bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between epicardial adipose tissue and adverse outcomes in coronary heart disease patients with percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Lu Changqing , Jia Helei , Wang Zhentao
Published: April 2019

We assessed the relationship between the volume of epicardial adipose tissue and long-term outcomes in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The patients with CHD were followed for at least 2 years after PCI. The epicardial adipose tissue volume (EATV) was measured using multi-slice computed tomography. Cox regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between EATV and clinical outcome. In this study, 500 patients were enrolled and followed up for a median of 25.2 months. The incidence of adverse cardiovascular events was 12.4%. No significant differences were observed in age, sex, proportion of patients with hypertension or diabetes, smoking, drinking, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, or unstable angina pectoris among different EATV quartiles (P>0.05). The EATV was associated with body mass index (P<0.0001), low-density lipoprotein level (P=0.039), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level (P<0.001), uric acid level (P=0.004), adiponectin level (P<0.001), and left ventricular ejection fraction (P<0.001). Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated a significant difference in survival rate of patients in EATV quartile 1 versus 4 (P=0.019). After adjusting for confounding factors, EATV quartile 4 (>216.15 cm3) was still associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes (HR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.15–4.47, P=0.023) compared with quartile 1 (<101.58 cm3). Our data suggest that EATV is an independent predictor of long-term major adverse cardiovascular events in CHD patients after PCI. Therefore, assessment of EATV using multi-slice computed tomography may contribute to risk stratification in these patients.
Medical and Surgical Advances in the Treatment of Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis
Authors: Nelson Rebecca Chota , Bryson Paul C. , Reghunathan Saranya , Benninger Michael S.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

In this chapter, unilateral vocal fold paralysis is described, and treatment options are discussed with emphasis on recent developments in treatment.

Conclusion

Unilateral vocal fold paralysis is a disorder commonly encountered by otolaryngologists and speech-language pathologists alike and is caused by dysfunction of one of the recurrent laryngeal nerves leading to dysphonia and dysphagia. The etiology of this disorder can include malignancy, iatrogenic injury, or traumatic injury or may be due to idiopathic causes, and evidence has suggested that the rates of different etiologies have changed over time. Treatment options include a variety of approaches and range from expectant management, voice therapy, as well as surgical and procedural approaches. Surgical approaches generally aim to augment the affected vocal fold to medialize its position, thereby reducing glottic insufficiency, and can include injection laryngoplasty and laryngeal framework surgery. Recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation is also an option for certain patients and can improve vocal fold bulk by restoring basal neurologic stimulation. Though it is a well-described phenomenon, with new developments in procedural interventions, unilateral vocal fold paralysis remains a dynamic entity in the field.
Typologie et perspective d’évolution de l’agriculture biologique au Cameroun
Authors: Bayiha Gérard De La Paix , Temple Ludovic , Mathe Syndhia , Nesme Thomas
Published: April 2019

Dans un contexte de controverse sur la capacité des modèles agricoles à répondre conjointement aux enjeux alimentaires, environnementaux et de développement en Afrique, nous analysons les conditions de viabilité d’une agriculture à caractère biologique au Cameroun. La démarche mobilise une enquête par entretiens semi-directifs auprès des acteurs engagés dans les filières de production biologique et une mise en débat des connaissances générées lors d’ateliers participatifs multi-acteurs. Elle met en interaction les connaissances scientifiques, entrepreneuriales et techniques. Les résultats mettent en exergue trois types d’agriculture biologique : l’un certifié suivant les cahiers des charges internationaux ; le deuxième hybride, du fait de sa nature entrepreneuriale et sans certification ; et le troisième, « naturel sans certification », qui renvoie aux pratiques traditionnelles à faible usage d’intrants. En utilisant le cadre d’analyse de la théorie des transitions multi-niveaux, ces trois types permettent de définir des trajectoires possibles d’évolution de l’agriculture biologique au Cameroun.
Defect simulation during the building life cycle including initial phase
Authors: Vytlačil Dalibor
Published: April 2019

The paper presents the model for the description of the dynamic system concerning the defect simulation. The system includes the initial part of the life cycle where same amount of the rework has to be considered because of the low quality work. The second subsystem considers a division of the maintenance as planned and unplanned activities. The model connects these subsystems in one complex model that allows us to perform the simulations for investigating different problems. The example of the calculation of the key system parameters is presented in the paper. The resultant values demonstrate the importance of the maintenance but also the impact of the initial phase of the life cycle that has substantial influence on the amount of the defects in the early period.
Sample series of direct running ceiling slabs in multifunctional buildings with their defects and analyzing the causes of these defects
Authors: Podolka Lubos
Published: April 2019

With the aid of photographs· the report shows a range of damaged direct running ceiling slabs in multifunctional buildings· then analyses the cause of the defects and also gives instructions on how these arising defects could have been prevented or significantly reduced through a suitable design of the structure.
Wall Panel Made of Bio-composites
Authors: Bosák Lukáš , Palko Milan
Published: April 2019

