bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
28 GHz Taylor feed network for sidelobe level reduction in 5G phased array antennas
Authors: Hill Timothy A. , Kelly James R.
Published: November 2018

This paper presents a design procedure for a phased array feed network. The procedure is validated by designing and fabricating a set of 28 GHz 8‐element beam steerable antennas. Within the feed, a Taylor n‐bar amplitude taper is implemented using unequal power dividers. At boresight, the taper reduced the sidelobe level by 2.84 dB to −15.2 dB. Beam steering from 0° to 48° is achieved using meanders. An empirical formula for the meander widths is proposed, enabling independent control of amplitude and phase. Empirical formulae for the initial parameters of the unequal dividers are also proposed. The wide transmission lines in this feed network are compatible with low‐cost PCB fabrication techniques.
Miniaturization of Archimedean spiral antenna for wideband beamforming arrays
Authors: Park C. J. , Yoon Y. J.
Published: November 2018

This paper proposes a compact spiral antenna with an improved bandwidth and miniaturized radiator for 3:1 (2‐6 GHz) wideband antenna beamforming arrays. The proposed antenna is composed of an Archimedean spiral antenna (ASA) with an annular ring and additional dielectric substrates with a circular hole. The spiral and ring radiators are printed between two substrates made of FR‐4, with a dielectric constant of 4.5 and thickness of 1.524 mm. The size of the antenna is 30 mm × 30 mm × 3.048 mm (0.2λ × 0.2λ × 0.02λ at the lowest frequency). The reduction rate of size is up to 15% compared with a conventional ASA using an annular ring, and it also has low‐profile characteristics.
Application of in vivo MR methods in the study of breast cancer metabolism
Authors: Jagannathan Naranamangalam R.
Published: November 2018

In the last two decades, various in vivo MR methodologies have been evaluated for their potential in the study of cancer metabolism. During malignant transformation, metabolic alterations occur, leading to morphological and functional changes. Among various MR methods, in vivo MRS has been extensively used in breast cancer to study the metabolism of cells, tissues or whole organs. It provides biochemical information at the metabolite level. Altered choline, phospholipid and energy metabolism has been documented using proton (1H), phosphorus (31P) and carbon (13C) isotopes. Increased levels of choline‐containing compounds, phosphomonoesters and phosphodiesters in breast cancer, which are indicative of altered choline and phospholipid metabolism, have been reported using in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo NMR studies. These changes are reversed on successful therapy, which depends on the treatment regimen given. Monitoring the various tumor intermediary metabolic pathways using nuclear spin hyperpolarization of 13C‐labeled substrates by dynamic nuclear polarization has also been recently reported. Furthermore, the utility of various methods such as diffusion, dynamic contrast and perfusion MRI have also been evaluated to study breast tumor metabolism. Parameters such as tumor volume, apparent diffusion coefficient, volume transfer coefficient and extracellular volume ratio are estimated. These parameters provide information on the changes in tumor microstructure, microenvironment, abnormal vasculature, permeability and grade of the tumor. Such changes seen during cancer progression are due to alterations in the tumor metabolism, leading to changes in cell architecture. Due to architectural changes, the tissue mechanical properties are altered; this can be studied using magnetic resonance elastography, which measures the elastic properties of tissues. Moreover, these structural MRI methods can be used to investigate the effect of therapy‐induced changes in tumor characteristics. This review discusses the potential of various in vivo MR methodologies in the study of breast cancer metabolism.
Importance of the Initial Oxidation State of Copper for the Catalytic Hydrogenation of Dimethyl Oxalate to Ethylene Glycol
Authors: Sun Yannan , Meng Fanqiong , Ge Qingjie , Sun Jian
Published: November 2018

Exposing a Cu‐based catalyst to a suitable temperature is of great importance to optimize its hydrogenation performance, as copper is sensitive to temperature. Herein, we investigated the effect of the initial oxidation state of copper, tuned by the reduction temperature, on its catalytic performance in the hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate (DMO) to ethylene glycol (EG) through designing a series of catalysts with different reduction temperatures (200–350 °C). Among these catalysts, the Cu/SiO2 catalyst prepared by ammonia evaporation with a hydrogen reduction process at 250 °C showed the best performance in the hydrogenation of DMO with a conversion of 100 % and a selectivity to EG higher than 95 %. The relationship between the initial oxidation state of copper and catalytic performance was well established by characterizing the physicochemical properties of the Cu/SiO2 catalysts by XRD, TEM, H2 temperature‐programmed reduction, N2O adsorption, and in situ reduction Auger electron spectroscopy. The initial oxidation state of copper determined the conversion of DMO and the distribution of the products, and it could be balanced by reducing the temperature to improve the activity of the catalyst. This work provides a reference for further exploration of the mechanism and guidance for the design of catalysts for the hydrogenation of esters.
Functional film of ethylene vinyl acetate and co‐polyamide compound containing “Nisin” active substance
Authors: Reichenberg Gilad , Ophir Amos , Nir Yiftach
Published: November 2018

