bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating PID shunting in polycrystalline silicon modules via multiscale, multitechnique characterization
Authors: Harvey Steven P. , Moseley John , Norman Andrew , Stokes Adam , Gorman Brian , Hacke Peter , Johnston Steve , Al‐Jassim Mowafak
Published: February 2018

We investigated the potential‐induced degradation (PID) shunting mechanism in multicrystalline‐silicon photovoltaic modules by using a multiscale, multitechnique characterization approach. Both field‐stressed modules and laboratory‐stressed mini modules were studied. We used photoluminescence, electroluminescence, and dark lock‐in thermography imaging to identify degraded areas at the module scale. Small samples were then removed from degraded areas, laser marked, and imaged by scanning electron microscopy. We used simultaneous electron‐beam induced current imaging and focused ion beam milling to mark around PID shunts for chemical analysis by time‐of‐flight secondary‐ion mass spectrometry or to isolate individual shunt defects for transmission electron microscopy and atom‐probe tomography analysis. By spanning a range of 10 orders of magnitude in size, this approach enabled us to investigate the root‐cause mechanisms for PID shunting. We observed a direct correlation between recombination active shunts and sodium content. The sodium content in shunted areas peaks at the SiNX/Si interface and is consistently observed at a concentration of 0.1% to 2% in shunted areas. Analysis of samples subjected to PID recovery, either activated by electron beam or thermal effects only, reveals that recovery of isolated shunts correlates with diffusion of sodium out of the structural defects to the silicon surface. We observed the role of oxygen and chlorine in PID shunting and found that those species—although sometimes present in structural defects where PID shunting was observed—do not play a consistent role in PID shunting.
Efficacy, cost effectiveness, and sustainability of a pediatric high risk asthma clinic
Authors: Krupp Nadia L. , Weist Andrea , Fiscus Cindy D. , Slaven James , Harner Andrew , Montgomery Gregory S. , Howenstine Michelle S.
Published: February 2018

Aim

At our institution, a pediatric High Risk Asthma clinic has been in operation for over 15 years, targeting children with poorly controlled, and difficult to treat asthma. This study evaluates the outcomes and cost‐effectiveness of the High Risk Asthma clinic from 2000 through 2014.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients entering High Risk Asthma clinic from 2000‐2014, and total hospitalizations and Emergency Department visits were tallied for the year prior to entering clinic and the year after. Costs incurred, and reimbursements obtained from payors were tallied to determine cost‐effectiveness and sustainability.

Results

Consistent decreases in hospitalizations (51.2% decrease, P < 0.001) and Emergency Department visits (23.0% decrease, P = 0.048) were seen for patients entering High Risk Asthma clinic, with commensurate significant decreases in related costs. Reimbursements received for outpatient services were sufficient to offset operational costs of the High Risk Asthma clinic, when both clinic visit, and pulmonary function testing charges were included.

Conclusions

A pediatric High Risk Asthma clinic model is efficacious in decreasing hospitalizations and Emergency Department visits for a difficult to treat population, and such a model can be cost‐effective and sustainable.
Treatment of severe bronchiolitis: A survey of Canadian pediatric intensivists
Authors: Bradshaw Matthew L. , Déragon Alexandre , Puligandla Pramod , Emeriaud Guillaume , Canakis Anne‐Marie , Fontela Patricia S.
Published: February 2018

Objective

To describe management practices and the factors guiding admission and treatment decisions for viral bronchiolitis across Canadian pediatric intensive care units (PICUs).

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting

Canadian PICUs.

Subjects

Pediatric intensivists.

Measurements and Main Results

A survey using two case scenarios (non‐intubated vs intubated patients) was developed using focus groups and a literature review. We analyzed our results using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. Our response rate was 55% (57/103). Regarding bronchiolitis management, 75% (42/56) of respondents would use inhaled therapies, with nebulized epinephrine (33/56, 59%) and salbutamol (20/56, 36%) being the most common. Antibiotic use within the first hour of admission to PICU almost doubled in frequency (36% vs 71%) in patients who required mechanical ventilation (p 0.0004). High flow nasal cannula (HFNC; 32/56, 57%) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP; 16/56, 29%) were the preferred modes of non‐invasive ventilation (NIV).

Conclusion

The management of severe viral bronchiolitis is similar across Canadian PICUs. The use of NIV, inhaled treatments, and antibiotics is frequent, which differs from the recommendations made by published guidelines. Canadian pediatric intensivists use homogeneous PICU admission criteria based on patients’ characteristics and severity of the clinical picture. Clinical practice guidelines for children with viral bronchiolitis should address the management of patients with severe clinical disease.
"One‐Pot" Sample Processing Method for Proteome‐Wide Analysis of Microbial Cells and Spores
Authors: Swarge Bhagyashree Nandakishor , Roseboom Winfried , Zheng Linli , Abhyankar Wishwas R. , Brul Stanley , de Koster Chris G. , de Koning Leo J.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Bacterial endospores, the transmissible forms of pathogenic bacilli and clostridia, are heterogeneous multilayered structures composed of proteins. These proteins protect the spores against a variety of stresses, thus helping spore survival, and assist in germination, by interacting with the environment to form vegetative cells. Owing to the complexity, insolubility, and dynamic nature of spore proteins, it has been difficult to obtain their comprehensive protein profiles.

