment, leaking episodes/day, pads used/day, leak severity, and clinical success defined as a ≥50% reduction in the number of leaks/day or number of voids/day or number of episodes with degree of urgency >2 or a return to <8 voids/day on a 3 Day diary. Subjective assessment was based on OAB‐q including HRQL and symptom severity score. Safety was evaluated by adverse event (AE) analysis.

Results and Limitations

Thirty‐four of the 36 implanted subjects completed the study. One subject withdrew voluntarily and one developed inflammation necessitating removal of the system. In the remaining subjects, 71% experienced clinical success at 6 months. Leaks/day, leak severity, and pad changes/day decreased significantly over time with 27.6% of urge incontinence subjects that became “dry.” Voids/day, degree of urgency, volume/void, pads changed improved significantly. All quality of life aspects (concern, coping, sleep, and social) improved as well as symptom severity scores measured by the OAB‐q. Adverse events included: implant site pain (13.9%), suspected infection (22.2%), and procedural wound complications (8.3%).

Conclusions

The BlueWind implantable tibial nerve stimulator is a safe, minimally invasive system that affords OAB patients significant improvements.

Patient Summary

The performance and safety of the BlueWind RENOVA™ implantable tibial nerve neuromodulator for OAB was tested. Our preliminary results demonstrate that the system has a low risk safety profile and may be considered an effective treatment option for OAB management.
A review of diffusion MRI of typical white matter development from early childhood to young adulthood
Authors: Lebel Catherine , Treit Sarah , Beaulieu Christian
Published: September 2017

Understanding typical, healthy brain development provides a baseline from which to detect and characterize brain anomalies associated with various neurological or psychiatric disorders and diseases. Diffusion MRI is well suited to study white matter development, as it can virtually extract individual tracts and yield parameters that may reflect alterations in the underlying neural micro‐structure (e.g. myelination, axon density, fiber coherence), though it is limited by its lack of specificity and other methodological concerns. This review summarizes the last decade of diffusion imaging studies of healthy white matter development spanning childhood to early adulthood (4–35 years). Conclusions about anatomical location, rates, and timing of white matter development with age are discussed, as well as the influence of image acquisition, analysis, age range/sample size, and statistical model. Despite methodological variability between studies, some consistent findings have emerged from the literature. Specifically, diffusion studies of neurodevelopment overwhelmingly demonstrate regionally varying increases of fractional anisotropy and decreases of mean diffusivity during childhood and adolescence, some of which continue into adulthood. While most studies use linear fits to model age‐related changes, studies with sufficient sample sizes and age range provide clear evidence that white matter development (as indicated by diffusion) is non‐linear. Several studies further suggest that maturation in association tracts with frontal‐temporal connections continues later than commissural and projection tracts. The emerging contributions of more advanced diffusion methods are also discussed, as they may reveal new aspects of white matter development. Although non‐specific, diffusion changes may reflect increases of myelination, axonal packing, and/or coherence with age that may be associated with changes in cognition.
Adaptive bulk motion exclusion for improved robustness of abdominal magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Stemkens Bjorn , Benkert Thomas , Chandarana Hersh , Bittman Mark E. , Van den Berg Cornelis A.T. , Lagendijk Jan J.W. , Sodickson Daniel K. , Tijssen Rob H.N. , Block Kai Tobias
Published: September 2017

Non‐Cartesian magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences have shown great promise for abdominal examination during free breathing, but break down in the presence of bulk patient motion (i.e. voluntary or involuntary patient movement resulting in translation, rotation or elastic deformations of the body). This work describes a data‐consistency‐driven image stabilization technique that detects and excludes bulk movements during data acquisition. Bulk motion is identified from changes in the signal intensity distribution across different elements of a multi‐channel receive coil array. A short free induction decay signal is acquired after excitation and used as a measure to determine alterations in the load distribution. The technique has been implemented on a clinical MR scanner and evaluated in the abdomen. Six volunteers were scanned and two radiologists scored the reconstructions. To show the applicability to other body areas, additional neck and knee images were acquired. Data corrupted by bulk motion were successfully detected and excluded from image reconstruction. An overall increase in image sharpness and reduction of streaking and shine‐through artifacts were seen in the volunteer study, as well as in the neck and knee scans. The proposed technique enables automatic real‐time detection and exclusion of bulk motion during MR examinations without user interaction. It may help to improve the reliability of pediatric MRI examinations without the use of sedation.
A stable and optimally convergent LaTIn‐CutFEM algorithm for multiple unilateral contact problems
Authors: Claus Susanne , Kerfriden Pierre
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we propose a novel unfitted finite element method for the simulation of multiple body contact. The computational mesh is generated independently of the geometry of the interacting solids, which can be arbitrarily complex. The key novelty of the approach is the combination of elements of the CutFEM technology, namely, the enrichment of the solution field via the definition of overlapping fictitious domains with a dedicated penalty‐type regularisation of discrete operators and the LaTIn hybrid‐mixed formulation of complex interface conditions. Furthermore, the novel P1‐P1 discretisation scheme that we propose for the unfitted LaTIn solver is shown to be stable, robust, and optimally convergent with mesh refinement. Finally, the paper introduces a high‐performance 3D level set/CutFEM framework for the versatile and robust solution of contact problems involving multiple bodies of complex geometries, with more than 2 bodies interacting at a single point.
Psychometric evaluation of the Caregiver Preparedness Scale in caregivers of adults with heart failure
Authors: Petruzzo Antonio , Paturzo Marco , Buck Harleah G. , Barbaranelli Claudio , D'Agostino Fabio , Ausili Davide , Alvaro Rosaria , Vellone Ercole
Published: September 2017

