bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Summer is you”: Adolescents and young adults with cancer sing about their desire for summer
Authors: Signoroni Stefano , Veneroni Laura , Pagani Bagliacca Elena , Gaggiotti Paola , Silva Matteo , Casanova Michela , Chiaravalli Stefano , Clerici Carlo Alfredo , Massimino Maura , Ferrari Andrea
Published: January 2019

Creative spirit and art are used as part of the Youth Project in Milan, a program dedicated to adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer. The “Summer is you” music project involved 45 patients (15–26 years old): with professional help, the patients wrote music and lyrics, sang their song, and recorded a video clip, sharing with us not only their hopes and fears, but also their romantic encounters and their urge to travel (https://youtu.be/Q5FSCMUVg0E). This project exploited the power of music to bring young people with cancer together in a novel form of support that can complement the more conventional psychological approaches.
Aging performance of nano‐Zno modified polyurethane‐acrylic UV ink composites on wood and the degradation mechanism
Authors: Xu Jianfeng , Lin Peng , Long Ling , Wu Huagui , Liu Ru
Published: January 2019

Nano‐ZnO was applied to modify the yellow polyurethane‐acrylic UV ink by physically blending and then the modified ink composites were used for wood printing. The color and gloss of the printed samples before and after aging were tested at periods. The aging mechanism of the ink composites was investigated was analyzed by XPS and FTIR analyses, and the morphologies were observed by AFM analysis. The results showed that the UV ink composite underwent oxidation during aging. Cromatism and gloss changed, and bulges existed on the surface in both untreated and nano‐ZnO modified samples. However, the situation of the nano‐ZnO modified UV ink composite printed samples after aging test was not as server as that printed with the unmodified one. During light aging, the primary amine, CO2, and carboxylic acid were yielded, and NH radicals were generated, which promoted the formation of conjugated structure and the chromogenic enamine. As expected, these reactions were inhibited by adding of nano‐ZnO. Consequently, the light‐resistant of the UV ink composite was improved. 1.0% nano‐ZnO offered the lowest chromatism and the gloss changes among all, showing the best light‐resistant performance. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3533–3540, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Severity, change over time, and risk factors of anxiety in children with cancer depend on anxiety instrument used
Authors: Lazor Tanya , Pole Jason D. , De Souza Claire , Schechter Tal , Grant Ronald , Davis Hailey , Duong Nathan , Stein Eliana , Cook Sadie , Tigelaar Leonie , Sung Lillian
Published: January 2019

Objective

The primary objective was to describe severity of anxiety among children and adolescents receiving chemotherapy for cancer or undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Secondary objectives were to describe how anxiety changes over time and determine factors associated with anxiety.

Methods

Participants were aged 8 to 18 and either receiving chemotherapy for cancer or undergoing HSCT for any indication. Respondents self‐reported three anxiety measurement instruments at chemotherapy cycle or HSCT conditioning start and 3 weeks later.

Results

The proportion of participants with severe anxiety ranged from 10/77 (13.0%) to 22/77 (28.6%) depending on instrument used. Change over time also varied across instruments, with significant improvement observed with PedsQL (procedural) (P = 0.037) and PROMIS (P = 0.013). Factors associated with anxiety similarly varied by instrument. Older age was associated with more anxiety on the PedsQL (worry) (P = 0.036), and higher household income was associated with less anxiety on the MASC‐10 (P = 0.028).

Conclusions

While we found that a small proportion of patients met or exceeded thresholds for severe anxiety, we also noted that severity, change over time, and predictors of anxiety varied depending on instrument used. Future research should ensure that selected instruments measure the construct of interest and describe how anxiety is conceptualized in the study.
Medicines‐related harm in the elderly post‐hospital discharge
Authors: Cheong V‐Lin , Tomlinson Justine , Khan Sarah , Petty Duncan
Published: January 2019

Awareness of the risks of medicines‐related harm in the elderly can enhance medicines safety in vulnerable patients. This article examines the risk factors for medicines‐related harm and the recommended strategies to reduce these risks.
Strong Non‐Epitaxial Interactions: Crystallographically Aligned PbSe on VSe2
Authors: Cordova Dmitri L. M. , Kam Taryn M. , Fender Shannon S. , Tsai Yu Hsin , Johnson David C.
Published: January 2019

The interaction between a rock salt compound, PbSe, and the surface of a dichalcogenide (VSe2) is probed by making PbSe, VSe2, [(PbSe)1.11]1(VSe2)1 and PbSe on VSe2 films. PbSe precursors deposited on SiO2 form rough films with randomly oriented PbSe crystallites. VSe2 precursors deposited on a SiO2 surface form crystallographically aligned films. The precursor to the metastable misfit layer compound [(PbSe)1.11]1(VSe2)1 deposited on SiO2 forms a crystallographically aligned film. PbSe precursors deposited on VSe2 are very crystallographically aligned relative to PbSe deposited on SiO2. This reflects the strong interaction between PbSe and VSe2 at the interface. The results suggest that comparing the degree of crystallographic alignment of films of precursors of prospective constituents on SiO2 relative to depositing them on each other may be a simple test to show if a misfit layer compound will form between the two constituents.
Observation of Small Polaron and Acoustic Phonon Coupling in Ultrathin La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/SrTiO3 Structures
Authors: Liu Bo , Niu Wei , Ruan Xuezhong , Zhu Chunhui , Wang Xuefeng , He Liang , Liu Wenqing , Turcu Edmond , Wang Fengqiu , Zhang Rong , Xu Yongbing
Published: January 2019

