bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are the effects of drugs to prevent and to treat heart failure always concordant? The statin paradox and its implications for understanding the actions of antidiabetic medications
Authors: Packer Milton
Published: March 2018

Most treatments for chronic heart failure are effective both in preventing its onset and reducing its progression. However, statins prevent the development of heart failure, but they do not decrease morbidity and mortality in those with established heart failure. This apparent discordance cannot be explained by an effect to prevent interval myocardial infarctions. Instead, it seems that the disease that statins were preventing in trials of patients with a metabolic disorder was different from the disease that they were treating in trials of chronic heart failure. The most common phenotype of heart failure in patients with obesity and diabetes is heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). In this disorder, the anti‐inflammatory effects of statins might ameliorate myocardial fibrosis and cardiac filling abnormalities, but these actions may have little relevance to patients with heart failure and a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), whose primary derangement is cardiomyocyte loss and stretch. These distinctions may explain why statins were ineffective in trials that focused on HFrEF, but have been reported to produce favourable effects in observational studies of HFpEF. Similarly, selective cytokine antagonists were ineffective in HFrEF, but have been associated with benefits in HFpEF. These observations may have important implications for our understanding of the effects of antihyperglycaemic medications. Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists have had neutral effects on heart failure events in people at risk for HFpEF, but have exerted deleterious actions in HFrEF. Similarly, sodium–glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors, which exert anti‐inflammatory effects and reduce heart failure events in patients who are prone to HFpEF, may not be effective in HFrEF. The distinctions between HFrEF and HFpEF may explain why the effects of drugs on heart failure events in diabetes trials may not be relevant to their use in patients with systolic dysfunction.
Posterior auricular artery as a novel anatomic landmark for identification of the facial nerve: A cadaveric study
Authors: Liu Muyuan , Wang Steven J. , Benet Arnau , Meybodi Ali Tayebi , Tabani Halima , EI‐Sayed Ivan H.
Published: March 2018

Background

Despite preservation techniques, performing a parotidectomy carries a transient facial nerve dysfunction rate in up to 65% of cases and a permanent facial nerve weakness rate of 4%‐7%.

Methods

The lateral aspect of the face and neck was exposed in 5 cadaveric heads (10 sides). The relationship of the posterior auricular artery (PAA) and the facial nerve was studied and recorded and descriptive measurements were taken.

Results

In all specimens, the facial nerve trunk crossed the PAA inferior to the stylomastoid foramen and could be identified precisely by tracing the PAA proximally. The distance from the cross point of the PAA and the facial nerve to the external meatal cartilage was 5.2 ± 0.2 mm.

Conclusion

The PAA represents a potential new anatomic landmark for facial nerve identification at the main trunk.
Clinical significance of tumor mitotic rate and lack of epidermal attachment in melanoma of the head and neck
Authors: Babajanian Eric E. , Tamaki Akina , Bordeaux Jeremy S. , Honda Kord , Zender Chad A.
Published: March 2018

Background

The primary purpose of this study was to identify the prognostic role of primary dermal melanoma and tumor mitotic rate in melanomas of the head and neck.

Methods

A retrospective review of the histopathologic, clinical, and demographic data of 256 patients was performed to investigate the impact of primary dermal melanoma and tumor mitotic rate on sentinel lymph node positivity, recurrence, and 5‐year overall and disease‐free survival.

Results

Increased tumor mitotic rate, but not primary dermal melanoma, is a significant predictor of sentinel lymph node positivity and higher likelihood of recurrence. Survival analysis demonstrated that both increased tumor mitotic rate and primary dermal melanoma decreased the 5‐year overall and disease‐free survival rates of patients with head and neck melanoma lesions.

Conclusion

Tumor mitotic rate and primary dermal melanoma may have prognostic significance for both overall and disease‐free survival in patients with head and neck melanoma. A larger prospective study is warranted to further elucidate prognostic factors for melanoma in the head and neck region.
Isolation of 5‐Hydroxy‐γ‐lactams from a Classical 2‐Aminopyrrole Synthesis
Authors: Suthiwangcharoen Nisaraporn , Bean Andrew C. , Hassan Minna , Eidell Cheryl K. , Stephens Chad E.
Published: March 2018

5‐hydroxy‐γ‐lactams have been isolated as major byproducts from a classical 2‐aminopyrrole synthesis involving condensation of an in situ prepared α‐aminoketone with methyl cyanoacetate. The classical 2‐aminopyrrole was obtained in very low yield, or not at all. One 5‐hydroxy‐γ‐lactam was dehydrated to the known 5‐methylene‐γ‐lactam in good yield using thionyl chloride.
A customized approach for arm fat reduction using cryolipolysis
Authors: Rivers Jason K. , Ulmer Marcie , Vestvik Brianne , Santos Sherisse
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Cryolipolysis of the arms has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for non‐invasive reduction of subcutaneous fat. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the concurrent use of a new commercially‐available small applicator in conjunction with an existing medium sized applicator for the customized treatment of arm fat.

