bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short‐course carbon‐ion radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: A multi‐institutional retrospective study
Authors: Shibuya Kei , Ohno Tatsuya , Terashima Kazuki , Toyama Shingo , Yasuda Shigeo , Tsuji Hiroshi , Okimoto Tomoaki , Shioyama Yoshiyuki , Nemoto Kenji , Kamada Tadashi , Nakano Takashi ,   The Japan Carbon Ion Radiotherapy Study Group
Published: September 2018

Background & Aims

Carbon‐ion radiation therapy has shown encouraging results in hepatocellular carcinoma patients in single‐centre studies. We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of short‐course carbon‐ion radiation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma in a multicentre study conducted by the Japan Carbon Ion Radiation Oncology Study Group.

Methods

Consecutive hepatocellular carcinoma patients who were treated with carbon‐ion radiation therapy in four or fewer fractions at four Japanese institutions between April 2005 and November 2014 were analysed retrospectively. The primary outcome was overall survival; secondary outcomes were local control rate, treatment‐related toxicity and radiation‐induced liver disease.

Results

A total of 174 patients were included in this study. Prescribed carbon‐ion radiation therapy doses were (relative biological effectiveness): 48.0 Gy in two fractions (n = 46), and 52.8 Gy (n = 108) and 60.0 Gy (n = 20) in four fractions. The median follow‐up period was 20.3 (range, 2.9‐103.5) months. The overall survival and local control rates at 1, 2 and 3 years were 95.4%, 82.5% and 73.3%; and 94.6%, 87.7% and 81.0% respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 1‐2, Child‐Pugh class B, maximum tumour diameter ≥3 cm, multiple tumours and serum alpha foetoprotein level >50 ng/mL were significant prognostic factors of overall survival. No treatment‐related death occurred during the follow‐up period. Grades 3 or 4 treatment‐related toxicities were observed in 10 patients (5.7%); radiation‐induced liver disease was observed in three patients (1.7%).

Conclusions

Short‐course carbon‐ion radiation therapy is a safe, effective and potentially curative therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Noble gases and nitrogen in Raghunathpura (IIAB) and Nyaung (IIIAB) iron meteorites
Authors: Murty S. V. S. , Ghosh S. , Ray Dwijesh
Published: September 2018

Noble gases and nitrogen were measured in two adjacent samples each from the Raghunathpura (IIAB) and the Nyaung (IIIAB) iron meteorite falls. Light noble gases in both the meteorites were of pure cosmogenic origin. Using (3He/4He)c ratios and the production systematic of Ammon et al. (), we estimated the sample depth and meteoroid size for Nyaung (~8 cm depth in a ~15 cm radius object) and Raghunathpura (~12–14 cm depth in a ~25 cm object). We derived cosmic ray exposure ages of 1710 ± 256 Ma (for Nyaung, the highest reported so far for the IIIAB group) and 224 ± 34 Ma (for Raghunathpura). Variable amounts of trapped Kr and Xe were found in both meteorites. The phase Q‐like elemental ratio (84Kr/132Xe) suggests that the trapped component is of indigenous origin, and most likely hosted in the heterogeneously distributed micro‐inclusions of troilite/schreibersite. Trapped phase Q component is being reported for the first time, for a IIAB iron meteorite. Both meteorites showed light isotopic composition for nitrogen, and need at least two N components to explain the observed N isotopic systematic. Variable amounts of trapped noble gases and the presence of more than one N component suggest that the magmatic process that formed the parent body of these meteorites either could not completely homogenize or completely degas all the phases.
A functional transcriptomic analysis in the relict marsupial Dromiciops gliroides reveals adaptive regulation of protective functions during hibernation
Authors: Nespolo Roberto F. , Gaitan‐Espitia Juan Diego , Quintero‐Galvis Julian F. , Fernandez Fernanda V. , Silva Andrea X. , Molina Cristian , Storey Kenneth B. , Bozinovic Francisco
Published: September 2018

The small South American marsupial, Dromiciops gliroides, known as the missing link between the American and the Australian marsupials, is one of the few South American mammals known to hibernate. Expressing both daily torpor and seasonal hibernation, this species may provide crucial information about the mechanisms and the evolutionary origins of marsupial hibernation. Here, we compared torpid and active individuals, applying high‐throughput sequencing technologies (RNA‐seq) to profile gene expression in three D. gliroides tissues and determine whether hibernation induces tissue‐specific differential gene expression. We found 566 transcripts that were significantly up‐regulated during hibernation (369 in brain, 147 in liver and 50 in skeletal muscle) and 339 that were down‐regulated (225 in brain, 79 in liver and 35 in muscle). The proteins encoded by these differentially expressed genes orchestrate multiple metabolic changes during hibernation, such as inhibition of angiogenesis, prevention of muscle disuse atrophy, fuel switch from carbohydrate to lipid metabolism, protection against reactive oxygen species and repair of damaged DNA. According to the global enrichment analysis, brain cells seem to differentially regulate a complex array of biological functions (e.g., cold sensitivity, circadian perception, stress response), whereas liver and muscle cells prioritize fuel switch and heat production for rewarming. Interestingly, transcripts of thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP), a potent antioxidant, were significantly over‐expressed during torpor in all three tissues. These results suggest that marsupial hibernation is a controlled process where selected metabolic pathways show adaptive modulation that can help to maintain homeostasis and enhance cytoprotection in the hypometabolic state.
Mating‐type factor‐specific regulation of the fumagillin/pseurotin secondary metabolite supercluster in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Yu Yidong , Blachowicz Adriana , Will Cornelia , Szewczyk Edyta , Glenn Steven , Gensberger‐Reigl Sabrina , Nowrousian Minou , Wang Clay C. C. , Krappmann Sven
Published: September 2018

