bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic covalent bond-based hydrogels with superior compressive strength, exceptional slice-resistance and self-healing properties
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Jianfei , Yang Hui , Liu Kaiqiang , Miao Rong , Peng Haonan , Fang Yu
Published: September 2018

A dynamic covalent bond-based single network hydrogel with ultrahigh compressive strength, exceptional slice-resistance and self-healing properties is reported.
Light-induced morphological transition between unconjugated bilirubin photoisomers
Authors: Pal Siddhartha , Banerjee Pavel , Mondal Dipankar , Sarkar Nilmoni
Published: September 2018

Unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) has a characteristic elongated morphology which has been transformed into a spherical nanostructure by 470 nm photo-illumination. Using various techniques, it is established that morphological alteration is an indication of UCB photoisomerisation, which may be used as a marker in jaundice phototherapy.
Multiple anti-counterfeiting realized in NaBaScSi2O7 with a single activator of Eu2+
Authors: Liu Zhichao , Zhao Lei , Chen Wenbo , Fan Xiaotong , Yang Xiuxia , Tian Shuyu , Yu Xue , Qiu Jianbei , Xu Xuhui
Published: September 2018

Multiple encryption data encoding and decoding model of single activator ion luminescence.
Tri‐decomposition model for image recovery
Authors: Jin Mengying , Chen Yunjie , Zhang Fanlong
Published: September 2018

This Letter reveals the feasibility of decomposing a matrix into three component matrices for image recovery. Image recovery emerges in many areas, such as image processing, computer vision, and pattern recognition. Recently, the low rank assumption‐based image recovery methods catch the researcher's attention. The authors assume the real data matrix has low rank and the error matrix is sparse. However, they are limited to the low‐rank component being exactly low‐rank, and the sparse component being exactly sparse. Either or both these assumptions are not exactly satisfied in practice and should be relaxed. This Letter presents a tri‐decomposition method for dealing with the image data corrupted by both large sparse noise and small dense noise. The method parts the observed data into the clean data, sparse noise, and dense noise by different measure functions. Extensive experiments on face images and surveillance videos demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
High isolation slot coupled antenna with integrated tunable self‐interference cancellation circuitry
Authors: Nawaz H. , Gürbüz Ö. , Tekin I.
Published: September 2018

This letter presents a high interport isolation, compact dual polarised slot coupled monostatic patch antenna with integrated tunable analogue/RF self‐interference cancellation (SIC) circuitry for 2.4/2.5 GHz In Band Full Duplex wireless applications. The presented antenna deploys hybrid feeding for improved interport isolation through polarisation diversity and integrated single‐tap RF SIC circuitry provides additional isolation on top of antenna isolation. Brief mathematical description for deployed single‐tap RF SIC is also presented. The implemented prototype of the proposed antenna module provides around 80 dB interport isolation for 20 MHz bandwidth and better than 97 dB peak isolation when measured in a lab in the presence of environmental reflections. Moreover, 20 MHz SIC bandwidth with 80 dB interport isolation can be tuned within antenna's 10 dB return loss impedance bandwidth of 60 MHz.
Reweighted ‐norm minimisation for high‐resolution DOA estimation under unknown mutual coupling
Authors: Meng Dandan , Wang Xianpeng , Huang Mengxing , Shen Chong
Published: September 2018

A reweighted ‐norm minimisation algorithm for high‐resolution direction‐of‐arrival (DOA) estimation under unknown mutual coupling is proposed in this Letter. First, the proposed method forms a new block representation model by parameterising the steering vector. Then, a reweighted ‐norm constraint based on the new data model is proposed, in which the principle of a novel multiple signals classification (MUSIC)‐like algorithm is used to construct a weighted matrix. Finally, the DOAs can be achieved by the recovered sparse matrix. Owing to the use of the whole received data and reweighted procedure, the performance of the proposed method is better than the state‐of‐the‐art methods. Extensive simulation experiments confirm that the above inference is correct.
Dempster–Shafer evidence theory‐based multi‐feature learning and fusion method for non‐rigid 3D model retrieval
Authors: Zeng Hui , Zhang Ran , Wang Xiuqing , Fu Dongmei , Wei Qingting
Published: September 2018

This study introduces a novel multi‐feature‐based non‐rigid three‐dimensional (3D) model retrieval method. First, for each 3D model, compute the scale‐invariant heat kernel signature (SI‐HKS) descriptor and the wave kernel signature (WKS) descriptor of each vertex. Then, the normalised weighted bags of phrases feature is obtained and they are fed to the convolutional neural networks. The trust degree of each kind of descriptor is computed, and the total trust degree can be obtained. Finally, the fusion network is trained and the retrieval results can be obtained according to the ranking of the total trust degrees. For the training phase and the testing phase, the authors define different computation methods of the trust degrees and the total trust degrees. The Dempster–Shafer (DS) evidence‐based total trust degrees are used not only in the feature layer but also in the decision layer. The final decision results of the total trust degrees are used in the process of the network learning. So the proposed method can make full use of the complementary information of the SI‐HKS descriptor and the WKS descriptor. Extensive experiments have shown that the proposed multi‐feature fusion method has better performance than a single feature‐based method, and also outperforms other existing state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Comparative analysis of stability limitations in weak grid‐connected synchronous generator, VSC, and DFIG systems considering the power flow control dynamics
Authors: Wang Dong , Hou Yunhe , Hu Jiabing
Published: September 2018