Methods

Bilateral arms of 15 eligible subjects were simultaneously treated using one or two vacuum applicators with flat contours. Either a medium or small cryolipolysis applicator with an oblong cup‐shaped cooling surface was selected to treat upper arm fat. The shape of the fat bulge in each subject's arm was assessed and up to two treatment cycles (−11°C for 35 minutes each) were delivered to each arm in one session, based upon investigator discretion. Throughout the procedure and at the completion of each treatment cycle, investigators assessed the subject's level of comfort, as well as sensory and motor nerve effects. Post‐treatment manual massage was performed, and clinical assessments of each treatment site were recorded. Adverse events were recorded to monitor procedural safety. Baseline and 12 weeks post‐treatment photographs and ultrasound measurements were taken to assess efficacy. Subject questionnaires were administered to evaluate satisfaction.

Results

Fifteen female subjects (mean age of 51.1, mean BMI of 26.8) completed the study. Ultrasound imaging revealed statistically significant fat layer reduction of 2.5 mm (SD ± 2.4 mm, 95%CI 1.6–3.3). Subject surveys administered 12 weeks post‐treatment demonstrated 87% satisfaction with the arm cryolipolysis procedure. A panel of blinded, independent physicians correctly identified 83% of the before and after photos. Clinical assessments found adverse events were mild and included erythema and mild swelling that resolved without intervention. Mild treatment area numbness was reported by 73% of subjects at the 4‐week interim visit and fully resolved at the 12‐week visit.

Conclusion

This study documents the first reported customized approach for assessment and treatment of arm fat using a small or medium cup applicator with varied applicator placement. By incorporating one or two treatment cycles per arm in a single session, the issue of variable fat distribution in people's arms can be addressed. This approach was shown to be a safe and effective way to reduce unwanted arm fat with high patient satisfaction. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:732–737, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High Stiffness Cellulose Fibers from Low Molecular Weight Microcrystalline Cellulose Solutions Using DMSO as Co‐Solvent with Ionic Liquid
Authors: Zhu Chenchen , Koutsomitopoulou Anastasia F. , Eichhorn Stephen J. , van Duijneveldt Jeroen S. , Richardson Robert M. , Nigmatullin Rinat , Potter Kevin D.
Published: March 2018

There is a need to develop high‐performance cellulose fibers as sustainable replacements for glass fibers, and as alternative precursors for carbon filaments. Traditional fiber spinning uses toxic solvents, but in this study, by using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a co‐solvent with an ionic liquid, a novel high‐performance fiber with exceptional mechanical properties is produced. This involves a one‐step dissolution, and cost‐effective route to convert high concentrations of low molecular weight microcrystalline cellulose into high stiffness cellulose fibers. As the cellulose concentration increases from 20.8 to 23.6 wt%, strong optically anisotropic patterns appear for cellulose solutions, and the clearing temperature (T
c) increases from ≈100 °C to above 105 °C. Highly aligned, stiff cellulose fibers are dry‐jet wet spun from 20.8 and 23.6 wt% cellulose/1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium diethyl phosphate/DMSO solutions, with a Young's modulus of up to ≈41 GPa. The significant alignment of cellulose chains along the fiber axis is confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, and powder X‐ray diffraction. This process presents a new route to convert high concentrations of low molecular weight cellulose into high stiffness fibers, while significantly reducing the processing time and cost.
Some characterizations of BLO space
Authors: Wang Dinghuai , Zhou Jiang , Teng Zhidong
Published: March 2018

For , a real‐valued function belongs to space if
urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201700318:mana201700318-math-0004In this paper, we establish a version of John–Nirenberg inequality suitable for the space with . As a corollary, it is proved that spaces are independent of the scale in sense of norm. Also, we characterize the space through weighted Lebesgue spaces and variable Lebesgue spaces, respectively.
Downregulation of miR‐3127‐5p promotes epithelial‐mesenchymal transition via FZD4 regulation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Yang Yang , Sun Yifeng , Wu Yun , Tang Dongfang , Ding Xi , Xu Wen , Su Bo , Gao Wen
Published: March 2018

MiR‐3127‐5p has been implicated as a tumor‐suppressive microRNA (miRNA) in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its expression was associated with tumor recurrence and poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to determine whether miR‐3127‐5p regulates epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in NSCLC, and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Using qRT‐PCR, we examined the expression levels of miR‐3127‐5p in a cohort of primary NSCLC specimens with and without distant metastasis. We further performed a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments to investigate the effects and underlying mechanism of miR‐3127‐5p on EMT, cell migration, invasion, and adhesion in NSCLC. We found that metastatic NSCLC tissues showed markedly downregulated miR‐3127‐5p expression. Transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) treatment induced EMT in A549 and H1299 cells, and downregulation of miR‐3127‐5p could result in the similar effect. Mechanically, we demonstrated that frizzled‐4 (FZD4) is a target gene and miR‐3127‐5p exerts its effects by regulating the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. In addition, the expression levels of FZD4 and miR‐3127‐5p were also negatively associated in both clinical and xenografted tumors. Overall, these findings suggest that downregulation of miR‐3127‐5p promotes EMT through activating the Wnt/FZD4/β‐catenin signaling pathway and may represent a therapeutic target for NSCLC metastasis.
Recurrent transcriptional loss of the PCDH17 tumor suppressor in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma is partially mediated by aberrant promoter DNA methylation
Authors: Byzia Ewa , Soloch Natalia , Bodnar Magdalena , Szaumkessel Marcin , Kiwerska Katarzyna , Kostrzewska‐Poczekaj Magdalena , Jarmuz‐Szymczak Malgorzata , Szylberg Lukasz , Wierzbicka Malgorzata , Bartochowska Anna , Kalinowicz Ewelina , Grenman Reidar , Szyfter Krzysztof , Marszalek Andrzej , Giefing Maciej
Published: March 2018