Sustainability is currently an important part of the building industry. The development of new building constructions and the use of ecological materials is a very popular topic in this area. One example of organic material are natural fibres bio-composites. Bio-composite materials are currently used in the form of laminates mainly used in the sport and furniture industries. This article addresses their use in the building industry as the outer envelope of buildings. The article deals with the testing of the influence of UV radiation and moisture on the degradation of Bio-composites with recommendation of possible ways of their protection. In the next section, it deals with the design of composite wall panel with Bio-composite laminates on the top layer. This panel will contain mycelium as thermal insulation. The assumption of the use of this type of construction in the building industry is based on the possibility of replacing conventional materials used nowadays and reducing the environmental load by the building industry. The use of new types of eco-friendly building materials is in accordance with the EU strategy.
Dimensional stability of reinforced bitumen sheets as a possible source of flat roof defects
Authors: Plachý Jan , Vysoká Jana , Vejmelka Radek
Published: April 2019

This paper follows up on the results of a research presented at the conference Building Defects 2017. The paper deals with the dimensional stability of bitumen sheets. The manifestation of insufficient dimensional stability is the shrinkage of bitumen sheets in the transverse joints. Shrinkage of bitumen sheets with reinforced polyester liner and a non-reinforced glass fiber is primarily due to insufficient technological discipline. The paper deals with the influence of melting of the sheet on its possible shrinkage during roof exposure. Previous research has shown that the shrinkage happening during melting accounts for more than 50 % of the total shrinkage. The aim of this paper is to show the size of the effect on the biasing of the load-bearing insert during the realization of the waterproofing layer in bitumen sheets with a glass-reinforced polyester carrier liner. The experiment, expressed by the dimensional stability test according to ČSN EN 1107, was performed in a laboratory on three samples of bitumen sheets. Bitumen sheets had different types of reinforcement and a different weight of the carrier liner.
Economic importance of point thermal bridges to buildings with steel casing
Authors: Charvátová Pavlína , Šubrt Roman
Published: April 2019

Point thermal bridges are usually overlooked, their influence on the building’s energy may be significant. For warehouses, production and wholesale halls, the usual perimeter construction is a lightweight construction with thermal insulation between two sheets. As a thermal insulation in a significant number of cases, PUR, resp. its PIR modification. Recently, however, systems using thermal insulation of mineral wool are preferred. These structures, however, have both point and linear thermal bridges. In this paper, we focus on differences in the heat transfer coefficient calculated more precisely by using the ideal 1D, 2D and 3D model fragments and their comparison with the values reported by some manufacturers / vendors. At the end of the paper, we are devoted to quantifying the economic difference between the "offered" state and the fact determined by a more accurate calculation.
Intensivtherapie bei Adipositas: Too Big to Fail?
Authors: Lewandowski Klaus
Published: April 2019

Pathophysiologische Besonderheiten und typische Begleiterkrankungen adipöser Patienten stellen Ärzte und Pflegepersonal auf Intensivtherapiestationen vor große Herausforderungen – und die Prävalenz dieser Patienten steigt. Dieser Beitrag vermittelt pathophysiologische Hintergründe sowie notwendiges Wissen über endotracheale Intubation, Anpassung der maschinellen Ventilation und die Lagerungsbehandlung bei kritisch kranken Adipösen.
Erregerabwehr aus dem Bienenstock
Authors: März Henrike
Published: April 2019

Propolis, das Kittharz der Bienen, wehrt im Bienenstock als auch in der therapeutischen Verwendung Krankheitserreger ab. Sie ist eine bewährte Therapieoption bei Haut- und Schleimhautentzündungen und ist zum Beispiel bei Husten und Schnupfen ein natürliches Antiphlogistikum.
When high viscosity of pancreatic cysts precludes effective EUS-FNA: a benchtop comparison of negative pressure devices
Authors: Walsh Leonard , Mitchell Lindsay , Johri Ansh , Matone Nicholas , Frecker Mary , Moyer Matthew
Published: April 2019

Background and study aims Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) is an important diagnostic tool; however, it is often unsuccessful due to high viscosity of cystic fluid. In an effort to improve FNA, we objectively compared eight vacuum device configurations to determine the most effective method for aspirating viscous fluid collections. We also tested a high-frequency oscillation (HFO) technique that could be employed in FNA.

Materials and methods Maximum gauge pressures of four vacuum devices were measured: two standard EUS-FNA syringes, a 50-cc Alliance II device, and a nonmedical hand vacuum pump. To aspirate a viscous stock solution, 19-gauge and 22-gauge needles were used and flow rates were calculated. HFO was also applied to the needle during aspiration to determine effect on aspiration rate.

Results Aspiration devices generated maximum gauge pressures ranging from –21.5 to –27.5 inHg. The 19-gauge FNA needle aspirated viscous fluid 11.3 × faster on average than a 22-gauge needle. HFO increased average flow rates by 29.7 % in 19G and 124.6 % in 22G configurations.