In the human pathogenic mold Aspergillus fumigatus, sexual identity is determined by the mating‐type idiomorphs MAT1‐1 and MAT1‐2 residing at the MAT locus. Upon crossing of compatible partners, a heterothallic mating is executed to eventually form cleistothecia that contain recombinant ascospores. Given that the MAT1 gene products are DNA binding master regulators that govern this complex developmental process, we monitored the MAT1‐driven transcriptomes of A. fumigatus by conditional overexpression of either MAT1 gene followed by RNA‐seq analyses. Numerous genes related to the process of mating were found to be under transcriptional control, such as pheromone production and recognition. Substantial differences between the MAT1‐1‐ and MAT1‐2‐driven transcriptomes could be detected by functional categorization of differentially expressed genes. Moreover, a significant and distinct impact on expression of genetic clusters of secondary metabolism became apparent, which could be verified on the product level. Unexpectedly, specific cross‐regulation of the fumagillin/pseurotin supercluster was evident, thereby uncoupling its co‐regulatory characteristic. These insights imply a tight interconnection of sexual development accompanied by ascosporogenesis with secondary metabolite production of a pathogenic fungus and impose evolutionary constraints that link these two fundamental aspects of the fungal lifestyle.
Derivation and measurement consistency of a novel biofluid dynamics measure of deglutitive bolus‐driving function—pharyngeal swallowing power
Authors: Sia Isaac , Crary Michael A. , Kairalla John , Carnaby Giselle D. , Sheplak Mark , McCulloch Timothy
Published: September 2018

Background

The primary function of the pharyngeal swallowing mechanism is to drive ingested materials into the esophagus. Currently, a definitive measure of pharyngeal bolus‐driving function that accounts for bolus movement remains lacking. The primary objectives of this study were to describe the derivation of a novel biofluid dynamics measure of deglutition—that is, pharyngeal swallowing power (PSP)—and to demonstrate the consistency of PSP in normal swallowing.

Methods

The pharyngeal swallowing mechanism was conceptualized as a hydraulic power system with the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) as a conduit. PSP was calculated as the product of bolus pressure and flow across the UES. Thirty‐four young healthy subjects swallowed materials consisting of two bolus volumes (10, 20 mL) and four bolus viscosities (thin liquid, nectar‐thick liquid, honey‐thick liquid, pudding). High‐resolution impedance manometry was used for data collection. The consistency of PSP across specific bolus conditions was evaluated using standardized Cronbach's coefficient alpha.

Key Results

Standardized Cronbach's coefficient alphas in specific bolus conditions ranged between 0.85 and 0.93. Fisher weighted mean Cronbach's coefficient alphas for swallow trials across bolus volumes and across bolus viscosities ranged from 0.86 to 0.90. Fisher weighted mean Cronbach's coefficient alpha for overall consistency of PSP across all swallow trials was 0.88.

Conclusions and Inferences

PSP estimates the output power of the pharyngeal bolus‐driving mechanism during deglutition. PSP's high consistency indicates that it can be a useful biofluid dynamics measure of pharyngeal bolus‐driving function. Current results also demonstrate that consistency in pharyngeal bolus propulsion is an important physiological target for the pharyngeal swallowing mechanism.
Rat enteric glial cells express novel isoforms of Interleukine‐7 regulated during inflammation
Authors: Kermarrec Laetitia , Durand Tony , Gonzales Jacques , Pabois Julie , Hulin Philippe , Neunlist Michel , Neveu Isabelle , Naveilhan Philippe
Published: September 2018

Background

Neuroimmune interactions are essential to maintain gut homeostasis and prevent intestinal disorders but so far, the impact of enteric glial cells (EGC) on immune cells remains a relatively unexplored area of research. As a dysregulation of critical cytokines such as interleukine‐7 (IL‐7) was suggested to exacerbate gut chronic inflammation, we investigated whether EGC could be a source of IL‐7 in the gastrointestinal tract.

Methods

Expression of IL‐7 in the rat enteric nervous system was analyzed by immunochemistry and Q‐PCR. IL‐7 variants were cloned and specific antibodies against rat IL‐7 isoforms were raised to characterize their expression in the submucosal plexus. IL‐7 isoforms were produced in vitro to analyze their impact on T‐cell survival.

Key Results

Neurons and glial cells of the rat enteric nervous system expressed IL‐7 at both mRNA and protein levels. Novel rat IL‐7 isoforms with distinct C‐terminal parts were detected. Three of these isoforms were found in EGC or in both enteric neurons and EGC. Exposure of EGC to pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β and/or TNFα) induced an upregulation of all IL‐7 isoforms. Interestingly, time‐course and intensity of the upregulation varied according to the presence or absence of exon 5a in IL‐7 variants. Functional analysis on T lymphocytes revealed that only canonical IL‐7 protects T cells from cell death.