Well‐prepared informal caregivers play an important role in heart failure (HF) care, so an instrument to evaluate their preparedness to care is important. To date, HF caregiver preparedness has been rarely investigated quantitatively. The Caregiver Preparedness Scale (CPS) has been used in other chronic condition populations, but its psychometric characteristics have never been tested in HF caregivers. The purpose of this study was to test the validity and reliability of the 8‐item CPS in HF caregivers. In a convenience sample of 317 HF caregivers (72.4% female, mean age 54), we tested the CPS' factorial structure with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and its concurrent validity with the Caregiver Contribution to Self‐Care of HF Index (CC‐SCHFI), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). We also tested CPS' reliability with composite reliability indicators, Cronbach's alpha, factor score determinacy coefficient, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The CFA for a one‐factor model resulted in supportive fit indices (e.g., comparative fit index .97). Significant correlations (p < .05) of the CPS with both the CC‐SCHFI and the HADS supported concurrent validity. The composite reliability index, Cronbach's alpha, factor score determinacy coefficient, and ICC were .89, .91, .96, .91, respectively, supporting reliability. Our study provides evidence that the CPS is a valid and reliable instrument to measure HF caregiver preparedness, enabling clinicians, and researchers to target specific interventions to HF caregivers.
Semi‐feedback optimal control design for nonlinear problems
Authors: Moghadasian Mehdi , Roshanian Jafar
Published: September 2017

In this paper, a simple novel approach for feedback optimal control design of nonlinear problems which can nullify deviations from nominal trajectory has been proposed. On the basis of the proposed method, after solving the optimal control problem using a numerical method to achieve nominal trajectory and control command, one can take an arbitrary form of state feedback structure. Afterwards, by taking advantage of a simple process of the feedback bundle parameter optimization, the solution of the problem as a semi‐feedback optimal control policy will be available. In application, because of this specific structure, there is no need to use the nominal trajectory to calculate deviations. However, the semi‐feedback solution is able to keep the deviated trajectories near the nominal one without any information from deviations. To show the implementation of this approach, 2 simple examples have been solved, and then, the semi‐feedback solution for this problem has been verified by Monte Carlo simulation.
On the road to replacing invasive testing with cell‐based NIPT: Five clinical cases with aneuploidies, microduplication, unbalanced structural rearrangement, or mosaicism
Authors: Vestergaard Else Marie , Singh Ripudaman , Schelde Palle , Hatt Lotte , Ravn Katarina , Christensen Rikke , Lildballe Dorte Launholt , Petersen Olav Bjørn , Uldbjerg Niels , Vogel Ida
Published: September 2017

Objective

Trophoblastic fetal cells harvested from maternal blood have the capacity to be used for copy number analyses in a cell‐based non‐invasive prenatal test (cbNIPT). Potentially, this will result in increased resolution for detection of subchromosomal aberrations due to high quality DNA not intermixed with maternal DNA. We present 5 selected clinical cases from first trimester pregnancies where cbNIPT was used to demonstrate a wide range of clinically relevant aberrations.

Method

Blood samples were collected from high risk pregnancies in gestational week 12 + 1 to 12 + 5. Fetal trophoblast cells were enriched and stained using fetal cell specific antibodies. The enriched cell fraction was scanned, and fetal cells were picked using a capillary‐based cell picking instrument. Subsequently, whole genome amplification (WGA) was performed on fetal cells, and the DNA was analyzed blindly by array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH).

Results

We present 5 cases where non‐invasive cell‐based prenatal test results are compared with aCGH results on chorionic villus samples (CVS), demonstrating aneuploidies including mosaicism, unbalanced translocations, subchromosomal deletions, or duplications.