Conclusion EUS-FNA of viscous fluid can be optimized by using the lowest possible gauge needle and connecting a vacuum device capable of generating and sustaining near perfect vacuum. This can be accomplished by maximizing syringe volume. In addition, connector-tubing length between the syringe and needle should be minimized, and tubing wall should be sufficiently strong to resist collapse under vacuum. Other novel techniques to increase fluid yield include a hand vacuum pump and application of HFO to FNA.
Tierhalter im Dilemma
Authors: Waschke Susanne C.
Published: April 2019

Tierallergien zählen zu den Typ-I-Reaktionen und werden vor allem durch Katzen, Hunde, Pferde, Nager und Vögel ausgelöst, insbesondere durch deren Sekrete oder Ausscheidungen. Eine häufig übersehene Sonderform und Typ-III oder -IV-Reaktion ist die Vogelhalterlunge, die sich als Alveolitis mit unklaren Atemwegsbeschwerden äußert. Wie sich im Fallbeispiel zeigt, kann eine orthomolekulare, probiotische und homöopathische Therapie in Verbindung mit Ohrakupunktur unter günstigen Voraussetzungen ein weiteres Zusammenleben mit Tieren ermöglichen.
Von Gift bis Tinte
Authors: Blume Ralf
Published: April 2019

In der Homöopathie gibt es zahlreiche Mittel tierischer Herkunft. Dabei wird entweder das Gift, eine Absonderung des Tieres wie Milch oder das ganze Tier verwendet. Bei potenzierten Schlangengiften spielen häufig Hämorrhagien eine Rolle, wohingegen Spinnengifte eher bei Beschwerden des Nervensystems angezeigt sind. Sepia und Asteria rubens haben einen großen hormonellen Einfluss und sind mit ihren jeweiligen Leitsymptomen in Phasen hormoneller Umstellung angezeigt.
Cytomegalovirus infection in a T-cell lymphoma patient presenting with multiple gastrointestinal ulcers: a case report
Authors: Tao Jin , Lin Xian , Tsia Hin Fong Christ-Jonathan , Wen Zhuo , Chen Jian , Liang Qiong , Lin Qu , Wu Bin
Published: April 2019

Background and study aims Gastrointestinal ulcers are responsible for a wide spectrum of diseases. Infection, drug-induced enteritis, malignancy, vasculitis and Inflammatory bowel disease are the most common causes; their clinical expression often varies according to the site and severity of intestinal involvement. We report on a 68-year-old male presenting with dyspepsia and melena and multiple gastrointestinal ulcers on endoscopy. We could not establish diagnosis of peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) despite multiple biopsies taken on several endoscopic sessions, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was documented by presence of inclusion bodies on pathology. The immunohistochemical study showed a mixture of B lymphocytes and predominantly T lymphocytes, negative for cluster of differentiation (CD)7. Southern blot gene rearrangement was positive for T-cell receptor beta. Our patient eventually expired from a massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage following four cycles of chemotherapy. We wish to emphasize that a CMV infection, as a comorbidity, can potentially mask and delay diagnosis of PTCL-NOS, especially in cases with aberrant immunophenotype presentation.
The Case for an Estrogen-iron Axis in Health and
Disease
Authors: Hamad Mawieh , Bajbouj Khuloud , Taneera Jalal
Published: April 2019

Clinical and experimental evidence suggest that estrogen manipulates
intracellular iron metabolism and that elevated levels of estrogen associate
with increased systemic iron availability. This has been attributed to the
ability of estrogen to suppress hepcidin synthesis, maintain ferroportin
integrity and enhance iron release from iron-absorbing duodenal enterocytes
and iron-storing macrophages and hepatocytes. These observations speak of a
potential “estrogen-iron” axis that manipulates iron
metabolism in response to hematologic (erythropoiesis) and non-hematologic
(uterine growth, pregnancy, lactation) needs for iron. Such an axis could
contribute to minimizing iron deficiency in premenopausal women and iron
overload in postmenopausal women. It could also exacerbate iron overload and
related clinical consequences including cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular
complications and neurodegenerative symptoms, especially in postmenopausal
women on hormonal replacement therapy. Understanding the role of estrogen in
iron metabolism may shed some light on the pleotropic, but often
paradoxical, roles of estrogen in human health and disease.
Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) in Cirrhosis and Cirrhosis-Associated Portal Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Weinberg Ethan , Palecki Julia , Reddy K.
Published: April 2019

Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have provided benefit in patients requiring anticoagulation for certain diseases by decreasing the burden of subcutaneous injections and the requirement for frequent monitoring through regular blood tests, to ensure adequacy of the therapeutic doses. Studies have demonstrated DOACs to be as safe, and in some instance safer, compared with traditional anticoagulants in the general population. However, the studies evaluating DOACs excluded patients with cirrhosis, a condition associated with an increased risk of developing portal vein thrombosis (PVT). Warfarin or low-molecular weight heparin are the standard-of-care treatment for acute PVT in cirrhosis, although there is enthusiasm in a paradigm shift switching to DOACs for the treatment of acute PVT in cirrhosis, particularly since the release of DOAC antidotes. This article reviews the current Food and Drug Administration-approved DOACs, hepatic metabolism of DOACs, pharmacokinetics of DOACs in patients with cirrhosis, safety of DOACs (including bleeding, hepatotoxicity, and pregnancy), current treatment guidelines for PVT in cirrhosis, and studies evaluating the use of DOACs in cirrhosis and for the treatment of PVT in cirrhosis. The potential use of DOACs for PVT primary prophylaxis in at-risk patients with cirrhosis and the possible antifibrotic effects of DOACs are also discussed.
Hallazgo de Tumor Maligno/Premaligno Insospechado en Estudios 18 F-FDG PET/TC en Pacientes Oncológicos
Authors: Servente Liliana , Bianco Corina , Bentancourt Cecilia , Alonso Omar
Published: April 2019

Objetivo Determinar la frecuencia y el tipo de tumor maligno/premaligno insospechado como hallazgo en estudios 18 F-FDG PET/TC en pacientes oncológicos.