Protocadherins are cell‐cell adhesion molecules encoded by a large family of genes. Recent reports demonstrate recurrent silencing of protocadherin genes in tumors and provide strong arguments for their tumor supresor functionality. Loss of protocadherins may contribute to cancer development not only by altering cell‐cell adhesion, that is a hallmark of cancer, but also by enhancing proliferation and epithelial mesenchymal transition of cells via deregulation of the WNT signaling pathway. In this study we have further corroborated our previous findings on the involvement of PCDH17 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). We used bisulfite pyrosequencing to analyze a cohort of primary LSCC tumors for alterations in PCDH17 promoter DNA methylation as an alternative gene inactivation mechanism to the homozygous deletions reported earlier. Moreover, we analyzed primary LSCC samples by immunohistochemistry for PCDH17 protein loss. We identified recurrent elevation of PCDH17 promoter DNA methylation in 32/81 (40%) primary tumors (P < 0.001) and therein hypermethylation of 12 (15%) cases in contrast to no tumor controls (n = 24) that were all unmethylated. Importantly, DNA demethylation by decitabine has restored low level PCDH17 expression in LSCC cell lines. In conclusion, we provide a mechanistic explanation of recurrently observed PCDH17 silencing in LSCC by demonstrating the role of promoter methylation in this process. In light of these findings and recent reports showing that PCDH17 methylation is detectable in serum of cancer patients we suggest that testing PCDH17 DNA methylation might serve as a potential biomarker in LSCC.
Down‐regulation of POTEG predicts poor prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Wang Ling , Li Mengqing , Zhan Yuting , Ban Xiaojiao , Zeng Tingting , Zhu Yinghui , Yun Jingping , Guan Xin‐Yuan , Li Yan
Published: March 2018

POTE ankyrin domain family, member G (poteg) belongs to POTE family. The POTE family is composed of many proteins which are very closely related and expressed in prostate, ovary, testis, and placenta. Some POTE paralogs are related with some cancers. Here we showed that down‐regulation of POTEG was detected in about 60% primary esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tumor tissues. Clinical association studies determined that POTEG down‐regulation was significantly correlated with tumor differentiation, lymph nodes metastasis and TNM staging. Kaplan‐Meier analysis determined that POTEG down‐regulation was associated with poorer clinical outcomes of ESCC patients (P = 0.026). Functional studies showed that POTEG overexpression could suppress tumor cell growth and metastasis capacity in vitro and in vivo. Molecular analyses revealed that POTEG downregulated CDKs, leading to subsequent inhibition of Rb phosphorylation, and consequently arrested Cell Cycle at G1/S Checkpoint. POTEG overexpression induced apoptosis by activating caspases and PARP, and regulating canonical mitochondrial apoptotic pathways. On the other side, POTEG inhibited epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and suppressed tumor cell metastasis. In conclusion, our study reveals a functionally important control mechanism of POTEG in esophageal cancer pathogenesis, suggesting potential use in the ESCC intervention and therapeutic strategies.
Oleanolic acid induces osteosarcoma cell apoptosis by inhibition of Notch signaling
Authors: Xu Ying , Shu Bing , Tian Ye , Wang Guangxi , Wang Yongjun , Wang Jinwu , Dong Yufeng
Published: March 2018

Oleanolic acid (OA), a naturally occurring triterpenoid, exhibits potential antitumor activity in several tumor cell lines. Although the inhibition effects of OA on proliferation and survival in human cancers have been confirmed, the potential mechanism underlying OA‐induced osteosarcoma cell death has not yet been fully elucidated. Our results in this study showed that OA inhibits proliferation and viability of osteosarcoma cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Flow cytometry assays revealed that apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells was significantly induced by OA treatment, while this induction was blocked by Jagged1‐mediated activation of Notch signaling. Western blot analysis and a mitochondrial membrane potential assay demonstrated that OA functions through the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. More importantly, our data revealed that OA treatment interrupted the balance between pro‐apoptotic factors and anti‐apoptotic factors in osteosarcoma cells by inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway. These data suggest that OA induces osteosarcoma cell apoptosis by targeting mitochondria in a Notch signaling‐dependent manner. Thus, OA may be a promising drug for adjuvant chemotherapy in osteosarcoma.
Development of the Impact of Nighttime Urination (INTU) questionnaire to assess the impact of nocturia on health and functioning
Authors: Abrams Steven , Martin Susan , Gillard Kristin K. , Cheng Linda , Fein Seymour
Published: March 2018

Aims

This study describes development of the Impact of Nighttime Urination (INTU) questionnaire to assess nocturia impacts on health and functioning.

Methods

Development of the questionnaire followed an iterative patient‐directed process as recommended by current guidance for patient‐reported outcome (PRO) measures. An initial 15‐item questionnaire was devised based on reviewing the published literature, and then modified through four rounds of semi‐structured interviews of 28 individuals with nocturia. In each round, open‐ended concept elicitation, followed by cognitive debriefing, was used to assess the questionnaire. Items were modified based on participants’ responses and incorporated into the next round of interviews.