Experimental design

The intact spores of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, and Peptoclostridium difficile and their vegetative counterparts were disrupted by bead beating in 6 m urea under reductive conditions. The heterogeneous mixture was then double digested with LysC and trypsin. Next, the peptide mixture was pre‐fractionated with zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (ZIC‐HILIC) followed by reverse‐phase LC‐FT‐MS analysis of the fractions.

Results

"One‐pot" method is a simple, robust method that yields identification of >1000 proteins with high confidence, across all spore layers from B. subtilis, B. cereus, and P. difficile.

Conclusions and medical relevance

This method can be employed for proteome‐wide analysis of non‐spore‐forming as well as spore‐forming pathogens. Analysis of spore protein profile will help to understand the sporulation and germination processes and to distinguish immunogenic protein markers.
Generational differences in translocal practices: Insights from rural–urban remittances in Vanuatu
Authors: Petrou Kirstie
Published: February 2018

Although the translocal practices of first generation migrants have been relatively well researched, little is known about whether, and to what extent, their children—the second generation—engage in translocalism. Using the case study of remitting by Paamese rural–urban migrants living in Port Vila, Vanuatu, this paper compares translocal behaviours of first and second generation migrants and draws connections between the transnational and translocal scales. For Paamese, remitting provided visible evidence of incorporation into the translocal community and was considered something migrants “should” do. Beliefs about remitting were not related to migrant generation, and although remitting reliably was associated with social prestige, those who did not remit experienced feelings of guilt and shame. Participation in remitting was almost universal, and whereas first generation migrants remitted to a wider range of individuals, second generation migrants, who concentrated their remittances on close kin, remitted more frequently and reliably. Most remittances were sent to home villages, however a significant proportion were intra‐diasporic, with remittance destinations determined by the location of close family members. It is argued first, that migrant generation is not necessarily a reliable indicator of translocalism, and second, that where translocal behaviours such as remitting represent a strong social norm, it is unlikely that they will disappear with the second, or subsequent, generations.
Conformational study of C24 cyclic polyyne clusters
Authors: Jäntschi Lorentz , Bolboacă Sorana D.
Published: February 2018

Polyynes were first synthesized before the year 1900, and isolated and characterized after 2000. Cyclic polyynes are of particular interest since possess a high order of symmetry. Furthermore, some studies reported special mechanical properties of the condensed polyyne bulks. The optimal size of polyynes to form rings has been previously investigated and was found to be 24 with a stable cluster of crossing four C24 cyclic polyynes. We investigated in this study the conformation of clusters of polyynes (nC24) by the pattern previously identified to stabilize the cluster. Clusters of 4C24, 10C24, 22C24, 46C24, and 94C24 were designed and subjected to energy minimization. The main finding is the preservation of the symmetry for the nC24 cluster with the increase of its size. The study revealed that 4C24, 10C24, and 22C24 preserve a high symmetry and the calculations suggest an excellent increasing of the cluster stability with the increase of the number of polyyne rings. A 22C24 derived cluster namely 28C24 was found as the one likely to limit the growth of the polyyne clusters.
Multi‐modal imaging of long‐term recovery post‐stroke by positron emission tomography and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry
Authors: Henderson Fiona , Hart Philippa J. , Pradillo Jesus M. , Kassiou Michael , Christie Lidan , Williams Kaye J. , Boutin Herve , McMahon Adam
Published: February 2018

Rationale

Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Understanding the recovery process post‐stroke is essential; however, longer‐term recovery studies are lacking.In vivopositron emission tomography (PET) can image biological recovery processes, but is limited by spatial resolution and its targeted nature. Untargeted mass spectrometry imaging offers high spatial resolution, providing an idealex vivotool for brain recovery imaging.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to image a rat brain 48 h after ischaemic stroke to locate the infarcted regions of the brain. PET was carried out 3 months post‐stroke using the tracers [18F]DPA‐714 for TSPO and [18F]IAM6067 for sigma‐1 receptors to image neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, respectively. The rat brain was flash‐frozen immediately after PET scanning, and sectioned for matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) imaging.

Results

Three months post‐stroke, PET imaging shows minimal detection of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, indicating that the brain has stabilised. However, MALDI‐MS images reveal distinct differences in lipid distributions (e.g. phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin) between the scar and the healthy brain, suggesting that recovery processes are still in play. It is currently not known if the altered lipids in the scar will change on a longer time scale, or if they are stabilised products of the brain post‐stroke.

Conclusions

The data demonstrates the ability to combine MALD‐MS within vivoPET to image different aspects of stroke recovery.
Modulation of bone morphogenetic protein activity by melatonin in ovarian steroidogenesis
Authors: Otsuka Fumio
Published: February 2018

Background

Melatonin regulates circadian and seasonal rhythms and the activities of hormones and cytokines that are expressed in various tissues, including the ovary, in which melatonin receptors are expressed. In the ovary, follicular growth occurs as a result of complex interactions between pituitary gonadotropins and autocrine and paracrine factors, including bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) that are expressed in the ovary.