Understanding the underlying physics of interactions among various quasi‐particles is a fundamental issue for the application of spintronics and photonics. Here the observation of a coupling between the small polarons in the nanoscale ultrathin La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) films and the acoustic phonons in the SrTiO3 (STO) substrate using ultrafast pump–probe spectroscopy has been reported. According to the temperature‐ and wavelength‐dependent measurements, the amplitudes of the acoustic phonons are suppressed by tuning the small polarons absorption. This shows a coupled relationship between the acoustic phonons and the small polarons. At the probe photon energy of 1.55 eV where the polaron absorption is dominant, the acoustic phonons become unobservable. Furthermore, by performing the pump fluence dependent measurements on the LSMO films with different thicknesses, smaller acoustic phonon amplitudes are found in the thinner film with stronger small polaron binding energy. Such a coupled nature can be utilized to manipulate the small polarons using the acoustic phonons or vice versa, which is of great importance in device applications of colossal magnetoresistance materials.
A universal wind profile for the inversion‐capped neutral atmospheric boundary layer
Authors: Kelly Mark , Cersosimo Roberto Alessio , Berg Jacob
Published: January 2019

Wind profiles above the atmospheric surface layer are not accurately described by classic similarity theories. Far from the surface, the underlying assumptions of such surface‐layer theories break down due to the stronger influence of buoyancy forces induced by the temperature inversion that caps the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL), as well as the Coriolis force. This paper examines the influence of these forces on the mean flow and presents a new similarity theory to predict mean wind profiles in and above the surface layer for an ABL with zero surface heat flux and capped by an inversion of potential temperature, that is, the conditionally neutral ABL. The analysis here is based on the results of 17 large‐eddy simulations (LES) over a flat homogeneous rough surface, which leads to and supports the new similarity theory. The development is based on two applications of the Buckingham Π theorem. A first application allows determination of the entrainment‐induced heat flux profile through the ABL and into the surface layer, which is then used within a second dimensional argument for the vertical shear of mean wind speed. We subsequently find a new dimensionless group (Π2) depending on the capping inversion strength, the Coriolis parameter, the surface stress and the ABL depth, which is correlated to the dimensionless shear (Π1) through a universal function β. Integrating the functional relation between Π1 and Π2 produces an equation for the mean wind speed profile; it effectively includes an additive “correction” to the log‐law in terms of Π2, analogous to the Monin–Obukhov profile correction function. Unlike surface‐layer similarity, the new form accounts for the influences of both the surface and the ABL top. Relative to the LES, the new profile form exhibits errors in mean wind speed below 5% for heights below 90% of the ABL depth; this is relevant for applications above the surface layer (e.g., wind energy).
Alternative mass spectrometry techniques for the validation of the fragmentation pattern of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin
Authors: Rosas Julieta , Martínez Joel O. , Alonso Pedro , Miranda René , Velasco Luis , Rubio‐Pérez Laura , Pérez Francisco J.
Published: January 2019

Rationale

Capsaicinoids are prevalent secondary metabolites in many natural and synthetic pharmacological compounds. To date, several soft ionization studies related to capsaicinoids have been reported; they all proposed a common fragmentation pattern based on a rearrangement of the aromatic double bonds and the fragmentation of the various positional acyl chains. However, the mechanism has never been validated by high‐resolution analyses. Consequently, in this work, a validated fragmentation mechanism of the main capsaicinoids, capsaicin (1) and dihydrocapsaicin (2), is offered.

Methods

In order to propose and validate a common electron ionization (EI) fragmentation mechanism for the target analytes, the following mass spectrometric methods were employed: collision‐induced dissociation (CID) by means of linked scans (LS), reinforcing the methodology by high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), in addition to appropriate deuterium‐labeled experiments performed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and direct analysis in real time (DART).

Results

In a first stage, a common EI fragmentation pattern comprising two pathways was proposed for compounds 1 and 2; then, the suggested mechanism was validated by CID‐LS together with HRMS complemented by DART‐deuterium‐labeling studies. The obtained results are indicative that the corresponding molecular ions were conveniently observed, m/z 305 and m/z 307; it is worth noting that the common base peak is in correspondence with a tropylium ion derivative (m/z 137), as a consequence of a McLafferty rearrangement. In addition to these highlighted fragments, other common ions, m/z 122 and m/z 94, and their corresponding trajectory, were confirmed using the same approach. Finally, the proposed mechanism was complementarily validated by deuterium‐labeling studies, taking into account the two exchangeable hydrogens present in the phenolic and the amidic moieties.