Material y Métodos Se revisaron retrospectivamente (de enero de 2014 a marzo de 2017), informes de estudios 18 F-FDG PET/TC de pacientes oncológicos, identificando aquellos pacientes con hallazgo de lesión sospechosa de otro tumor maligno como hallazgo incidental. La información fue obtenida a partir de determinadas “palabras clave” en la base de datos del Centro. Los hallazgos se confirmaron mediante histopatología y/o seguimiento clínico y paraclínico de como mínimo seis meses.

Resultados De 4.086 pacientes oncológicos estudiados con 18 F-FDG PET/TC, se encontró lesión sospechosa de otro tumor maligno en 130 (3,2%), de los cuales 72 eran mujeres y 58 hombres, con edad media de 61 años. Los tumores primarios más frecuentes (aquellos que motivaron el pedido del examen PET/CT inicialmente), fueron de mama (n = 27), pulmón (n = 27) y colo-recto (n = 20). Se confirmaron por histopatología 49 (1,2%) nuevos tumores malignos/premalignos y dos lesiones metastásicas. La localización del segundo tumor primario correspondió a: colon (n = 18), pulmón (n = 6), mama (n = 6), linfoma (n = 3), ovario (n = 2), endometrio/cuello uterino (n = 2), tiroides (n = 2) y otros (n = 10). Resultaron 28 hallazgos falsos positivos, 31 pacientes no se estudiaron por progresión lesional y 20 pacientes se perdieron de seguimiento.

Discusión La prevalencia de neoplasia primaria maligna múltiple (NPMM) es variable entre 0,7 y 11,7%. En nuestra serie, se encontró lesión sospechosa de segundo tumor en 130 casos (3,2%), de los cuales se confirmaron 49 segundos tumores (1,2%), similar a lo reportado por otros autores.

Conclusiones La tasa de detección de tumor maligno insospechado confirmado histológicamente fue de 1,2%. Todo hallazgo incidental sospechoso de malignidad en 18 F-FDG PET/TC debe ser estudiado, ya que puede corresponder a un segundo tumor maligno no sospechado con posibilidad de tratamiento curativo.
Change in Cervical Length across Pregnancies and Preterm Delivery
Authors: Dude Annie , Miller Emily S.
Published: April 2019

Objective This study aimed to determine whether a decrease in midtrimester cervical length across pregnancies is associated with preterm delivery in a subsequent pregnancy.

Study Design This is a cohort study of women who had two consecutive singleton births at the same institution. Midtrimester cervical length change across pregnancies was measured as the difference in centimeters (cm) between cervical lengths using the measurement taken closest to 200/7 weeks' gestation in each pregnancy. Cervical length shortening was defined as present if the cervical length decreased by at least one standard deviation in the subsequent pregnancy.

Results Among 1,552 women, 114 (7.4%) experienced a preterm delivery in the subsequent pregnancy. Compared with women whose subsequent pregnancy cervical length remained stable or increased, women whose cervical length shortened were more likely to experience a preterm delivery (10.3 vs. 6.7%; p = 0.04). Cervical length shortening remained associated with preterm delivery even when accounting for a woman's prior preterm delivery, prior pregnancy short cervix, interdelivery interval, progesterone use, and cervical length in the subsequent pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio = 1.89; 95% confidence interval = 1.11–3.20).

Conclusion Midtrimester cervical length shortening across pregnancies is independently associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery.
Ultrathin and easy-processing photonic crystal absorbing layers to enhance light absorption efficiency of solar cells
Authors: Wan Yong , Jiang Cheng-yi , Wang Xian-ming , Liu Hao-nan , Wang Hao , Cai Zhongyu , Guo Xiangxin
Published: April 2019

We report the design and optimization of photonic crystal (PhC) structures within a GaAs or InAs absorption layer in thin film solar cells. In the PhC structure, hexagonal cylinder hole scatterers with the same upper and lower surfaces are used, and the cases of air and silica filled within these hexagonal hole scatterers are discussed, respectively. We designed and optimized the PhC absorption layer structures with four different conditions: the bulk materials comprising the absorption layer are either GaAs or InAs, and the hexagonal hole PhC scatterers are filled with either air or silica. The simulation results indicate that the absorptivity of the absorption layer can be greatly improved by using a PhC structure within the absorption layer. For height H = 0.20 µm, the maximum absorptivity of the GaAs absorption layer is 79.51%, while the maximum absorptivity of the InAs absorption layer is 96.57%. In addition, the absorptivity of the PhC structured absorption layer is less affected by the light incident angle, as the absorptivity of the structure is above 65% even when the light incident angle is 70°. Meanwhile, the porous PhC structure within the absorption layer is ideal for the filling of quantum dots, which has little effect on the absorptivity of light but can greatly improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency.
Linear magnetoresistance in the low-field limit in density-wave materials
Authors: Feng Yejun , Wang Yishu , Silevitch D. M. , Yan J.-Q. , Kobayashi Riki , Hedo Masato , Nakama Takao , Ōnuki Yoshichika , Suslov A. V. , Mihaila B. , Littlewood P. B. , Rosenbaum T. F.
Published: April 2019