Results

In all rounds, participants reported that their experiences were easy to recall and report on a daily basis and that the burden of completing the questionnaire was low. The final questionnaire has a same‐day recall period. It includes six daytime impact items—having limited concentration, a sense of feeling tired, difficulty getting things done, irritability, not feeling rested, and drowsiness—and four items that measure the nighttime impact of nocturia—patient concern, waking up too early, difficulty getting enough sleep, and feeling bothered by having to get up at night to void. Responses follow a 5‐ or 4‐point scale. The final INTU captures the key concepts associated with nocturia as confirmed by cognitive debriefing.

Conclusions

Development of the 10‐item INTU, a nocturia‐specific PRO measure, was based on direct input and feedback from patients and has demonstrated that it captures the patient‐reported impacts of nocturia.
Long‐term functional outcome analysis in a large cohort of patients after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Grabbert Markus , Buchner Alexander , Butler‐Ransohoff Christopher , Kretschmer Alexander , Stief Christian G. , Bauer Ricarda M.
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Goal of the study was an analysis of functional outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP) in a large cohort of patients.

Methods

Functional outcomes were assessed with the ICIQ‐SF questionnaire and daily pad‐usage for the evaluation of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) as well as with the IIEF‐5 score for the evaluation of erectile dysfunction (ED). Statistical analysis included log‐rank test, Mann‐Whitney‐Test, ANOVA test and logistic regression (P < 0.05).

Results

In total 4003 patients were included in the study. Median follow‐up was 42 months (min. 2‐max. 147 mo.). Regarding ED, an IIEF‐5 score of ≥20 was reached by 39% of patients. Regarding SUI, 55% stated that they needed no pads, 21% of patients needed one pad per day. 33% of patients reported of no incontinence (0 p. in ICIQ), 26% of patients reported of a mild incontinence (1‐5 p. in ICIQ). Patientś global impression of their overall health respectively patientś subjective quality of life were assessed with the EORTC QLC‐C30 and were both high with a median of six points (on a scale of 1‐7). In multivariate analysis time since surgery could be identified as independent risk factors on QOL (P = 0.0028), IIEF‐5 (P = 0.0149), ICIQ (P < 0.001), and pads per day (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our data show a good continence status, a clearly impaired erectile function but overall a good quality of life after surgery. In summary older patients—with an advanced tumor and adjuvant radiation therapy—were at highest risk for an impaired functional outcome.
Mixed rules in multi‐issue allocation situations
Authors: Bergantiños Gustavo , Chamorro Jose María , Lorenzo Leticia , Lorenzo‐Freire Silvia
Published: March 2018

Multi‐issue allocation situations study problems where an estate must be divided among a group of agents. The claim of each agent is a vector specifying the amount claimed by each agent on each issue. We present a two‐stage rule. First, we divide the estate among the issues following the constrained equal awards rule. Second, the amount assigned to each issue is divided among the agents in proportion to their demands on this issue. We apply the rule to two real‐world problems: the distribution of natural resources between countries and the distribution of budget for education and research between universities.
Supervised Physical Training Improves Weight Loss After Roux‐en‐Y Gastric Bypass Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mundbjerg Lene Hymøller , Stolberg Charlotte Røn , Cecere Stefano , Bladbjerg Else‐Marie , Funch‐Jensen Peter , Gram Bibi , Juhl Claus Bogh
Published: March 2018

Objective

Bariatric surgery results in significant weight loss and reduces cardiovascular morbidity. However, a large variation in postsurgery weight loss is seen. Physical activity promotes weight loss in nonsurgically treated subjects with obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 6 months of supervised physical training following Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) on body weight and cardiovascular risk markers.

Methods

Sixty participants eligible for RYGB were included. Six months post surgery, the participants were randomly assigned to either twice‐weekly supervised physical training sessions in a fitness center (INT) or a control group (CON) for 26 weeks. Before surgery and 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery, the participants underwent an examination program that included anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, heart rate, blood samples, and an abdominal computed tomography scan.

Results

RYGB significantly reduced body weight and improved cardiovascular risk markers (all P < 0.01). The supervised physical training intervention resulted in a 4.2‐kg (CI: −0.2 to −8.3 kg) lower body weight in INT compared with CON at the study end (P = 0.042). The high‐density lipoprotein concentration was significantly higher in INT than in CON at the termination of the intervention, but this was not maintained at the 24‐months examination.

Conclusions

Physical training following RYGB improves weight loss and cardiovascular health.
Switched optimization control of power allocation of hybrid energy storage systems
Authors: Song Xiulan , Meng Limin , Wang Lei
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we present a switched optimization control method for power allocation of hybrid energy storage systems (HESSs) subject to constraints on the state of charge and power split. By the energy conservation principle, a continuous‐time switching model is established to describe changes of charge quantities of the HESS during its charging‐or‐discharging process. Then an analytic switched state feedback law with some free parameters is constructed by the concept of common control Lyapunov functions, which is used to allocate the power of storage units during the charging‐or‐discharging process. To cope with the constraints and performance functions formulating the power allocation requirements of storage units, the receding horizon control principle is used to compute the parameters of the analytic switched control law by online solving a constrained optimization problem. The results on asymptotical stability and common section region (0.5, ∞) of the switched optimization controller are established in the presence of constraints by using the properties of common control Lyapunov functions. By comparing to linear‐quadratic regulator control of the HESS, an example is used to illustrate the effectiveness and performance of the switched optimization controller presented here.
Erectile Dysfunction and Associated Risk Factors in Chinese Males of Infertile Couples
Authors: Yang Bin , Xu Peng , Shi Yichao , Xu Jixiu , Zheng Lianwen , Li Haisong , Ma Lianghong , Yang Shenmin , Zhao Yong , Zhang Yan , Du Qiang , Chu Qingjun , Chen Bin , Tan Yan , Li Xiangru , Li Chaobin , Sun Fa , Zhu Yongtong , Li Hongjun
Published: March 2018