In the conventional power systems, the synchronous generators (SGs) are known to suffer stability issues under weak grid conditions. Recently, similar problems are observed in the inverter interfaced systems, including the full voltage source converter (VSC)‐based high‐voltage DC, and partial VSC interfaced doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) systems, but the root causes of these instabilities in reality are not completely understood yet. This study aims to provide a possible unified explanation for the origin of these instability issues. With the experiences of SG's instability mechanism, for the VSC and DFIG systems, the dynamics of outer power flow controls are mainly focused, and the reduced‐order models are parallelly presented first. Then, centralised around the active power control loops of these systems for analysis, it is found that an open‐loop zero will move to the right half plane with grid strength decrease. The borders for the occurrence of right‐half‐plane zeros (RHPZs) are analytically derived. Further, a general interpretation regarding these identified RHPZs’ limitations, including the adverse phase lag effect on stability and the attraction effect on the stability boundary, is illustrated. In addition, a uniform explanation for the origin of the RHPZs in these systems is also provided. Time‐domain simulations are conducted to validate the analysis.
Integral sliding mode‐improved adaptive MPPT control scheme for suppressing grid current harmonics for PV system
Authors: Pahari Om Prakash , Subudhi Bidyadhar
Published: September 2018

This study proposes a new control scheme for grid integration of a three‐phase two‐stage photovoltaic (PV) system by employing an integral sliding mode current control loop and an improved adaptive maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm. Integral sliding mode control (ISMC) offers fast control action and is insensitive to plant parametric uncertainties. In a grid‐connected PV system, ISMC suffers from steady‐state error in tracking reference grid current signal due to disturbances in the dc‐link voltage caused by the MPPT. To improve the performance of the ISMC, the authors propose a direct duty ratio control‐based variable step size perturb and observe (P&O) MPPT algorithm for reducing the oscillations in the dc‐link voltage. The efficacy of the proposed control scheme is verified by first simulating it using MATLAB/Simulink and then through real‐time implementation on a prototype PV control setup. To evaluate the performance of this ISMC‐improved adaptive P&O‐based controller, its performance is compared with Lagrangian interpolation‐based particle swarm optimisation MPPT, sliding mode controller and proportional–integral controller. From the comparison, it is observed that the former exhibits superior performance and suppresses the harmonic content in the grid current despite the presence of low‐order harmonics in the utility grid voltage.
Ferroresonance phenomena in medium‐voltage isolated neutral grids: a case study
Authors: Martínez Raquel , Manana Mario , Rodríguez Jose Ivan , Álvarez Marcos , Mínguez Rafael , Arroyo Alberto , Bayona Eduardo , Azcondo Francisco , Pigazo Alberto , Cuartas Francisco
Published: September 2018

Power quality events associated with the occurrence of ferroresonances in medium voltage (MV) isolated‐neutral distribution power systems are well known but they still happen in nowadays grids. This work deals with the study of ferroresonance events in a distribution grid region characterised by having distributed generators and being lightly loaded. The study shows that well‐known solutions, i.e. voltage transformer damping, are difficult to apply due to the legal considerations and, alternatively, the distribution system operator can take actions to minimise their effect on the distribution system. The data provided and the obtained results correspond to a three‐year measurement campaign at a real MV isolated‐neutral distribution power system. The measurements and analysis given allow reaching general conclusions about the distribution system operation oriented to minimise the effect of ferroresonances.
Electronic resistor emulators for ferroresonance damping in MV transformers
Authors: Bayona Eduardo , Azcondo Francisco , Brañas Christian , Diaz Javier , Martínez Raquel , Manana Mario , Mínguez Rafael , Rodríguez Jose Ivan , Pigazo Alberto
Published: September 2018

The occurrence of ferroresonances, due to the presence of voltage transformers in isolated‐neutral in medium‐voltage (MV) distribution grids, results in overvoltages and overcurrents that may damage the connected equipment. To prevent this phenomenon, the protection windings of the MV transformers have to be properly loaded for damping purposes. Mitigation equipment based on resistors, passive/active circuits and static converters have been proposed in the literature. This study proposes a new variety of mitigation equipment based on very simple power electronic converters operated as configurable resistor emulators. The proposed approach is evaluated theoretically and validated experimentally. A resistor emulator proof of concept is designed and applied for damping ferroresonances due to the occurrence of line‐to‐ground faults in isolated‐neutral MV distribution power systems.
Parameters estimation of single‐ and multiple‐diode photovoltaic model using whale optimisation algorithm
Authors: Elazab Omnia S. , Hasanien Hany M. , Elgendy Mohamed A. , Abdeen Amr M.
Published: September 2018