Conclusions and Inferences

IL‐7 and its variants are expressed by neurons and glial cells in the enteric nervous system. Their distinct expression and upregulation in inflammatory conditions suggest a role in gut homeostasis which could be critical in case of chronic inflammatory diseases.
Anatomical defences against bark beetles relate to degree of historical exposure between species and are allocated independently of chemical defences within trees
Authors: Mason Charles J. , Keefover‐Ring Ken , Villari Caterina , Klutsch Jennifer G. , Cook Stephen , Bonello Pierluigi , Erbilgin Nadir , Raffa Kenneth F. , Townsend Philip A.
Published: September 2018

Conifers possess chemical and anatomical defences against tree‐killing bark beetles that feed in their phloem. Resins accumulating at attack sites can delay and entomb beetles while toxins reach lethal levels. Trees with high concentrations of metabolites active against bark beetle‐microbial complexes, and more extensive resin ducts, achieve greater survival. It is unknown if and how conifers integrate chemical and anatomical components of defence or how these capabilities vary with historical exposure. We compared linkages between phloem chemistry and tree ring anatomy of two mountain pine beetle hosts. Lodgepole pine, a mid‐elevation species, has had extensive, continual contact with this herbivore, whereas high‐elevation whitebark pines have historically had intermittent exposure that is increasing with warming climate. Lodgepole pine had more and larger resin ducts. In both species, anatomical defences were positively related to tree growth and nutrients. Within‐tree constitutive and induced concentrations of compounds bioactive against bark beetles and symbionts were largely unrelated to resin duct abundance and size. Fewer anatomical defences in the semi‐naïve compared with the continually exposed host concurs with directional differences in chemical defences. Partially uncoupling chemical and morphological antiherbivore traits may enable trees to confront beetles with more diverse defence permutations that interact to resist attack.
Role of Ser65, His148 and Thr203 in the Organic Solvent‐dependent Spectral Shift in Green Fluorescent Protein
Authors: Kaur Jasvir , Yadav Neetu Singh , Singh Moirangthem Kiran , Khan Mohd Jahir , Sen Sobhan , Dixit Aparna , Choudhury Devapriya
Published: September 2018

The photophysics of green fluorescent protein (GFP) is remarkable because of its exceptional property of excited state proton transfer (ESPT) and the presence of a functional proton wire. Another interesting property of wild‐type GFP is that its absorption and fluorescence excitation spectra are sensitive to the presence of polar organic solvents even at very low concentrations. Here, we use a combination of methodologies including site‐specific mutagenesis, absorption spectroscopy, steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence measurements and all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations in explicit solvent, to uncover the mechanism behind the unique spectral sensitivity of GFP toward organic solvents. Based on the evidences provided herein, we suggest that organic solvent‐induced changes in the proton wire prevent ground state movement of a proton through the wire and thus bring about the spectral changes observed. The present study can not only help to understand the mechanism of proton transfer by further dissecting the intricate steps in GFP photophysics but also encourages to develop GFP‐based organic solvent biosensors.
Managerial Optimism in a Competitive Market
Authors: Jiang Baojun , Liu Chang
Published: September 2018

Research has shown that many managers and entrepreneurs tend to be optimistic and are inclined to believe that negative shocks happen to them less frequently than to others. However, there is also evidence suggesting that such optimism is often inaccurate in reality and managerial optimism can lead to the failure of a company. We develop a game‐theoretic model to investigate the impact of managerial optimism on firms’ performance in a competitive market. Our analysis shows that a manager's optimism about demand can increase the firm's profit. Moreover, only one firm having managerial optimism can be win–win for both firms in a duopoly, because it can increase the level of product quality differentiation between the firms, alleviating price competition. However, if both firms have optimistic managers, the benefit of increased differentiation disappears, and firms are weakly worse off, compared with the case of both firms having realistic managers. Our research suggests that a firm should hire a realistic manager when managerial optimism is already pervasive in a competitive market.
Effects of pre‐freezeNigella sativaoil supplementation on cryosurvival of ovine spermatozoa
Authors: Miah Abdul G. , Bathgate Roslyn , Hamano Koh‐ichi , Salma Ummay
Published: September 2018

Contents

The study was designed with three experiments to evaluate the effects of pre‐freeze supplementation ofNigella sativaoil (NSO) and thymoquinone (TQ) on total motility, progressive motility, biokinetic characteristics, acrosomal integrity and DNA integrity of cryopreserved ovine spermatozoa. Semen samples collected from three proven fertile Merino rams were diluted with a Tris‐based cryomedia containing different levels of NSO (Experiment I: 0, 10, 100 and 1,000 g/ml), TQ (Experiment II: 0, 1, 10 and 20 g/ml) and their optimum levels (Experiment III: 100 g/ml of NSO, 10 g/ml of TQ and 1 mM of α‐tocopherol and cryopreserved as a pellet (200 µL) and subsequently evaluated at different post‐thaw incubation periods (0, 2 and 4 hr). The results revealed that the percentage of total motility, progressive motility and biokinetic characteristics such as average path velocity, curvilinear velocity and straight‐line velocity were higher (p < 0.05) in the sperm aliquots cryopreserved with 100 g/ml NSO or 10 g/ml TQ than in the sperm aliquots cryopreserved without supplementation just after thawing and 2 hr of post‐thaw incubation. Among the supplements, NSO (100 g/ml) showed higher values of the total motility, progressive motility, biokinetic characteristics especially, average path velocity, curvilinear velocity and straight‐line velocity, acrosome integrity and DNA integrity compared with the spermatozoa frozen without supplementation. Therefore, the results suggest that NSO may be added to the cryomedium to improve the cryosurvival of ovine spermatozoa.
Workforce/Population, Economy, Infrastructure, Geography, Hierarchy, and Time (WEIGHT): Reflections on the Plural Dimensions of Disaster Resilience
Authors: Santos Joost , Yip Christian , Thekdi Shital , Pagsuyoin Sheree
Published: September 2018