Conclusion

Aneuploidy and subchromosomal aberrations can be detected using fetal cells harvested from maternal blood. The method has the future potential of being offered as a cell‐based NIPT with large high genomic resolution.
Thermal Behavior and Specific Heat Capacity of 1‐t‐Butyl‐3,3‐dinitroazetidinium Perchlorate
Authors: Yan Biao , Li Hongya , Guan Yulei , Ma Haixia , Song Jirong , Zhao Fengqi
Published: September 2017

1‐t‐Butyl‐3,3‐dinitroazetidinium perchlorate (TDNAZ ⋅ HClO4) was synthesized, DSC and TG/DTG methods were used to study the thermal behavior of TDNAZ⋅HClO4 under a non–isothermal condition. The intense exothermic decomposition process of DSC curves were analyzed to obtain its kinetic parameters. Continuous specific heat capacity (Cp) mode of micro–calorimeter was used to determine its Cp, its specific molar heat capacity (Cp,m) was 365.70 J mol−1 K−1 at 298.15 K. The self‐accelerating decomposition temperature (TSADT), thermal ignition temperature (TTIT), and critical temperature of thermal explosion (Tb) were obtained to evaluate its thermal stability and safety. The above results of TDNAZ ⋅ HClO4 were compared with those of 3,3‐dinitroazetidinium perchlorate (DNAZ ⋅ HClO4), and the effect of tert‐butyl group on them was discussed.
Dockground: A comprehensive data resource for modeling of protein complexes
Authors: Kundrotas Petras J. , Anishchenko Ivan , Dauzhenka Taras , Kotthoff Ian , Mnevets Daniil , Copeland Matthew M. , Vakser Ilya A.
Published: September 2017

Characterization of life processes at the molecular level requires structural details of protein interactions. The number of experimentally determined structures of protein–protein complexes accounts only for a fraction of known protein interactions. This gap in structural description of the interactome has to be bridged by modeling. An essential part of the development of structural modeling/docking techniques for protein interactions is databases of protein–protein complexes. They are necessary for studying protein interfaces, providing a knowledge base for docking algorithms, and developing intermolecular potentials, search procedures, and scoring functions. Development of protein–protein docking techniques requires thorough benchmarking of different parts of the docking protocols on carefully curated sets of protein–protein complexes. We present a comprehensive description of the Dockground resource (http://dockground.compbio.ku.edu) for structural modeling of protein interactions, including previously unpublished unbound docking benchmark set 4, and the X‐ray docking decoy set 2. The resource offers a variety of interconnected datasets of protein–protein complexes and other data for the development and testing of different aspects of protein docking methodologies. Based on protein–protein complexes extracted from the PDB biounit files, Dockground offers sets of X‐ray unbound, simulated unbound, model, and docking decoy structures. All datasets are freely available for download, as a whole or selecting specific structures, through a user‐friendly interface on one integrated website.
Optical Properties of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes Doped in Acid Medium
Authors: Eremin Timofei , Obraztsova Elena
Published: September 2017

We report a detailed study of changes in optical properties of single‐walled carbon nanotubes caused by doping in acid medium and their comparison with those induced by other doping techniques. In this work, a hydrochloric acid was added to the aqueous suspension of nanotubes wrapped with sodium cholate. Additionally to the shift and suppression of several modes in the Raman spectrum and the suppression of the first optical transition in the optical absorption spectrum, we have observed an appearance of a trion band in the photoluminescence spectrum with the energy about 0.2 eV less than the main photoluminescence band.
Silicon amino acids
Authors: Czapla Marcin
Published: September 2017

The existence and gas phase stability of silicon analogues of three natural amino acids (i.e., silicon glycine, silicon alanine, and silicon valine) belonging to the novel class of compounds termed silicon amino acids (SiAA) are investigated theoretically on the basis of ab initio QCISD/aug‐cc‐pVTZ and MP2/aug‐cc‐pVTZ calculations. All molecules studied (in their gas phase canonical forms) are structurally comparable to their proteinogenic counterparts (i.e., glycine, l‐alanine, and l‐valine) and capable of forming several structural isomers as such. These higher energy isomers are characterized by small relative energies (not exceeding 4 kcal mol−1). The simulated IR spectra of the Si‐Gly, Si‐Ala, and Si‐Val global minima are also presented and discussed.
Longitudinal and temporal water temperature patterns in the Yangtze River and its influence on spawning of the Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensisGray 1835)
Authors: Chang T. , Gao X. , Danley P. D. , Lin P. , Li M. , Liu H.
Published: September 2017