This study deals with flexible films incorporating nisin for antibacterial active packaging purposes. A novel approach was used to gain control over nisin release profile from a thermoplastic film in order to enhance its antibacterial efficiency. This approach involves polymer blends of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer and co‐polyamide at various ratios. It was shown that the release profile of an antibacterial substance from active packaging to foodstuff is a key factor concerning the antibacterial efficiency. Samples of 400[μm] were produced by using a laboratory twin screw compounder and a laboratory hot press. Samples were characterized for their migration kinetics, molecular interactions, mechanical properties, and water swelling properties. Antibacterial activity tests show that nisin incorporated films reduced bacterial count by different extents. Listeria ATCC 33090 was used as target bacteria (data not shown). Nisin migration profile to water medium was determined by Lowry's protocol. Scanning electron microscopy images and thermal analysis indicated that no significant molecular interactions occurred. Furthermore, droplet and co‐continues like morphology were seen at different polymer blend ratios. Osmotic pressure driven release mechanism appears to be the dominant migration mechanism, and diffusion kinetics was dominant. Results show that morphology of the polymer blend matrix alters the diffusion coefficient. In addition, water swelling characterization of different samples was done in order to reveal the relations with the diffusion coefficient. It seems that there is an inverse resemblance between water swelling and the diffusion coefficient trends.
Controlled release of antibiotics from poly‐ε‐caprolactone/polyethylene glycol wound dressing fabricated by direct‐writing melt electrospinning
Authors: He Feng‐Li , Deng Xudong , Zhou Ya‐Qing , Zhang Tuo‐Di , Liu Ya‐Li , Ye Ya‐Jing , Yin Da‐Chuan
Published: November 2018

Wound dressing, which can release anti‐infectives in a controlled way, is taking an important role in the treatment and recovery of the open wound. An adequate release of antibiotics can prevent infections from microorganisms effectively. Among the new candidates of fabricating base materials for wound dressing, electrospinning fiber mats are attracting numerous attentions for their excellent performance in controlled drug delivery. The drug release behavior of electrospinning fiber mats can be tuned by changing the chemical components and the geometric structures of the mats. In this study, fiber mats with different geometric structures, which composed of poly‐ε‐caprolactone (PCL), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and ciprofloxacin (Cip) with different blending ratios, were successfully fabricated by direct‐writing melt electrospinning, and the release behavior of Cip were subsequently investigated in vitro. The results showed that the addition of PEG improved the hydrophilicity of the mats, which in turn affected the manner of drug release. The presence of PEG changed the releasing mechanism from a non‐Fickian diffusion into Fickian diffusion, which indicated that the diffusion of Cip from the composite fiber mats became the main factor of drug release instead of polymer degradation. Besides, with the same composition but different geometric structures, the drug release behavior is of significant difference. Therefore, all the Cip‐loaded composite fiber mats showed antibacterial activities but with different efficiency. In summary, the release of the drug could be controlled by adding PEG and changing the geometric structures according to the different requirement of wound dressings.
Basalt fiber reinforced polymers with improved thermal and mechanical properties by combination of twin polymerization with epoxide chemistry
Authors: Birkner Matthias , Spange Stefan , Koschek Katharina
Published: November 2018

Fiber reinforced polymers (FRPs) require a good match of fiber reinforcement and polymer matrix facilitating excellent thermal and mechanical properties. This contribution combines the mineral fibers glass and basalt with a novel silicatic hybrid polymer matrix formed during twin polymerization of 2‐(3‐Amino‐n‐propyl)‐2‐methyl‐4H‐1,3,2‐benzodioxasiline (APSI) as a novel amine hardener and the bisphenol A‐based epoxide BADGE. The resulting ternary hybrid material consists of a nanostructured and crosslinked epoxide, phenolic resin and polydialkylsiloxane network. In comparison to conventionally cured BADGE with IPDA (isophorone diamine), the glass and basalt fiber reinforced twin polymers showed a retarded combustion with a higher residual mass after oxidation. Moreover, the reinforcing effect with glass respective basalt was pronounced in case of APSI cured BADGE. The increased inorganic ratio in the composites due to in situ formation of polysiloxane species seems to affect beneficially FRPs thermal and mechanical properties by increasing the stiffness by 25% and the storage modulus by 260%. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3115–3121, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Statin use and survival in patients with gastric cancer in two independent population‐based cohorts
Authors: Spence Andrew D. , Busby John , Hughes Carmel M. , Johnston Brian T. , Coleman Helen G. , Cardwell Chris R.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Preclinical studies show statins inhibit pathways involved in gastric cancer progression, with observational studies demonstrating reduced gastric cancer risk in statin users. However, few studies have investigated statin use and survival in gastric cancer. We investigated statin use and survival in two large population‐based gastric cancer cohorts.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with gastric cancer from 1998 to 2012 were identified from English and Scottish cancer registries. Statin prescriptions were identified from linkages to the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink in England and the Prescribing Information System in Scotland, and deaths identified from national mortality records. Time‐dependent Cox regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for cancer‐specific mortality by statin use in multivariate analysis. Meta‐analysis techniques pooled results across the cohorts.

