bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weekly versus Tri-weekly Cisplatin Concurrent with Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Carcinoma Cervix: A Prospective Study
Authors: Sandeep Bhaskar , Sandeep Jain , Kartick Rastogi , Aseem-Rai Bhatnagar , Neeraj Sharma
Published: November 2018

Context: Different schedules of concurrent chemotherapy with definitive radiotherapy in locally advanced carcinoma cervix. Aims: The aim is to evaluate toxicity, compliance, and response of weekly versus tri-weekly cisplatin given concurrently with radiotherapy in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma cervix. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and ten newly diagnosed histopathologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma cervix patients with International Federation of Gynecologists and Oncologists stage IIB to IVA were randomly distributed among study group receiving 75 mg/m2 of cisplatin every 3 weeks for three cycles and control group receiving 40 mg/m2 of weekly cisplatin for six cycles. Results: Patients in both the arms tolerated treatment well. At the time of completion of chemoradiotherapy, 83.63% of patients of the study group and 80% of the control group had a complete response whereas 16.37% of study and 20% of the control group had a partial response, both statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). Compliance was similar in both the groups. The average time to complete radiotherapy was 54.63 days in the study group and 51.34 days in the control group. In the study group, 87.27% of patients completed all cycles of tri-weekly chemotherapy, whereas, in control group, 80% completed all 6 cycles of weekly chemotherapy. The difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.30). Toxicity in terms of vomiting, grade 3–4 leukopenia and neutropenia were more in the study group which was statistically significant (P < 0.001, P = 0.04, and P = 0.03, respectively). Conclusions: Although the 3-weekly cisplatin schedule has longer intervals and sounds convenient, the weekly cisplatin regime shows lower hematologic toxicity with similar disease response and compliance.
Utility of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Brain Epilepsy Protocol in New-Onset Seizures: How is it Different in Developing Countries?
Authors: Ponnatapura Janardhana , Vemanna Suresh , Ballal Sandeep , Singla Avisha
Published: November 2018

Introduction:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the current imaging tool of choice in the investigation of patients with seizures. The advent of high-resolution MRI with a dedicated seizure protocol has significantly increased the chances of identifying a cause, resulting in a positive clinical impact on the management of these patients.

Aims:

The aims of this study were to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of standard MRI, identify whether there is an increase in the diagnostic yield with the addition of dedicated seizure protocol, and compare the diagnostic yields of MRI and electroencephalogram (EEG) individually and in combination.

Subjects and Methods:

This is a prospective study of 129 consecutive patients who presented with new-onset seizures over an 18-month period. The MRI scans performed on 1.5T were reviewed for their diagnostic yield and their association with abnormal electrical activity on EEG. Chi-square test of significance (P < 0.05) was used to test for the difference in proportion. The correlation between MRI brain and EEG was studied using McNemer test.

Results:

MRI detected potentially epileptogenic lesions in 59 patients (47%). The frequency of epileptogenic lesions was highest in patients who had focal-onset seizures (81%). The most common lesion type was infection and inflammation (28%), with neurocysticercosis being the most common, followed by mesial temporal sclerosis, ischemia, and tumor. About 37% of epileptogenic lesions were missed by standard protocol, which were detected on a dedicated seizure protocol MRI. The diagnostic yield of EEG was 31%. Abnormal MRI and EEG were concordant in 18% of patients, with EEG being normal in 37% of patients with epileptogenic lesions.

Conclusions:

MRI detects epileptogenic lesions in almost one half who presented with new-onset seizures and of these, more than third of them were detected using a “dedicated seizure protocol.” While almost 50% with seizures will have a cause identified on MRI, the sensitivity can be substantially improved by utilizing a dedicated seizure protocol.
Review of the Major and Minor Salivary Glands, Part 2: Neoplasms and Tumor-like Lesions
Authors: Kessler Alexander T , Bhatt Alok A
Published: November 2018

The salivary glands are small structures in the head and neck, but can give rise to a wide variety of benign and malignant pathology. When this occurs, patients may present with palpable swelling, although it is quite common that they are asymptomatic and a salivary gland mass was discovered as an incidental finding on imaging performed for another reason. It is, therefore, critical that radiologists pay careful attention to the salivary glands and have working knowledge of the key differentiating features of the most common neoplastic and nonneoplastic etiologies of salivary gland masses. The purpose of this review is to provide a succinct image-rich article illustrating the various causes of salivary gland masses via an extensive review of the primary literature. In Part 2, we discuss neoplasms and tumor-like lesions of the salivary glands with a key emphasis on specific imaging features of the most common pathologic entities.
Upper Gastrointestinal Bleed Embolization with Onyx®: The “Tattoo Effect”
Authors: Raissi Driss , Yu Qian , Mardini S. Houssam
Published: November 2018

Endoscopic intervention is well validated for the control of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). In cases of refractory bleeding, transarterial embolization is a safe and effective alternative. Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) commonly known as Onyx® is an inherently black liquid embolic approved for use in cerebrovascular arteriovenous malformations and is increasingly used as an embolic agent in multiple peripheral and visceral territories. Onyx® has a uniquely undesirable property of causing black color discoloration when used in peripheral applications adjacent to the skin akin to a “tattoo effect.” Knowledge of the agents used by the interventional radiologist, clinical correlation, and close follow-up can be of paramount importance to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention. Here, we report a case demonstrating this “tattoo effect” on the gastric mucosa following UGIB embolization.
Comparative Performances of Dipyridamole and Regadenoson to Detect Myocardial Ischemia using Cardiac Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride Single-Photon Emission Computerized Tomography
Authors: Ben Bouallègue Fayçal , Nganoa Catherine , Vigne Jonathan , Agostini Denis , Manrique Alain
Published: November 2018