In this study, water temperature longitudinal and temporal patterns were investigated in four locations of the Yangtze River to identify their influence on spawning of the Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensisGray 1835). The results showed that, historically (1960–1980), the four locations, Pingshan (PS, 2,687 river kilometres [rkm]), Yichang (YC, 1,640 rkm), Chenglingji (CLJ, 1,265 rkm), and Hukou (HK, 805 rkm), all had similar average annual water temperatures (around 18.0 °C) but very different amplitudes: The upper two locations, PS (11.4–23.2 °C) and YC (9.1–25.9 °C), were relatively stable and had smaller amplitude than the lower two ones, CLJ (6.0–30.0 °C) and HK (5.9–30.8 °C). On the basis of the physiological effects for Chinese sturgeon, we defined three water temperature ranges: stressing (>23 °C), holding (23–20 °C), and spawning (20–16 °C). We found that the upper two locations with successful spawning of the Chinese sturgeon (PS and YC) had short or no stressing period but long holding and spawning periods. Currently (2013–2016), the impoundment of the Three Gorges Reservoir increases the time for water temperature decreasing to 20 °C at the current spawning ground (YC) in autumn, which increases the stressing and holding periods, and has significant negative impact on the spawning of Chinese sturgeon. Nonetheless, considering the very high stressing temperature and the short duration of the holding and spawning periods at CLJ and HK, we propose that YC is still the most suitable spawning location for the Chinese sturgeon.
Superaerophobic Ultrathin Ni–Mo Alloy Nanosheet Array from In Situ Topotactic Reduction for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhang Qian , Li Pengsong , Zhou Daojin , Chang Zheng , Kuang Yun , Sun Xiaoming
Published: September 2017

Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) has prospect to becoming clean and renewable technology for hydrogen production and Ni–Mo alloy is among the best HER catalysts in alkaline electrolytes. Here, an in situ topotactic reduction method to synthesize ultrathin 2D Ni–Mo alloy nanosheets for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution is reported. Due to its ultrathin structure and tailored composition, the as‐synthesized Ni–Mo alloy shows an overpotential of 35 mV to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2, along with a Tafel slope of 45 mV decade−1, demonstrating a comparable intrinsic activity to state‐of‐art commercial Pt/C catalyst. Besides, the vertically aligned assemble structure of the 2D NiMo nanosheets on conductive substrate makes the electrode “superaerophobic,” thus leading to much faster bubble releasing during HER process and therefore shows faster mass transfer behavior at high current density as compared with drop drying Pt/C catalyst on the same substrate. Such in situ topotactic conversion finds a way to design and fabricate low‐cost, earth‐abundant non‐noble metal based ultrathin 2D nanostructures for electrocatalytic issues.
Calcium Aluminate Reactive Coatings on Carbon‐Bonded Alumina Filters for Clean Steel Approaches
Authors: Storti Enrico , Farhani Mahdi , Aneziris Christos G. , Wöhrmeyer Christoph , Parr Chris
Published: September 2017

New carbon‐bonded filters with coatings based on calcium aluminates are developed. The samples are tested for 10 s in contact with a steel melt containing endogenous inclusions at 1650 °C, in order to explore the behavior and impact of these materials on the filtration process. Investigation of the filters after the test is carried out by optical and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, steel samples are analyzed with a special automatic SEM. The population of the detected inclusions is classified in terms of size and chemistry. Both compositions deliver excellent filtration results.
Dietary Fatty Acid Composition Modulates Obesity and Interacts with Obesity‐Related Genes
Authors: Hammad Shatha S. , Jones Peter J.
Published: September 2017

The prevalence of obesity is skyrocketing worldwide. The scientific evidence has associated obesity risk with many independent factors including the quality of dietary fat and genetics. Dietary fat exists as the main focus of dietary guidelines targeting obesity reduction. To prevent/minimize the adipogenic effect of dietary fatty acids (FA), intakes of long‐chain saturated‐ andtrans‐FA should be reduced and substituted with unsaturated FA. The optimal proportions of dietary unsaturated FA are yet to be defined, along with a particular emphasis on the need to achieve a balanced ratio of n‐3:n‐6 polyunsaturated FA and to increase monounsaturated FA consumption at the expense of saturated FA. However, inter‐individual variability in weight loss in response to a dietary intervention is evident, which highlights the importance of exploring gene–nutrient interactions that can further modulate the risk for obesity development. The quality of dietary fat was found to modulate obesity development by interacting with genes involved in fatty acid metabolism, adipogenesis, and the endocannabinoid system. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the effect of the quality of dietary fat on obesity phenotype and obesity‐related genes. The evidence is not only supporting the modulatory effect of fat quality on obesity development but also presenting a number of interactions between obesity‐related genes and the quality of dietary fat. The identified gene–FA interaction may have a clinical importance and holds a promise for the possibility of using genetically targeted dietary interventions to reduce obesity risk in the future.
In Situ Effects of Shoreline Type and Watershed Land Use on Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Habitat Quality in the Chesapeake and Mid-Atlantic Coastal Bays
Authors: Landry J. Brooke , Golden Rebecca R.
Published: September 2017

Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) is an ecologically and economically valuable component of coastal estuaries that acts as an early indicator of both degrading and improving water quality. This study aimed to determine if shoreline hardening, which is associated with increased population pressure and climate change, acts to degrade SAV habitat quality at the local scale. In situ comparisons of SAV beds adjacent to both natural and hardened shorelines in 24 subestuaries throughout the Chesapeake and Mid-Atlantic Coastal Bays indicated that shoreline hardening does impact adjacent SAV beds. Species diversity, evenness, and percent cover were significantly reduced in the presence of riprap revetment. A post hoc analysis also confirmed that SAV is locally affected by watershed land use associated with increased population pressure, though to a lesser degree than impacts observed from shoreline armoring. When observed over time, SAV recovery at the local level took approximately 3 to 4 years following storm impacts, and SAV adjacent to natural shorelines showed more resilience to storms than SAV adjacent to armored shorelines. The negative impacts of shoreline hardening and watershed development on SAV shown here will inform coastal zone management decisions as increasing coastal populations and sea level rise drive these practices.
Trajectories of Neoliberal Transformation
Authors: Baccaro Lucio , Howell Chris
Published: September 2017

This book has both empirical and theoretical goals. The primary empirical goal is to examine the evolution of industrial relations in Western Europe from the end of the 1970s up to the present. Its purpose is to evaluate the extent to which liberalization has taken hold of European industrial relations and institutions through five detailed, chapter-length studies, each focusing on a different country and including quantitative analysis. The book offers a comprehensive description and analysis of what has happened to the institutions that regulate the labor market, as well as the relations between employers, unions, and states in Western Europe since the collapse of the long postwar boom. The primary theoretical goal of this book is to provide a critical examination of some of the central claims of comparative political economy, particularly those involving the role and resilience of national institutions in regulating and managing capitalist political economies.
Interferon-α induces negative biases in emotional processing in patients with hepatitis C virus infection: a preliminary study
Authors: Cooper C. M. , Godlewska B. , Sharpley A. L. , Barnes E. , Cowen P. J. , Harmer C. J.
Published: September 2017

Background

Treatment of medical patients with the inflammatory cytokine, interferon-α (IFN-α), is frequently associated with the development of clinical depressive symptomatology. Several important biological correlates of the effect of IFN-α on mood have been described, but the neuropsychological changes associated with IFN-α treatment are largely unexplored. The aim of the present preliminary study was to assess the effect of IFN-α on measures of emotional processing.

Method

We measured changes in emotional processing over 6–8 weeks in 17 patients receiving IFN-α as part of their treatment for hepatitis C virus infection. Emotional processing tasks included those which have previously been shown to be sensitive to the effects of depression and antidepressant treatment, namely facial expression recognition, emotional categorisation and the dot probe attentional task.

Results

Following IFN-α, patients were more accurate at detecting facial expressions of disgust; they also showed diminished attentional vigilance to happy faces. IFN-α produced the expected increases in scores on depression rating scales, but there was no correlation between these scores and the changes in emotional processing.

Conclusions

Our preliminary findings suggest that IFN-α treatment produces negative biases in emotional processing, and this effect is not simply a consequence of depression. It is possible that increased recognition of disgust may represent a neuropsychological marker of depressive disorders related to inflammation.
Norbert Elias’s contribution to Andrew Linklater’s contribution to International Relations
Authors: Mennell Stephen
Published: September 2017

Andrew Linklater’s projected trilogy of books for Cambridge University Press rests distinctively on the work of the sociologist Norbert Elias (1897–1990). Linklater is creating a powerful theoretical orientation for the field of International Relations by synthesising the ideas of Martin Wight and the ‘English School’ of IR with those of Elias. Though Elias is best known for his theory of civilising processes – on which Linklater draws most prominently – his writings are far more extensive. In particular, his sociological theory of knowledge and the sciences underlies Linklater’s recent writings, even if that is not immediately apparent on a cursory reading. This article spells out some of the ‘Eliasian infrastructure’ that may not be familiar to many of Linklater’s readers. It also discusses ways in which common misunderstandings of Elias’s ideas may lead to parallel misunderstandings of Linklater’s. The article concludes by asking whether, even if Linklater’s vision of the growth of ‘cosmopolitan responsibility’ may prove correct in the long term, we may nevertheless be experiencing something of a (possibly short-term) reversal towards ‘cosmopolitan irresponsibility’.
Examining the conditions of using an on-line dictionary to learn words and comprehend texts
Authors: Dilenschneider Robert Francis
Published: September 2017

This study investigated three look-up conditions for language learners to learn unknown target words and comprehend a reading passage when their attention is transferred away to an on-line dictionary. The research questions focused on how each look-up condition impacted the recall and recognition of word forms, word meanings, and passage comprehension. The participants were 84 first-year Japanese medical university students. The recall and recognition of word forms and word meanings, and passage comprehension data were analysed using the Rasch model. Probabilities ofp<.05 were considered measurably different for the sample population used in this study, and probabilities ofp<.003 were considered statistically significant and generalizable to a larger population. Overall, the results suggest three findings with regard to the on-line dictionary study. First, if only the results that were statistically significant are considered, there might be two conditions to learn words and comprehend reading passages: the spell condition seems to be best for learning the forms and meanings of words, and the control condition for promoting passage comprehension. Second, if the results that were both statistically significant and measurably different are considered, the spell, click, and control conditions might promote the learning of word forms, word meanings, and passage comprehension, respectively. Third, however, the click condition might promote both the learning of word meanings and passage comprehension because its effects were measurably higher to the spell condition on these measures. The results are consistent with the type of processing-resource allocation model for learning the forms and meanings of words and cognitive load theory for comprehending reading passages.
Disarticulate—Repurpose—Disrupt: Art/Archaeology
Authors: Bailey Doug
Published: September 2017