The high level of penetration of photovoltaic (PV) systems into electric power grids increases rapidly due to many merits of such promising technology. In the simulation investigation of PV systems, an accurate PV model is vital, where it plays an important role through the dynamic analysis of these systems. The mathematical model of the PV module is a nonlinear I–V characteristic including many unknown parameters as data provided by the PV manufacturers' are inadequate. This paper introduces a novel application of the whale optimisation algorithm (WOA) for estimating the parameters of the single, double, and three diode PV models of a PV module. The WOA‐based PV models are validated by the simulation results, which are carried out under various environmental conditions using MATLAB program. The effectiveness of the WOA‐based PV models is checked by comparing their results with that obtained using other optimisation methods. To obtain a realistic study, these simulation outcomes are compared with the experimental outcomes of a Kyocera KC200GT PV module. The WOA‐based PV model is efficiently evaluated by comparing the absolute current error of this model with that obtained using other PV models. Using this meta‐heuristic algorithm application, an accurate PV model can be obtained.
Simplified approach of maximum electric field distribution on the ground near HVAC–HVDC shared tower transmission lines
Authors: Xiao Fengnyu , Yan Jianxing , Zhang Bo , Wang Yanjie
Published: September 2018

This study extends the superposition method proposed by the Electric Power Research Institute to calculate electric field distribution on the ground near high voltage alternating current‐high voltage direct current (HVAC‐HVDC) shared tower transmission lines under ultra high voltage (UHV). Maximum electric field on the ground can be easily superposed by electric field when two circuits act separately, and when one circuit acts, thhe other circuit is regarded as ground wires. The ac field is calculated by method of images. The dc field is calculated by a finite element method (FEM). A precise time‐domain FEM is used to calculate the hybrid electric field for comparison. Dispersion between results of superposition and time‐domain FEM confirms that the superposition method is less time consuming and can satisfy engineering precision.
Data‐based cascade control of permanent magnet synchronous motor with industrial robot application
Authors: Xie Yuanlong , Tang Xiaoqi , Song Bao , Tao Jieyu , Li Hu , Ye Bosheng
Published: September 2018

The industrial robot is typically actuated by a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). In manufacturing applications, the position control performance of the PMSM actuation systems will directly affect the efficiency and precision of the industrial robot. This study proposes a cascade control method to achieve accurate position profile‐tracking for a field‐bus industrial robot. The proposed method is a data‐based method, which implies that only process data is directly used for the controller design without system model information. The cascade position controller optimisation problem is formulated using the collected data from the plant to be controlled. Then, a multiple degrees‐of‐freedom solution is designed to obtain the optimal control parameters for all actuation PMSM systems. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method are demonstrated using an experimental example implemented on the developed field‐bus industrial robot.
Three‐dimensional magnetic flux leakage signal analysis and imaging method for tank floor defect
Authors: Peng Lisha , Huang Songling , Wang Shen , Zhao Wei
Published: September 2018

The magnetic flux leakage (MFL) detection of defect in tank floor is of great significance to ensure the safety of the tank. The existing methods for defect analysis are based on one‐dimensional MFL signals, which lead to simple quantification or two‐dimensional contour identification of defect. In this study, the characteristics of the three‐dimensional (3D) MFL signals of the bottom of the tank floor have been analysed. The sensitivity and correspondence of the components of MFL signals to various types of edge of defect have been studied, along with the correlation between signal intensity and the defect depth. This study also proposed a defect imaging method based on 3D MFL signals. This method adopts the Prewitt operator to detect the defect edge. Then, a finite element method is used to establish the corresponding relationship between defect depth and signal intensity, to solve the depth of a real defect. The method proposed in this study can achieve the contour recognition and depth estimation of the defect accurately, and further realise defect imaging. The finite element simulations test has verified the feasibility of the proposed method.
Analysis of electromagnetic exciting force and vibration of rotating armature permanent magnet synchronous motor
Authors: Yang Zhanlu , Wang Shanming , Hong Jianfeng , Li Jingsong
Published: September 2018

The armature rotating permanent magnet synchronous motor has different vibration characteristics from other motors, as its electromagnetic exciting force has little relation to the frequency component about pole. In this study, analytical method was used to calculate the magnetic field and the electromagnetic exciting force of the proposed motor. Characteristics of the spatial distribution of the exciting force were displayed. Also, the finite element (FE) method was employed to simulate the vibration of the motor stator and obtain its vibration characteristics. The relationship between the electromagnetic exciting force and vibration mode shapes was analysed. The spatial distribution of the electromagnetic force is not the only decisive factor for the vibration mode shapes. To obtain the actual motor vibration, the motor stator modal and spatial distribution of the exciting force must be considered comprehensively. The results of the analytical calculations regarding vibration shapes and frequencies were basically consistent with those of FE simulations, and the results of vibration frequencies were in line with those of vibration tests. In this way, the analysis process of frequency got verified.
Real‐time hybrid simulation platform for wide‐area monitoring and control applications
Authors: Lin Junjie , Lu Chao , Xiong Chunhui
Published: September 2018