The concept of resilience and its relevance to disaster risk management has increasingly gained attention in recent years. It is common for risk and resilience studies to model system recovery by analyzing a single or aggregated measure of performance, such as economic output or system functionality. However, the history of past disasters and recent risk literature suggest that a single‐dimension view of relevant systems is not only insufficient, but can compromise the ability to manage risk for these systems. In this article, we explore how multiple dimensions influence the ability for complex systems to function and effectively recover after a disaster. In particular, we compile evidence from the many competing resilience perspectives to identify the most critical resilience dimensions across several academic disciplines, applications, and disaster events. The findings demonstrate the need for a conceptual framework that decomposes resilience into six primary dimensions: workforce/population, economy, infrastructure, geography, hierarchy, and time (WEIGHT). These dimensions are not typically addressed holistically in the literature; often they are either modeled independently or in piecemeal combinations. The current research is the first to provide a comprehensive discussion of each resilience dimension and discuss how these dimensions can be integrated into a cohesive framework, suggesting that no single dimension is sufficient for a holistic analysis of a disaster risk management. Through this article, we also aim to spark discussions among researchers and policymakers to develop a multicriteria decision framework for evaluating the efficacy of resilience strategies. Furthermore, the WEIGHT dimensions may also be used to motivate the generation of new approaches for data analytics of resilience‐related knowledge bases.
sCARy! Risk Perceptions in Autonomous Driving: The Influence of Experience on Perceived Benefits and Barriers
Authors: Brell Teresa , Philipsen Ralf , Ziefle Martina
Published: September 2018

The increasing development of autonomous vehicles (AVs) influences the future of transportation. Beyond the potential benefits in terms of safety, efficiency, and comfort, also potential risks of novel driving technologies need to be addressed. In this article, we explore risk perceptions toward connected and autonomous driving in comparison to conventional driving. In order to gain a deeper understanding of individual risk perceptions, we adopted a two‐step empirical procedure. First, focus groups () were carried out to identify relevant risk factors for autonomous and connected driving. Further, a questionnaire was developed, which was answered by 516 German participants. In the questionnaire, three driving technologies (connected, autonomous, conventional) were evaluated via semantic differential (rating scale to identify connotative meaning of technologies). Second, participants rated perceived risk levels (for data, traffic environment, vehicle, and passenger) and perceived benefits and barriers of connected/autonomous driving. Since previous experience with automated functions of driver assistance systems can have an impact on the evaluation, three experience groups have been formed. The effect of experience on benefits and barrier perceptions was also analyzed. Risk perceptions were significantly smaller for conventional driving compared to connected/autonomous driving. With increasing experience, risk perception decreases for novel driving technologies with one exception: the perceived risk in handling data is not influenced by experience. The findings contribute to an understanding of risk perception in autonomous driving, which helps to foster a successful implementation of AVs on the market and to develop public information strategies.
Cultural Values, Trust, and Benefit‐Risk Perceptions of Hydraulic Fracturing: A Comparative Analysis of Policy Elites and the General Public
Authors: Tumlison Creed , Song Geoboo
Published: September 2018

Hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) has recently become a very intensely debated process for extracting oil and gas. Supporters argue that fracking provides positive economic benefits and energy security and offers a decreased reliance on coal‐based electricity generation. Detractors claim that the fracking process may harm the environment as well as place a strain on local communities that experience new fracking operations. This study utilizes a recently conducted survey distributed to a sample of policy elites and the general public in Arkansas and Oregon to examine the role of cultural value predispositions and trust in shaping the perceptions of risks and benefits associated with fracking. Findings indicate that cultural values influence both trust and benefit‐risk perceptions of fracking for both policy elites and the general public. More specifically, we found that trust in information from various sources is derived from the intrinsic values held by an individual, which in turn impacts perceptions of related benefits and risks. We also found that while the overall pattern of relationships is similar, trust plays a larger role in the formulation of attitudes for policy elites than for the general public. We discuss the implications of the mediating role of trust in understanding value‐driven benefit‐risk perceptions, as well as the disparate role of trust between policy elites and the general public in the context of the policy‐making process for both theory and practice.
Learning to sell in new markets: A preliminary analysis of market entry by a multinational firm
Authors: Horstmann Ignatius J. , Markusen James R.
Published: September 2018