Methods

The effects of melatonin and BMPs on steroidogenesis were examined by using the primary cultures of rat granulosa cells.

Main findings (Results)

It was shown that melatonin has antagonistic effects on BMP‐6 actions in the granulosa cells, suggesting that melatonin is likely to contribute to balancing the biological activity of endogenous BMPs that maintain progesterone production and luteinization in the growing follicles. Similar interactions between melatonin and BMP–smad signaling also were shown in the mechanism of controlling ovarian steroidogenesis by other ligands.

Conclusion

A new role of melatonin in the regulation of endocrine homeostasis in relation to BMP activity is introduced in this review.
A two‐stage sampling for robust feature matching
Authors: Chou Chih‐Chung , Seo Young Woo , Wang Chieh‐Chih
Published: February 2018

For any visual feature‐based SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) solutions, to estimate the relative camera motion between two images, it is necessary to find “correct” correspondence between features extracted from those images. Given a set of feature correspondents, one can use a n‐point algorithm with robust estimation method, to produce the best estimate to the relative camera pose. The accuracy of a motion estimate is heavily dependent on the accuracy of the feature correspondence. Such a dependency is even more significant when features are extracted from the images of the scenes with drastic changes in viewpoints and illuminations and presence of occlusions. To make a feature matching robust to such challenging scenes, we propose a new feature matching method that incrementally chooses a five pairs of matched features for a full DoF (degree of freedom) camera motion estimation. In particular, at the first stage, we use our 2‐point algorithm to estimate a camera motion and, at the second stage, use this estimated motion to choose three more matched features. In addition, we use, instead of the epipolar constraint, a planar constraint for more accurate outlier rejection. With this set of five matching features, we estimate a full DoF camera motion with scale ambiguity. Through the experiments with three, real‐world data sets, our method demonstrates its effectiveness and robustness by successfully matching features (1) from the images of a night market where presence of frequent occlusions and varying illuminations, (2) from the images of a night market taken by a handheld camera and by the Google street view, and (3) from the images of a same location taken daytime and nighttime.
A 3‐level Bayesian mixed effects location scale model with an application to ecological momentary assessment data
Authors: Lin Xiaolei , Mermelstein Robin J. , Hedeker Donald
Published: February 2018

Ecological momentary assessment studies usually produce intensively measured longitudinal data with large numbers of observations per unit, and research interest is often centered around understanding the changes in variation of people's thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Hedeker et al developed a 2‐level mixed effects location scale model that allows observed covariates as well as unobserved variables to influence both the mean and the within‐subjects variance, for a 2‐level data structure where observations are nested within subjects. In some ecological momentary assessment studies, subjects are measured at multiple waves, and within each wave, subjects are measured over time. Li and Hedeker extended the original 2‐level model to a 3‐level data structure where observations are nested within days and days are then nested within subjects, by including a random location and scale intercept at the intermediate wave level. However, the 3‐level random intercept model assumes constant response change rate for both the mean and variance. To account for changes in variance across waves, as well as clustering attributable to waves, we propose a more comprehensive location scale model that allows subject heterogeneity at baseline as well as across different waves, for a 3‐level data structure where observations are nested within waves and waves are then further nested within subjects. The model parameters are estimated using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. We provide details on the Bayesian estimation approach and demonstrate how the Stan statistical software can be used to sample from the desired distributions and achieve consistent estimates. The proposed model is validated via a series of simulation studies. Data from an adolescent smoking study are analyzed to demonstrate this approach. The analyses clearly favor the proposed model and show significant subject heterogeneity at baseline as well as change over time, for both mood mean and variance. The proposed 3‐level location scale model can be widely applied to areas of research where the interest lies in the consistency in addition to the mean level of the responses.
Chronic pain in the workplace: A diary study of pain interference at work and worker strain
Authors: Fragoso Zachary L. , McGonagle Alyssa K.
Published: February 2018

Chronic pain is both prevalent and one of the leading causes of work‐related disability. Somatic experiences of pain and pain interference with daily activities at work may lead to psychological distress and strain in workers. In accordance with the appraisal theory of stress, we proposed a model in which pain interference mid‐workday predicts negative affect and end‐of‐workday emotional exhaustion in workers who interact with customers. Further, we proposed that pain interference predicts variance in negative affect and exhaustion beyond somatic experiences of pain, based on our theoretical proposition that pain interference represents a secondary stress appraisal. Participants (N = 86 full‐time workers with chronic pain) completed 2 online surveys per day for 5 consecutive workdays. Results from multilevel path analysis supported our hypotheses; pain interference predicted both negative affect and end‐of‐day emotional exhaustion while controlling for somatic experiences of pain (pain severity). Further, pain interference indirectly predicted end‐of‐day emotional exhaustion via negative affect while controlling for somatic pain experiences. Results highlight the importance of pain interference as a stressor at work for individuals working with chronic pain and point to the need for effective interventions for this working population.
Query expansion based on statistical learning from code changes
Authors: Huang Qing , Yang Yangrui , Zhan Xue , Wan Hongyan , Wu Guoqing
Published: February 2018