As wide‐area measurements and control techniques are being developed and deployed for a more resilient power system; the modern power grid is strongly integrated with its communication network. By combining power systems with communication network simulator, co‐simulation technique or platform enables the simulations of electric power systems in which communication network properties can be taken into account. In this study, a real‐time hybrid simulation platform is proposed and implemented, which can be used to implement electromechanical transient real‐time electric power simulation of a large‐scale power system and emulate the measurement, control and communication process of wide‐area power grids. Applications to study the phasor measurement unit measurement error and wide‐area monitor and control are presented, which further illustrates the important role of this platform in power system simulation and analyses.
Monitoring of the activity and composition of comets 41P/Tuttle–Giacobini–Kresak and 45P/Honda–Mrkos–Pajdusakova
Authors: Moulane Y. , Jehin E. , Opitom C. , Pozuelos F. J. , Manfroid J. , Benkhaldoun Z. , Daassou A. , Gillon M.
Published: September 2018

We report on photometry and imaging of the Jupiter family comets 41P/Tuttle–Giacobini–Kresak and 45P/Honda–Mrkos–Pajdusakova with the TRAPPIST-North (TRAnsiting Planets and PlanetesImals Small Telescope) telescope. We observed 41P on 34 nights from February 16 to July 27, 2017, pre- and post-perihelion (rh= 1.04 au), and collected data for comet 45P after perihelion (rh= 0.53 au) from February 10 to March 30, 2017. We computed the production rates of the daughter species OH, NH, CN, C3and C2and we measured the dust proxy, Afρ, for both comets. The peak of water-production rate of 41P was (3.46 ± 0.20) × 1027molecules s−1on April 3, 2017, when the comet was at 1.05 au from the Sun. We have shown that the activity of 41P is decreasing by about 30–40% from one apparition to the next. We measured a mean water-production rate for 45P of (1.43 ± 0.62) × 1027molecules s−1during a month after perihelion. Our results show that these Jupiter family comets had low gas and dust activity and no outburst was detected. Relative abundances, expressed as ratios of production rates and the Afρparameter with respect to OH and to CN, were compared to those measured in other comets. We found that 41P and 45P have a typical composition in terms of carbon-bearing species. The study of coma features exhibited by the CN gas species allowed the measurement of the rotation period of 41P, showing a surprisingly large increase of the rotation period from (30 ± 5) h at the end of March to (50 ± 10) h at the end of April, 2017, in agreement with recent observations by other teams.
Radial and vertical dust transport inhibit refractory carbon depletion in protoplanetary disks
Authors: Klarmann L. , Ormel C. W. , Dominik C.
Published: September 2018

Context. The Earth is strongly depleted in carbon compared to the dust in the ISM, implying efficient removal of refractory carbon before parent body formation. It has been argued that grains get rid of their carbon through oxidation and photolysis in the exposed upper disk layers.

Aims. We assess the efficacy of these C-removal mechanisms, while accounting for the vertical and radial transport of grains.

Methods. We obtained the carbon and carbon free mass budget of solids by solving two 1D advection-diffusion equations, accounting for the dust grain size distribution and radial transport. The carbon removal acts on the fraction of the grains that are in the exposed layer and requires efficient vertical transport.

Results. In models without radial transport, oxidation and photolysis can destroy most of the refractory carbon in terrestrial planet formation region. But it only reaches the observed depletion levels for extreme parameter combinations and requires that parent body formation was delayed by 1 Myr. Adding radial transport of solids prevents the depletion entirely, leaving refractory carbon equally distributed throughout the disk.

Conclusions. It is unlikely that the observed carbon depletion can ultimately be attributed to mechanisms operating on small grains in the disk surface layers. Other mechanisms of removing carbon quickly and deeply must be studied, for example flash heating events or FU Ori outbursts. However, a sustained drift barrier or strongly reduced radial grain mobility is necessary to prevent replenishment of carbon from the outer disk.
Myasthenia gravis: aktuelle Antikörperdiagnostik und Aspekte zum therapierefraktären Verlauf
Authors: Wenninger Stephan , Schoser Benedikt
Published: September 2018

Die erworbene Myasthenia gravis (MG) wird durch Antikörper gegen verschiedene Bestandteile der neuromuskulären Endplatte verursacht. In den meisten Fällen wird die typische belastungsabhängige Muskelschwäche durch Antikörper gegen den Acetylcholinrezeptor (AChR) verursacht, bei einem geringeren Anteil der Patienten finden sich seltenere Antikörper gegen Muskel-spezifische Kinase (MuSK) oder verwandte Proteine wie Agrin, Cortactin oder Low-Density-Lipoproteinrezeptor-verwandtes Protein 4 (LRP4). Durch fachgerechte und konsequente Behandlung kann in der überwiegenden Mehrheit der Patienten mit Acetylcholin-Rezeptor-Antikörper (AChR-AK) positiver Myasthenie eine nahezu Vollremission mit normaler Lebenserwartung und guter Lebensqualität erreicht werden. Etwa 10 bis 15 % der Patienten sprechen nicht adäquat auf aktuell empfohlene Therapien an und bilden die Gruppe der refraktären MG. Der Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die derzeitige Antikörperdiagnostik und Aspekte zum therapierefraktären Verlauf.
Genetische Ursachen bei Dystonien
Authors: Weissbach Anne , Lohmann Katja
Published: September 2018