Results

The combined cohorts contained 3833 patients with gastric cancer and 2392 cancer‐specific deaths. Statin use after diagnosis was associated with reduced cancer‐specific mortality (adjusted HR 0.83; 95% CI, 0.74‐0.92). HRs for less than 1 year and over 1 year of statin use were similar (adjusted HR 0.83; 95% CI, 0.73‐0.94 and adjusted HR 0.83; 95% CI, 0.64‐1.01, respectively). Statin use prior to diagnosis was also associated with reduced cancer‐specific mortality (adjusted HR 0.91; 95% CI, 0.84‐0.98).

Conclusions

In two independent UK cohorts, there was some evidence that statin use was associated with reduced cancer‐specific mortality. However, these associations were weak in magnitude and did not follow a clear dose response, and we cannot rule out confounding by stage.
Generational differences in spatial mobility: A study with mobile phone data
Authors: Masso Anu , Silm Siiri , Ahas Rein
Published: November 2018

This article focuses on generational differences in spatial mobility. Assuming that the ability to cope with the social transformations related to growing mobility varies significantly across generations, we use mobile positioning data collected in Estonia during 2014 providing four main indicators, namely, the number of locations visited and the distances between visited locations, within Estonia and abroad. The results indicate that spatial mobility declines linearly with age; however, a high degree of heterogeneity exists within age groups. Whereas the spatial mobility of the most active members of the younger generation takes place mostly within Estonia, among the most active older generation focus their activity beyond its borders. The study reveals “delayed mobility” patterns among the most active groups of the older generation and a new “immobility culture” among the younger generation in terms of cross‐border activities in a transition society.
The other side of need: Reverse economic flows ensuring migrants' transnational social protection
Authors: Palash Polina , Baby‐Collin Virginie
Published: November 2018

Although there has been a significant study of remittances sent by migrants to their origin countries, reverse economic flows originating from sending contexts have so far received little attention. This paper shows that Ecuadorian migrants living in Europe use financial support from their relatives and their own economic resources from their origin country deriving from the renting of their properties, and to a lesser extent other sources. Financial means from Ecuador are used to ensure various transnational social protection needs both in Europe and in Ecuador, mostly by long‐settled economic migrants. Such arrangements emerged for 21 out of the total 63 transnational families considered in our study, investigated through a multi‐sited ethnography with a partially matched sample, conducted in 2015–2016 in Spain, England, and Ecuador. These unusual economic flows reflect an indirect reciprocity system of mutual responsibilities operating over large time frames and sometimes involve emotional discomfort and relational dissonances.
The age dimensions of urban socio‐spatial change
Authors: Hochstenbach Cody
Published: November 2018

Contemporary societal transformations are marked by particular age dynamics and shifting fault lines between generations. Growing socio‐economic divides between young and old have been singled out as a key concern, for example, on the housing market. However, age is not very often explicitly integrated into analyses of urban socio‐spatial inequality. This paper makes an effort to do so, drawing on the case study of Amsterdam (the Netherlands). Results highlight how age factors into urban socio‐spatial change. First, by placing age centre stage, it shows how aggregate urban upgrading comes about. Some age groups—those in their midthirties and over sixty—drive urban upgrading, whereas the 50‐to‐60 age group has become poorer, dampening upgrading. Second, geographies of affluence and poverty differ substantially between age groups. Whereas affluent elderly concentrate in the most privileged areas, and increasingly so, younger generations move to neighbourhoods lower on the urban hierarchy. Third, at any one point, multiple generations are involved in driving neighbourhood gentrification. Affluent elderly drive further gentrification in already affluent areas, wheras younger adults do so in lower status neighbourhoods.
On estimands and the analysis of adverse events in the presence of varying follow‐up times within the benefit assessment of therapies
Authors: Unkel Steffen , Amiri Marjan , Benda Norbert , Beyersmann Jan , Knoerzer Dietrich , Kupas Katrin , Langer Frank , Leverkus Friedhelm , Loos Anja , Ose Claudia , Proctor Tanja , Schmoor Claudia , Schwenke Carsten , Skipka Guido , Unnebrink Kristina , Voss Florian , Friede Tim
Published: November 2018

The analysis of adverse events (AEs) is a key component in the assessment of a drug's safety profile. Inappropriate analysis methods may result in misleading conclusions about a therapy's safety and consequently its benefit‐risk ratio. The statistical analysis of AEs is complicated by the fact that the follow‐up times can vary between the patients included in a clinical trial. This paper takes as its focus the analysis of AE data in the presence of varying follow‐up times within the benefit assessment of therapeutic interventions. Instead of approaching this issue directly and solely from an analysis point of view, we first discuss what should be estimated in the context of safety data, leading to the concept of estimands. Although the current discussion on estimands is mainly related to efficacy evaluation, the concept is applicable to safety endpoints as well. Within the framework of estimands, we present statistical methods for analysing AEs with the focus being on the time to the occurrence of the first AE of a specific type. We give recommendations which estimators should be used for the estimands described. Furthermore, we state practical implications of the analysis of AEs in clinical trials and give an overview of examples across different indications. We also provide a review of current practices of health technology assessment (HTA) agencies with respect to the evaluation of safety data. Finally, we describe problems with meta‐analyses of AE data and sketch possible solutions.
Antinociceptive properties of 25‐methoxy hispidol A, a triterpinoid isolated from Poncirus trifoliata (Rutaceae) through inhibition of NF‐κB signalling in mice
Authors: Khan Ashrafullah , Ullah Muhammad Zia , Afridi Ruqayya , Rasheed Hina , Khalid Sidra , Ullah Hadayat , Ali Hussain , AlSharari Shakir D. , Kim Yeong Shik , Khan Salman
Published: November 2018