Thesaurus‐based, code‐related, and software‐specific query expansion techniques are the main contributions in free‐form query search. However, these techniques still could not put the most relevant query result in the first position because they lack the ability to infer the expansion words that represent the user needs based on a given query. In this paper, we discover that code changes can imply what users want and propose a novel query expansion technique with code changes (QECC). It exploits (changes, contexts) pairs from changed methods. On the basis of statistical learning from pairs, it can infer code changes for a given query. In this way, it expands a query with code changes and recommends the query results that meet actual needs perfectly. In addition, we implement InstaRec to perform QECC and evaluate it with 195 039 change commits from GitHub and our code tracker. The results show that QECC can improve the precision of 3 code search algorithms (ie, IR, Portfolio, and VF) by up to 52% to 62% and outperform the state‐of‐the‐art query expansion techniques (ie, query expansion based on crowd knowledge and CodeHow) by 13% to 16% when the top 1 result is inspected.
Influence of Fluidized Bed Jet Milling on Structural and Functional Properties of Normal Maize Starch
Authors: Wang Lidong , Wang Peng , Saleh Ahmed S. M. , Yang Qingyu , Ge Yunfei , Wang Na , Yang Shu , Xiao Zhigang
Published: February 2018

Normal maize starch samples with moisture contents of 11.24%, 6.18%, and 1.5% are ground using a fluidized bed jet mill at classifier frequencies of 2400, 3000, 3600, and 4200 to produce micronized starch powder. The changes in structural and functional properties of the starch after jet milling process are studied. The particle size of starch significantly (p < 0.05) decreases after jet milling and as the classifier frequency increases. Also, the bulk and tap density decreases; while the specific surface area increases and the flowability of the milled samples becomes quite poor as the classifier frequency increases. The microscopy analysis shows that the jet milling destroys the crystalline areas and promotes amorphous areas of starch granules. The micronized starch samples show a significant (p < 0.05) increase in their water solubility, swelling power, water and fat holding capacities, and pasting temperature compared with native starch. However, a decrease in viscosity parameters of starch is found after jet milling and as classifier frequency increases. The initial moisture content of starch shows a slight effect on the functional properties of the micronized starch. The obtained results suggest that modified starch can be produced by fluidized bed jet milling.
Concise Review: Regulatory Influence of Sleep and Epigenetics on Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Cognitive and Emotional Function
Authors: Akers Katherine G. , Chérasse Yoan , Fujita Yuki , Srinivasan Sakthivel , Sakurai Takeshi , Sakaguchi Masanori
Published: February 2018

Neural stem and progenitor cells continue to generate new neurons in particular regions of the brain during adulthood. One of these neurogenic regions is the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus, which plays an important role in cognition and emotion. By exploiting this innate neuronal regeneration mechanism in the DG, new technologies have the potential to promote resistance to or recovery from brain dysfunction or degeneration. However, a deeper understanding of how adult DG neurogenesis is regulated by factors such as sleep and epigenetic modifications of gene expression could lead to further breakthroughs in the clinical application of neural stem and progenitor cells. In this review, we discuss the functions of adult-born DG neurons, describe the epigenetic regulation of adult DG neurogenesis, identify overlaps in how sleep and epigenetic modifications impact adult DG neurogenesis and memory consolidation, and suggest ways of using sleep or epigenetic interventions as therapies for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. By knitting together separate strands of the literature, we hope to trigger new insights into how the functions of adult-generated neurons are directed by interactions between sleep-related neural processes and epigenetic mechanisms to facilitate novel approaches to preventing and treating brain disorders such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and Alzheimer's disease.
Head‐to‐head comparison of 18F‐FP‐CIT and 123I‐FP‐CIT for dopamine transporter imaging in patients with Parkinson's disease: A preliminary study
Authors: Lee Inki , Kim Jin Su , Park Joon Yeun , Byun Byung Hyun , Park Su Yeon , Choi Joon Ho , Moon Hansol , Kim Jung Young , Lee Kyo Chul , Chi Dae Yoon , Kim Kyeong Min , Lim Ilhan , Kang Joo Hyun , Ahn Soon Hyuk , Kim Byung Il , Ha Jeong Ho , Lim Sang Moo
Published: February 2018