Dystonien sind eine klinisch und genetisch heterogene Gruppe von Bewegungsstörungen, bei denen es durch unwillkürliche, anhaltende oder intermittierende Muskelkontraktionen zu abnormen Bewegungen oder Haltungen kommt. Die Ursache einer Dystonie oder dystonen Bewegungsstörung bleibt zurzeit bei den meisten Patienten ungeklärt, doch scheinen genetische Faktoren eine große Rolle zu spielen. Zwar werden mehr und mehr Dystoniegene identifiziert (aktuell sind es bis zu 200 verschiedene), so sind diese doch nur für einige wenige und zum großen Teil sehr seltene Unterformen von Dystonien von Bedeutung. Dazu gehören v. a. die Dystonien, die früh, d. h. in der Kindheit oder Jugend beginnen und häufig auch mehrere Körperregionen betreffen. In der Vergangenheit wurden wiederholt mögliche gemeinsame Pathomechanismen der einzelnen genetischen Dystonien untersucht. Bis auf wenige Ausnahmen scheinen die kodierten Proteine aber dabei keinem gemeinsamen Wirkkreislauf anzugehören, sondern beeinflussen ganz unterschiedliche zelluläre Prozesse. Für die Mehrzahl der Dystonien mit bisher unbekannter Ursache wird eine Kombination aus verschiedenen genetischen und äußeren Einflüssen angenommen. Hier stellen wir die bekannten Dystoniegene vor, die v. a. bei isolierten (Dystonie als einzige Krankheitsmanifestation mit Ausnahme eines Tremors) oder kombinierten (Dystonie plus eine andere Bewegungsstörung wie Parkinson, Myoklonus oder Chorea) Dystonien relevant sind. Beispielhaft werden auch einige der Gene, die komplexe Dystonien verursachen, vorgestellt, bei denen, neben einer Dystonie, häufig auch eine Entwicklungsstörung oder Erkrankung anderer Organsysteme vorliegen. Abhängig von der klinischen Ausprägung der dystonen Symptome und weitestgehend unabhängig von genetischen Befunden kann die Dystonie auf eine orale Pharmakotherapie, intramuskuläre Botulinumtoxininjektionen oder eine tiefe Hirnstimulation ansprechen.
The impact of AVT mode on audience reception
Authors: Łabendowicz Olga
Published: September 2018

Each mode of Audiovisual Translation (AVT) requires a slightly alternate approach. Whether a given audiovisual material is translated by the means of subtitling, dubbing or voice over often results in a very different translation of the same Source Text (ST), which is not surprising taking into consideration various technical constraints and translation tendencies typical of a given AVT mode. At the same time, audiences approach a given AV material with a prior set of expectations, which often include AVT mode preferences. Moreover, viewers’ prior knowledge and fluency in Source Culture (SC) affects their perception of the end translation. According to Marchant et al. (2009: 154), “the overt visual attention detected by an eye-tracker gives us a window on internal systems” what, in turn, may be crucial for translators to improve their performance. The presented article is an attempt to show how audience really watches AV materials and how various modes of AVT affect viewers’ reception of a given production. The main objective of the paper is to answer the question: How a mode of AVT affects audience’s reception of humorous audiovisual materials deeply rooted in Source Culture? The analysis is based on the research involving eye-tracking devices conducted in May-July 2016 in Warsaw (Poland), during which the participants were asked to watch five short fragments of various humorous American productions deeply rooted in American culture (animated tv series: The Simpsons and South Park; animated feature film: Madagascar; tv series with actors: Gilmore Girls).
Interpreter mediation at political press conferences
Authors: Liao Sixin , Pan Li
Published: September 2018

Political press conferences, while playing a significant role in international communication by heads of state and government, are
still largely underexplored in interpreting studies. More scholarly attention is needed, particularly to examine the interpreter’s
mediating role in these uniquely constrained communicative settings. Drawing on narrative theory and Wadensjö’s model of
renditions, this paper investigates the interpreter’s mediating role at a 2011 joint press conference with the American and
Chinese Presidents, at that time Barack Obama and Hu Jintao respectively. Specifically, the study examines how the interpretation
comprises reduced, expanded and summarized renditions of the speakers’ narratives, and how the resulting mediation can affect not
only their image, but also the outcome of the diplomatic communication between their respective countries. Here, the interpreter’s
performance is subject not only to his language competence, but also to a number of other factors. On the one hand, his mediation
can be facilitated rather than restricted by the constraints of the setting where the interpreting occurs, such as technical
problems and time limitations. On the other hand, the mediation can also reflect the interpreter’s institutional role and the public narratives within the socio-cultural context.
Knowledge exclusion and the rationality of belief
Authors: Donahue Sean
Published: September 2018