Objective:

We evaluated the relative performances of dipyridamole (Dip) and regadenoson (Reg) in a cohort of patients referred for coronary artery disease diagnosis or follow-up using myocardial perfusion imaging.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively included 515 consecutive patients referred for 99mTc-sestamibi myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) on a cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) camera after pharmacologic stress. About three quarters (n = 391, 76%) received Dip. Reg was administrated to patients with chronical respiratory disease or with body mass index (BMI) over 38 kg/m2 (n = 124, 24%). Patients with an abnormal stress scan (92%) underwent a rest imaging on the same day. Qualitative interpretation of perfusion images was achieved using QPS software, and the ischemic area was assessed using the 17-segment model. In patients undergoing a stress-rest protocol, perfusion polar plots were postprocessed using automated in-house software to quantify the extension, intensity, and location of the reversible perfusion defect. Statistical comparison between groups was performed using univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results:

Qualitative analysis concluded to myocardial ischemia in 70% of the patients (69% in the Dip group, 76% in the Reg group, P = ns). In those patients, the number of involved segments (Dip 2.5 ± 1.6, Reg 2.7 ± 1.6, P = ns) and the proportion of patients with an ischemic area larger than two segments (Dip 30%, Reg 37%, P = ns) were comparable. Automated quantification of the reversible perfusion defect demonstrated similar defect extension, intensity, and severity in the two groups. Defect location was identical at the myocardial segment and vascular territory scales.

Conclusions:

Reg and Dip showed equal performances for ischemic burden characterization using myocardial CZT SPECT.
Contrasting physical properties of black carbon in urban Beijing between winter and summer
Authors: Liu Dantong , Joshi Rutambhara , Wang Junfeng , Yu Chenjie , Allan James D. , Coe Hugh , Flynn Michael J. , Xie Conghui , Lee James , Squires Freya , Kotthaus Simone , Grimmond Sue , Ge Xinlei , Sun Yele , Fu Pingqing
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Black carbon (BC) is known to have major impacts on both human health and climate. The populated megacity represents the most complex anthropogenic BC emissions where the sources and related impacts are very uncertain. This study provides source attribution and characterization of BC in the Beijing urban environment during the joint UK-China APHH (Air Pollution and Human Health) project, in both winter (Nov.–Dec. 2016) and summer (May–Jun. 2017). The size-resolved mixing state of BC-containing particles was characterized by a single particle soot photometer (SP2) and their mass spectra was measured by a soot particle mass spectrometer (SP-AMS). The refractory BC (rBC) mass loading was around a factor of 2 higher in winter relative to summer and more variable coatings were present, likely as a result of additional surface emissions from the residential sector and favourable condensation in cold season. The characteristics of the BC were relatively independent of air mass direction in summer; whereas in winter the airmass from the Northern Plateau had a significant dilution effect resulting in less-coated and smaller BC, whereas the BC from the Southern Plateau had the largest core size and coatings. We combine two online source apportionment methods for the first time, by the physical method from the SP2, and the chemical approach using the positive matrix factorization (PMF) of mass spectra from the SP-AMS. A method is proposed to isolate the BC from the transportation sector using a mode of small BC particles (core diameter Dc  100 μg m−3 or BC > 2 μg m−3, the absorption efficiency of BC increased by 25–70 %. Reduction of emissions of these large BC particles and the precursors of the associated secondary coating will be an effective way of mitigating the heating effect of BC in urban environments.
Calibration of isotopologue-specific optical trace gas analysers: a practical guide
Authors: Griffith David W. T.
Published: November 2018

Abstract. The isotopic composition of atmospheric trace gases such as CO2 and
CH4 provides a valuable tracer for the sources and sinks that contribute
to atmospheric trace gas budgets. In the past, isotopic composition has
typically been measured with high precision and accuracy by isotope ratio
mass spectrometry (IRMS) offline and separately from real-time or flask-based
measurements of concentrations or mole fractions. In recent years,
development of infrared optical spectroscopic techniques based on laser and
Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) has provided high-precision
measurements of the concentrations of one or more individual isotopologues of
atmospheric trace gas species in continuous field and laboratory
measurements, thus providing both concentration and isotopic measurements
simultaneously. Several approaches have been taken to the calibration of
optical isotopologue-specific analysers to derive both total trace gas
amounts and isotopic ratios, converging into two different approaches:
calibration via the individual isotopologues as measured by the optical
device and calibration via isotope ratios, analogous to IRMS. This paper sets out a practical guide to the calculations required to
perform calibrations of isotopologue-specific optical analysers, applicable
to both laser and broadband FTIR spectroscopy. Equations to calculate the
relevant isotopic and total concentration quantities without approximation
are presented, together with worked numerical examples from actual
measurements. Potential systematic errors, which may occur when all required
isotopic information is not available, or is approximated, are assessed.
Fortunately, in most such realistic cases, these systematic errors incurred
are acceptably small and within the compatibility limits specified by the
World Meteorological Organisation – Global Atmosphere Watch.
Isotopologue-based and ratio-based calibration schemes are compared.
Calibration based on individual isotopologues is simpler because the
analysers fundamentally measure amounts of individual isotopologues, not
ratios. Isotopologue calibration does not require a range of isotopic ratios
in the reference standards used for the calibration, only a range of
concentrations or mole fractions covering the target range. Ratio-based
calibration leads to concentration dependence, which must also be
characterised.
Can an interplanetary magnetic field reach the surface of Venus?
Authors: Narita Yasuhito , Motschmann Uwe
Published: November 2018