We consider the multinational firm's decision on whether to enter a new market immediately via direct investment or to contract initially with a local agent and (possibly) invest later. Use of a local agent allows the multinational to avoid costly mistakes by finding out if the market is large enough to support direct investment. However, the agent is able to extract information rents from the multinational due to being better informed about market characteristics. We derive the optimal sequence of agent contracts and discuss situations in which the multinational contracts initially with a local agent and then converts subsequently to an owned sales operation.
Observing Discrimination: Implications for Group‐Based Respect and Organizational Morality
Authors: Jaurique Alexandria , Ryan Desiree A. , Smith Heather J. , Paolucci‐Callahan Matthew
Published: September 2018

When organizational authorities or representatives discriminate, it not only impacts the discrimination target; it also affects those who witness it. In this article, we argue that discrimination within workplace and educational contexts implicates the larger organization in which it occurs in two ways. First, it communicates to targets the extent to which the representatives of an organization respect their group. Second, discrimination implicates the morality of the larger group or organization in which it occurs. This second threat to the organization's morality affects all observers, even those who do not share a social category with the target. We argue that both forms of threat can decrease organization identification, well‐being, and increase withdrawal. For all observers, whether one is a member of the targeted group or not, to witness an organizational authority clearly discriminate against another organizational member is distressing and leads to withdrawal. We offer recommendations for policy and decision‐making procedures aimed at (1) adopting organizational decision‐making structures that minimize the opportunity for personal acts of bias (to prevent discrimination before it occurs), and (2) offering those who witness (or experience) discrimination clear avenues for addressing it (to minimize its destructive consequences). If organization members, especially organizational authorities, confront discrimination, it offsets the negative consequences of a single organizational representative's biased behavior.
Capturing violent radicalization: Developing and validating scales measuring central aspects of radicalization
Authors: Ozer Simon , Bertelsen Preben
Published: September 2018

Violent radicalization has emerged as an important topic of theoretical and empirical investigation motivated by the devastating face of terrorism and by the aim of preventing such expressions of extremism. One central aspect of such research inquiries is the foundation of solid measurement. In this article, we develop and validate two generic scales pertaining to (1) endorsement of extremism and (2) acceptance of violent and/or illegal means. In conclusion, the scales yielded sound psychometric properties and cross‐cultural equivalence, providing a solid measure of the important aspects of extremism which can be empirically employed in elucidating generic mechanisms of violent radicalization processes.
Lawlor Laid Out: Between Space and Emotion
Authors: Casey Edward S.
Published: September 2018

This essay explores two topics in Leonard Lawlor’s work: the role of space and the place of emotion. Lawlor’s early and middle works offer a complex and subtle discussion of time, with occasional adversions to space. I attempt to draw out what he says, or should say, about space and place in an effort for it to be given its due in the face of the temporocentrism that is endemic in continental philosophy since Bergson. From there I explore the role of affect and emotion in Lawlor’s more recent writing, arguing for its centrality in his promising and productive idea of “speaking out.”
Referendums Are Never Merely Referendums: On the Need to Make Popular Vote Processes More Deliberative
Authors: Landemore Hélène
Published: September 2018

While there is much to command about Cheneval and el‐Wakil's () proposal in favor of a nuanced and fine‐grained approach to popular vote processes as well as their specific defense of optional, bottom‐up, and binding referendums as democratic supplements to our existing representative institutions, I argue that their approach does not pay sufficient attention to the pre‐voting phase of the process that has to do with the laundering of raw preferences into generalized and informed ones, namely deliberation. I offer two suggestions to render the voting occuring in referenda more deliberative, namely the pre‐voting use of what I call “open mini‐publics” and that of Citizens’ Initiative Review. I also defend the use of top‐down and mandatory referenda in the context of a more open and technologically empowered deliberative democracy.
Designing Popular Vote Processes to Enhance Democratic Systems
Authors: el‐Wakil Alice , Cheneval Francis
Published: September 2018

The main aim of this final essay is to draw on the insights gathered in the Debate “Do Referendums Enhance or Threaten Democracy” to inform future normative and empirical discussions about the design of popular vote processes. We first offer some clarifications regarding three of the concerns raised by respondents about our introductory essay. We then propose a systematic classification of the lines of variation along which the design of popular vote processes usually varies. More precisely, we highlight nine lines of variation: trigger, origin of the text, legal basis, scope, trigger requirements, time, ballot, information, and decision rule. We conclude by emphasizing the relevance and necessity of debating the formal institutional design of popular vote processes.
Referendums Are True Democratic Devices
Authors: Chollet Antoine
Published: September 2018

Here democracy will simply mean power of the people, one of the important tasks of democratic theorists being to understand how this particular power can be enacted. Referendums will be considered as one of the mechanisms enacting that power by allowing the people to ratify laws. We will not ask here if referendums can be democratic, but how to make it as democratic as possible, and will suggest some reforms pursuing this goal, such as a strong monitoring of campaign budgets, mandatory vote, constructive referendums, etc. The criticisms made in this debate fall under two broad figures: first a maximalist objection to direct democracy, criticizing these institutions for not being perfectly democratic, and then a form of de‐politicization of direct democracy. We argue on the contrary that direct democracy must be compared to actual regimes, and that it emerges from and is grounded on conflicts.
Accumulation of endogenous peptides triggers a pathogen stress response in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Kmiec Beata , Branca Rui M.M. , Berkowitz Oliver , Li Lu , Wang Yan , Murcha Monika W. , Whelan James , Lehtiö Janne , Glaser Elzbieta , Teixeira Pedro F.
Published: September 2018