Two epistemic principles are Knowledge Exclusion and Belief Exclusion. Knowledge Exclusion says that it is necessarily the case that if an agent knows that p, then she does not believe that ∼p, and Belief Exclusion says that it is necessarily the case that if an agent believes that q, then she does not believe that ∼q. Many epistemologists find it reasonable to reject the latter principle and accept the former. I argue that this is in fact not reasonable by proposing a case in which an agent can use that she has contradictory beliefs towards a proposition as decisive evidence for that proposition. A natural response is that this case conflicts with common assumptions about the relation between knowledge, contradictory beliefs and rationality. I reply by drawing ideas from Lasonen-Aarnio’s (2010) remarks on unreasonable knowledge to explain why these common assumptions do not threaten my argument.
SanXoT: a modular and versatile package for the quantitative analysis of high-throughput proteomics experiments
Authors: Trevisan-Herraz Marco , Bagwan Navratan , García-Marqués Fernando , Rodriguez Jose Manuel , Jorge Inmaculada , Ezkurdia Iakes , Bonzon-Kulichenko Elena , Vázquez Jesús
Published: September 2018

Mass spectrometry-based proteomics has had a formidable development in recent years, increasing the amount of data handled and the complexity of the statistical resources needed. Here we present SanXoT, an open-source, standalone software package for the statistical analysis of high-throughput, quantitative proteomics experiments. SanXoT is based on our previously developed weighted spectrum, peptide and protein statistical model and has been specifically designed to be modular, scalable and user-configurable. SanXoT allows limitless workflows that adapt to most experimental setups, including quantitative protein analysis in multiple experiments, systems biology, quantification of post-translational modifications and comparison and merging of experimental data from technical or biological replicates.

Availability and implementation

Download links for the SanXoT Software Package, source code and documentation are available at https://wikis.cnic.es/proteomica/index.php/SSP.

Contact

jvazquez@cnic.es or ebonzon@cnic.es

Supplementary information

Supplementary information is available at Bioinformatics online.
A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis Review of Longitudinal Qualitative Research in Gerontology
Authors: Nevedal Andrea L , Ayalon Liat , Briller Sherylyn H
Published: September 2018

Background and Objectives

Gerontologists have long been interested in longitudinal qualitative research (LQR), yet ambiguity remains about best practices. The purpose of this review was to conduct a qualitative evidence synthesis to identify strengths and limitations in existing gerontological LQR.

Research Design and Methods

We searched for studies published in English before September 2017, using longitudinal qualitative methods and focusing on gerontology. We searched the following databases: PubMed and ProQuest. This was followed up by a snowball search to identify additional LQR articles that were not gerontologically focused but provided conceptual or methodological information to enhance gerontological LQR. Article titles and abstracts were reviewed, and selected articles were independently evaluated by all authors and summarized in a descriptive matrix based on design, analysis, and strengths and limitations.

Results

Our literature search resulted in 225 articles, which was then narrowed to 71 articles from 47 different journals based on our inclusion/exclusion criteria. LQR in gerontology varies considerably by study design and analysis approach. LQR design considerations involve number of time points and duration; rapport and retention; and consistent or different sampling, data collection, and measures. LQR analysis considerations involve synchronic and diachronic approaches, consistent or evolving coding, and individual- or group-level analysis. Gerontological LQR articles vary in the extent to which they address special aging considerations.

Discussion and Implications

This review indicates that there are areas where gerontological LQR can be strengthened going forward. We provide researchers with strategies to improve LQR rigor in our field and beyond.
Synergistic combinations of azoles and antihistamines against Candida species in vitro
Authors: Dennis Emily K , Garneau-Tsodikova Sylvie
Published: September 2018

Fungal infections are a major cause of skin and mucosal membrane disease. Immunocompromised individuals, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, are most susceptible to fungal infections. With a growing population of immunocompromised patients, there are many reports of increasing numbers of infections and of fungal strains resistant to current antifungals. One way to treat drug-resistant infections is to administer combinations of drugs to patients. Azoles are the most prescribed antifungals, as they are broad-spectrum and orally bioavailable. Terfenadine (TERF) and ebastine (EBA) are second-generation antihistamines, with EBA being used in many countries. In this study, we explored combinations of seven azole antifungals and two antihistamines (TERF and EBA) against a panel of 13 Candida fungal strains. We found 55 out of 91 combinations tested of TERF and EBA against the various fungal strains to be synergistic with the azoles. To evaluate the efficiency of these combinations to inhibit fungal growth, we performed time-kill assays. We also investigated the ability of these combinations to disrupt biofilm formation. Finally, we tested the specificity of the combinations towards fungal cells by mammalian cytotoxicity assays. These findings suggest a potential new strategy for targeting drug-resistant Candida infections.
Presence of Histopathological Treatment Effects at Resection of Recurrent Glioblastoma: Incidence and Effect on Outcome
Authors: Dalle Ore Cecilia L , Chandra Ankush , Rick Jonathan , Lau Darryl , Shahin Maryam , Nguyen Alan T , McDermott Michael , Berger Mitchel S , Aghi Manish K
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Resection may be appropriate for select patients with recurrent glioblastoma. The incidence of histopathological findings related to prior treatment and their prognostic implications are incompletely characterized.

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the incidence and survival outcomes associated with treatment effect at resection of recurrent glioblastoma (GBM).

METHODS

Patients who underwent resection for recurrent GBM were retrospectively reviewed, and pathology, treatment history, and survival data were collected. Treatment effect was defined as any component of treatment-related changes on pathology.