This project sees archaeology and art as a political tool for disrupting conventional, politically loaded narratives of the past. Rather than producing institutionally safe narratives conventionally certified as truth, archaeologists should follow the lead of artists who use the past as a source of materials to be reconfigured in new ways to help people see in new ways. Using as an example the works of the Canadian artist Ken Monkman, who subverts nineteenth- century landscape painting to reinsert the missing critiques of Anglo-American colonialism, dominance of nature, and heteronormativity, this paper advocates disarticulating materials from the past by severing them from their context, repurposing them to bring contemporary concerns to the fore and creating new, disruptive visions from them. The article proposes the practice of an art/archaeology.
Enhancement of diuresis with metolazone in infant paediatric cardiac intensive care patients
Authors: Wise Russell T. , Moffett Brady S. , Akcan-Arikan Ayse , Galati Marianne , Afonso Natasha , Checchia Paul A.
Published: September 2017

Background

Few data are available regarding the use of metolazone in infants in cardiac intensive care. Researchers need to carry out further evaluation to characterise the effects of this treatment in this population.

Methods

This is a descriptive, retrospective study carried out in patients less than a year old. These infants had received metolazone over a 2-year period in the paediatric cardiac intensive care unit at our institution. The primary goal was to measure the change in urine output from 24 hours before the start of metolazone therapy to 24 hours after. Patient demographic variables, laboratory data, and fluid-balance data were analysed.

Results

The study identified 97 infants with a mean age of 0.32±0.25 years. Their mean weight was 4.9±1.5 kg, and 58% of the participants were male. An overall 63% of them had undergone cardiovascular surgery. The baseline estimated creatinine clearance was 93±37 ml/minute/1.73 m2. Initially, the participants had received a metolazone dose of 0.27±0.10 mg/kg/day, the maximum dose being 0.43 mg/kg/day. They had also received other diuretics during metolazone initiation, such as furosemide (87.6%), spironolactone (58.8%), acetazolamide (11.3%), bumetanide (7.2%), and ethacrynic acid (1%). The median change in urine output after metolazone was 0.9 ml/kg/hour (interquartile range 0.15–1.9). The study categorised a total of 66 patients (68.0%) as responders. Multivariable analysis identified acetazolamide use (p=0.002) and increased fluid input in the 24 hours after metolazone initiation (p<0.001) as being significant for increased urine output. Changes in urine output were not associated with the dose of metolazone (p>0.05).

Conclusions

Metolazone increased urine output in a select group of patients. Efficacy can be maximised by strategic selection of patients.
A focussed single-view hand-held echocardiography protocol for the detection of rheumatic heart disease
Authors: Diamantino Adriana , Beaton Andrea , Aliku Twalib , Oliveira Kaciane , Oliveira Cassio , Xavier Luciana , Perlman Lindsay , Okello Emmy , Nascimento Bruno , Ribeiro Antonio R. P. , Nunes Maria C. P. , Sable Craig
Published: September 2017

Background

Echocardiographic screening represents an opportunity for reduction in the global burden of rheumatic heart disease. A focussed single-view screening protocol could allow for the rapid training of healthcare providers and screening of patients.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a focussed single-view hand-held echocardiographic protocol for the diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease in children.

Methods

A total of nine readers were divided into three reading groups; each interpreted 200 hand-held echocardiography studies retrospectively as screen-positive, if mitral regurgitation ⩾1.5 cm and/or any aortic insufficiency were observed, or screen-negative from a pooled study library. The performance of experts receiving focussed hand-held protocols, non-experts receiving focussed hand-held protocols, and experts receiving complete hand-held protocols were determined in comparison with consensus interpretations on fully functional echocardiography machines.

Results

In all, 587 studies including 76 on definite rheumatic heart disease, 122 on borderline rheumatic heart disease, and 389 on normal cases were available for analysis. The focussed single-view protocol had a sensitivity of 81.1%, specificity of 75.5%, negative predictive value of 88.5%, and a positive predictive value of 63.2%; expert readers had higher specificity (86.1 versus 64.8%, p<0.01) but equal sensitivity. Sensitivity – experts, 96% and non-experts, 95% – and negative predictive value – experts, 99% and non-experts, 98% – were better for definite rheumatic heart disease. False-positive screening studies resulting from erroneous identification of mitral regurgitation and aortic insufficiency colour jets increased with shortened protocols and less experience (p<0.01).