Conclusions

A common validated EI fragmentation pattern for both capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin was established using appropriated mass spectrometric methods together with convenient hydrogen/deuterium labeling. This study provides a new alternative to validate mechanisms of fragmentation of important natural products.
Towards the use of ion mobility mass spectrometry derived collision cross section as a screening approach for unambiguous identification of targeted pesticides in food
Authors: Goscinny Séverine , McCullagh Michael , Far Johann , De Pauw Edwin , Eppe Gauthier
Published: January 2019

Rationale

Mass spectrometry (MS) is the reference method for the screening of ultra‐trace residues of pesticides in food because MS offers the required selectivity/sensitivity to gather information and enable the analyst to make informed decisions during the identification process. Here we present and discuss the use of collision cross section (CCS) values in addition to mass accuracy and retention times in a pesticide screening method that integrates all the features offered by coupling ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) with ion mobility mass spectrometry (IMS‐MS).

Methods

All experiments were carried out using UHPLC coupled to a travelling wave ion mobility mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization (ESI) source working in positive mode. An in‐house library containing 200 pesticides was built using standard solutions and used as reference for a TWCCS calibration study. Matrix extracts were analyzed to evaluate the performance of different screening workflows based on TWCCS, mass accuracy and retention times.

Results

The results proved that TWCCS values are very consistent, as the measured values do not differ more than 1% from the in‐house reference data library and emphasized the importance of the first low m/z mobility calibration point to guarantee full independence from instrument parameters and calibrant. The screening procedure was simplified to a single step by fully exploiting the content of ion mobility without generating any false detections, either positive or negative, from spiked samples and a previous proficiency test.

Conclusions

The screening approach proposed in this study is unconventional and based on large mass accuracy (20 ppm) and retention time windows (0.5 min) to capture, in a first step, a maximum of detected compounds. Compounds of interest are then identified by comparing measured collision cross sections with the measured reference library collision cross sections (with relative error tolerance lower than 2%).
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Luminescent Properties of Spindle‐Like NaGd(MoO4)2:Eu3+ Phosphors
Authors: Ding Yao , Meng Qingyu
Published: January 2019

Spindle‐like NaGd(MoO4)2: Eu3+ phosphors with various Eu3+ concentrations were prepared via a hydrothermal process and characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). The XRD results suggested that the prepared samples had a scheelite structure. The FE‐SEM images indicated that the prepared NaGd(MoO4)2: Eu3+ phosphors were spindle‐like. The influences of the ratio of sodium citrate and the rare earth cations on the product were studied. It was found that sodium citrate, as the chelating agent, could significantly influence the structure and morphology of the samples. The emission spectra, excitation spectra, fluorescence decay curves, and quantum yields of the samples were measured. The luminescent properties of the materials were studied. The results indicated that the electron–phonon coupling between the Eu3+ and the NaGd(MoO4)2 host was weak, and with the increase of the Eu3+ concentration, the Huang–Rhys factor increased. Additionally, the quantum efficiency of the Eu3+ 5D0 level was calculated, and it was found that the quantum efficiency decreased with the increase of the Eu3+ concentration.
A Practical Green Visit to the Functionalized [1,2,4]Triazolo[5,1‐b]quinazolin‐8(4H)one Scaffolds Using the Group‐Assisted Purification (GAP) Chemistry and Their Pharmacological Testing
Authors: Patel Divyang M. , Vala Ruturajsinh M. , Sharma Mayank G. , Rajani Dhanji P. , Patel Hitendra M.
Published: January 2019

Herein, we established a straightforward synthetic route for biological relevant [1,2,4]triazolo[5,1‐b]quinazolin‐8(4H)one scaffolds using the group‐assisted purification (GAP) chemistry via one‐pot and three component reaction of 3‐Amino‐5‐methylthio‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole (1), Aryl aldehyde(2 a–g), and 1,3‐cyclodione (3 a–b) using L‐proline and aqueous ethanol (1:1, v/v) as green catalyst and reaction media respectively. This work shows some key features such as practical low Environment factor (E‐factor) values, excellent atom economy, reaction mass efficiency, mild reaction condition, metal‐free synthesis, and no use of column chromatography. In preliminary biological screening, the compounds, 2‐(methylthio)‐9‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐5,6,7,9‐tetrahydro‐[1,2,4]triazolo[5,1‐b]quinazolin‐8(4H)‐one (4 i) and 6,6‐dimethyl‐2‐(methylthio)‐9‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐5,6,7,9‐tetrahydro‐[1,2,4]triazolo[5,1‐b]quinazolin‐8(4H)‐one (4 l) were found most potent against Gram‐negative bacteria (E. coli) than the standard drugs ampicillin and chloramphenicol. Moreover, compounds 2‐(methylthio)‐9‐phenyl‐5,6,7,9‐tetrahydro‐[1,2,4]triazolo[5,1‐b]quinazolin‐8(4H)‐one (4 a) and 9‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐6,6‐dimethyl‐2‐(methylthio)‐5,6,7,9‐tetrahydro‐[1,2,4]triazolo[5,1‐b]quinazolin‐8(4H)‐one (4 f) exhibited excellent potency in comparison with the standard drugs ampicillin, chloramphenicol, and ciprofloxacin against Gram‐positive bacteria (S. aeruginosa and S. pneumoniae). In antifungal screening compounds, 9‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐(methylthio)‐5,6,7,9‐tetrahydro‐[1,2,4]triazolo[5,1‐b]quinazolin‐8(4H)‐one (4 e) and 2‐(methylthio)‐9‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐5,6,7,9‐tetrahydro‐[1,2,4]triazolo[5,1‐b]quinazolin‐8(4H)‐one (4 i) efficiently inhibited C. albicans fungi strain than that of standard drug griseofulvin. Noteworthy compounds 6,6‐dimethyl‐2‐(methylthio)‐9‐phenyl‐5,6,7,9‐tetrahydro‐[1,2,4]triazolo[5,1‐b]quinazolin‐8(4H)‐one (4 b), 9‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐6,6‐dimethyl‐2‐(methylthio)‐5,6,7,9‐tetrahydro‐[1,2,4]triazolo[5,1‐b]quinazolin‐8(4H)‐one (4 d), and 2‐(methylthio)‐9‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐5,6,7,9‐tetrahydro‐[1,2,4]triazolo[5,1‐b]quinazolin‐8(4H)‐one (4 k) were exhibited better potency against M. Tuberculosis.
Developing a New qPCR‐Based System for Screening Mutation
Authors: Zhu Junjie , Zhao Yanfeng , Liu Ming , Gonzalez‐Rivas Diego , Xu Xinnan , Cai Weijing , Qi Huiwei , Dai Lei , Wang Zijian , Song Xiao , Jiang Gening , Yang Yang
Published: January 2019