Abstract. We address the question of whether there is a possibility of an
interplanetary magnetic field reaching Venus' surface by magnetic diffusion
across the ionosphere. We present a model calculation, estimate the magnetic
diffusion time at Venus, and find out that the typical diffusion timescale is
in a range between 12 and 54 h, depending on the solar activity and the
ionospheric magnetic field condition. The magnetic field can thus permeate
Venus' surface and even its interior when the solar wind is stationary (i.e.,
no magnetic field reversal) on the timescale of half a day to several days.
Hacia una educación del Sumak Kawsay a través de la propuesta artística de Oswaldo Guayasamín
Authors: Lara-Lara Fernando
Published: November 2018

El presente trabajo tiene por objeto fomentar una cultura educativa del Sumak Kawsay (vivir en plenitud) como posible respuesta comunitaria, enfocada en la madurez de la formación de la persona a través de una propuesta de diálogo con los posibles significados que encarna la obra del pintor ecuatoriano Oswaldo Guayasamín, quien interpela al espectador a un cambio en su mirada desde una cosmovisión latinoamericana; concretamente se parte de sus trabajos titulados “Madre y niño”, “España”, “Mutilados” y “Origen”. Así, y ante la dificultad de incluir en la enseñanza temas radicales, e incardinados en la propuesta política y educativa del buen vivir (fundamentalmente madurativos) como la muerte, el diálogo, la conciencia de finitud y de pertenencia a la naturaleza, conciencia planetaria o de especie, o el propio egocentrismo; se invita a un debate “enculturizador” en el contexto de su planteamiento artístico que pueda coadyuvar a su normalización en un escenario presidido por el escepticismo de la comunidad educativa, escasa presencia en los diseños curriculares, carente formación del profesorado y recelos culturales en este gremio, familia y sociedad.
Rare or interesting lichen species new to China
Authors: Ren Qiang , Zheng Xiao-Jia
Published: November 2018

During recent studies on the microlichens from Mount Taibai in Qinling Mountains of northwestern China, Bryobilimbia hypnorum, Catillaria nigroclavata, Mycobilimbia tetramera, Placidiopsis pseudocinerea, and Toninia diffracta were revealed as new records for China or
mainland China. Illustrations and detailed taxonomic descriptions are provided for these five newly reported species.
Planetella lironis – a new record from Greenland
Authors: Denchev Teodor T. , Denchev Cvetomir M.
Published: November 2018

Planetella lironis, a rare smut fungus known only from Canada, is reported for the first time from Greenland, on Carex maritima.
Myxomycetes from China 17: Fuligo laevis and Physarum simplex, newly recorded in China
Authors: Zhao Fengyun , Li Yu , Gao Xinxin , Liu Shuyan
Published: November 2018

Two species new for China, Fuligo laevis and Physarum simplex, are herein described and illustrated with microscopic and scanning electronic micrographs. The specimens were collected in Heilongjiang Province and deposited in the Herbarium of Mycological Institute of Jilin
Agricultural University, Changchun, China (HMJAU).
Berberis lycium: the newly discovered aecial host of Puccinia striiformoides
Authors: Sohail Y. , Ali B. , Ghazal K. , Iqbal J. , Badshah H. , Mumtaz A.S.
Published: November 2018

Berberis lycium is reported for the first time as the alternate (aecial) host for Puccinia striiformoides from collections in Pakistan. This finding is confirmed by phylogenetic analyses of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA sequence data, which place our sequences
of aecial P. striiformoides on B. lycium in a well-supported clade with GenBank sequences from uredinial P. striiformoides on Dactylis glomerata. Aecia of Puccinia graminis, P. graminis f.sp. tritici, and P. brachypodii that
were also collected on B. lycium from Pakistan provide additional evidence of multiple rust species occurring on secondary host plant species.
Tulostoma rufescens sp. nov. from Sonora, Mexico
Authors: Hernández-Navarro Eduardo , Gutiérrez Aldo , Ramírez-Prado Jorge H. , Sánchez-Teyer Felipe , Esqueda Martín
Published: November 2018

A new species of stalked puffball, Tulostoma rufescens, was observed and collected from subtropical scrub vegetation within the Sonoran Sky Islands, Mexico, and was characterized morphologically and molecularly. The new fungus is characterized by small to medium sized spore-sacs,
a thinly membranous exoperidium persisting in patches in the pinkish endoperidium, a tortuous stem with a basal bulb strongly intermixed with sand and debris, subhyaline capillitia with swollen and pigmented septa, and strongly echinulate basidiospores with spines that occasionally coalesce
to form a subreticulum. Maximum likelihood and neighbor-joining phylogenetic analyses of full ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and D1-D2 LSU DNA regions placed our collection within the monophyletic genus Tulostoma but separate from all of the available sequenced species.
Arthonia, Byssoloma, Calenia, Chroodiscus, Coenogonium, Eremothecella, and Semigyalecta spp. new to China
Authors: Wang Wei-Cheng , Wei Jiang-Chun
Published: November 2018