123I‐FP‐CIT and 18F‐FP‐CIT are radiotracers which are widely used to diagnose Parkinson's disease (PD). However, to our knowledge, no studies to date have made head‐to‐head comparisons between 123I‐FP‐CIT and 18F‐FP‐CIT. Therefore, in this study, 123I‐FP‐CIT SPECT/CT was compared with 18F‐FP‐CIT PET/CT in the same cohort of subjects. Patients with PD and essential tremor (ET) underwent 123I‐FP‐CIT SPECT/CT and 18F‐FP‐CIT PET/CT. Visual and semiquantitative analyses were conducted. The specific binding ratio (SBR) and putamen to caudate ratio (PCR) were compared between subjects who underwent 123I‐FP‐CIT SPECT/CT and 18F‐FP‐CIT PET/CT. Visual analysis showed that the striatal uptake of both radiotracers was decreased in the PD group, whereas striatal uptake was intact in the ET group. The SBR between 123I‐FP‐CIT SPECT/CT and 18F‐FP‐CIT PET/CT showed a positive correlation (r = .78, p < .01). However, the mean SBRs on 18F‐FP‐CIT PET/CT were higher than those on 123I‐FP‐CIT SPECT/CT (2.19 ± .87 and 1.22 ± .49, respectively; p < .01). The PCRs in these two modalities were correlated with each other (r = .71, p < .01). The mean PCRs on 18F‐FP‐CIT PET/CT were not significantly higher than those on 123I‐FP‐CIT SPECT/CT (1.31 ± .19 and 0.98 ± .06, respectively; p = .06). These preliminary results indicate that the uptake of both 123I‐FP‐CIT and 18F‐FP‐CIT was decreased in the PD group when compared with the ET controls. Visual analyses using both methods did not affect the diagnostic accuracy in this study. However, semiquantitative analysis indicated a better contrast of 18F‐FP‐CIT PET/CT relative to 123I‐FP‐CIT SPECT/CT.
Structural Study of Bromide‐Bridged Pd Chain Complex with Weak CH···O Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Rasel Mian Mohammad , Iguchi Hiroaki , Miyata Momoka , Takaishi Shinya , Yamakawa Hiromichi , Terashige Tsubasa , Miyamoto Tatsuya , Okamoto Hiroshi , Yamashita Masahiro
Published: February 2018

A novel Br‐bridged Pd chain complex, [Pd(hxn)2Br](TsO)2 (2) (TsO– = p‐toluenesulfonate), was synthesized from a new in‐plane ligand (3S,4S)‐3,4‐diaminohexane (hxn). 2 forms PdII/PdIV mixed‐valence state, as confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis and polarized Raman spectra. The hxn ligand provides the additional hydrogen bonds (CH···O) between the methyl group of the ligands and the O atoms of TsO– anions, which are weaker than those observed in the chain complex with hydroxy group, [Pd(dabdOH)2Br]Br2 (1).
Social or Commercial? Innovation Strategies in Social Enterprises at Times of Turbulence
Authors: Ramus Tommaso , La Cara Barbara , Vaccaro Antonino , Brusoni Stefano
Published: February 2018

In this study, we investigate how different internal and external stakeholders influence the innovation strategy of a social enterprise to adopt product, process, and partnership innovations that impact either social or commercial performance. Relying on survey data from a sample of work integration social enterprises, we find that in situations of turbulence, administrative leaders do not significantly influence the innovation strategy of a social enterprise. Instead, board members and external stakeholders seem to play a role. Our study contributes to strategic and business ethics research on social enterprises and, more broadly, to the literature that explores how business organizations combine social value creation and wealth generation.
The Epidemiology of Community Clostridium difficile Infection: A Five-Year Population-Based Study on the Bailiwick of Jersey, Channel Islands
Authors: Kumar Shankar , Chis Ster Irina , Pollok Richard , Muscat Ivan , Planche Timothy D.
Published: February 2018

We studied healthcare-associated and community-associated Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in Jersey, Channel Islands (2008–2012). The Island’s stable population has reliable denominator data, a clearly defined at-risk population, and healthcare contact that is easily followed. The vast majority of CDI cases had had recent healthcare contact, and true community-associated disease is extremely rare.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:603–607
Shock dispersal of dilute particle clouds
Authors: Theofanous Theo G. , Mitkin Vladimir , Chang Chih-Hao
Published: February 2018

We present experiments and numerical simulations for an elementary paradigm of disperse multiphase flow: highly dilute, homogeneous, finite-dimension clouds of particles (curtains) hit by shock/blast waves in one dimension. In the experiments (particle volume fraction ${<}1\,\%$) the blasts that follow the shocks vary from low subsonic to supersonic, and we report data on curtain expansions and volume fraction distributions. The particle-resolving numerical simulations, run for the supersonic case, yield excellent agreement with all of these experimental data. We find that the essential feature for these good predictions is a flow choking phenomenon that entails a (particle) dispersive character of the flow down a volume fraction gradient (as at the downstream portions of the curtain). A most basic effective-field model is made to capture this gas dynamics by emulating the wake behind each particle, as seen in the particle-resolving direct Euler simulation (DES). On this basis, standard drag laws yield excellent agreement with the dispersive behaviour found in the experiment/DES, thus revealing a physics-based path to eventual well posedness of the mathematical model.
On triadic resonance as an instability mechanism in precessing cylinder flow
Authors: Albrecht Thomas , Blackburn Hugh M. , Lopez Juan M. , Manasseh Richard , Meunier Patrice
Published: February 2018