Background

Knowledge on the occurrence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and timely ovulatory intercourse failure (TOIF) in Chinese men of infertile couples is limited.

Aim

To obtain representative estimates of ED and TOIF in Chinese men of infertile couples and to analyze potential risk factors associated with ED.

Methods

4,299 Chinese men of infertile couples with an average age of 32.85 ± 5.98 years were surveyed using the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire for their ED occurrence. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to disclose risk factors associated with ED.

Outcomes

The occurrence of ED was 57.8% and that of TOIF was up to 26.2% in Chinese men of infertile couples.

Results

Based on IIEF-5 criteria, 34.9% of men had mild ED and only 2.6% had severe ED. Secondary infertility, infertility with known causes, and chronic prostatitis were significant risk factors associated with ED. TOIF was significantly higher (23.3%) in men of infertile couples with ED than in those without ED (8.6%), indicating that TOIF is likely a contributing factor to male infertility.

Clinical Implications

Understanding the occurrence and types of ED and TOIF in men of infertile couples and their associated risk factors will help physicians treat clinical cases of male infertility more effectively.

Strengths and Limitations

Large numbers of infertile outpatients from multiple hospital clinics across the country were included in this study. The concept of TOIF was raised for the 1st time and studied preliminarily in Chinese men of infertile couples. The lack of participants' psychological status, a control group of men of fertile couples, and measurement of testosterone levels was a limitation in this clinic-based study.

Conclusion

The occurrence of ED was higher in Chinese men of infertile couples than in the general Chinese male population.
Willingness to Pay for Wind versus Natural Gas Generation of Electricity
Authors: Nkansah Kofi , Collins Alan R
Published: March 2018

In 2009, West Virginia enacted an Alternative and Renewable Portfolio Act (APRA) to broaden its energy use for electricity beyond coal. A choice experiment survey was conducted to assess West Virginians’ willingness to pay (WTP) for 10 percent of electricity generated from wind energy versus natural gas. Results showed that residential consumers preferred electricity generated from wind, with annual per-capita WTP averaging from $19.25 to $26.75. Given the subsequent repeal of the APRA in 2015, we propose implementation of a voluntary green pricing program as an alternative policy to increase the share of renewable energy in West Virginia's energy portfolio.
Economic Analysis and Investment Priorities in Sweden’s Transport Sector
Authors: Andersson Henrik , Hultkrantz Lars , Lindberg Gunnar , Nilsson Jan-Eric
Published: March 2018

Beginning as a planning tool within Sweden’s national road administration some 50 years ago, benefit-cost analysis (BCA) has come to be a pillar of the national transport policy because of subsequent strategic choices made by the national parliament. These choices made it necessary to widen the analysis of costs to include also externalities and a foregone conclusion was that efficient investment priorities should be made based on BCA. But no one asked whether the political decision makers or the BCA models were up to that task. This paper reviews the institutional framework and practice of BCA in Sweden for transport infrastructure investment, and considers design issues that have been and still are debated, such as whether the discount rate should include a risk term and how to account for the marginal cost of public funds. A main concern with BCA results is the underestimation of construction costs, making transport sector projects look better than they are. Several ex post analyses have established that a higher NPV ratio increases the probability of being included in the investment program proposal prepared by the agency. The requirement to let projects undergo BCA seems to make planners “trim” project proposals by trying to reduce investment costs without significantly reducing benefits. This relationship is weaker among profitable projects. Moreover, there is no correlation between rate of return and the probability of being included in the final program, which is established on political grounds.
The Civil Court as Risk Regulator: The Issue of its Legitimacy
Authors: LOTH Marc A
Published: March 2018

Taking the Urgenda case on climate change liability as an example, this article researches the more general question into the legitimacy of risk regulation by civil courts. Which principles determine the legitimacy of a civil court’s participation, especially in the domain of societal risk regulation? The central claim is that these principles concern (amongst many other things) the position of the court, the tools of the court, and the attitude of the court. In other words, they have their source in constitutional law, civil (procedural) law, and professional ethics respectively. This claim is substantiated by an analysis of these principles, their interpretation, and the way they contribute to a normative/theoretical framework for the assessment of the legitimacy of judicial rulings.
How to Counter Fake News? A Taxonomy of Anti-fake News Approaches
Authors: ALEMANNO Alberto
Published: March 2018

Fake news is a symptom of deeper structural problems in our societies and media environments. To counter it, policymakers need to take into account the underlying, self-reinforcing mechanisms that make this old phenomenon so pervasive today. Only by taking a step back can we examine the vulnerabilities these fake news narratives exploit. This article provides a first taxonomy of anti-fake news approaches. It argues that proposed anti-fake news laws focus on the trees rather than the forest. As such, they will not only remain irrelevant but also aggravate the root causes fuelling the fake news phenomenon.
Quality of life among parents of South African children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Alhazmi Ayman , Petersen Reneva , Donald Kirsten A
Published: March 2018

Objective

To describe the quality of life (QOL) of South African parents caring for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as compared with parents of typically developing (TD) children from the same community.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was done evaluating the QOL of parents of 52 children (26 parents of children with ASD versus 26 parents of TD children) using a structured measure, (World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment-BREF).