The 25‐methoxy hispidol A (25‐MHA) is a triterpenoid, isolated from the immature fruit of Poncirus trifoliata (Rutaceae). The pretreatment with 25‐MHA markedly (p < 0.001) attenuated the formalin‐induced biphasic responses as well as acetic acid‐induced writhing responses. The intraperitoneal administration of 25‐MHA significantly attenuated the mechanical hyperalgesia (p < 0.001) and allodynia (p < 0.05). Similarly, 25‐MHA also significantly attenuated (p < 0.001) complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)‐induced paw edema in mice. The 25‐MHA treatment significantly attenuated the production of nuclear kappa B (NF‐κB) (p65 nuclear subunit). The cytokines are the important mediators of inflammation and pain; however, treatment with 25‐MHA exhibited significant inhibition (p < 0.001) on the mRNA expression levels of various inflammatory mediators. The 25‐MHA administration also significantly enhanced antioxidant enzymes (p < 0.001) and inhibited the oxidative stress markers. The current study indicates that 25‐MHA significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited the nitric oxide (NO) in mice plasma. Similarly, the haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining shows that 25‐MHA administration significantly inhibited the inflammatory process in the mice paw tissue compared with the CFA‐treated group. The 25‐MHA treatment did not exhibited any toxicity on the liver, kidney, muscles strength, and motor co‐ordination in mice. The 25‐MHA was coadministered with the various drugs such as tramadol, piroxicam, and gabapentin to observe the synergistic effect.
The impact of pycnogenol supplementation on plasma lipids in humans: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Hadi Amir , Pourmasoumi Makan , Mohammadi Hamed , Javaheri Aftab , Rouhani Mohammad Hossein
Published: November 2018

The effects of pycnogenol on plasma lipids are controversial. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials were conducted to obtain a conclusive result in humans. PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were systematically searched until March 2018, to explore the clinical trials that examined the effect of pycnogenol supplementation on lipid parameters among adult human. Methodological quality of the eligible studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. To estimate the effect size, changes in blood lipids were implemented. Results were pooled using a random effects model. Potential sources of heterogeneity were explored by subgroup analysis. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of 14 clinical trials with 1,065 participants suggested a significant increase in plasma concentration of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C; 3.27 mg/dL; 95% CI [0.19, 6.36]; p = 0.038). In contrast, plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC; −4.45 mg/dL, 95% CI [−11.24, 2.34]; p = 0.199), triacylglycerol (TAG; −3.64 mg/dL; 95% CI [−17.89, 10.61]; p = 0.616), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C; −3.61 mg/dl; 95% CI [−8.76, 1.55]; p = 0.171) were not altered. Adjustment for confounding variables was poor in included studies. Also, these studies did not assess dietary lipid intake. The results indicate that pycnogenol supplementation improves levels of HDL‐C; however, the changes in TC, TAG, and LDL‐C were not clinically relevant. Since there are few phytochemicals that have a significant increasing effect on HDL‐C levels, pycnogenol may have important role in prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Coacervation of Interfacial Adhesive Proteins for Initial Mussel Adhesion to a Wet Surface
Authors: Yang Byeongseon , Jin Sila , Park Yeonju , Jung Young Mee , Cha Hyung Joon
Published: November 2018

Coacervation of mussel adhesive proteins (MAPs) is proposed as a potential strategy that mussels may use during secretion due to their high concentration density, lack of dispersion into seawater, and low interfacial tension. Particularly, coacervations of interfacial MAPs, foot protein type‐3 fast variant (fp‐3F) and type‐5 (fp‐5), are important in the initial mussel adhesion process due to the relationship between the easy secretion/surface wetting properties of the coacervate and primer‐like surface adhesive role of interfacial MAPs, which directly contact the marine surface. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on coacervate formation of major recombinant interfacial MAPs with high charge densities and the highest 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (Dopa) contents. Specifically, salt‐induced coacervation of fp‐3F is observed at low pH values corresponding to the acidified environment of the distal depression during mussel secretion. In addition, it shows enthalpy driven upper critical solution temperature behavior, possibly relying on bridging interactions between like‐charged cationic fp‐3Fs including salt‐bridge and cation–π/π–π interactions in the presence of specific counterions, supported by Raman spectroscopy. It is believed that this study has broadened the scope of the understanding of coacervation of MAPs and may provide new insight for responsive biomaterial design.
DILAF: A framework for distributed analysis of large‐scale system logs for anomaly detection
Authors: Astekin Merve , Zengin Harun , Sözer Hasan
Published: November 2018