The stepwise degradation of peptides to amino acids in plant mitochondria and chloroplasts is catalyzed by a network of oligopeptidases (presequence protease PreP, organellar oligopeptidase OOP) and aminopeptidases. In the present report, we show that the lack of oligopeptidase activity in Arabidopsis thaliana results in the accumulation of endogenous free peptides, mostly of chloroplastic origin (targeting peptides and degradation products). Using mRNA sequencing and deep coverage proteomics, allowing for the identification of 17 000 transcripts and 11 000 proteins, respectively, we uncover a peptide‐stress response occurring in plants lacking PreP and OOP oligopeptidase activity. The peptide‐stress response results in the activation of the classical plant defense pathways in the absence of pathogenic challenge. The constitutive activation of the pathogen‐defense pathways imposes a strong growth penalty and a reduction of the plants reproductive fitness. Our results indicate that the absence of organellar oligopeptidases PreP1/2 and OOP results in the accumulation of peptides that are perceived as pathogenic effectors and activate the signaling pathways of plant‐defense response.
Disruption of glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored lipid transfer protein 15 affects seed coat permeability in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lee Saet B. , Suh Mi‐Chung
Published: September 2018

The hydrophobic biopolymer suberin, which is deposited in the root endodermis and seed coats, functions as an extracellular barrier against uncontrolled water, gas, and ion loss. Suberin monomers synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are exported through the plasma membrane to the apoplast. However, limited information is available about the molecular mechanisms underlying suberin monomer export and assembly. In this study, we investigated the in planta role of LTPG15 encoding a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchored lipid transfer protein. LTPG15 was predominantly expressed in the root endodermis and seed coat. Fluorescent signals from LTPG15:eYFP were detected in the plasma membrane in tobacco epidermis. Disruption of LTPG15 caused a significant decrease in the levels of fatty acids (C20–C24), primary alcohols (C20 and C22), ω‐hydroxy fatty acids (C22 and C24), and α,ω‐alkanediols (C20 and C22), but an increase in the amounts of primary alcohols and hydroxy fatty acids with C16 and C18 in seed coats. The mutant phenotype was restored to that of the wild type (WT) by the expression of LTPG15 driven by its own promoter. Seed coats of ltpg15 had an increase in permeability to tetrazolium salts compared with WT seed coats. ltpg15 seeds were more sensitive than WT seeds to inhibition of germination and seedling establishment by salt and osmotic stress treatments. Taken together, our results indicate that LTPG15 is involved in suberin monomer export in seed coats, and this highlights the role of Type G non‐specific lipid transfer proteins (LTPGs) in very‐long‐chain fatty acids and their derivatives’ export for suberin polyester formation.
Aldosterone‐producing adrenocortical carcinoma with myxoid differentiation in a cat
Authors: Attipa Charalampos , Beck Samuel , Lipscomb Victoria , English Kate , Carvalho Sofia , Kiupel Matti , Szladovits Balázs , Peters Laureen M.
Published: September 2018

A 10‐year‐old male neutered Persian cat was presented with an abdominal mass and history of weakness. Blood smear examination found marked elliptocytosis, and serum biochemical analysis revealed hypokalemia, hypochloremia, increased creatine kinase activity, and a high aldosterone concentration. Cytologic examination of the mass revealed neoplastic endocrine cells with moderate criteria of malignancy, favoring adrenocortical neoplasia. The adrenal mass was surgically excised and histologically characterized by lobules of mildly pleomorphic, polygonal neoplastic cells with moderate to abundant, occasionally granular, eosinophilic cytoplasm. Lobules were separated by fine fibrovascular trabeculae, and numerous cystic cavities containing amorphous eosinophilic material that stained positive with Alcian blue and periodic acid‐Schiff were seen. Neoplastic cells were multifocally positive for cytochrome P450 aldosterone synthase. Based on clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical findings the present case was diagnosed as an aldosterone‐producing adrenocortical carcinoma with myxoid differentiation. While this entity has not been reported in cats, myxoid differentiation of adrenocortical carcinomas has been found in other species and can pose a major diagnostic challenge on microscopic examination.
Ulnar ostectomy decreases the stability of canine cadaver carpi as assessed with stress radiography
Authors: Young Aisha N. , Amsellem Pierre , Muirhead Tammy L. , Pack LeeAnn , Matthews Andrea R.
Published: September 2018