Ten foliicolous lichens are newly reported for China—Arthonia accolens, A. cyanea, A. palmulacea, Byssoloma annuum, B. subleucoblepharum, Calenia lueckingii, Chroodiscus argillaceus, Coenogonium minimum, Eremothecella
macrosperma, and Semigyalecta paradoxa. Except for C. minimum collected from Guangxi Province, these species were collected from a rain forest in Hainan Province. Descriptions and photos of the ten species and comments are provided.
Prokaryotic Expression, Purification and Identification of Human PDE9A Protein
Authors: Rui Huan , Wang Liqun
Published: November 2018

Cerebral aggregation of beta amyloid plaques (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles is responsible for the onset of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and PDE9A inhibition rescues Aβ-induced deficits in synaptic plasticity and cognition. This study was aimed to express active PDE9A protein for subsequent inhibitor screening. The PDE9A gene was cloned from human cDNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction, and then the gene sequence and its amino acid sequence were analyzed on Lasergene. An inducible expression vector was constructed by enzyme digestion-seamless cloning and transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) for PDE9A expression with isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) as an inducer. The recombinant protein was purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and its activity was determined by a phosphodiesterase assay kit. It was found the open reading frame of PED9A was 1035 bp long, the deduced protein was composed of 345 amino acids, and its predicted isoelectric point was about 4.84. The E. coli vector ST6-PDE9A successfully expressed the recombinant PDE9A protein in the supernatant of bacterial lysate. The optimal culture conditions were that the bacterium ST6-PDE9A was grown first in a lysogeny broth at 37 ºC to an OD600 of 0.6-0.8 and then at 16 ºC for 40 h with the addition of 1 M IPTG. Activity test showed PDE9A significantly hydrolyzed the substrate cyclic guanosine monophosphate. In conclusion, we constructed a prokaryotic expression vector and expressed active proteins, laying a solid foundation for screening PDE9 inhibitors.
Interventions for Distal Radius Fractures: A Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: Vannabouathong Christopher , Hussain Nasir , Guerra-Farfan Ernesto , Bhandari Mohit
Published: November 2018

Introduction:

The distal radius is the second most commonly fractured bone in the elderly population. Several approaches for management exist including both surgical and nonsurgical treatments. Evidence for alternative approaches remains inconclusive and often conflicting.

Methods:

Electronic database searches were conducted to identify randomized trials that (1) enrolled adults with a distal radius fracture; (2) compared external fixation, intramedullary nailing, K-wires, plaster casting (PC), or plate fixation (PF) to one of the other treatments listed; and (3) reported on a functional outcome that categorized patients as “excellent” and “good” or reported fracture healing complication (loss of reduction, malunion, delayed union, nonunion, and refracture). Data were synthesized using a Bayesian network meta-analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% credible intervals (CrIs) using a random-effects model were calculated.

Results:

Thirty-eight trials were included. Total sample sizes ranged from 30 to 461 patients. Although no differences were noted between treatments at 3 months, PF was ranked the highest for improving functional outcomes at 6 and 12 months, and it demonstrated a statistically significant difference compared with PC at 12 months (OR = 4.27; 95% CrI, 1.07 to 15.12). For reduction in fracture healing complications, PF was ranked the highest again, showing significantly more favorable results relative to the four other interventions: OR = 0.25 (95% CrI, 0.07 to 0.86) versus external fixation, OR = 0.09 (95% CrI, 0.02 to 0.36) versus K-wire, OR = 0.01 (95% CrI, 0.00 to 0.03) versus PC, and OR = 0.00 (95% CrI, 0.00 to 0.35) versus intramedullary nailing.

Conclusions:

A network meta-analysis of randomized trials revealed that open reduction and internal fixation with a plate offers the best results for adult patients with a distal radius fracture, in terms of early and sustained functional recovery and a reduction in fracture healing complications. Determining whether one approach to PF or plate design is superior requires further study.
Farmers’ Income and Land Cover Change at Lore Lindu National Park in Indonesia
Authors: Rauf Rustam Abdul , Malik Adam , . Isrun , . Golar , Laapo Alimudin , . Marzuki , Ningsih Sri , Mayapada Arung Gihna , . Effendy
Published: November 2018

Lore Lindu National Park in Central Sulawesi is one of the protected areas. Although it is protected, many of its areas are experiencing pressure and disruption by human activities. The purpose of this research was to know the relationship between farmers’ income and land cover change at Lore Lindu National Park. The research method was a participatory survey. Variables of incomes were sourced from farming and outside farming (forests). Data of land cover change were obtained using imagery in 2012, 2014 and 2016. The result of research is the average of farming income of IDR 1,387,077 (cocoa farming) and non-farm income of IDR 854,819 (forest honey, resin). In the last five years (2012-2016), the primary forest area decreased by 902.37 ha, while the secondary forest has shown an increase of 2,233.61 ha. The trend of land cover change was drastic, with change in the secondary dry land forest area from 6.9 ha (in 2012) to 2,240.5 ha (in 2016). The increased secondary forest area and the secondary forests have been converted into agricultural land and mixed gardens.
The Impact of Talent Management Strategies on Bank Performance in Jordanian Commercial Banks
Authors: Rawashdeh Adnan M.
Published: November 2018