System logs constitute a rich source of information for detection and prediction of anomalies. However, they can include a huge volume of data, which is usually unstructured or semistructured. We introduce DILAF, a framework for distributed analysis of large‐scale system logs for anomaly detection. DILAF is comprised of several processes to facilitate log parsing, feature extraction, and machine learning activities. It has two distinguishing features with respect to the existing tools. First, it does not require the availability of source code of the analyzed system. Second, it is designed to perform all the processes in a distributed manner to support scalable analysis in the context of large‐scale distributed systems. We discuss the software architecture of DILAF and we introduce an implementation of it. We conducted controlled experiments based on two datasets to evaluate the effectiveness of the framework. In particular, we evaluated the performance and scalability attributes under various degrees of parallelism. Results showed that DILAF can maintain the same accuracy levels while achieving more than 30% performance improvement on average as the system scales, compared to baseline approaches that do not employ fully distributed processing.
Characterization of pigments used on a reference canvas by multiple techniques
Authors: Balbino Daniela Pereira , Mori Eva Kaiser , dos Santos José Carlos , Sussuchi Eliana Midori , de Souza Lalic Susana , Machado Rogério , de Almeida Rizzutto Márcia
Published: November 2018

By being able to accurately determine the composition of a pigment layer that is superimposed in a painting, one can find whether the painting has been modified and thus identify possible alterations, interventions, or falsifications. In this work, we have characterized a set of 25 pigments used in the production of special easel paint, called as reference canvas (RC). This type of painting can be used in different applications such as the determination of thickness layer in a nondestructive way. However, for the better characterization of this easel painting for future use in thickness layer determination, it is necessary to characterize the pigments used in its production. In this way, X‐ray diffraction , energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence, and wavelength dispersion X‐ray fluorescence were applied to characterize the pigments. Analyses corroborate for a better understanding of the compounds present in the painting used in the preparation of the RC and the respective powder of the pigments used.
Introduction
Authors: Lindsay Claire
Published: November 2018

This chapter, drawing first on pertinent archival material from Anita Brenner’s papers, introduces the book’s main concerns in brief—the relation between print culture, tourism, and nationhood, and the (geo)political ramifications of content and style in and beyond the periodical’s pages—before elucidating its overall scope, shape, and principal objectives. It provides a theoretical rationale for the study (referring to the work of Néstor García Canclini and Benedict Anderson as well as reinterpretations of the latter’s ideas within Latin American cultural studies) and ends with an overview of the main chapters.
Limits on electroweak instanton-induced processes with multiple boson production
Authors: Ringwald Andreas , Sakurai Kazuki , Webber Bryan R.
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Recently, the CMS collaboration has reported their search for electroweak instanton-like processes with anomalous B + L violation assuming multi-fermion but zero-boson final states. On the other hand, many theoretical studies suggest that anomalous B + L processes may have an observably large production rate only if their final state contains a large number of electroweak gauge bosons. In this paper, we review the state-of-the-art of the predictions of electroweak instanton-induced processes and compare collider signatures of zero- and multi-boson events of anomalous B + L violation at the LHC. An upper limit on the cross-section for the multi-boson process is derived by recasting the CMS analysis.
Does the chiral magnetic effect change the dynamic universality class in QCD?
Authors: Hongo Masaru , Sogabe Noriyuki , Yamamoto Naoki
Published: November 2018

Abstract

In QCD matter under an external magnetic field, the chiral magnetic effect (CME) leads to the collective gapless mode called the chiral magnetic wave (CMW). Since dynamic universality class generally depends on low-energy gapless modes, it is nontrivial whether the CME and the resulting CMW change that of the second-order chiral phase transition in QCD. To address this question, we study the critical dynamics near the chiral phase transition in massless two-flavor QCD under an external magnetic field. By performing the dynamic renormalization-group analysis within the ϵ expansion, we find that the presence of the CME changes the dynamic universality class to that of model A. We also show that the transport coefficient of the CME is not renormalized by the critical fluctuations of the order parameter.
Searching for potent and specific antibiotics against pathogenic Helicobacter and Campylobacter strains
Authors: Ogasawara Yasushi , Dairi Tohru
Published: November 2018

Menaquinone is an obligatory component of the electron-transfer pathway in microorganisms. Its biosynthetic pathway was established by pioneering studies with Escherichia coli and it was revealed to be derived from chorismate by Men enzymes. However, we identified an alternative pathway, the futalosine pathway, operating in some microorganisms including Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter jejuni, which cause gastric carcinoma and diarrhea, respectively. Because some useful intestinal bacteria, such as lactobacilli, use the canonical pathway, the futalosine pathway is an attractive target for development of chemotherapeutics for the abovementioned pathogens. In this mini-review, we summarize compounds that inhibit Mqn enzymes involved in the futalosine pathway discovered to date.
Placental Macrophages: A Window Into Fetal Microglial Function in Maternal Obesity
Authors: Edlow Andrea G. , Glass Ruthy M , Smith Caroline J , Tran Phuong Kim , James Kaitlyn , Bilbo Staci
Published: November 2018

Fetal placental macrophages and microglia (resident brain macrophages) have a common origin in the fetal yolk sac. Yolk‐sac‐derived macrophages comprise the permanent pool of brain microglia throughout an individual's lifetime. Inappropriate fetal microglial priming may therefore have lifelong neurodevelopmental consequences, but direct evaluation of microglial function in a living fetus or neonate is impossible. We sought to test the hypothesis that maternal obesity would prime both placental macrophages and fetal brain microglia to overrespond to an immune challenge, thus providing a window into microglial function using placental cells.