An accurate genotyping analysis is one of the critical prerequisites for lung cancer targeted therapy. Here, a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)‐based mutation detection system, mutation‐selected amplification‐specific system PCR (MASS‐PCR), is developed. The specific primers and probes used in MASS‐PCR exactly match with the mutant sequence that only allows mutant gene to emit the fluorescence peak. To determine the sensitivity of MASS‐PCR, 717 lung cancer specimens, 61 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues, and 656 fresh reaction tissues are collected and undergo mutation detection of lung cancer driver genes (EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, HER2, MET, ALK, and ROS1). These samples are divided into two groups. Mutations in Group I, which has 631 fresh reaction tissues, are analyzed by MASS‐PCR and the amplification refractory mutation system PCR (ARMS‐PCR). While group II samples, 25 fresh reaction tissues and 61 FFPE tissues, are screened through MASS‐PCR and next‐generation sequencing (NGS). All results are verified by direct sequencing. MASS‐PCR shows high consistency with ARMS‐PCR (kappa value > 0.733) and NGS (kappa value = 0.79) (P < 0.001). For the samples with inconsistent MASS‐PCR and ARMS‐PCR results, DS results more likely support the MASS‐PCR results. These data suggest that MASS‐PCR is a convenient, accurate, and economical method for the detection of lung cancer driver gene mutations in clinical practice.
Liberating Researchers from the Glovebox: A Universal Thermal Radiation Protocol Toward Efficient Fully Air‐Processed Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Guoliang , Liu Changwen , Kong Weiguang , Chen Hong , Li Dedi , Amini Abbas , Xu Baomin , Cheng Chun
Published: January 2019

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have developed rapidly in the past few years. However, highly efficient PSCs prepared in ambient air have remained intractable, since the crystallization and film morphology of perovskite are highly sensitive to moisture. Here, a thermal radiated hot‐cast method (THCM) to prepare high quality perovskite films in ambient air is introduced. The proposed THCM not only eliminates the temperature gradient across the perovskite film, but also forms a significantly reduced and constant relative humidity field at the local space above the substrate (ca. 6%); these conditions result in a smooth, compact, oriented perovskite film with largely reduced grain boundaries. THCM is a universal protocol, based on the application to the devices with both inverted and regular architectures, and it enables improved J–V performance with largely reduced hysteresis. The champion power conversion efficiencies of 17.2% for inverted and 19.1% for regular devices are achieved by THCM. These are comparable to the top efficiencies of fully air‐processed PSCs, demonstrating that THCM is a promising protocol for commercialization of PSCs in the near future.
Ranking enterprise application integration platforms from a performance perspective: An experience report
Authors: Freire Daniela L. , Frantz Rafael Z. , Roos‐Frantz Fabricia
Published: January 2019

Enterprises turn to their software applications to support their business processes. Over time, it is common for a company to end up with a wide range of applications, which are usually developed in‐house by its information technology department or purchased from third‐party specialized software companies. The result is a heterogeneous software ecosystem with applications developed in different technologies and frequently using different data models, which brings challenges when two or more applications have to collaborate to support a business process. Integration platforms are specialized software tools that help design, implement, run, and monitor integration solutions that orchestrate a set of applications. The run‐time system is the component of integration platforms responsible for running integration solutions, which makes its performance a critically important issue. In this paper, we report our experience in evaluating and comparing four well‐known open‐source integration platforms in the context of a research project where performance was a central requirement to choose an integration platform. The evaluation was conducted using a decision‐making methodology to build a ranking of candidate platforms by means of subjective and objective criteria. The subjective evaluation takes into account expert preferences and compares integration platforms using the analytic hierarchy process, which has been used in many applications related with decision‐making. The objective evaluation is build on top of properties distributed on three dimensions, namely, message processing, hotspot detection, and fairness execution, which compose the research methodology we used. The evaluated platforms were ranked to identify the one with the best performance.
ASDS: Attribute‐based secure data sharing scheme for reliable cloud environment
Authors: Eltayieb Nabeil , Wang Ping , Hassan Alzubair , Elhabob Rashad , Li Fagen
Published: January 2019