Conclusion

Our data support a focussed screening protocol limited to parasternal long-axis images. This holds promise in making echocardiographic screening more practical in regions where rheumatic heart disease remains endemic.
RETRACTED – Intra-individual Cognitive Variability: An Examination of ANAM4 TBI-MIL Simple Reaction Time Data from Service Members with and without Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Cole Wesley R. , Gregory Emma , Arrieux Jacques P. , Haran F. Jay
Published: September 2017

Objectives: The Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics 4 TBI-MIL (ANAM4) is a computerized cognitive test often used in post-concussion assessments with U.S. service members (SMs). Existing evidence, however, remains mixed regarding ANAM4’s ability to identify cognitive issues following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Studies typically examine ANAM4 by comparing mean scores to baseline or normative scores. A more fine-grained approach involves examining inconsistency within an individual’s performance. Methods: Data from a sample of 231 were healthy control SMs and 100 SMs within 7 days of mTBI who took the ANAM4 were included in analyses. We examine each individual’s performance on a simple reaction time (SRT) subtest that is administered at the beginning (SRT1) and end (SRT2) of the ANAM4 battery, and calculate the standard deviation of difference scores by trial across administrations. Results: Multivariate analysis of variance and univariate analyses revealed group differences across all comparisons (p<.001) with pairwise comparisons revealing higher intra-individual variability and slower raw reaction time for the mTBI group compared with controls. Effect sizes were small though exceeded the recommended minimum practical effect size (ES>0.41). Conclusions: While inconsistencies in performance are often viewed as noise or test error, the results suggest intra-individual cognitive variability may be more sensitive than central tendency measures (i.e., comparison of means) in detecting changes in cognitive function in mTBI. Additionally, the findings highlight the utility of ANAM4’s repeating a subtest at two points in a battery to explore within-subject differences in performance. (JINS, 2017, 23, 1–6)
Von Bochum über Heidelberg bis Potsdam: Ein Rückblick auf die Bochumer Schule der Motivationspsychologie und auf eigene Forschungsthemen
Authors: Rheinberg Falko
Published: September 2017

Zusammenfassung. Dem Text liegt ein Vortrag zugrunde, der auf dem 31. Motivationspsychologischen Kolloquium (MPK) in Heidelberg 2015 gehalten wurde. Im ersten Teil bietet er einen Überblick über die Motivationsforschung am Bochumer Heckhausen-Lehrstuhl in den 70er-Jahren („Bochumer Schule“). Dabei werden neben Heinz Heckhausen einzelne Mitarbeiter und ihre Schwerpunkte vorgestellt sowie das stimulierende Arbeitsklima an diesem Lehrstuhl beschrieben. Entsprechend der Vortragseinladung wird im Anschluss die Entwicklung der eigenen Forschungsschwerpunkte skizziert. Noch unter Heckhausens Leitung waren dies zunächst die Forschung zur Bezugsnormorientierung und die Einzelfallanalysen zur Lernmotivation mit dem Erweiterten Kognitiven Motivationsmodell. Danach geht der Vortrag auf Forschungsthemen ein, die dann in Heidelberg und Potsdam dazukamen. Hier geht es um die Erforschung von Tätigkeitsanreizen und um das Flow-Erleben. Abschließend wird der Potsdamer Versuch skizziert, herauszufinden, auf welche Weise unterschiedliche Motivationsqualitäten den Lernprozess und seine Resultate beeinflussen.
Coordinating and Communicating Carbon Cycle Research
Authors: Tzortziou Maria , Litvak Marcy , Shrestha Gyami
Published: September 2017

2017 Joint NACP and AmeriFlux Principal Investigators Meeting; Bethesda, Maryland, 27–30 March 2017
Juno Gets Spectacular View of Jupiter’s Aurora
Authors: Zastrow Mark
Published: September 2017

The NASA spacecraft has taken images of Jupiter’s powerful aurora dancing around its poles, revealing never-before-seen details in their structure.
Simultaneous silencing of ACSL4 and induction of GADD45B in hepatocellular carcinoma cells amplifies the synergistic therapeutic effect of aspirin and sorafenib
Authors: Xia Hongping , Lee Kee Wah , Chen Jianxiang , Kong Shik Nie , Sekar Karthik , Deivasigamani Amudha , Seshachalam Veerabrahma Pratap , Goh Brian Kim Poh , Ooi London Lucien , Hui Kam M
Published: September 2017