RESULTS

In total, 110 patients underwent 146 reoperations. Median age at first reoperation was 57.2 yr and overall survival from reoperation was 10.8 mo. Treatment effect of any kind was noted in 81 of 146 reoperations (55%). Increased treatment effect was observed closer to radiotherapy; by quartile of time from radiotherapy, the rates of treatment effect were 77.8%, 55.6%, 40.7%, and 44.4% (P = .028). Treatment effect was associated with earlier reoperation (8.9 vs 13.8 mo after radiotherapy, P = .003), and the presence of treatment effect did not impact survival from primary surgery (25.4 vs 24.3 mo, P = .084). Patients treated with bevacizumab prior to reoperation were less likely to have treatment effect (20% vs 65%, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Histopathological treatment-related changes are evident in a majority of patients undergoing resection for recurrent glioblastoma. There was no association of treatment effect with overall survival from primary surgery.
Integrative Complexity in Politics
Authors: Conway Lucian Gideon , Suedfeld Peter , Tetlock Philip E.
Published: September 2018

Political action is often a product of political thinking, and one of the most important aspects of political thought is its complexity. Thus, it is not surprising that the study of integrative complexity—the level of cognitive differentiation and subsequent integration of idea elements pertaining to an issue—has had a long and rich history in understanding political behavior. This chapter explores two arenas in which integrative complexity has contributed to our understanding of political behavior: political violence and political success. It then pursues multiple perspectives that help explain where integrative complexity comes from, including the cognitive manager model, the value pluralism model, and a strategic communication model. The chapter concludes by placing past research in the context of new developments in integrative complexity theory and measurement and considers productive directions for future complexity research in an increasingly social media–driven environment.
Israel as a Field of Study
Authors: Troen Ilan
Published: September 2018

This chapter charts the growth of Israel studies from 1985, when it emerged as a distinct field of academic scholarship in the United States, to its present international position. From the self-examination of Zionist settlers to academic writings during the Mandate period and the early years of the state, the subject has taken root in the last three decades particularly in Israel and the United States. The development of what is legitimately considered Israel studies began decades earlier, primarily in Israel. During the formative period essential characteristics were established, especially a proclivity toward comparative perspectives that were first anchored in European academic culture but increasingly became American oriented after World War II and Israel’s independence. More recently the globalization of the field and its growing interest among non-Israelis and non-Jews promise innovative inquiries in a discourse that is often contentious, not only in relation to the Israeli-Arab conflict but also to many internal topics.
Work and Exploitation in Capitalism
Authors: Vidal Matt
Published: September 2018

Labor process theory has produced important typologies of managerial control and a rich body of empirical case studies. However, it has struggled to deal with genuine cases of upskilling and worker empowerment. This chapter revisits Marx to show that he theorized economic development, technological change and the capitalist labor process as contradictory processes evolving across distinct stages. While Marx saw deskilling as dominant in the earliest stages of capitalism, he also theorized tendencies for upskilling. The chapter then reviews the early debates within labor process theory over deskilling versus responsible autonomy and coercion versus consent. It highlights how labor process research has, with a few important exceptions, neglected to systematically consider the contradictory nature of labor process dynamics. Finally, the chapter proposes that a central contradiction within the labor process is between management-as-coordination versus management-as-discipline. It suggests that this contradiction has become intensified in the current stage of capitalism: post-Fordism.
Impact of Policy Interventions on Postoperative Opioid Prescribing
Authors: MacLean Charles D , Fujii Mayo , Ahern Thomas P , Holoch Peter , Russell Ruby , Hodges Ashley , Moore Jesse
Published: September 2018

Objective

To assess postoperative opioid prescribing in response to state and organizational policy changes.

Methods

We used an observational study design at an academic medical center in the Northeast United States over a time during which there were two important influences: 1) implementation of state rules regarding opioid prescribing and 2) changes in organization policies reflecting evolving standards of care. Results were summarized at the surgical specialty and procedure level and compared between baseline (July–December 2016) and postrule (July–December 2017) periods.

Results

We analyzed data from 17,937 procedures from July 2016 to December 2017, two-thirds of which were outpatient. Schedule II opioids were prescribed in 61% of cases and no opioids at all in 28%. The median morphine milligram equivalent (MME) prescribed at discharge decreased 40%, from 113 MME in the baseline period to 68 MME in the postrule period. Decreases were seen across all the surgical specialties.

Conclusions

Postoperative opioid prescribing at the time of hospital discharge decreased between 2016 and 2017 in the setting of targeted and replicable state and health care organizational policies.