Significance

Magnetoresistance has a history of revealing key electronic characteristics of materials. From early measurements on noble metals to definitive characterization of localization effects in semiconductors to recent studies of topological materials, the magnetoresistive response provides an experimental technique to explore the Fermi surface in detail, and to predict and craft physical properties through its sign, functional form, and potential quantum character. Linear magnetoresistance in density-wave systems has eluded clear explanation for over half a century. Here, we present measurements that lead to a general explanation based on unusual current paths tied to the formation of long-range charge or spin order. This mechanism potentially extends to the large magnetoresistance observed in semimetals like Bi, graphite, and WTe
2
.
Youth and the repoliticization of Quechua
Authors: Zavala Virginia
Published: April 2019

In this article, I argue that Intercultural Bilingual Education (IBE) in Peru has turned into a depoliticized endeavor, fed by a modernist national frame and a positivist/ modernist linguistics (García et al., 2017). Situating my discussion amid the context of discourses of IBE, I will focus on Quechua-speaking urban youth activists and the way they challenge three key issues that have been historically entrenched in the discourse of IBE and language diversity in general: the restriction of Quechua speakers to “mother tongue” speakers, the dichotomy between local and global identities, and the defensive stance towards neoliberalism and the market economy. In a context of tensions and challenges for multilingualism and of new circumstances for minoritized languages and their speakers (Pietikainen et al., 2016), these young people are questioning the depoliticized, limiting, and fictitious views of Quechua and Quechuaness from the IBE discourse. Put it differently: they are disinventing Quechua as IBE conceives it and reinventing it within a much more inclusive and politicized project, in a way that should interest educators.
Authority and morality in advocating heteroglossia
Authors: Jaspers Jürgen
Published: April 2019

In this article I address the fact that influential strands in socio- and applied linguistics advocate heteroglossic policies in education and other monolingually organised domains without extending this heteroglossia to public debate about language policy. Often this occurs by presenting linguistic diversity to relevant stakeholders as natural and real, or as the only option on account of its proven effectiveness. I argue that this strategy removes options from the debate by framing it as a scientific rather than political one, that it confronts stakeholders with academic pressure and blame, and that this may diminish scholars’ impact on policy making. Using examples from research on translanguaging, repertoires, and linguistic citizenship, I will suggest that scholars may be more effective in contexts of value conflict when their knowledge serves to expand rather than reduce the range of alternatives for stakeholders. Focusing on education I will then explore how we may reclaim language policy from an evidence-based discourse and address matters of value besides matters of fact.
Local Energy Dissipation/Transition in Field Effect Molecular Nanoelectronic Systems: a Quantum Mechanical Methodology
Authors: Safari Reza , Sabzyan Hassan
Published: April 2019

Electronic and vibrational intra-molecular thermoelectric-like figures of merit

(

ZT

γ

M

)

are introduced for single molecule nanoelectronic system, using quantum theory of atoms in molecule. These figures of merit are used to describe intra-molecular or local energy dissipation/transition (as in Joule-like, Peltier-like, and Thomson-like effects) in field effect molecular devices. The

ZT

γ

M

figures of merit are computed for two proposed molecular devices. Analysis of the results shows that

ZT

γ

M

depends almost non-linearly on the electric field (EF) strength. Also, the intra-molecular Joule-like heating plays a dominant role in the local energy dissipation, and intra-molecular Thomson-like heating is generally larger than the intra-molecular Peltier-like heating. Introduction of

ZT

γ

M

can be applied to extend the analysis of thermoelectric heating down to molecular and intra-molecular levels, and thus can be used to predict characteristics and performance of any candidate multi-terminal or multi-pole molecular systems prior to their application in real nanoelectronic circuits.
Towards a metamaterial approach for fast timing in PET: experimental proof-of-concept
Authors: Turtos R M , Gundacker S , Auffray E , Lecoq P
Published: April 2019

Achieving fast timing in positron emission tomography (PET) at the level of few tens of picoseconds of picoseconds is limited by the photon emission rate of existent materials with standard scintillation mechanisms. This has led to consider quantum confined excitonic sub-1 ns emission in semiconductors as a viable solution to enhance the amount of fast-emitted photons produced per gamma event. However the introduction of nanocrystals and nanostructures into the domain of radiation detectors is a challenging problem. In order to move forward along this line, the standard bulk detector geometry and readout should be updated to allow for the implementation of new materials and within others, compensate for some of their intrinsic limitations. In this paper we will cover two study cases in which a fast emitter is combined with state-of-the-art scintillators in a sampling geometry designed to provide better timing for a fraction of the 511 keV events. For this test, we use a fast plastic scintillator BC-422 able to deliver a detector time resolution (DTR) of 25 ps FWHM (equivalent coincidence time resolution CTR of 35 ps) and we combined it with LYSO or BGO 200