Sorafenib is currently the only US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved molecular inhibitor for the systemic therapy of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Aspirin has been studied extensively as an anti-inflammation, cancer preventive and therapeutic agent. However, the potential synergistic therapeutic effects of sorafenib and aspirin on advanced HCC treatment have not been well studied. Drug combination studies and their synergy quantification were performed using the combination index method of Chou-Talalay. The synergistic therapeutic effects of sorafenib and aspirin were evaluated using an orthotopic mouse model of HCC and comprehensive gene profiling analyses were conducted to identify key factors mediating the synergistic therapeutic effects of sorafenib and aspirin. Sorafenib was determined to act synergistically on HCC cells with aspirin in vitro. Using Hep3B and HuH7 HCC cells, it was demonstrated that sorafenib and aspirin acted synergistically to induce apoptosis. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that combining sorafenib and aspirin yielded significant synergistically anti-tumor effects by simultaneously silencing ACSL4 and the induction of GADD45B expression in HCC cells both in vitro and in the orthotopic HCC xenograft mouse model. Importantly, clinical evidence has independently corroborated that survival of HCC patients expressing ACSL4highGADD45Blow was significantly poorer compared to patients with ACSL4lowGADD45Bhigh, thus demonstrating the potential clinical value of combining aspirin and sorafenib for HCC patients expressing ACSL4highGADD45Blow. In conclusion, sorafenib and aspirin provide synergistic therapeutic effects on HCC cells that are achieved through simultaneous silencing of ACSL4 and induction of GADD45B expression. Targeting HCC with ACSL4highGADD45Blow expression with aspirin and sorafenib could provide potential synergistic therapeutic benefits.
Direct measurement of strain-dependent solid surface stress
Authors: Xu Qin , Jensen Katharine E. , Boltyanskiy Rostislav , Sarfati Raphaël , Style Robert W. , Dufresne Eric R.
Published: September 2017

Surface stress, also known as surface tension, is a fundamental material property of any interface. However, measurements of solid surface stress in traditional engineering materials, such as metals and oxides, have proven to be very challenging. Consequently, our understanding relies heavily on untested theories, especially regarding the strain dependence of this property. Here, we take advantage of the high compliance and large elastic deformability of a soft polymer gel to directly measure solid surface stress as a function of strain. As anticipated by theoretical work for metals, we find that the surface stress depends on the strain via a surface modulus. Remarkably, the surface modulus of our soft gels is many times larger than the zero-strain surface tension. This suggests that surface stresses can play a dominant role in solid mechanics at larger length scales than previously anticipated.
Therapeutic effects of the mitochondrial ROS-redox modulator KH176 in a mammalian model of Leigh Disease
Authors: de Haas Ria , Das Devashish , Garanto Alejandro , Renkema Herma G. , Greupink Rick , van den Broek Petra , Pertijs Jeanne , Collin Rob W. J. , Willems Peter , Beyrath Julien , Heerschap Arend , Russel Frans G. , Smeitink Jan A.
Published: September 2017

Leigh Disease is a progressive neurometabolic disorder for which a clinical effective treatment is currently still lacking. Here, we report on the therapeutic efficacy of KH176, a new chemical entity derivative of Trolox, in Ndufs4−/− mice, a mammalian model for Leigh Disease. Using in vivo brain diffusion tensor imaging, we show a loss of brain microstructural coherence in Ndufs4−/− mice in the cerebral cortex, external capsule and cerebral peduncle. These findings are in line with the white matter diffusivity changes described in mitochondrial disease patients. Long-term KH176 treatment retained brain microstructural coherence in the external capsule in Ndufs4−/− mice and normalized the increased lipid peroxidation in this area and the cerebral cortex. Furthermore, KH176 treatment was able to significantly improve rotarod and gait performance and reduced the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells in Ndufs4−/− mice. These in vivo findings show that further development of KH176 as a potential treatment for mitochondrial disorders is worthwhile to pursue. Clinical trial studies to explore the potency, safety and efficacy of KH176 are ongoing.
Horizontal extent of the urban heat dome flow
Authors: Fan Yifan , Li Yuguo , Bejan Adrian , Wang Yi , Yang Xinyan
Published: September 2017

Urban heat dome flow, which is also referred to as urban heat island circulation, is important for urban ventilation and pollutant transport between adjacent cities when the background wind is weak or absent. A “dome-shaped” profile can form at the upper boundary of the urban heat island circulation. The horizontal extent of the heat dome is an important parameter for estimating the size of the area it influences. This study reviews the existing data on the horizontal extent of the urban heat dome flow, as determined by using either field measurements or numerical simulations. A simple energy balance model is applied to obtain the maximum horizontal extent of a single heat dome over the urban area, which is found to be approximately 1.5 to 3.5 times the diameter of the city’s urban area at night. A linearized model is also re-analysed to calculate the horizontal extent of the urban heat dome flow. This analysis supports the results from the energy balance model. During daytime, the horizontal extent of the urban heat dome flow is found to be about 2.0 to 3.3 times the urban area’s diameter, as influenced by the convective turbulent plumes in the rural area.