Results

The mean age of the children with ASD was 64.9 months (SD 14.5) versus 60.1 months (SD 13.5) for TD group. There was a male predominance among group of children with ASD (48 boys, four girls). The mean parental age of the ASD group was 32.9 years (SD 7.8) compared with 33.8 years (SD 6.8) for the TD group. As compared with parents of the TD children, parents of children with ASD had lower mean QOL scores in the four QOL domains: physical, psychological, social and environmental health (p<0.0001). the domain where the discrepancy between groups was greatest was the physical domain Where the mean score was 52.1 (SD 18.7) in the ASD group and 92 (SD 10.4) in the TD group. Lower income, severity level of ASD and lack of access to school placement of children with ASD were found significantly associated with parents’ QOL domains.

Conclusion

QOL of parents of children with ASD is significant lower than that of the parents of their TD peers across all domains and is an important component in management of the family which needs to be explored and addressed.
A Note on the Bayesian Modeling of the Stratigraphic Chronology of Canímar Abajo, Cuba
Authors: Philippe Anne , Vibet Marie-Anne
Published: March 2018

We implement a Bayesian statistical analysis of the chronology of Canímar Abajo in Cuba in order to estimate two episodes of burial activity and the period of time corresponding to the hiatus between them. We show that by using simple Bayesian modeling, conclusions can easily be reached by the analysis of the marginal posterior distribution of each parameter of the model. However, we also suggest and describe new statistical tools that exploit the joint posterior distribution of collections of dates. These new tools give complementary information regarding the chronology of human activity.
Crystal structure of estradiol 17β valerate (Delestrogen), C23H32O3
Authors: Wheatley Austin M. , Kaduk James A. , Gindhart Amy M. , Blanton Thomas N.
Published: March 2018

Estradiol valerate (brand name: Delestrogen) is used as a hormone replacement therapy for menopause symptoms and for treating advanced prostate cancer. Commercial estradiol 17β valerate crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21 with a = 7.36787(3), b = 19.84900(6), c = 13.99395(10) Å, β = 90.6845(5)°, V = 2046.398(18) Å3, and Z = 4.
Structure of triplite LiFeSO4F powder synthesized through an ambient two-step solid-state route
Authors: Ma F.-F. , Mao J.-W. , Shao G.-Q. , Fan S.-H. , Zhu C. , Zhang A.-L. , Xie G.-Z. , Gu J.-N. , Yan J.-L.
Published: March 2018

The triplite LiFeSO4F displays both the highest potential ever reported for an Fe-based compound, as well as a comparable specific energy with that of popular LiFePO4. The synthesis is still a challenge because the present approaches are connected with long time, special equipments or organic reagents, etc. In this work, the triplite LiFeSO4F powder was synthesized through an ambient two-step solid-state route. The reaction process and phase purity were analyzed, coupled with structure refinement and electrochemical test.
Moral Uncertainty and Moral Culpability
Authors: GEYER JAY
Published: March 2018

Most of the literature on moral uncertainty has been oriented around the project of giving a normative theory for actions under moral uncertainty. The need for such a theory presupposes that internalist factors such as moral beliefs and evidence are relevant to what an agent ought to do. Some authors, including Elizabeth Harman, reject that presupposition. Harman advances an argument against all such internalist views on the grounds that they entail the exculpation of agents who should strike us as morally culpable. I argue that Harman's argument is only sound with respect to a small subset of internalist views, a subset that no one in fact defends. Though Harman's argument misses its mark, it raises important questions about how internalist theories should be understood. I argue that internalist theories should be understood as issuing rational, not moral, prescriptions.
Externalizing behavior from early childhood to adolescence: Prediction from inhibition, language, parenting, and attachment
Authors: Roskam Isabelle
Published: March 2018

The aim of the current research was to disentangle four theoretically sound models of externalizing behavior etiology (i.e., attachment, language, inhibition, and parenting) by testing their relation with behavioral trajectories from early childhood to adolescence. The aim was achieved through a 10-year prospective longitudinal study conducted over five waves with 111 referred children aged 3 to 5 years at the onset of the study. Clinical referral was primarily based on externalizing behavior. A multimethod (questionnaires, testing, and observations) approach was used to estimate the four predictors in early childhood. In line with previous studies, the results show a significant decrease of externalizing behavior from early childhood to adolescence. The decline was negatively related to mothers’ coercive parenting and positively related to attachment security in early childhood, but not related to inhibition and language. The study has implications for research into externalizing behavior etiology recommending to gather hypotheses from various theoretically sound models to put them into competition with one another. The study also has implications for clinical practice by providing clear indications for prevention and early intervention.
A multiport vector network analyzer with high-precision and realtime capabilities for brain imaging and stroke detection
Authors: Poltschak Sebastian , Freilinger Markus , Feger Reinhard , Stelzer Andreas , Hamidipour Abouzar , Henriksson Tommy , Hopfer Markus , Planas Ramon , Semenov Serguei
Published: March 2018