Contained rotating flows subject to precessional forcing are well known to exhibit rapid and energetic transitions to disorder. Triadic resonance of inertial modes has been previously proposed as an instability mechanism in such flows, and that idea was developed into a successful model for predicting instability in a cylindrical container when departures from solid-body rotation are sufficiently small. Using direct numerical simulation and dynamic mode decomposition, we analyse instabilities of precessing cylinder flows whose three-dimensional basic states, steady in the gimbal frame of reference, may depart substantially from solid-body rotation. In the gimbal frame, the instability can be interpreted as resulting from a supercritical Hopf bifurcation that results in a limit-cycle flow. In the cylinder frame of reference, the basic state is a rotating wave with azimuthal wavenumber $m=1$, and the instability satisfies triadic-resonance conditions with the instability mode maintaining a fixed orientation with respect to the basic state. Thus, we are able to demonstrate the existence of two alternative but congruent explanations for the instability. Additionally, we show that basic states may depart substantially from solid-body rotation even with modest cylinder tilt angles, and growth rates for instabilities may be sufficiently large that nonlinear saturation to disordered states can occur within approximately ten cylinder revolutions, in agreement with experimental observations.
Between Anger and Engagement: Donald Trump and Black America
Authors: Towler Christopher C. , Parker Christopher S.
Published: February 2018

History suggests that social movements for change are often met with powerful counter-movements. Relying upon movement counter-movement dynamics, this paper examines whether or not contemporary reactionary conservatism—in this case Donald Trump's candidacy in 2016, offers an opportunity for African-American mobilization. Today, the reactionary right presents a threat to racial progress and the black community as it has grown from direct opposition to the election of President Obama, immigration reform, and gay and lesbian rights. With conditions ripe for a movement in response to the right, we examine the mobilizing effect on African-Americans of the threatening political context symbolized by Donald Trump. If African-Americans are to retain political relevance beyond the Obama era, then black turnout will need to reach rates similar to the historic 2008 election. Using the 2016 Black Voter Project (BVP) Pilot Study, we explore African-American political engagement in the 2016 election, a time void of President Obama as a mobilizing figure. We find that African-Americans who hold strong negative opinions of Trump in 2016 voted at rates similar to the historical turnout of 2008, offering a possible strategy to mobilize blacks beyond Obama's presidency. Moreover, the threat that Trump represents significantly drives blacks to engage in politics beyond voting even after accounting for alternative explanations. In the end, Trump and the reactionary movement behind him offers a powerful mobilizing force for an African-American population that can no longer look toward the top of the Presidential ticket for inspiration.
Algebraic Limit Cycles on Quadratic Polynomial Differential Systems
Authors: Llibre Jaume , Valls Claudia
Published: February 2018

Algebraic limit cycles in quadratic polynomial differential systems started to be studied in 1958, and a few years later the following conjecture appeared: quadratic polynomial differential systems have at most one algebraic limit cycle. We prove that a quadratic polynomial differential system having an invariant algebraic curve with at most one pair of diametrically opposite singular points at infinity has at most one algebraic limit cycle. Our result provides a partial positive answer to this conjecture.
What Is Moral Relativism?
Authors: Wreen Michael
Published: February 2018

The main aim of this paper is to advance, clarify, and defend a definition of relativism. On the definition, relativism does not contrast with absolutism, is not the same as pluralism, contrasts with universalism and nihilism, and is compatible with both moral objectivity and moral subjectivity. Advantages of the definition are noted, but the bulk of the paper is devoted to detailed discussions of the concepts that figure in the definition or are entailed by it. Such concepts include those of a moral code, of conflict between moral codes, and of a convention.
Shifts in positive and negative psychotic symptoms and anger: effects on violence
Authors: Coid Jeremy W. , Kallis Constantinos , Doyle Mike , Shaw Jenny , Ullrich Simone
Published: February 2018

Background

Changes in positive and negative symptom profiles during acute psychotic episodes may be key drivers in the pathway to violence. Acute episodes are often preceded by fluctuations in affect before psychotic symptoms appear and affective symptoms may play a more important role in the pathway than previously recognised.

Methods

We carried out a prospective cohort study of 409 male and female patients discharged from medium secure services in England and Wales to the community. Measures were taken at baseline (pre-discharge), 6 and 12 months post-discharge using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Information on violence was obtained using the McArthur Community Violence Instrument and Police National Computer.

Results

The larger the shift in positive symptoms the more likely violence occurred in each 6-month period. However, shifts in angry affect were the main driving factor for positive symptom shifts associated with violence. Shifts in negative symptoms co-occurred with positive and conveyed protective effects, but these were overcome by co-occurring shifts in anger. Severe but stable delusions were independently associated with violence.

Conclusions

Intensification of angry affect during acute episodes of psychosis indicates the need for interventions to prevent violence and is a key driver of associated positive symptoms in the pathway to violence. Protective effects against violence exerted by negative symptoms are not clinically observable during symptom shifts because they are overcome by co-occurring anger.
IMPORTANCE OF CONTEXTUAL DATA IN PRODUCING HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT RECOMMENDATIONS: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Poder Thomas G. , Bellemare Christian A.
Published: February 2018

Objectives:Contextual data and local expertise are important sources of data that cannot be ignored in hospital-based health technology assessment (HTA) processes. Despite a lack of or unconvincing evidence in the scientific literature, technology can be recommended in a given context. We illustrate this using a case study regarding biplane angiography for vascular neurointervention.