Talent management is very significant to the survive of firms in highly competitive business environment today. it refers to the application of needed employees for a firm and the programs to fit those needs and it combines employee knowledge, skills, attitude, values, competencies and work preferences. The explosive growth of Jordanian banking sector has led to an urgent need to develop talent management strategies as a means of boosting bank performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of talent management strategies on bank performance in Jordanian commercial banks. The design of the study has quantitative approach. Primary data was obtained by questionnaire instrument. The respondents in this study were line managers and HR managers in head admistrations. The number of population was 120 respondents. Random sampling was used in the study. 101completed questionnaires were analyzed as a final sample. Three hypotheses have been developed through literature review and tested using descriptive analysis and independent t-sample test performed by SPSS. The results indicate a positive association of attracting, developing and retaining talents with bank performance. bank management is advised to keep developing the attracting mechanism they have applied in order to cope with the changes in the business environment and stay competitive. Also, its advised to maintain developing the motivation system according to the labor market conditions and competitivnes in order to retain talented staff and to avoid labor turnover. As it should concentrate on the rewards mechanizim as a main key to retain talents. future studies recruiting larger sample sizes are needed. Furthermore, prospective studies should effectively compare Jordanian bank performance with other banks in the Middle East based on these variables.
2018/27 Citizen’s rights after Brexit: no preliminary questions to the ECJ (NL)
Authors: Vos Jan-Pieter
Published: November 2018

2018/27 Citizen’s rights after Brexit: no preliminary questions to the ECJ (NL)

The Amsterdam Court of First Instance had contemplated asking certain preliminary questions to the ECJ about the EU rights of UK citizens residing outside the UK (see EELC 2018/18), but the Court of Appeal has now refused this, considering the underlying claims to be too vague.
Variation Simulation and Diagnosis Model of Compliant Block Assembly Considering Welding Deformation
Authors: Lee Junghyun , Choi Wooyoung , Kang Minseok , Chung Hyun
Published: November 2018

This article proposes a variation simulation and diagnosis model for ship block assembly processes considering the effects of welding distortion. The welding process and the deformation pattern affecting the final shape of a block assembly are diagnosed. Prior studies on welding distortion mainly focused on mitigation methodologies. In this research, welding distortion is regarded as the main cause of geometric variation in parts. In addition, how geometric variations are accumulated throughout multiple assembly processes is mathematically modeled. The variation simulation model is based on a state space equation, where variations of previous stages are propagated to the current stage. The diagnosis model predicts the quantitative effect of each variation source on the final assembly's geometrical variation, based on a normal equation and designated component analysis. The proposed model is simulated with FEM (Dassault Systèmes Americas Corp., Waltham, MA) and MATLAB (Mathworks (https://www.mathworks.com/), Massachusetts, United States) replicating a realistic block assembly process for validation. The model can effectively simulate the propagation of welding distortion and quantitatively diagnose variation patterns and welding processes.

1. Introduction

Analysis, management, and variation diagnostics are some of the important aspects of the production process. These have been mainly studied in mass production processes such as in the automobile industry. Mantripragada and Whitney (1999) and Whitney (2004) proposed a tolerance analysis method for the multistage rigid body assembly using a state space equation. Huang et al. (2006a, 2007) proposed a ship block tolerance model for the single and multiple stage variation propagation of a rigid body model. Liu and Hu (1995,1997) proposed a compliant assembly model using FEM, called the method of influence coefficients (MIC). Govik et al. (2012) proved MIC using an FEM simulation. Variation propagation in a multiple stage process while considering a compliant assembly has been proposed by Camelio et al. (2003, 2002a). Variation propagation models considering the location of data such as in key control characteristics, key product characteristics, and a local coordinate system of parts were proposed by Qu et al. (2016).
Selective Hedging of Foreign Exchange Risk: New Evidence from French Non-Financial Firms
Authors: Albouy Michel , Dupuy Philippe
Published: November 2018

We provide survey evidence on the use of derivatives for the management of foreign exchange risk among French non-financial firms. We focus particularly on the way firms might alter the size and the timing of the hedges, a practice called selective hedging. We rely on observations gathered between 2010 and 2015 via e-mail surveys and one-on-one interviews. The results show that French corporations are hedging more systematically than their foreign counterparts. Together, we observe that highly indebted and smaller firms tend to be more selective. We relate our findings to cultural differences and communication issues.
Greenhouse gas flux with reflooding of a drained salt marsh soil
Authors: Wollenberg Jan T. , Biswas Asim , Chmura Gail L.
Published: November 2018