Medical imaging is of great importance for patients affected by stroke. Since an early examination of the patient is necessary for successful recovery, there is room to improve the existing capabilities of analysis. Common systems like magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography are precise, but stationary, and therefore, not ideally suited for the early analysis of stroke. The presented multiport vector network analyzer system uses electromagnetic tomography (EMT) as an alternative imaging technique. It consists of a network of distributed electronic sensor nodes which improve important parameters: the parallel measurement setup reduces the measurement time as low as 160 ms for a 200-port S-parameter matrix and it is capable of measuring signal levels down to − 150 dBm. The electronics allow a compact, movable packaging, leading the way for future portable devices. The detection of stroke models was examined by test measurements of a phantom. The data was analyzed by the help of an inverse reconstruction algorithm. The possibility of building portable setups which can be even applied to patients inside an ambulance, makes EMT a suitable alternative for early stroke detection. It can help in shortening the recovery of patients, by providing an early analysis of the brain.
Resisting democratic backsliding: An essay on Weimar, self-enforcing constitutions, and the Frankfurt School
Authors: CHOUDHRY SUJIT
Published: March 2018

What, if anything, can constitutions do to resist democratic backsliding? The collapse of the Weimar Republic has led scholars of comparative politics to conclude that constitutional forms and institutions can do little to resist the breakdown of democracy and the rise of autocracy. This paper offers a constitutionalist response. The outlines of that answer can be found in decades-old policy documents produced by a set of German émigré scholars during and in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War: Franz Neumann, Herbert Marcuse, and Otto Kirchheimer. The secret reports root constitutional stability in the creation of a framework for bounded partisan pluralist contestation among political parties that track the principal social and economic cleavages, and that is rooted within, and does not seek to overthrow, the underlying political economy. Second, the secret reports highlight the importance of constitutional design in creating a constitutional infrastructure for bounded pluralistic political contestation, especially with respect to the role of political parties. Third, the secret reports suggest a counter-narrative of the German Basic Law as creating a framework for political contestation that reinforces constitutional stability instead of undermining it.
Molecular imaging of glycan chains couples cell-wall polysaccharide architecture to bacterial cell morphology
Authors: Turner Robert D. , Mesnage Stéphane , Hobbs Jamie K. , Foster Simon J.
Published: March 2018

Biopolymer composite cell walls maintain cell shape and resist forces in plants, fungi and bacteria. Peptidoglycan, a crucial antibiotic target and immunomodulator, performs this role in bacteria. The textbook structural model of peptidoglycan is a highly ordered, crystalline material. Here we use atomic force microscopy (AFM) to image individual glycan chains in peptidoglycan from Escherichia coli in unprecedented detail. We quantify and map the extent to which chains are oriented in a similar direction (orientational order), showing it is much less ordered than previously depicted. Combining AFM with size exclusion chromatography, we reveal glycan chains up to 200 nm long. We show that altered cell shape is associated with substantial changes in peptidoglycan biophysical properties. Glycans from E. coli in its normal rod shape are long and circumferentially oriented, but when a spheroid shape is induced (chemically or genetically) glycans become short and disordered.
A complex epistatic network limits the mutational reversibility in the influenza hemagglutinin receptor-binding site
Authors: Wu Nicholas C. , Thompson Andrew J. , Xie Jia , Lin Chih-Wei , Nycholat Corwin M. , Zhu Xueyong , Lerner Richard A. , Paulson James C. , Wilson Ian A.
Published: March 2018

The hemagglutinin (HA) receptor-binding site (RBS) in human influenza A viruses is critical for attachment to host cells, which imposes a functional constraint on its natural evolution. On the other hand, being part of the major antigenic sites, the HA RBS of human H3N2 viruses needs to constantly mutate to evade the immune system. From large-scale mutagenesis experiments, we here show that several of the natural RBS substitutions become integrated into an extensive epistatic network that prevents substitution reversion. X-ray structural analysis reveals the mechanistic consequences as well as changes in the mode of receptor binding. Further studies are necessary to elucidate whether such entrenchment limits future options for immune escape or adversely affect long-term viral fitness.
Beneficial effects of Cirsium japonicum var. maackii on menopausal symptoms in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Park Jun Yeon , Yun Hwayoung , Jo Jeyun , Baek Ji Yun , Lee Sang Cheon , Choi Yu Jin , Shim Jae Suk , Choi Hyun Jin , Lee Sanghyun , Kang Ki Sung
Published: March 2018

Cirsium japonicum var. maackii exerted beneficial effects in a rat model of menopause.
Increasing carbon fiber composite strength with a nanostructured “brick-and-mortar” interphase
Authors: De Luca Francois , Clancy Adam J. , R. Carrero Noelia , Anthony David B. , De Luca Hugo G. , Shaffer Milo S. P. , Bismarck Alexander
Published: March 2018

Sudden composite failure under tension can be delayed by a highly ordered nanostructured multilayered nacre mimetic interface applied to carbon fibres by isolating fiber breaks within the composite.
Influence of microbial symbionts on insect pheromones
Authors: Engl Tobias , Kaltenpoth Martin
Published: March 2018