Obesity was induced in C57BL/6 J mice using a 60% high‐fat diet. On embryonic day 17.5, fetal brain microglia and corresponding CD11b + placental cells were isolated from fresh tissue. Cells were treated with media or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) production by stimulated and unstimulated cells was quantified via ELISA. We demonstrate for the first time that the proinflammatory cytokine production of CD11b + placental cells is strongly correlated with that of brain microglia (Spearman's ρ = 0.73, p = 0.002) in the setting of maternal obesity. Maternal obesity‐exposed CD11b + cells had an exaggerated response to LPS compared to controls, with a 5.1‐fold increase in TNF‐α production in placentas (p = 0.003) and 3.8‐fold increase in TNF‐α production in brains (p = 0.002). In sex‐stratified analyses, only male obesity‐exposed brains and placentas had significant increase in TNF‐α production in response to LPS. Taken together, these data suggest that maternal obesity primes both placental macrophages and fetal brain microglia to overproduce a proinflammatory cytokine in response to immune challenge. Male brain and placental immune response is more marked than female in this setting. Given that fetal microglial priming may impact neuroimmune function throughout the lifespan, these data could provide insight into the male predominance of certain neurodevelopmental morbidities linked to maternal obesity, including cognitive dysfunction, autism spectrum disorder, and ADHD. Placental CD11b+ macrophages may have the potential to serve as an accessible biomarker of aberrant fetal brain immune activation in maternal obesity. This finding may have broader implications for assaying the impact of other maternal exposures on fetal brain development.
Vitrified Walls in the Iron Age of Western Iberia: New Research from an Archaeometric Perspective
Authors: Berrocal-Rangel Luis , García-Giménez Rosario , Ruano Lucía , Vigil de la Villa Raquel
Published: November 2018

The phenomenon of Iron Age vitrified ramparts has become increasingly recognisable in the last twenty years in the Iberian Peninsula. After the first walls with vitrified stones were discovered in southern Portugal, there have been several findings scattered throughout western Iberia. A chronological sequence from the Late Bronze Age to the Late Iron Age can be established on the basis of the archaeological remains, with reference to different historical and functional conditions. This article reviews the data obtained from the various sites, in order to understand the context in which the stone structures became vitrified. Furthermore, we have analysed samples of stones and mud bricks that have been altered by fire from these sites, which has allowed us to explain the variability in the archaeological record in relation to different historical processes. With all these data, we aim to contribute to our knowledge of a phenomenon that is widespread in Iron Age Europe.
Elections Activate Partisanship across Countries
Authors: SINGH SHANE P. , THORNTON JUDD R.
Published: November 2018

It has long been argued that elections amplify partisan predispositions. We take advantage of the timing of the cross-national post-election surveys included in the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems to explore the effects that elections have on individuals’ attachments to political parties. Within these surveys, under the assumption that the dates on which respondents are interviewed are assigned independent of factors known to affect partisanship, we are able to identify the causal effects of election salience on partisan attachments. We find strong evidence that election salience increases the probability of one having a party attachment, increases the strength of attachments, and heightens the relationship between partisanship and evaluations of political actors. Empirical explorations of our identifying assumption bolster its validity. Our results substantiate the causal role that elections play in activating partisanship.
Gongylonema infection of wild mammals in Japan and Sardinia (Italy)
Authors: Setsuda A. , Varcasia A. , Scala A. , Ozawa S. , Yokoyama M. , Torii H. , Suzuki K. , Kaneshiro Y. , Corda A. , Dessì G. , Tamponi C. , Cabras P.A. , Sato H.
Published: November 2018

The gullet worms, classical Gongylonema pulchrum and newly differentiated Gongylonema nepalensis, are prevalent in various mammals in Japan and Sardinia, Italy, respectively. The former species is cosmopolitan in distribution, dwelling in the mucosa of the upper digestive tract of a variety of domestic and wild mammals, and also humans. At present, the geographical distribution of G. nepalensis is known in Nepal and Sardinia, with the nematode having been recorded from the oesophagus of water buffaloes (Nepal), cattle, sheep, goats and wild mouflon (Sardinia). To clarify their natural transmission cycles among domestic and wild mammals, the present study analysed the ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1) of worms of various origins: G. pulchrum worms from sika deer, wild boars, Japanese macaques, and feral alien Reeves's muntjacs in Japan, and G. nepalensis worms from a red fox and a wild boar in Sardinia. Although the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of rDNA and partial cox1 nucleotide sequences of G. pulchrum from native wild mammals in Japan were distinct from those of the worms in cattle, the worms from feral alien Reeves's muntjacs showed the cattle-type ITS genotype and cox1 cattle-I and II haplotypes. The rDNA and cox1 nucleotide sequences of G. nepalensis from a red fox in Sardinia were almost identical to those of the worms from domestic and wild ruminants on the island. The ecological interaction between domestic and wild mammals and their susceptibility to different Gongylonema spp. must be considered when trying to elucidate this spirurid's transmission dynamics in nature.
Tongue base mucosectomy for carcinoma of unknown primary using endoscopic electrocautery: rationale for wider implementation of an institutionally restricted technique
Authors: Davies-Husband C R
Published: November 2018