m thick plates building a sampling pixel composed by two active scintillating materials. We develop a new proof of concept readout that allows for the identification of different types of events, carrying standard or improved timing information. Results are showing a DTR of 67 ps FWHM (equivalent to a CTR of 95 ps) for one third of the events depositing 511 keV in the BGO  +  BC-422

mm3 sampling pixel. The other two third of the 511 keV events perform like standard bulk 3 mm long BGO crystals with a time resolution of around 117 ps (equivalent to a CTR of 165 ps). For the case of LYSO  +  BC-422 sampling pixel, shared 511 keV events reach a DTR of 39 ps (CTR of 55 ps) in comparison to 57 ps (CTR of 83 ps) for 511 keV events fully contained in LYSO of the same size. This work is a step forward in the integration of fast semiconductor nanocrystals and nanostructures with present detector technologies.
A NiTi alloy weft knitted fabric for smart firefighting clothing
Authors: Šalej Lah Alenka , Fajfar Peter , Kugler Goran , Rijavec Tatjana
Published: April 2019

A prototype of a new shape-memory nitinol knitted fabric intended for use as an active thermal insulating interlining in firefighting protective clothing was developed in the study presented in this paper. Weft knitted fabrics were made from commercially available cold-worked nickel titanium alloy monofils. Knits were made on a manual knitting machine from a monofil measuring 0.1 mm in diameter, while a hand-made knit was prepared from a monofil measuring 0.2 mm in diameter. Nitinol fabrics were annealed at 500 °C to achieve an austenite transition temperature of 75 °C. A special constructed mould made of a steel frame and aluminium domes measuring 30 and 20 mm in height was used to give the nitinol fabrics a new temporary shape. A two-way, shape-memory effect of the nitinol fabrics was achieved using a 15-cycle training process. The achieved shape-memory effect was tested in a heated chamber at 100 °C, where bulges measuring 12–25 mm in height occurred. NiTi knits made from finer monofil were the most successful shape-memory knits. They were machine knitted and achieved sufficiently high bulges, measuring 18 or 12 mm, that facilitated large enough air gaps for effective thermal protection. A smart textile system was prepared by inserting the trained nitinol fabric into a pocket made from two textile fabric layers sewn together. When it was exposed to environmental temperatures of 75 °C and higher, it instantly changed its form from a two-dimensional shape to a three-dimensional shape, while increasing the air gap in the pocket. A quilted fabric made from such a smart textile system could be used in firefighting protective clothing to locally improve thermal insulation and protect the human skin from overheating or burns.
Fate of superconductivity in disordered Dirac and semi-Dirac semimetals
Authors: Wang Jing-Rong , Liu Guo-Zhu , Zhang Chang-Jin
Published: April 2019

The influence of weak disorder on the superconductivity in ordinary metals can be formally described by the Abrikosov-Gorkov diagrammatic approach. The vertex correction is ignored in this approach because an inequality k

F

l ≫ 1, where k

F
is the Fermi momentum and l mean free path, is satisfied in ordinary metals with a large Fermi surface. In a Dirac semimetal that has discrete Fermi points, this inequality may break down even for arbitrarily weak disorder since

k

F

→
0

, and thus the vertex correction could be important. We incorporate the vertex correction into the self-consistent equations of the superconducting gap and the disorder scattering rate, and then apply the generalized approach to study how s-wave superconductivity is affected by random chemical potential in two- and three-dimensional Dirac semimetals, as well as two-dimensional semi-Dirac semimetal. In the clean limit, superconductivity is formed only when the pairing interaction strength is greater than some critical value in these materials. Adding random chemical potential to the system promotes superconductivity by generating a finite fermionic density of states at the Fermi level. In three-dimensional Dirac semimetal, the critical attraction strength is reduced by weak disorder, but remains finite. In the other two cases, superconductivity is induced by arbitrarily weak attraction. Including the vertex correction does not change these qualitative results, and actually could further promote superconductivity in the weak-attraction regime. Bilayer graphene is quite special in that its zero-energy density of states is nonzero despite the existence of Fermi points. Due to this peculiar property, superconductivity is always slightly suppressed by random chemical potential, and the impact of vertex correction is nearly negligible.
Comments on the fractal energy spectrum of honeycomb lattice with defects
Authors: Matsuki Yoshiyuki , Ikeda Kazuki
Published: April 2019

We study the fractality of the energy spectrum of honeycomb lattice with various defects or impurities under a perpendicular magnetic field. Using a tight-binding Hamiltonian including interactions with the nearest neighbors, we investigate its energy spectrum for different choices of point defects or impurities. First, we fix a unit cell consisting of 8 lattice points and survey the energy eigenvalues in the presence of up to 2 point defects. Then it turns out that the existence of the fractal energy structure, called Hofstadter’s butterfly, highly depends on the choice of defect pairs. Next, we extend the size of a unit cell which contains a single point defect in the unit cell consisting of 18 and 32 lattice points to lower the density of the defects. In this case, the robust gapless point exists on theE = 0 eV line without depending on the size of unit cells. And we find this gapless point always exists at the center of the butterfly shape. This butterfly shape also exists for the case of no defect lattice which has the fractality.
Control of Southern Armyworm (SAW) in Staked Tomato, Fall 1992
Authors: Stansly P. A. , Conner J. M.
Published: April 2019