Cloud computing is a new revolution of information technology which provides many benefits to customers such as scalability, on‐demand, 24 × 7 × 365 support, and reduce cost usage of computing resources. But storing data on these untrusted cloud servers makes secure data sharing a big challenge issue. On one hand, enforce data access policies on these untrusted storage servers provider is an effective way to ensure data security. On the other hand, confidentiality of sensitive data should be protected against them. This paper presents an attribute‐based secure data sharing (ASDS) scheme for cloud environment, which provides data access control, data confidentiality, data authentication, and flexible user revocation. In addition, the proposed scheme is able to resist collusion attack and replay attack. The analysis of security properties and the comparison performance with other data sharing schemes have demonstrated that ASDS is very suitable for cloud environment.
Dynamic behaviour of unbraced steel frames resting on soft ground
Authors: Far Harry
Published: January 2019

Many recent earthquakes clearly illustrate the importance of local ground properties for the dynamic response of structures. The dynamic response of an engineering structure is influenced by the medium on which it is founded. On solid rock, a fixed‐base structural response occurs which can be evaluated by subjecting the foundation to the free‐field ground motion occurring in the absence of the structure. However, on deformable ground, a feedback loop exists. In other words, when a feedback loop exists, the structure responds to the dynamics of the soil, while the soil also responds to the dynamics of the structure. Structural response is then governed by the interplay between the characteristics of the ground, the structure and the input motion. This study involved a numerical investigation of the dynamic behaviour of unbraced steel frames resting on soft ground. Two types of mid‐rise unbraced steel frame, including 5‐ and 15‐storey buildings on a soft soil deposit, were selected and analysed under the influence of three different earthquake acceleration records. The above‐mentioned frames were analysed under two different boundary conditions: i) fixed‐base (no soil‐structure interaction) and ii) flexible‐base (considering soil‐structure interaction). The results of the analyses in terms of structural forces and lateral displacements for the above‐mentioned boundary conditions are compared and discussed.
Environmental sound processing and its applications
Authors: Miyazaki Koichi , Toda Tomoki , Hayashi Tomoki , Takeda Kazuya
Published: January 2019

As part of the effort to develop techniques for understanding environments using sound, many studies in the field of computational auditory scene analysis have focused on using computers to perform functions carried out naturally by the human auditory system. Thanks to recent progress in machine‐learning techniques, these environmental sound‐processing techniques have significantly improved and a widening variety of applications has resulted in considerable interest in this field. In this review, we introduce the fundamental techniques of environmental sound processing, as well as recent advances in front‐end and back‐end processing and potential applications for these techniques. Prospects for further progress in the field of environmental sound processing and the challenges still to be overcome are also discussed. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effects of angiotensin II receptor blockers in the coronary arteries of hypertensive rats: Analysis of elemental distribution using LEXRF
Authors: Pickler Arissa , Mantuano Andrea , Mota Carla L. , Tanure Tayane , Serqueira Luanna , Ferreira‐Machado Samara , Lau Cláudio S.C. , Salata Camila , de Almeida Carlos E. , Nascimento Alessandro , Sena Gabriela , Fidalgo Gabriel , Colaço Marcos V. , Altissimo Matteo , Bedolla Diana E. , Gianoncelli Alessandra , Braz Delson , Barroso Regina C.
Published: January 2019

Hypertension is one of the major public health problems worldwide. It can cause severely alterations in artery structure and function such as vascular remodeling. Angiotensin II (Ang II) has been linked to vascular dysfunction. It has been shown that blockade of the Ang II type 1 receptor with an Ang II receptor blocker (ARBs) may reverse vascular pathology independently of blood pressure lowering. There is therefore a special interest in establishing whether antihypertensive treatment may correct in part or completely the structural and functional alterations of arteries. Several studies have shown regression of structural remodeling or of functional alterations of small arteries in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) treated with ARBs agents. However, its efficiency was not verified at elemental level in the literature. Knowledge of the elemental distribution in tissues has a great importance in the study of diseases, because chemical imbalance can alter biological functions. Elemental semiquantitative microanalysis in the coronary artery of normotensive, SHRs, and SHRs rats treated with ARBs (losartan and olmesartan) was performed using low energy X‐ray fluorescence maps acquired on TwinMic X‐ray spectromicroscopy station, located at the Elettra synchrotron radiation facility. Morphological changes in coronary samples were also investigated. The results demonstrate that despite the antihypertensive agents used belong to the same class, their capacities to revert chemical and structural changes in the coronary arteries caused by hypertension are different.
New Transition Metal Oxo‐Thiostannate: Synthesis, Characterization, and Investigation of its Photocatalytic Properties
Authors: Benkada Assma , Poschmann Michael , Näther Christian , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: January 2019