Background

Cervical metastasis from an unknown primary site invariably results in pan-mucosal irradiation if a primary tumour is not identified. Transoral robotic and laser-assisted mucosectomy are valid techniques to increase diagnostic rates, but these remain restricted to certain centres. This paper describes, in detail, a technique in which mucosectomy is performed via endoscopic electrocautery.

Methods

Patients were prospectively recruited between May 2017 and June 2018. Inclusion criteria stipulated biopsy-proven metastatic cervical squamous cell carcinoma, with negative findings on magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography/computed tomography, in addition to examination under anaesthetic, tonsillectomy and ‘blind’ tongue base biopsies without tumour identification, prior to mucosectomy.

Results

Of nine patients, a mucosal primary was identified in four (44.4 per cent), for which ipsilateral intensity-modulated radiotherapy was advocated in three and completion tongue base resection in the fourth. Dysplasia was demonstrated in two further patients, which provided information relevant to radiotherapy fields and post-treatment surveillance. No surgical complications were identified.

Conclusion

Tongue base mucosectomy using electrocautery and conventional tonsillectomy equipment is a safe, effective technique in the identification of cervical metastasis from an unknown primary site. It expands the potential breadth of use, quickens prolonged diagnostic pathways and obviates the necessity for pan-mucosal irradiation.
Frustrated sovereigns: the agency that makes the world go around
Authors: Epstein Charlotte , Lindemann Thomas , Sending Ole Jacob
Published: November 2018

In this article, the introduction to this Special Issue, we underline the importance of the dynamics of misrecognition for the study of world politics. We make the case for shifting the focus from ‘recognition’, where it has long been cast in social, political and, more recently, International Relations theory, tomisrecognition. We do so by returning to the original theorisation of misrecognition, Hegel’s dialectic of the master and servant. Our point of departure is not only that the desire for recognition is key social dynamic, but that thefailureto obtain this recognition is built into this very desire. It is a crucial factor for understanding how international actors behave, including, but not only, states.

Thus understood, the desire for recognition is not simply a desire for social goods, for status or for statehood, but for more agency – more capacity to act. We explore the logic of misrecognition and show how the international system is a symbolic structure that is ordained by an unrealisable ideal of what we call ‘sovereign agency’.
Policy-Relevant Publications and Tenure Decisions in International Relations
Authors: Maliniak Daniel , Peterson Susan , Tierney Michael J.
Published: November 2018

Many observers of the international relations (IR) discipline express concern about the decline in policy-relevant research within the academy. Some blame an academic culture and academic institutions that incentivize abstract, quantitative, or theoretical work that speaks to scholarly debates rather than real-world problems. This article asks how IR scholars value both scholarly and policy publications. Using data from the TRIP survey, we found that publications generally considered policy relevant are undervalued in academic tenure decisions. These findings hold regardless of whether faculty have attained tenure or whether they consider their own research to be policy relevant. However, scholars who consult, teach at colleges rather than research universities, or teach in Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs schools rather than political science departments are likely to believe: (1) that policy-relevant research products are currently valued more highly than their colleagues estimate; and (2) on the normative question, that these policy publications should be valued even more highly than they are. Overall, these results suggest an openness to increasing the value of policy-relevant research in tenure decisions as part of an effort to increase the amount of policy-focused work in the discipline.
Selbstwertprofile und ihre Korrelate im Lern- und Leistungskontext: Eine latente Profilanalyse
Authors: Kärchner Henrike , Schwinger Malte
Published: November 2018

Zusammenfassung. Der Selbstwert ist eines der am häufigsten untersuchten Konstrukte der Psychologie. Lange verfolgte die Forschung zum Selbstwert einen variablenzentrierten Ansatz, mit dem lediglich die einzelnen Selbstwertfacetten betrachtet wurden. In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden erstmalig verschiedene Kombinationen von Selbstwerthöhe, -stabilität und -kontingenz untersucht und deren Korrelate im Lern- und Leistungskontext analysiert. In latenten Profilanalysen konnten in drei Online-Studien (ngesamt = 2499) neben dem Profil des „optimalen Selbstwerts“ ( Kernis, 2003 ) vier weitere Selbstwertprofile identifiziert werden. Diese Selbstwertprofile gehen mit unterschiedlichen Konsequenzen einher. So weist etwa das Profil „optimaler Selbstwert“ die günstigsten Ergebnismuster auf, was sich beispielhaft in einer häufigen Nutzung tiefenorientierter Lernstrategien niederschlägt. Insgesamt legen die Befunde nahe, dass eine mehrdimensionale Betrachtung des Selbstwerts präzisere Verhaltensvorhersagen ermöglicht. Implikationen für die weitere Forschung und Praxis werden diskutiert.
Fußball gucken oder nicht?
Authors: Farwick Stefanie
Published: November 2018