Field-grown “Sunny” tomatoes were transplanted on 27 Aug. into single rows 20 inches between plants on plastic mulched beds 36 inches wide on 6 ft with subsurface seepage irrigation. RCB design, with 4 replications and 6 treatments with plots 3 rows by 20 feet. Eight weekly applications made with a tractor-mounted hydraulic boom sprayer with drop lines carrying four Albuz ATR Red nozzles per row for the first 2 applications, delivering 64 gpa and 6 nozzles per row, delivering 95.5 gpa for the remaining 6 applications. Grower check was Biobit FC® (2 qt/100 gal) or 2 pt/100 gal of Lannate 1.8 L (first treatment only). SAW were monitored weekly 3 days post-treatment by examining 5 randomly selected plants per plot for larvae and rating for percent defoliation. The same ten randomly selected plants per plot were harvested 3, 17 and 30 November. Fruit were weighed, culled and checked for worm damage.
The EntOptLayout Cytoscape plug-in for the efficient visualization of major protein complexes in protein–protein interaction and signalling networks
Authors: Ágg Bence , Császár Andrea , Szalay-Bekő Máté , Veres Dániel V , Mizsei Réka , Ferdinandy Péter , Csermely Péter , Kovács István A
Published: April 2019

Motivation

Network visualizations of complex biological datasets usually result in ‘hairball’ images, which do not discriminate network modules.

Results

We present the EntOptLayout Cytoscape plug-in based on a recently developed network representation theory. The plug-in provides an efficient visualization of network modules, which represent major protein complexes in protein–protein interaction and signalling networks. Importantly, the tool gives a quality score of the network visualization by calculating the information loss between the input data and the visual representation showing a 3- to 25-fold improvement over conventional methods.

Availability and implementation

The plug-in (running on Windows, Linux, or Mac OS) and its tutorial (both in written and video forms) can be downloaded freely under the terms of the MIT license from: http://apps.cytoscape.org/apps/entoptlayout.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Exercising the ‘governance option’: labour’s new push to reshape financial capitalism
Authors: Diamond Stephen F
Published: April 2019

New forms of stockholder activism call into question longstanding assumptions underpinning our system of corporate governance. Scholarship has largely failed to explain the basis for these new forms and, in particular, the differences among activists. Activists are not one undifferentiated mass. Both small activist hedge funds and large union-sponsored or -influenced pension funds use governance mechanisms to influence corporate behaviour. Pension funds, however, have a different set of incentives than hedge funds. The beneficiaries of these funds cannot easily switch between consumption and investment by buying or selling their holdings in firms. Thus, instead, institutional investors exercise an embedded ‘governance option’ found within shares of common stock to engage with firms. Organised labour, in particular, now uses its influence in pension funds to motivate progressive change by corporations. This form of activism has the potential to alter the balance of power between workers and capitalists in the era of financial capitalism.
African Participation in the ICSID System: Appointment and Disqualification of Arbitrators
Authors: Onyema Emilia
Published: April 2019

This article critically interrogates the experience of African States within the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) system through an analysis of certain procedural issues. Such issues cover a very wide terrain of different issues during the arbitration process, excepting the determination of the substantive rights and obligations of the disputants. The primary focus of this article is on issues relating to the constitution of tribunals and applications for the disqualification of arbitrators by African States as parties to disputes under the ICSID regime. Finally, it briefly mentions post-award actions within the ICSID regime, in which African States have also been active. It concludes that the engagement of African States within the ICSID regime will increase with the growth of cross-border intra-African investment activities. This will also lead to an increase in the participation of African lawyers in the ICSID system. This will be achieved through their appointment as counsel, arbitrators, conciliators and experts—not just by the Chairman of the ICSID Administrative Council but also by these African parties. Finally, this increased participation of African parties and States will continue to contribute to the development of the ICSID jurisprudence and its influence on the development of international investment law.
PRDM9 Diversity at Fine Geographical Scale Reveals Contrasting Evolutionary Patterns and Functional Constraints in Natural Populations of House Mice
Authors: Vara Covadonga , Capilla Laia , Ferretti Luca , Ledda Alice , Sánchez-Guillén Rosa A , Gabriel Sofia I , Albert-Lizandra Guillermo , Florit-Sabater Beatriu , Bello-Rodríguez Judith , Ventura Jacint , Searle Jeremy B , Mathias Maria L , Ruiz-Herrera Aurora
Published: April 2019