Methods:A systematic literature review was conducted, along with an analysis of the context in our setting. The outcomes of interest were radiation doses, clinical complications, procedure times, purchase cost, impact on teaching program, the confidence of clinicians in the technology, quality of care, accessibility, and the volume of activity. A committee comprising managers, clinical experts, physicians, physicists and HTA experts was created to produce a recommendation regarding biplane technology acquisition to replace a monoplane device.

Results:The systematic literature review yielded nine eligible articles for analysis. Despite a very low level of evidence in the literature, the biplane system appears to reduce ionizing radiation and medical complications, as well as shorten procedure time. Contextual data indicated that the biplane system could improve operator confidence, which could translate into reduced risk, particularly for complex procedures. In addition, the biplane system can support our institution in its advanced procedures teaching program.

Conclusions:Given the advantages provided by the biplane technology in our setting, the committee has recommended its acquisition. Contextual data were of utmost importance in this recommendation. Moreover, this technology should be implemented alongside a responsibility to collect outcome data to optimize clinical protocol in the doses of ionizing delivered.
A Treatise on Diseases of the Nervous System
Authors: Hammond William H.
Published: February 2018

Dr. Hammond does not claim for this treatise that it is exhaustive, but expresses a hope that it will be found sufficiently complete for instruction and guidance. It is founded, to a great extent, upon his own observation and experience; he has certainly not hesitated to express his opinions; and the reader may feel assured that if he does not learn all that is known or conjectured with regard to a particular disease, he will, in learning the results of Dr. Hammond's experience, gain a great deal of practical information. We had hoped to have given a full review of the book, wherein we should have been compelled to express a positive dissent from some of Dr. Hammond's opinions, but we must content ourselves, on the present occasion at any rate, with simply bringing it to the notice of our readers. The following extract, in which the author is speaking of the treatment of insanity, conveys Dr. Hammond's opinion:—
The Treatment of Hómatoma Awris
Authors: Hearder George J.
Published: February 2018

The “Insane Ear” has recently had a large share of attention accorded to it by various writers, who at least agree in this that they abstain from recommending any procedure whereby we may hope to check the disease, or prevent the withering and shrivelling which generally remain as a permanent local record of grave cerebral disturbance.
Early Effects of Ionizing Radiation on the Collagen Hierarchical Structure of Bladder and Rectum Visualized by Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Kotova Svetlana L. , Timashev Peter S. , Belkova Galina V. , Kochueva Marina V. , Babak Ksenia V. , Timofeeva Victoria A. , Kiseleva Elena B. , Vasilieva Olga O. , Maslennikova Anna V. , Solovieva Anna B.
Published: February 2018

Radiation therapy, widely used in the treatment of a variety of malignancies in the pelvic area, is associated with inevitable damage to the surrounding healthy tissues. We have applied atomic force microscopy (AFM) to track the early damaging effects of ionizing radiation on the collagen structures in the experimental animals’ bladder and rectum. The first signs of the low-dose radiation (2 Gy) effect were detected by AFM as early as 1 week postirradiation. The observed changes were consistent with initial radiation destruction of the protein matrix. The alterations in the collagen fibers’ packing 1 month postirradiation were indicative of the onset of fibrotic processes. The destructive effect of higher radiation doses was probed 1 day posttreatment. The severity of the radiation damage was proportional to the dose, from relatively minor changes in the collagen packing at 8 Gy to the growing collagen matrix destruction at higher doses and complete three-dimensional collagen network restructuring towards fibrotic-type architecture at the dose of 22 Gy. The AFM study appeared superior to the optical microscopy-based studies in its sensitivity to early radiation damage of tissues, providing valuable additional information on the onset and development of the collagen matrix destruction and remodeling.
Sensitivity and Likelihood of Residual Herbicide Carryover to Cover Crops
Authors: Palhano Matheus G. , Norsworthy Jason K. , Barber Tom
Published: February 2018

Research was conducted to evaluate the sensitivity of cover crops to a low rate of soil-applied herbicides and investigate the likelihood of herbicide carryover to fall-seeded cover crops following an irrigated corn crop. In the sensitivity study, herbicides were applied at a 1/16×rate (to simulate four half-lives) 1 d after cover crop planting, whereas for the carryover study residual herbicides were applied at a 2×rate at the maximum label corn height or growth stage and cover crops sown immediately after corn harvest. In the sensitivity experiment, atrazine, diuron, fluridone, fomesafen, metribuzin, pyrithiobac, and sulfentrazone reduced emergence of the leguminous cover crops Austrian winterpea, crimson clover, and hairy vetch. However, reduced biomass production of leguminous cover crops in the spring was only observed for atrazine, fluridone, and pyrithiobac. For rapeseed, atrazine, flumioxazin, fluridone, pyrithiobac, pyroxasulfone, sulfentrazone, and tembotrione reduced emergence, but biomass production was reduced only by atrazine and fluridone. Conversely, wheat, cereal rye, barley, oats, and triticale were not affected by soil-applied herbicides. Barley was the only cereal cover crop that showed biomass reduction due to the application of flumioxazin, fluridone, mesotrione,S-metalochlor, and sulfentrazone. In the carryover study, with the exception of crimson clover, Austrian winterpea, cereal rye, hairy vetch, rapeseed, and wheat showed no negative affect on biomass production following a 2×rate of postemergence-applied residual herbicide in corn.
AGO1 may influence the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma through TGF-β pathway
Authors: Wang Miao , Zhang Lyu , Liu Zeyang , Zhou Jiamin , Pan Qi , Fan Jia , Zang Rongyu , Wang Lu
Published: February 2018