Zusammenfassung. Mit einem Blick in die Geschichte der Pflege sucht die Autorin den Zugang zu Fragen von Nähe und Distanz und konkretisiert über das Handlungsfeld Psychosomatik, wo Nähe und Distanz zur Sprache kommen.
Research Data Sharing: Practices and Attitudes of Geophysicists
Authors: Tenopir C. , Christian L. , Allard S. , Borycz J.
Published: November 2018

Open data policies have been introduced by governments, funders, and publishers over the past decade. Previous research showed a growing recognition by scientists of the benefits of data‐sharing and reuse, but actual practices lag and are not always compliant with new regulations. The goal of this study is to investigate motives, attitudes, and data practices of the community of Earth and planetary geophysicists, a discipline believed to have accepting attitudes toward data sharing and reuse. A better understanding of the attitudes and current data‐sharing practices of this scientific community could enable funders, publishers, data managers, and librarians to design systems and services that help scientists understand and adhere to mandates and to create practices, tools, and services that are scientist‐focused. An online survey was distributed to the members of the American Geophysical Union, producing 1,372 responses from 116 countries. The attitudes of researchers to data sharing and reuse were generally positive, but in practice, scientists had concerns about sharing their own research data. These concerns include the possibility of potential data misuse and the need for assurance of proper citation and acknowledgement. Training and assistance in good data management practices are lacking in many scientific fields and might help to alleviate these doubts.
Understanding Electrical Signals from Below Earth’s Surface
Authors: Pommier Anne , Roberts Jeff
Published: November 2018

A new version of a free Web application (SIGMELTS 2.0) helps Earth scientists interpret electrical anomalies in Earth’s crust and mantle and track the sources of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Combined Effects of Unsteady River Discharges and Wave Conditions on River Mouth Bar Morphodynamics
Authors: Gao Weilun , Shao Dongdong , Wang Zheng Bing , Nardin William , Yang Wei , Sun Tao , Cui Baoshan
Published: November 2018

River mouth bar formation, a key process in fluvial‐deltaic morphodynamics, is subject to both river discharge and waves. Given the increasing variability of both forcings under continuous climate change and human interventions, assessing their combined effects on mouth bar formation is an imperative issue. In this study, an extensive set of combined high and low river flows coupled with varying wave conditions and sediment grain sizes was assumed for numerical experiments conducted in Delft3D‐SWAN. The results suggested that three regimes existed for mouth bar formation, namely, stable, ephemeral, and absent. These regimes corresponded to consistently weak, initially‐weak‐then‐strong, and initially strong relative wave strengths, respectively, during the onset and reworking stages. Suppression of mouth bar formation further led to the inhibition of deltaic distributary networks. These findings have important implications for water and sediment management strategies, such as water diversion and dam regulation, in estuaries and deltas to prevent coastal erosion.
Shallow Cross‐Equatorial Gyres of the Indian Ocean Driven by Seasonally Reversing Monsoon Winds
Authors: L'Hégaret Pierre , Beal Lisa M. , Elipot Shane , Laurindo Lucas
Published: November 2018

Interior, cross‐equatorial transports are unique phenomena of the Indian Ocean, fluxing heat and salt between hemispheres. We use real and simulated surface drifter trajectories to reveal three cross‐equatorial gyres in the northern Indian Ocean that are driven by the seasonally reversing monsoon winds. Simulated trajectories are computed by advecting hundreds of thousands of particles through a monthly drifter climatology. Gyres are depicted using probabilistic pathlines, defined as the most common trajectories that cross the equator within the Somali Current. Northward pathlines in boreal spring and summer split into two gyres: A 1‐year loop contained west of the Maldives, described as a wind‐driven overshoot of the Southern Hemisphere equatorial gyre, and a 2‐year figure‐of‐eight, encompassing the Great Whirl and reaching the eastern boundary via the equatorial Wytrki jet, to return westward within the North Monsoon Current. Both these gyres include cross‐equatorial flow, driven by southward Ekman drift during the southwest monsoon. Southward pathlines through the Somali Current in winter originate in the dissipating Great Whirl and feed eastward into the South Equatorial Counter Current. Eighty‐five percent of simulated trajectories participate in these gyres, with significant leakage into the Bay of Bengal (14%) and Mozambique Channel (8%). A striking result of our analysis is the lack of pathlines connecting the Somali Current and coastal upwelling regions with the Arabian Basin, in contrast to the continuous coastal current that seasonal streamlines depict. Geostrophic pathlines reveal slow connectivity between these regions below the surface. Consideration of upwelling and subduction is reserved for subsequent modeling studies.