Symbiotic microorganisms can influence the fitness of their insect hosts by modulating pheromone production and perception.
Nanocrystal heterostructures of LiCoO2 with conformal passivating shells
Authors: Kwon Bob Jin , Phillips Patrick J. , Key Baris , Dogan Fulya , Freeland John W. , Kim Chunjoong , Klie Robert F. , Cabana Jordi
Published: March 2018

Stabilization of electrode–electrolyte interfaces was demonstrated by manipulating core–shell heterostructures of complex oxides through a colloidal synthetic approach.
A distinct correlation between the vibrational and thermal transport properties of group VA monolayer crystals
Authors: Kocabaş Tuğbey , Çakır Deniz , Gülseren Oğuz , Ay Feridun , Kosku Perkgöz Nihan , Sevik Cem
Published: March 2018

The investigation of thermal transport properties of novel two-dimensional materials is crucially important in order to assess their potential to be used in future technological applications, such as thermoelectric power generation.
Electronic properties of tin iodide hybrid perovskites: effect of indium doping
Authors: Kobayashi Keisuke , Hasegawa Hiroyuki , Takahashi Yukihiro , Harada Jun , Inabe Tamotsu
Published: March 2018

For solution-processable tin iodide cubic perovskites, a small amount of indium doping reduced the conductivity without changing the band gap or the carrier concentration. We demonstrated another possibility of foreign metal doping in tin iodide cubic perovskites and displayed a design strategy for electronic devices using hybrid perovskites.
A synthesis and performance evaluation of a highly efficient ecological dust depressor based on the sodium lignosulfonate–acrylic acid graft copolymer
Authors: Liu Yanghao , Nie Wen , Mu Yubing , Zhang Haihan , Wang Hongkun , Jin Hu , Liu Zhiqiang
Published: March 2018

In this paper, a highly efficient and environmentally-friendly dust depressor was developed based on the sodium lignosulfonate–acrylic acid graft copolymer.
Synthesis and characterization of comb-shaped copolymer as a filtration reducer and comparison with counterparts
Authors: Liu Lu , Pu Xiaolin , Tao Huaizhi , Deng Qing , Luo Ang
Published: March 2018

Comb-shaped copolymer as filtration reducer for high temperature and high salinity.
Preparation and properties of a novel covalently bonded energetic boron powder and its composite
Authors: Zheng Baohui , Liu Tao , Gao Dayuan , Zhu Qing , Li Shangbin , Luo Guan , Gao Xia
Published: March 2018

Promoting the ignition of boron powders in propellants, explosives and pyrotechnics has been a promising research direction.
Hydrate slurry flow property in W/O emulsion systems
Authors: Shi Bohui , Ding Lin , Liu Yang , Yang Juheng , Song Shangfei , Wu Haihao , Wang Wei , Gong Jing
Published: March 2018

A novel improvement for effective hydrate volume calculation and interesting investigation on hydrate slurry flow friction factor.
A study on the impact of water quality on the murrel fishChanna striataandChanna punctatafrom three major Southern Tamilnadu rivers, India
Authors: Kuppu Raghavan , Manoharan Shobana , Uthandakalaipandian Ramesh
Published: March 2018

The impact of heavy metal accumulation in two important murrel fish species,Channa striataandChanna punctata, was analysed using micronuclei and histology assays.
A multiscale-pore ion exchange membrane for better energy efficiency
Authors: Kwon Hyukjin J. , Kim Bumjoo , Lim Geunbae , Han Jongyoon
Published: March 2018

A novel multiscale-pore (MP) ion exchange membrane (IEM) is proposed to eliminate the ionic resistance caused by the ion-depletion region (Rd), by allowing a fluid flow through the MP-IEM.
Superior electronic structure of two-dimensional 3d transition metal dicarbides for applications in spintronics
Authors: Zhou Baozeng , Wang Xiaocha , Mi Wenbo
Published: March 2018

The potential application of spin transport in a CrC2-based field-effect transistor on a flexible substrate. It is possible to realize electrical control on the SOC-induced insulating state and on carriers’ spin orientation by applying a vertical electric field, which can simulate the back-gate potential (VG) in field-effect transistors.
Novel layered iron vanadate cathode for high-capacity aqueous rechargeable zinc batteries
Authors: Peng Zhuo , Wei Qiulong , Tan Shuangshuang , He Pan , Luo Wen , An Qinyou , Mai Liqiang
Published: March 2018

A facile water bath method was developed to synthesize layered iron vanadate Fe5V15O39(OH)9·9H2O (FVO) nanosheets. As a cathode material FVO delivers a high capacity of 385 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 due to the high proportion of variable valence elements (Fe and V). A remarkable cycling performance at a high current density is achieved in a Zn(TFSI)2 electrolyte.
Regioselectivity inversion tuned by iron(iii) salts in palladium-catalyzed carbonylations
Authors: Huang Zijun , Cheng Yazhe , Chen Xipeng , Wang Hui-Fang , Du Chen-Xia , Li Yuehui
Published: March 2018

We disclose the Pd-catalyzed carbonylation of alkenes and alcohols, with the regioselectivity tuned by the anion of Fe(iii) salts.