Distal ulnar ostectomy may be performed palliatively in patients with distal ulnar osteosarcoma. Concurrent arthrodesis of the carpus has been proposed to counteract joint instability following transection of carpal ligaments associated with removal of the distal ulna. The objective of this prospective one group pretest, posttest study was to assess stability of the carpus following distal ulnar ostectomy using pre‐ and postoperative stress radiographic views in a group of canine cadaver limbs. Seven thoracic limbs from six canine cadavers weighing more than 20 kg were obtained. Lateral and dorsopalmar, extended lateral, medial stress, and lateral stress radiographs were made before and after distal ulnar ostectomy. Presurgical canine cadaver carpal angle measurements were as follows (mean ± standard deviation): extension 205.9° ± 5.4; medial stress 25.1° ± 5.7; and lateral stress 13.3° ± 5.2°. Cadaver limb joint angles exceeded those previously reported in live dogs. A significant increase in carpal angle was noted following ulnar ostectomy. The mean increases in carpal angle were as follows: (mean ± standard deviation (95% confidence interval)): extension 6.2° ± 4.9 (2.6–9.8) (P = 0.007); medial stress 3.2° ± 3.0 (1.0–5.5) (P = 0.015); lateral stress 6.2° ± 5.2 (2.4–10.1) (P = 0.010). Findings from this cadaver study support the use of supplementary stabilization for clinical patients undergoing distal ulnar ostectomy. Future studies are needed in clinical patients to evaluate changes in limb positioning and gait associated with distal ulnar ostectomy.
Impacts of misclassification on Lyme disease surveillance
Authors: Rutz Heather , Hogan Brenna , Hook Sarah , Hinckley Alison , Feldman Katherine
Published: September 2018

In Maryland, Lyme disease (LD) is the most widely reported tickborne disease. All laboratories and healthcare providers are required to report LD cases to the local health department. Given the large volume of LD reports, the nuances of diagnosing and reporting LD, and the effort required for investigations by local health department staff, surveillance for LD is burdensome and subject to underreporting. To determine the degree to which misclassification occurs in Maryland, we reviewed medical records for a sample of LD reports from 2009. We characterized what proportion of suspected and “not a case” reports could be reclassified as confirmed or probable once additional information was obtained from medical record review, explored the reasons for misclassification, and determined multipliers for a more accurate number of LD cases. We reviewed medical records for reports originally classified as suspected (n = 44) and “not a case” (n = 92). Of these 136 records, 31 (23%) suspected cases and “not a case” reports were reclassified. We calculated multipliers and applied them to the case counts from 2009, and estimate an additional 269 confirmed and probable cases, a 13.3% increase. Reasons for misclassification fell into three general categories: lack of clinical or diagnostic information from the provider; surveillance process errors; and incomplete information provided on laboratory reports. These multipliers can be used to calculate a better approximation of the true number of LD cases in Maryland, but these multipliers only account for underreporting due to misclassification, and do not account for cases that are not reported at all (e.g., LD diagnoses based on erythema migrans alone that are not reported) or for cases that are not investigated. Knowing that misclassification of cases occurs during the existing LD surveillance process underscores the complexities of LD surveillance, which further reinforces the need to find alternative approaches to LD surveillance.
L’oeuvre d’Antonio Fernández Alba à Salamanque : la présence du moderne dans un centre historique
Authors: Crespo Milena
Published: September 2018

L’important patrimoine architectural renaissance et baroque de Salamanque constitue aujourd’hui un marqueur im­portant de son identité, reconnue patrimoine de l’Humanité par l’UNESCO en 1988. Cette reconnaissance fait fi des bouleversements connus au XXème siècle par une ville jusqu’alors conservée dans sa structure urbaine médiévale. La pratique de l’architecture menée par Antonio Fernandez Alba entre 1958 et 1990 témoigne de la recherche d’un équilibre entre la modernité et sa révision au sein d’un centre historique plus façonné par la création d’une image symbolique que par la mise en valeur effective de sa richesse comme contenu d’authenticité. Le cas de Fernandez Alba s’inscrit également dans une réflexion plus large qui a sous-tendu la pratique de l’architecture dans les centres historiques, à savoir : comment concilier les usages et fonctions de la vie moderne avec la préservation du centre historique comme contenu d’authenticité ?
La rénovation urbanistique d’un quartier populaire de Bordeaux et ses effets sur le patrimoine matériel et immatériel
Authors: Gonzalez-Lafaysse Linda
Published: September 2018

Cet article traite des transformations qu’a connues au fil du temps un quartier du centre historique de Bordeaux, Mériadeck. En particulier il s’attache à en décrire les bouleversements architecturaux survenus au cours des années 1960 et se poursuivant jusque dans les années 1990, ainsi que leurs effets sur le patrimoine local, tant matériel qu’immatériel. Identifiant d’une part les singularités culturelles de ce quartier populaire, encore perceptibles dans les années 1950 avant sa démolition, d’autre part les particularités et la richesse de son habitat, cet article met en évidence la rupture provoquée par sa rénovation totale. Au-delà des motifs utilisés pour justifier la destruction de ce quartier historique, l’histoire révèle une architecture du 18e siècle analogue à celle de beaucoup de quartiers bordelais de renom, classés depuis 2007 au patrimoine de l’UNESCO, ainsi que des pratiques culturelles et un folklore suscitant des tentatives de conservation mémorielle.
Nanoparticle Sintering Model, Simulation and Calibration Against Experimental Data
Authors: Dibua Obehi G. , Yuksel Anil , Roy Nilabh K. , Foong Chee S. , Cullinan Michael
Published: September 2018