Salt marshes are highly effective carbon (C) sinks and bury more C per square meter annually than any other ecosystem. Reclamation and anthropogenic impacts, however, have resulted in extensive losses of salt marshes. Carbon credits can be generated and sold by restoring marshes, but only if C sequestration and net reductions in greenhouse gases (GHG) are reliably quantified. Restored marshes, however, may exhibit different patterns of GHG emissions than natural marshes and it is possible that they could temporarily become sources of N2O even in the usually N-limited estuarine environment. Research on short-term GHG flux following salt marsh restoration is limited to studies of two restored marshes which examined GHG flux more than six months after the return of tidal flooding. Here we report on a laboratory experiment in which soil cores collected from a drained agricultural marsh on the St. Lawrence Estuary were flooded with estuary water. Gas flux measurements immediately after flooding revealed small increases in N2O and CH4, but a large decline in CO2 yielding, from a climatic perspective, a net cooling effect over the observation period. In addition to restoring the land’s capacity to sequester C once a marsh develops, returning tidal flooding thus appears to have the added benefit of stemming large ongoing C losses. With more than 400 km2 of undeveloped dykeland, Eastern Canada is well positioned to restore large sections of marsh and contribute to reducing atmospheric CO2 concentrations.
Irony, Archeology, and the Rule of Rhyme: Two Readings of the Ṭasmu Luzūmiyya of Abū l-ʿAlāʾ al-Maʿarrī
Authors: Stetkevych Suzanne Pinckney
Published: November 2018

Two contrasting approaches to the genesis of the Luzūmiyya rhymed in Ṭasmu serve as entry points into Abū l-ʿAlāʾ al-Maʿarrī’s (d. 449/1058) double-rhymed diwan, Luzūm mā lā yalzam. The first takes the seventh/thirteenth-century litterateur Ibn al-Qifṭī’s account of the Umayyad caliph al-Walīd’s Mosque of Damascus excavations, which was read before al-Maʿarrī, as the inspiration for the poem. This reading elicits the metaphorical connection, through the ubi sunt topos of the Arabic nasīb, between the extinct Arab tribe Ṭasm and the long-lost civilization unearthed in Damascus, and, further, the high irony with which the poem predicts the ineluctable annihilation of Islam itself. The second reading interprets the poem as the product of the extreme double-rhyme strictures al-Maʿarrī has imposed on himself—here the rhyme in -smu. The use of Ṭasm/ṭasm (erasure, obliteration) inexorably drives the poem from the lore of tribal extermination to the lexical and motival world of the nasīb.
Translation, or Sinology
Authors: Kroll Paul W.
Published: November 2018

Although sinology cannot exist without translation, the goals of the two are not always the same. One is usually put in service subordinate to the other, whether a conflict is explicitly recognized or not. The perennial dispute surrounding “free” vs. “literal” translation often ensues as an inevitable consequence. Brief remarks are offered here in hope of clarifying certain issues and methods, with special attention to the translation of medieval poetry.
Accent in Hittite: A Study in Plene Spelling, Consonant Gradation, Clitics, and Metrics. By Alwin Kloekhorst
Authors: Melchert H. Craig
Published: November 2018

Accent in Hittite: A Study in Plene Spelling, Consonant Gradation, Clitics, and Metrics. By Alwin Kloekhorst. Studien zu den Boğazköy-Texten, vol. 56. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz Verlag, 2014. Pp. xxv + 716. €98.
Witchcraft Series Maqlû. By Tzvi Abusch
Authors: Hunt Joel H.
Published: November 2018

The Witchcraft Series Maqlû. By Tzvi Abusch. Writings from the Ancient World, vol. 37. Atlanta: SBL Press, 2015. Pp. xiv + 201. $29.95 (paper).
On Cold Mountain: A Buddhist Reading of the Hanshan Poems. By Paul Rouzer
Authors: Mazanec Thomas J.
Published: November 2018

On Cold Mountain: A Buddhist Reading of the Hanshan Poems. By Paul Rouzer. Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2016. Pp. xiv + 266. $40.
Drunken Man’s Talk: Tales from Medieval China. By Luo Ye. Translated by Alister D. Inglis
Authors: Rao Xiao
Published: November 2018

The Drunken Man’s Talk: Tales from Medieval China. By Luo Ye. Translated by Alister D. Inglis. Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2015. Pp. xxiii + 214. $50 (cloth); $30 (paper).
Rebellion of Muḥammad al-Nafs al-Zakiyya in 145/762: Ṭālibīs and Early ʿAbbāsīs in Conflict. By Amikam Elad
Authors: Bernheimer Teresa
Published: November 2018

The Rebellion of Muḥammad al-Nafs al-Zakiyya in 145/762: Ṭālibīs and Early ʿAbbāsīs in Conflict. By Amikam Elad. Islamic History and Civilization, vol. 118. Leiden: Brill, 2016. Pp. xi + 527. $245, €176.
Ḥikāyat Abī al-Qāsim: A Literary Banquet. By Emily Selove
Authors: Marzolph Ulrich
Published: November 2018

Ḥikāyat Abī al-Qāsim: A Literary Banquet. By Emily Selove. Edinburgh Studies in Classical Arabic Literature. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2016. Pp. x + 200. $120, £70.
Front Matter
Authors: Editors
Published: November 2018

Front matter
Zerlasiran—A Small-Interfering RNA Targeting Lipoprotein(a)
Authors: Nissen Steven E. , Wang Qiuqing , Nicholls Stephen J. , Navar Ann Marie , Ray Kausik K. , Schwartz Gregory G. , Szarek Michael , Stroes Erik S. G. , Troquay Roland , Dorresteijn Jannick A. N. , Fok Henry , Rider David A. , Romano Steven , Wolski Kathy , Rambaran Curtis
Published: November 2024

Importance

Elevated lipoprotein(a) increases the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and aortic stenosis.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of zerlasiran, a small-interfering RNA targeting hepatic synthesis of apolipoprotein(a), on lipoprotein(a) serum concentration.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A multicenter trial in patients with stable ASCVD with serum lipoprotein(a) concentrations greater than or equal to 125 nmol/L at 26 sites in Europe and South Africa between January 3, 2023, and April 27, 2023, with last follow-up on July 1, 2024.