Policy Implications

Policies governing the use of opioids are an effective and adoptable approach to reducing opioid prescribing following surgery.
Smooth muscle: a stiff sculptor of epithelial shapes
Authors: Jaslove Jacob M. , Nelson Celeste M.
Published: September 2018

Smooth muscle is increasingly recognized as a key mechanical sculptor of epithelia during embryonic development. Smooth muscle is a mesenchymal tissue that surrounds the epithelia of organs including the gut, blood vessels, lungs, bladder, ureter, uterus, oviduct and epididymis. Smooth muscle is stiffer than its adjacent epithelium and often serves its morphogenetic function by physically constraining the growth of a proliferating epithelial layer. This constraint leads to mechanical instabilities and epithelial morphogenesis through buckling. Smooth muscle stiffness alone, without smooth muscle cell shortening, seems to be sufficient to drive epithelial morphogenesis. Fully understanding the development of organs that use smooth muscle stiffness as a driver of morphogenesis requires investigating how smooth muscle develops, a key aspect of which is distinguishing smooth muscle-like tissues from one anotherin vivoand in culture. This necessitates a comprehensive appreciation of the genetic, anatomical and functional markers that are used to distinguish the different subtypes of smooth muscle (for example, vascular versus visceral) from similar cell types (including myofibroblasts and myoepithelial cells). Here, we review how smooth muscle acts as a mechanical driver of morphogenesis and discuss ways of identifying smooth muscle, which is critical for understanding these morphogenetic events.

This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Mechanics of Development’.
The first digestive movements in the embryo are mediated by mechanosensitive smooth muscle calcium waves
Authors: Chevalier Nicolas R.
Published: September 2018

Peristalsis enables transport of the food bolus in the gut. Here, I show by dynamicex vivointra-cellular calcium imaging on living embryonic gut explants that the most primitive form of peristalsis that occurs in the embryo is the result of inter-cellular, gap-junction-dependent calcium waves that propagate in the circular smooth muscle layer. I show that the embryonic gut is an intrinsically mechanosensitive organ, as the slightest externally applied mechanical stimulus triggers contractile waves. This dynamic response is an embryonic precursor of the ‘law of the intestine’ (peristaltic reflex). I show how characteristic features of early peristalsis such as counter-propagating wave annihilation, mechanosensitivity and nucleation after wounding all result from known properties of calcium waves. I finally demonstrate that inter-cellular mechanical tension does not play a role in the propagation mechanism of gut contractile waves, unlike what has been recently shown for the embryonic heartbeat. Calcium waves are a ubiquitous dynamic signalling mechanism in biology: here I show that they are the foundation of digestive movements in the developing embryo.

This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue on ‘Mechanics of development’.
Investigating the mechanistic basis of biomechanical input controlling skeletal development: exploring the interplay with Wnt signalling at the joint
Authors: Rolfe Rebecca A. , Shea Claire A. , Singh Pratik Narendra Pratap , Bandyopadhyay Amitabha , Murphy Paula
Published: September 2018

Embryo movement is essential to the formation of a functional skeleton. Using mouse and chick models, we previously showed that mechanical forces influence gene regulation and tissue patterning, particularly at developing limb joints. However, the molecular mechanisms that underpin the influence of mechanical signals are poorly understood. Wnt signalling is required during skeletal development and is altered under reduced mechanical stimulation. Here, to explore Wnt signalling as a mediator of mechanical input, the expression of Wnt ligand and Fzd receptor genes in the developing skeletal rudiments was profiled. Canonical Wnt activity restricted to the developing joint was shown to be reduced under immobilization, while overexpression of activated β-catenin following electroporation of chick embryo limbs led to joint expansion, supporting the proposed role for Wnt signalling in mechanoresponsive joint patterning. Two key findings advance our understanding of the interplay between Wnt signalling and mechanical stimuli: first, loss of canonical Wnt activity at the joint shows reciprocal, coordinated misregulation of BMP signalling under altered mechanical influence. Second, this occurs simultaneously with increased expression of several Wnt pathway component genes in a territory peripheral to the joint, indicating the importance of mechanical stimulation for a population of potential joint progenitor cells.

This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Mechanics of Development’.
TSLP-mediated inflammatory factors production contributes to metastatic breast cancer-induced bone cancer pain in mice
Authors: Chen Ying , Xian Pei-Feng , Wang Sheng-Xu , Yang Lu
Published: September 2018

Objective:

Metastatic breast cancer-induced bone cancer pain (BCP) is one of the most disabling factors in patients suffering. Recent studies show thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a proinflammatory factor and high expression in cancer cells. Here we investigated whether and how TSLP released form breast cancer cells contributes to BCP.

Methods:

Braset cancer cells MDA-MB-231 were intramedullary injected into the femur to induce BCP, TSLP neutralizing antibody was intrathecally injected and pain hypersensitivity was checked by behavioral testing. The TSLP expression was knockdown by shRNA. Human TSLP, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, CCL2, CXCL2 and CXCL5 in intramedullary space of the femur of rats was detected by ELISA.

Results:

TSLP neutralizing antibody intrathecally injection significantly reduced MDA-MB-231 cells inoculation induced persistent mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia and TSLP increased. Furthermore, Persistent mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia of mice models were also decreased in MDA-MB-231 cells with TSLP knockdown. Finally, some inflammatory factors, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, CCL2, CXCL2 and CXCL5 were significantly elevated in the intramedullary space lavage fluid of the right femur after cancer cell inoculation, but were obviously reduced in models with neutralizing antibody of TSLP treatment and TSLP knockdown.

Conclusion:

TSLP-mediated inflammatory factors release contributes to the maintenance of tumoral hypersensitivity. Inhibition of the TSLP may provide a new therapy for BCP management.