One of the limitations of commercially available metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes is the minimum feature size most processes can achieve. A proposed solution to bridge this gap is microscale selective laser sintering (μ-SLS). The advent of this process creates a need for models which are able to predict the structural properties of sintered parts. While there are currently a number of good SLS models, the majority of these models predict sintering as a melting process, which is accurate for microparticles. However, when particles tend to the nanoscale, sintering becomes a diffusion process dominated by grain boundary and surface diffusion between particles. As such, this paper presents an approach to model sintering by tracking the diffusion between nanoparticles on a bed scale. Phase Field Modeling (PFM) is used in this study to track the evolution of particles undergoing sintering. Part properties such as relative density, porosity, and shrinkage are then calculated from the results of the PFM simulations. These results are compared to experimental data gotten from a Thermogravimetric Analysis done on dried copper nanoparticle inks, and the simulation constants are calibrated to match physical properties.
Modeling of Cyber-Physical Systems and Digital Twin Based on Edge Computing, Fog Computing and Cloud Computing Towards Smart Manufacturing
Authors: Qi Qinglin , Zhao Dongming , Liao T. Warren , Tao Fei
Published: September 2018

Nowadays, smart manufacturing has attracted more and more interesting and attentions of researchers. As an important prerequisite for smart manufacturing, the cyber-physical integration of manufacturing is becoming more and more important. Cyber-physical systems (CPS) and digital twin (DT) are the preferred means to achieve the interoperability and integration between the physical and cyber worlds. From the perspective of hierarchy, CPS and DT can be divided into unit level, system level, and SoS (system of system) level. To meet the different requirements of each level, the following three complementary technologies, i.e., edge computing, fog computing and cloud computing, are instrumental to accelerate the development of various CPS and DT. In this article, the perspectives of unit-level, system-level, and SoS-level of CPS and DT supported by edge computing, fog computing and cloud computing are discussed.
A Novel Microscale 3D Printing Based on Electric-Field-Driven Jet Deposition
Authors: Qian Lei , Lan Hongbo , Zhang Guangming , Zhao Jiawei , Zou Shuting
Published: September 2018

This paper presents an electric-field-driven (EFD) jet deposition 3D printing technique, which is based on the induced electric field and electrohydrodynamic (EHD) cone-jetting behavior. Unlike the traditional EHD-jet printing with two counter electrodes, the EFD jet 3D printing only requires a nozzle electrode to induce an electric field between the nozzle and the target substrate. Taking into account both printing accuracy and printing efficiency, two novel working modes which involve pulsed cone-jet mode and continuous cone-jet mode, are proposed for implementing multi-scale 3D printing. In this work, significant relationships between the printing results and process parameters (voltage, air pressure, pulse duration time, and stage velocity) were investigated to guide the reliable printing in both working modes. Furthermore, the experimental studies were carried out to demonstrate the capabilities and advantages of the proposed approach, which included the suitability of various substrate, the capacity of conformal printing, and the diversity of the compatible materials. Finally, four typical printing results were provided to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed technology for micro-scale 2D patterning and macro/microstructures multi-scale fabrication. As a result, this research provides a novel micro-scale 3D printing technique with low cost, high resolution and good generalizability. The breakthrough technique paves a way for implementing highresolution 3D printing, especially for multi-scale and multimaterial additive manufacturing.
Water-Jet Assisted Laser Surface Hardening of Medium Carbon Steel Using Fiber Laser
Authors: Sarkar Sagar , Nath Ashish Kumar
Published: September 2018

Laser surface hardening of most of the industrial components require depth of surface modification in the range of 100–150 micron. Conventional laser surface hardening uses laser as a heat source to modify a particular area of the surface without melting in an inert gas environment. However, the hardened profile in this case shows peak hardness value at a certain depth from the top surface. Also, hardening the top surface to get relatively much higher hardness near the top surface in case of thin sheets becomes difficult due to accumulation of heat below the surface of the specimen which in turn lowers the cooling rate. Hence, self-quenching becomes inadequate. In the present study, an in-house fabricated laser processing head with coaxial water nozzle has been used to flow a laminar water-jet during the laser surface hardening process to induce forced convection at the top surface. Thus, heat gets carried away by the water-jet from the top surface and by the water from the bottom surface as well. Results show that with judicious selection of process parameters, it is possible to get higher hardness (800 HV) to that of conventional laser surface hardening (500 HV) at the top surface using this process. Present process can be used for those cases where high hardness values are required near the top surface specially for thin sheets and thermally sensitive materials.
Precision Cutting Tool Wear Monitoring Method by Knife-Edge Diffraction Interferometry
Authors: Lee ChaBum
Published: September 2018

This paper presents a non-contact, convenient, efficient cutting tool wear monitoring technique of dicing wheel based on a knife-edge diffraction interferometry. Dicing is a standard technology for fabricating components of micro-electromechanical systems, and the wear of dicing wheels may influence the components’ quality with respect to cutting-surface quality and subsurface damage. Based on the edge diffraction principle that utilizes interference of transmitted wave and a diffracted wave at the wheel end, the diffraction patterns according to dicing wheel conditions were scanned, and cross-correlation was used to extract attrition and abrasive wear from the measured diffraction patterns. Attrition and abrasive wear were related with lag and similarity coefficients of cross-correlation, respectively. This measurement technique can be used for in-process monitoring of wheel conditions or wheel radius compensation and can be included in dicing parameter optimization process.