The new transition metal oxo‐thiostannate {[Ni(cyclen)]6[Sn6S12O2(OH)6]}·2(ClO4)·19H2O (1) was prepared under hydrothermal conditions using Na4SnS4·14H2O and [Ni(cyclen)](ClO4)2 as reactants. In the crystal structure the rare [Sn6S12O2(OH)6]10– anion is observed, which is composed of SnS2O(OH)3 and SnS4O2 octahedra, and SnS4 tetrahedra sharing edges and corners. The anion is expanded by six Ni2+ centered complexes via Ni–S and Ni–OH bonds. The photocatalytic properties for the visible light driven hydrogen evolution reaction shows that 26.6 mmol·g–1 H2 were evolved after 3 h.
A retrospective study of mortality in Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in UK zoos
Authors: Heaver Joseph , Waters Michael
Published: January 2019

IUCN currently classifies the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) as “Least Concern,” however, across its six to nine subspecies, some isolated populations are classified as “Endangered” or “Critically Endangered.” Despite this and the species’ relative ubiquity in European zoos, a retrospective mortality study of a captive population has not previously been performed. By analyzing necropsy reports, animal records, and the European studbook, we were able to ascertain a cause of death for 38 (73%) of the 52 recorded lynx deaths in UK zoos during the study period (January 1, 2000 to November 1, 2015). “Culling” as part of population management was the most common cause of death (21%) followed by neoplastic (16%), circulatory (11%), neurological (11%), and genitourinary (11%) disease. “Geriatric” individuals accounted for 62% of lynx to die within the study period, 23% were “neonates” and 15% “adults.” Neoplasia, circulatory disease, and culling were the leading causes of death in each of these age categories, respectively. Excluding “culls” and “neonates,” the mean age at death was 18.81 ± 0.42 years, consistent with existing data. Squamous cell carcinoma was reported in three individuals (8%) and suspected idiopathic epilepsy in four individuals (11%), warranting further investigation. Intraspecific killing (3%) and neonatal mortality, excluding culls, (14%) were reported with lower prevalence than expected based on previous studies of similar species. The lack of data available and high incidence of culling of individuals with a high inbreeding coefficient highlights the need for improved record‐keeping and consultation with the studbook coordinator, respectively.
X-ray polarization signals from magnetars with axion-like-particles
Authors: Fortin Jean-François , Sinha Kuver
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Axion-like-particles (ALPs) produced in the core of a magnetar can convert to photons in the magnetosphere, giving rise to novel features in the X-ray spectrum. Since ALPs only mix with the parallel mode of the photon, the polarization of the soft and hard X-ray spectra is predicted to have an O-mode component, in addition to the mainly X-mode component given by most astrophysical models. The relative strength of the O-mode component depends on the intensity of ALPs produced in the core and the probability of conversion. We quantify our results by considering X-ray emission produced both by astrophysical processes and by ALP-photon conversion, in an uncorrelated fashion, and in different relative proportions, which we parametrize by the angleχ0. We then define a normalized astrophysics-subtracted Stokes parameterRwhich only acquires non-zero values in the presence of ALP-photon conversion. We find, remarkably, that the parameterRfactorizes into a product of the ALP-to-photon conversion probability and cos(2χ0) and displayR, as well as the usual Stokes parameterQ, as a function of the photon energy and relative fractions of ALP and photon intensities. For benchmark points currently allowed by the CAST experiment, the O-mode prediction can be tested in future X-ray polarimeters and used either to constrain ALPs or find evidence for them.
Calabi-Yau manifolds and SU(3) structure
Authors: Larfors Magdalena , Lukas Andre , Ruehle Fabian
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We show that non-trivial SU(3) structures can be constructed on large classes of Calabi-Yau three-folds. Specifically, we focus on Calabi-Yau three-folds constructed as complete intersections in products of projective spaces, although we expect similar methods to apply to other constructions and also to Calabi-Yau four-folds. Among the wide range of possible SU(3) structures we find Strominger-Hull systems, suitable for heterotic or type II string compactifications, on all complete intersection Calabi-Yau manifolds. These SU(3) structures of Strominger-Hull type have a non-vanishing and non-closed three-form flux which needs to be supported by source terms in the associated Bianchi identity. We discuss the possibility of finding such source terms and present first steps towards their explicit construction. Provided suitable sources exist, our methods lead to Calabi-Yau compactifications of string theory with a non Ricci-flat, physical metric which can be written down explicitly and in analytic form.
The Use of an Identifiability-Based Strategy for the Interpretation of Parameters in the 1PL-G and Rasch Models
Authors: Fariña Paula , González Jorge , San Martín Ernesto
Published: January 2019

Using the well-known strategy in which parameters are linked to the sampling distribution via an identification analysis, we offer an interpretation of the item parameters in the one-parameter logistic with guessing model (1PL-G) and the nested Rasch model. The interpretations are based on measures of informativeness that are defined in terms of odds of correctly answering the items. It is shown that the interpretation of what is called the difficulty parameter in the random-effects 1PL-G model differs from that of the item parameter in a random-effects Rasch model. It is also shown that the traditional interpretation of the guessing parameter in the 1PL-G model changes, depending on whether fixed-effects or random-effects versions of both models are considered.
From platform dominance to weakened ownership: how external regulation changed Finnish e-identification
Authors: Bazarhanova Anar , Yli-Huumo Jesse , Smolander Kari
Published: January 2019

Background

There is substantial interest among scholars in digital platforms and the ecosystems around them. Digital platforms are open, continuously evolving, sociotechnical structures that can be sensitive to various changes.