Interventions

Participants randomized to receive a subcutaneous dose of placebo every 16 weeks for 3 doses (n = 23) or every 24 weeks for 2 doses (n = 24) or zerlasiran 450 mg every 24 weeks for 2 doses (n = 45), 300 mg every 16 weeks for 3 doses (n = 42), or 300 mg every 24 weeks for 2 doses (n = 44).

Main Outcome and Measures

The primary outcome was the time-averaged percent change in lipoprotein(a) concentration from baseline to 36 weeks, with follow-up to 60 weeks.

Results

Among 178 patients, mean (SD) age was 63.7 (9.4) years, 46 (25.8%) were female, with a median (IQR) baseline lipoprotein(a) concentration of 213 (177-282) nmol/L; 172 patients completed the trial. Compared with the pooled placebo group, the least-squares mean time-averaged percent change in lipoprotein(a) concentration from baseline to week 36 was −85.6% (95% CI, −90.9% to −80.3%), −82.8% (95% CI, −88.2% to −77.4%), and −81.3% (95% CI, −86.7% to −76.0%) for the 450 mg every 24 weeks, 300 mg every 16 weeks, and 300 mg every 24 weeks groups, respectively. Median (IQR) percent change in lipoprotein(a) concentration at week 36 was −94.5% (−97.3% to −84.2%) for the 450 mg every 24 weeks group, −96.4% (−97.7% to −92.3%) for the 300 mg every 16 weeks group, and −90.0% (−93.7% to −81.3%) for the 300 mg every 24 weeks group. The most common treatment-related adverse effects were injection site reactions, with mild pain occurring in 2.3% to 7.1% of participants in the first day following drug administration. There were 20 serious adverse events in 17 patients, none considered related to the study drug.

Conclusions

Zerlasiran was well-tolerated and reduced time-averaged lipoprotein(a) concentration by more than 80% during 36 weeks of treatment in patients with ASCVD.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05537571
Food Costs of a Low-Fat Vegan Diet vs a Mediterranean Diet
Authors: Kahleova Hana , Sutton Macy , Maracine Cristina , Nichols Daniel , Monsivais Pablo , Holubkov Richard , Barnard Neal D.
Published: November 2024

This ad hoc secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial compares the food costs in the United States of a low-fat vegan diet and a Mediterranean diet.
Temperature‐Induced Effects on Wet‐Spun Artificial Spider Silk Fibers
Authors: Greco Gabriele , Schmuck Benjamin , Fazio Vincenzo , Puglisi Giuseppe , Florio Giuseppe , Pugno Nicola Maria , Fambri Luca , Rising Anna
Published: November 2024

Silk‐based materials are sought after across various industries due to their remarkable properties, including high strength and flexibility. However, their practical application depends largely on how well these properties are maintained under different environmental conditions. Despite significant advancements in the large‐scale production of artificial silk fibers, the effects of temperature on their mechanical behavior are understudied. In this study, the mechanical properties of artificial spider silk fibers between −80 and +120 °C are examined and compared to both synthetic and natural silk fibers. The findings reveal that artificial silk fibers maintain their strength up to +120 °C, though the strain at break slightly decreases, remaining above 60%. At −80 °C, the fibers exhibit increased strength, but the strain at break is reduced. While these artificial fibers closely mimic the behavior of natural silk, they show a noticeable reduction in extensibility at low temperatures. Complementing experimental data, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis are also conducted, proposing a simple physical model to explain the observed temperature‐induced softening. Encouragingly, the degradation temperature of artificial silk is comparable to that of native silkworm and spider silk. This study underscores the importance of enhancing the mechanical robustness of artificial silk to expand its applications.
Field‐Programmable Topographic‐Morphing Array for General‐Purpose Lab‐on‐a‐Chip Systems
Authors: Fan Yangyang , Wu Huimin , Wang Jiao , Lv Jiu‐an
Published: November 2024

Lab‐on‐a‐chip systems seek to leverage microfluidic chips to enable small‐scale fluid manipulation, holding significant potential to revolutionize science and industry. However, existing microfluidic chips have been largely designed with static fluid structures for specific single‐purpose applications, which lack adaptability and flexibility for diverse applications. Inspired by the general‐purpose design strategy of the customizable chip of integrated circuit – field programmable gate array whose hardware can be reconfigured via software programming for multifunctionality after manufacturing, a conceptual‐new reconfigurable microfluidic chip — field programmable topographic morphing array (FPTMA) is devised with exceptional structural reconfiguration, field programmability, and function scalability for general‐purpose lab‐on‐a‐chip systems that beyond the reach of current state‐of‐art lab‐on‐chip systems. FPTMA can be software programmed to dynamically shape an elastic meta‐interface from the initial smooth structure into desired time‐varying topographic structures and thus generate spatiotemporal topographic‐morphing‐induced capillary forces to actively manipulate multidroplets in parallel and enable real‐time reconfiguring diverse microfluidic operations/functions/flow networks as well as workflows. It is envisioned that the development of the FPTMA‐driven lab‐on‐a‐chip systems that leverage dynamic interfacial topographies to digitally handle microfluidics would significantly stimulate numerous technological innovations in biology/medicine/chemistry.
In Situ Fabricated Perovskite Quantum Dots: From Materials to Applications
Authors: Wu Xian‐gang , Jing Yuyu , Zhong Haizheng
Published: November 2024