One of the major challenges in evolutionary biology is the identification of the genetic basis of postzygotic reproductive isolation. Given its pivotal role in this process, here we explore the drivers that may account for the evolutionary dynamics of the PRDM9 gene between continental and island systems of chromosomal variation in house mice. Using a data set of nearly 400 wild-caught mice of Robertsonian systems, we identify the extent of PRDM9 diversity in natural house mouse populations, determine the phylogeography of PRDM9 at a local and global scale based on a new measure of pairwise genetic divergence, and analyze selective constraints. We find 57 newly described PRDM9 variants, this diversity being especially high on Madeira Island, a result that is contrary to the expectations of reduced variation for island populations. Our analysis suggest that the PRDM9 allelic variability observed in Madeira mice might be influenced by the presence of distinct chromosomal fusions resulting from a complex pattern of introgression or multiple colonization events onto the island. Importantly, we detect a significant reduction in the proportion of PRDM9 heterozygotes in Robertsonian mice, which showed a high degree of similarity in the amino acids responsible for protein–DNA binding. Our results suggest that despite the rapid evolution of PRDM9 and the variability detected in natural populations, functional constraints could facilitate the accumulation of allelic combinations that maintain recombination hotspot symmetry. We anticipate that our study will provide the basis for examining the role of different PRDM9 genetic backgrounds in reproductive isolation in natural populations.
Reirradiation of recurrent high-grade glioma and development of prognostic scores for progression and survival
Authors: Chapman Christopher H , Hara Jared H , Molinaro Annette M , Clarke Jennifer L , Oberheim Bush Nancy Ann , Taylor Jennie W , Butowski Nicholas A , Chang Susan M , Fogh Shannon E , Sneed Penny K , Nakamura Jean L , Raleigh David R , Braunstein Steve E
Published: April 2019

Background

Optimal techniques and patient selection for salvage reirradiation of high-grade glioma (HGG) are unclear. In this study, we identify prognostic factors for freedom from progression (FFP) and overall survival (OS) after reirradiation, risk factors for high-grade toxicity, and validate clinical prognostic scores.

Methods

A total of 116 patients evaluated between 2000 and 2018 received reirradiation for HGG (99 WHO grade IV, 17 WHO grade III). Median time to first progression after initial therapy was 10.6 months. Salvage therapies before reirradiation included surgery (31%) and systemic therapy (41%). Sixty-five patients (56%) received single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) as reirradiation. The median biologically effective dose (BED) was 47.25 Gy, and the median planning target volume (PTV) was 4.8 cc for SRS and 95.0 cc for non-SRS treatments. Systemic therapy was given concurrently to 52% and adjuvantly to 74% of patients.

Results

Median FFP was 4.9 months, and median OS was 11.0 months. Significant multivariable prognostic factors for FFP were performance status, time to initial progression, and BED; for OS they were age, time to initial progression, and PTV volume at recurrence. High-grade toxicity was correlated to PTV size at recurrence. Three-level prognostic scores were generated for FFP and OS, with cross-validated receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) of 0.640 and 0.687, respectively.

Conclusions

Clinical variables at the time of reirradiation for HGG can be used to prognosticate FFP and OS.
MEASUREMENT OF AMBIENT GAMMA DOSE RATES ALONG TWO INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES IN LEYTE ISLAND, PHILIPPINES
Authors: Palad Lorna Jean , Mendoza Christopher , Dela Cruz Fe , Olivares Juanario , Cruz Paolo Tristan , Iwaoka Kazuki
Published: April 2019

Natural background radiation to which humans are continuously exposed to come from the primordial radionuclides on the surface of the Earth. Industrial activities which concentrate natural radionuclides usually in residues and waste materials may enhance natural radioactivity on the ground via airborne contamination. In this study, ambient gamma dose rates were measured inside and outside two industrial facilities in Leyte, Philippines, to assess possible contribution of NORM materials in enhancement of natural radiation background in these areas. Ambient gamma dose rates measured at selected sites from Tacloban City to Isabel, Leyte and in nearby areas of Kananga and Ormoc City, Leyte were within the range of the background ambient gamma dose rates measured in the Philippines, ranging from 21 to 124 nSv/h. The workers in the phosphate rock storage and phosphogypsum pond areas in the phosphate fertiliser production plant received the highest annual effective external dose of 0.76 mSv.
Fifteen years of Private Foundations and yet back to the roots!?
Authors: Niegel Johanna
Published: April 2019

In this 15th anniversary issue of ‘Private Foundations: A World Review’ the Editor herself establishes an assessment and highlights the most important topics and articles that have over the past 15 years engaged the interest of trust and foundation practitioners alike. With a view to the Swiss initiative to introduce the trust in its civil law legal order, the Editor reflects on the experiences made by the Principality of Liechtenstein, a civil law country that went through the same exercise 93 years earlier than Switzerland and in this respect also looks at the position of common law countries that have introduced the civil law concept of a private foundation.
Modelling the On-going Natural Selection of Educational Attainment in Contemporary Societies
Authors: Hong Ze
Published: April 2019

There has been substantial increase in education attainment (EA) in both developing and developed countries over the past century. I present a simulation model to examine the potential evolutionary trajectories of EA under current selective pressure in western populations. With the assumption that EA is negatively correlated with fitness and has both a genetic component and a cultural component, I show that when prestige-biased transmission of the EA (i.e. people with more education are more likely to be copied) is present, the phenotype of EA is likely to keep increasing in the short term, yet the genetic component of EA may be undergoing a constant decline and eventually lead to an overall decrease in the phenotype.

Significance statement

Contemporary humans live in very different environments from our ancestors and are subject to very different selective forces. The future evolutionary trajectory of current human populations is thus of both intellectual and pragmatic importance. The present simulation model sheds light on the short-term evolutionary dynamics of educational attainment, and demonstrates the significant contribution of systematically transmitted human culture in shaping the evolutionary paths and producing non-intuitive evolutionary outcomes.