Aim

We take one-step further and investigate the post-dominance phase of platforms. The electronic identification (eID) ecosystem in Finland provides a good example of ecosystem transformation due to external changes from EU and national regulation.

Method

We engage in an extensive case study of a nation-wide monopolistic eID platform. We first take a retrospective view to understand the historical context and then examine in detail how an external driver leads to changes in the ecosystem.

Results

We explicate the platform evolution process, from a phase of dominance with centralized control structures to a more federated governance approach. We find that the introduction of intermediaries between the platform and its users contributes to a weakening of the dominant platform owners.

Conclusion

This finding that platforms can transform into industry infrastructures has an important implication for our understanding of the dynamics underlying digital platforms.
Archaeological Jobs and Legislation in Italy a Quarter of a Century after the Valletta Convention
Authors: Knobloch Roberto
Published: January 2019

This article focuses on the development of preventive and commercial archaeology in Europe during the last thirty years by examining the case of Italy. This country has a mixed public-private system, where the law establishes that the State manages all archaeological activities, although archaeological services are provided mainly by private individuals or companies and funded by private developers. This framework leads to a mismatch between law and practice, which impedes the development of professional archaeology and the full implementation of the Valletta principles. The issue is examined from an historical perspective, from the 1970s to the present day, and is augmented by a brief analysis of the current trends in cultural heritage policy. The study concentrates on the regulatory elements of archaeological activities, since these legal matters are generally overlooked by scholars.
Air reverse circulation at the hole bottom in ice-core drilling
Authors: HU ZHENGYI , TALALAY PAVEL , ZHENG ZHICHUAN , CAO PINLU , SHI GUITAO , LI YUANSHENG , FAN XIAOPENG , MA HONGMEI
Published: January 2019

Ice-core drilling to depths of 200–300 m is an important part of research studies concerned with paleoclimate reconstruction and anthropogenic climate change. However, conventional drilling methods face difficulties due to firn permeability. We have developed an electromechanical ice-core drill with air reverse circulation at the hole bottom. We believe that the new drilling system will recover ice cores faster than shallow auger drills, with high efficiency and low energy consumption. The theoretically estimated up-hole speed of the airflow should be not <7.7 m s−1 to allow proper removal of ice cuttings from the borehole bottom. The computer simulation and test results showed that the design of the new ice-coring drill is feasible. The maximum allowed penetration rate depends by square law on airflow.
The quasi-Assouad dimension of stochastically self-similar sets
Authors: Troscheit Sascha
Published: January 2019

The class of stochastically self-similar sets contains many famous examples of random sets, for example, Mandelbrot percolation and general fractal percolation. Under the assumption of the uniform open set condition and some mild assumptions on the iterated function systems used, we show that the quasi-Assouad dimension of self-similar random recursive sets is almost surely equal to the almost sure Hausdorff dimension of the set. We further comment on random homogeneous and V -variable sets and the removal of overlap conditions.
Non-collapsing in homogeneity greater than one via a two-point method for a special case
Authors: Kröner Heiko
Published: January 2019

We study the mechanism of proving non-collapsing in the context of extrinsic curvature flows via the maximum principle in combination with a suitable two-point function in homogeneity greater than one. Our paper serves as the first step in this direction and we consider the case of a curve which isC2-close to a circle initially and which flows by a power greater than one of the curvature along its normal vector.
Cost-effectiveness of Coblation compared with cold steel tonsillectomies in the UK
Authors: Guest J F , Rana K , Hopkins C
Published: January 2019

Objective

This study aimed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of Coblation compared with cold steel tonsillectomy in adult and paediatric patients in the UK.

Method

Decision analysis was undertaken by combining published clinical outcomes with resource utilisation estimates derived from a panel of clinicians.

Results

Using a cold steel procedure instead of Coblation is expected to generate an incremental cost of more than £2000 for each additional avoided haemorrhage, and the probability of cold steel being cost-effective was approximately 0.50. Therefore, the cost-effectiveness of the two techniques was comparable. When the published clinical outcomes were replaced with clinicians’ estimates of current practice, Coblation was found to improve outcome for less cost, and the probability of Coblation being cost-effective was at least 0.70.

Conclusion

A best-case scenario suggests Coblation affords the National Health Service a cost-effective intervention for tonsillectomy in adult and paediatric patients compared with cold steel procedures. A worst-case scenario suggests Coblation affords the National Health Service an equivalent cost-effective intervention for adult and paediatric patients.
The changes in different symptom scores during subcutaneous immunotherapy in Chinese house dust mite allergic patients: a two-year, observational study
Authors: Tu Y , Zhang H , Zhao L , Jin P , Zi X , Li T , Shi L , Zhi L
Published: January 2019

Background

Subcutaneous immunotherapy is an effective and safe treatment for allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. Different symptom scores are used to evaluate the efficacy of subcutaneous immunotherapy in clinical trials.