Due to the low formation enthalpy and high defect tolerance, in situ fabricated perovskite quantum dots offer advantages such as easy fabrication and superior optical properties. This paper reviews the methodologies, functional materials of in situ fabricated perovskite quantum dots, including polymer nanocomposites, quantum dots doped glasses, mesoporous nanocomposites, quantum dots‐embedded single crystals, and electroluminescent films. This study further highlights the industrial breakthroughs of in situ fabricated perovskite quantum dots, especially the scale‐up fabrication and stability enhancement. Finally, the fundamental challenges in developing perovskite quantum dots for industrial applications are discussed, with a focus on photoinduced degradation under high‐intensity light irradiation, ion migration under electrical bias and thermal quenching at high temperature.
Digital Quantitative Detection for Heterogeneous Protein and mRNA Expression Patterns in Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Li Hao , Li Jinze , Zhang Zhiqi , Yang Qi , Du Hong , Dong Qiongzhu , Guo Zhen , Yao Jia , Li Shuli , Li Dongshu , Pang Nannan , Li Chuanyu , Zhang Wei , Zhou Lianqun
Published: November 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) circulating tumor cells (CTCs) exhibit significant phenotypic heterogeneity and diverse gene expression profiles due to epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, current detection methods lack the capacity for simultaneous quantification of multidimensional biomarkers, impeding a comprehensive understanding of tumor biology and dynamic changes. Here, the CTC Digital Simultaneous Cross‐dimensional Output and Unified Tracking (d‐SCOUT) technology is introduced, which enables simultaneous quantification and detailed interpretation of HCC transcriptional and phenotypic biomarkers. Based on self‐developed multi‐real‐time digital PCR (MRT‐dPCR) and algorithms, d‐SCOUT allows for the unified quantification of Asialoglycoprotein Receptor (ASGPR), Glypican‐3 (GPC‐3), and Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM) proteins, as well as Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD‐L1), GPC‐3, and EpCAM mRNA in HCC CTCs, with good sensitivity (LOD of 3.2 CTCs per mL of blood) and reproducibility (mean %CV = 1.80–6.05%). In a study of 99 clinical samples, molecular signatures derived from HCC CTCs demonstrated strong diagnostic potential (AUC = 0.950, sensitivity = 90.6%, specificity = 87.5%). Importantly, by integrating machine learning, d‐SCOUT allows clustering of CTC characteristics at the mRNA and protein levels, mapping normalized heterogeneous 2D molecular profiles to assess HCC metastatic risk. Dynamic digital tracking of eight HCC patients undergoing different treatments visually illustrated the therapeutic effects, validating this technology's capability to quantify the treatment efficacy. CTC d‐SCOUT enhances understanding of tumor biology and HCC management.
Biomimetic Dehydrogenative Intermolecular Formal Allylic Amidation of Branched α‐Olefins
Authors: Fu Xiaoyang , Tian Jiarui , Zhang Mingjun , Jing Yue , Liu Yuxiu , Song Hongjian , Wang Qingmin
Published: November 2024

Allylic amide moieties are commonly encountered in natural products and are privileged structures in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Moreover, because allylic amide can be to converted into an array of high‐value motifs, they have been widely employed in organic synthesis. However, the development of catalytic systems for intermolecular allylic amidation of olefins, particularly branched α‐olefins, has proven to be challenging. Here, a biomimetic, synergistic catalytic method is reported that combines photoredox, cobalt, and Brønsted base catalysis for the synthesis of substituted allylic amides from branched α‐olefins and simple imides without using oxidants. This low‐cost, operationally simple method features a broad substrate scope and excellent functional group compatibility. Moreover, it is successfully used for the functionalization of several structurally complex molecules demonstrating the method's potential utility for medicinal chemistry applications. Mechanistic studies revealed that C(sp3)─N bond formation is mediated by a nitrogen‐centered radical intermediate, which is generated via a sequence involving deprotonation and single‐electron oxidation.
High Mobility, High Carrier Density SnSe2 Field‐Effect Transistors with Ultralow Subthreshold Swing and Gate‐Controlled Photoconductance Switching
Authors: Huang Yuan , Sutter Eli , Parkinson Bruce A. , Sutter Peter
Published: November 2024

2D and layered semiconductors are considered as promising electronic materials, particularly for applications that require high carrier mobility and efficient field‐effect switching combined with mechanical flexibility. To date, however, the highest mobility has been realized primarily at low carrier concentration. Here, it is shown that few‐layer/multilayer SnSe2 gated by a solution top gate combines very high room‐temperature electron mobility (up to 800 cm2 V−1s−1), along with large on‐off current ratios (>105) and a subthreshold swing below the thermodynamic limit (50 mV per decade) in field‐effect devices, at exceptionally large sheet carrier concentrations of ≈1013 cm−2. Observed mobility enhancements upon partial depletion of the channel point to near‐surface defects or impurities as the mobility‐limiting scattering centers. Under illumination, the resulting gap states give rise to gate‐controlled switching between positive and negative photoconductance. The results qualify SnSe2 as a promising layered semiconductor for flexible and wearable electronics, as well as for the realization of advanced approaches to photodetection.