Method

A total of 58 allergic rhinitis patients sensitised to house dust mites, with or without mild asthma, were included. Symptom score, medication score, visual analogue scale score and quality of life were assessed before and after 6, 12 and 24 months of subcutaneous immunotherapy.

Results

After two years of subcutaneous immunotherapy, asthma symptom scores nearly reached zero, whereas the scores remained higher for nasal symptoms. The changes in asthma symptom scores were markedly different (p < 0.05) and occurred faster than the changes in nasal symptom scores when compared between monosensitised and polysensitised groups. Significant reductions in visual analogue scale score and medication score were demonstrated after subcutaneous immunotherapy.

Conclusion

Two-year subcutaneous immunotherapy with house dust mite vaccine is an effective treatment for both monosensitised and polysensitised allergic patients. The changes in asthma symptom scores were markedly different and occurred quicker than the changes in nasal symptom scores in Chinese house dust mite allergic patients.
Can psychological features predict antidepressant response to rTMS? A Discovery–Replication approach
Authors: Krepel Noralie , Rush A. John , Iseger Tabitha A. , Sack Alexander T. , Arns Martijn
Published: January 2019

Background

Few studies focused on the relationship between psychological measures, major depressive disorder (MDD) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) response. This study investigated several psychological measures as potential predictors for rTMS treatment response. Additionally, this study employed two approaches to evaluate the robustness of our findings by implementing immediate replication and full-sample exploration with strictp-thresholding.

Methods

This study is an open-label, multi-site study with a total of 196 MDD patients. The sample was subdivided in a Discovery (60% of total sample,n= 119) and Replication sample (40% of total sample,n= 77). Patients were treated with right low frequency (1 Hz) or left high frequency (10 Hz) rTMS at the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Clinical variables [Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness Five-Factor Inventory, and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, and BDI subscales] were obtained at baseline, post-treatment, and at follow-up. Predictors were analyzed in terms of statistical association, robustness (independent replication), as well as for their clinical relevance [positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV)].

Results

Univariate analyses revealed that non-responders had higher baseline anhedonia scores. Anhedonia scores at baseline correlated negatively with total BDI percentage change over time. This finding was replicated. However, anhedonia scores showed to be marginally predictive of rTMS response, and neither PPV nor NPV reached the levels of clinical relevance.

Conclusions

This study suggests that non-responders to rTMS treatment have higher baseline anhedonia scores. However, anhedonia was only marginally predictive of rTMS response. Since all other psychological measures did not show predictive value, it is concluded that psychological measures cannot be used as clinically relevant predictors to rTMS response in MDD.
From dual systems to dual function: rethinking methodological foundations of behavioural economics
Authors: Herrmann-Pillath Carsten
Published: January 2019

Building on an overview of dual systems theories in behavioural economics, the paper presents a methodological assessment in terms of the mechanistic explanations framework that has gained prominence in philosophy of the neurosciences. I conclude that they fail to meet the standards of causal explanations and I suggest an alternative ‘dual functions’ view based on Marr’s methodology of computational neuroscience. Recent psychological and neuroscience research undermines the case for a categorization of brain processes in terms of properties such as relative speed. I defend an interpretation of dualities as functional, without assigning them to specific neurophysiological structures.
Impaired systolic and diastolic left ventricular function in children and adolescents with congenital adrenal hyperplasia receiving corticosteroid therapy
Authors: Tuhan Hale , Demircan Tülay , Altıncık Ayca , Çatlı Gönül , Kızılca Özgür , Egeli Tuğba , Kır Mustafa , Can Şule , Dündar Bumin , Böber Ece , Abacı Ayhan
Published: January 2019

Aim

The present study aimed to evaluate systolic and diastolic myocardial function in children and adolescents with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Methods

The study included 44 children with the diagnosis of classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia and 39 healthy children whose age, pubertal status, and gender were similar to those of the patient group. Anthropometric parameters and 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels were measured, and bone age was calculated. The average daily hydrocortisone dose was calculated over the last 1-year file records. Hyperandrogenic state was defined according to bone age SD score (⩾2) and 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels (>10 ng/ml). Echocardiographic examinations were assessed by conventional two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging.

Results

Patients had higher morphological parameters, such as left ventricular end-systolic diameter, interventricular septal thickness at end diastole, left ventricular posterior wall thickness at end diastole, left ventricular mass and index, than the control group (p<0.05). On pulsed-wave and tissue Doppler echocardiography, significant subclinical alterations were observed in systolic (isovolumic contraction time), diastolic (isovolumic relaxation time), and global left ventricular functional (myocardial performance index) parameters in the congenital adrenal hyperplasia group compared to the control group (p<0.05). In partial correlation analyses, after controlling the effect of hyperandrogenism, the mean hydrocortisone dosage was positively correlated with isovolumic relaxation time in congenital adrenal hyperplasia group (p<0.05).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia are at risk for left ventricular hypertrophy, systolic and diastolic myocardial subclinical alterations. Overtreatment may be responsible for the increased risk of myocardial dysfunction in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.