AGO1 is a major component of RNA-induced silencing complexes and plays a crucial role in solid tumors. The aim of our study was to investigate AGO1 functions in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Using small interfering RNA, AGO1 functions were investigated in HCCLM3 cell lines. Cell proliferation, immigration, and invasion significantly decreased after AGO1 depletion using MTT, wound-healing, and transwell assay. The associated proteins in the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the activation of its signal pathways were measured using western blot. After AGO1 depleted, increased E-cadherin and decreased N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Zeb1 were founded. In its upstream pathway, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2(Thr202/Tyr204), Smad2(S425/250/255), and Smad4 were significantly inhibited. Meanwhile, inhibitor of ERK1/2(LY3214996) significantly inhibited the growth and migration of the AGO1 cells. The nuclear importing of Smad4 was blocked and furthermore, the transcription of Snail was also influenced for the decrease of combination between Smad4 and the promotor region of Snail. After Snail was overexpressed, the invasion of HCCLM3 cells was significantly rescued. Immunohistochemistry in tissue microarrays consisting of 200 HCC patients was used to analyze the associations between AGO1 expression and prognosis. Intratumoral AGO1 expression was an independent risk factor for overall survival (P = 0.008) and recurrence-free survival (P < 0.001). In conclusion, AGO1 may promote HCC metastasis through TGF-β pathway, and AGO1 may be a reliable prognostic factor in HCC.
Reactivity of He with ionic compounds under high pressure
Authors: Liu Zhen , Botana Jorge , Hermann Andreas , Valdez Steven , Zurek Eva , Yan Dadong , Lin Hai-qing , Miao Mao-sheng
Published: February 2018

Until very recently, helium had remained the last naturally occurring element that was known not to form stable solid compounds. Here we propose and demonstrate that there is a general driving force for helium to react with ionic compounds that contain an unequal number of cations and anions. The corresponding reaction products are stabilized not by local chemical bonds but by long-range Coulomb interactions that are significantly modified by the insertion of helium atoms, especially under high pressure. This mechanism also explains the recently discovered reactivity of He and Na under pressure. Our work reveals that helium has the propensity to react with a broad range of ionic compounds at pressures as low as 30 GPa. Since most of the Earth’s minerals contain unequal numbers of positively and negatively charged atoms, our work suggests that large quantities of He might be stored in the Earth’s lower mantle.
Robust singlet fission in pentacene thin films with tuned charge transfer interactions
Authors: Broch K. , Dieterle J. , Branchi F. , Hestand N. J. , Olivier Y. , Tamura H. , Cruz C. , Nichols V. M. , Hinderhofer A. , Beljonne D. , Spano F. C. , Cerullo G. , Bardeen C. J. , Schreiber F.
Published: February 2018

Singlet fission, the spin-allowed photophysical process converting an excited singlet state into two triplet states, has attracted significant attention for device applications. Research so far has focused mainly on the understanding of singlet fission in pure materials, yet blends offer the promise of a controlled tuning of intermolecular interactions, impacting singlet fission efficiencies. Here we report a study of singlet fission in mixtures of pentacene with weakly interacting spacer molecules. Comparison of experimentally determined stationary optical properties and theoretical calculations indicates a reduction of charge-transfer interactions between pentacene molecules with increasing spacer molecule fraction. Theory predicts that the reduced interactions slow down singlet fission in these blends, but surprisingly we find that singlet fission occurs on a timescale comparable to that in pure crystalline pentacene. We explain the observed robustness of singlet fission in such mixed films by a mechanism of exciton diffusion to hot spots with closer intermolecular spacings.
Nanoplanktonic diatoms are globally overlooked but play a role in spring blooms and carbon export
Authors: Leblanc Karine , Quéguiner Bernard , Diaz Frédéric , Cornet Véronique , Michel-Rodriguez Mónica , Durrieu de Madron Xavier , Bowler Chris , Malviya Shruti , Thyssen Melilotus , Grégori Gérald , Rembauville Mathieu , Grosso Olivier , Poulain Julie , de Vargas Colomban , Pujo-Pay Mireille , Conan Pascal
Published: February 2018

Diatoms are one of the major primary producers in the ocean, responsible annually for ~20% of photosynthetically fixed CO2on Earth. In oceanic models, they are typically represented as large (>20 µm) microphytoplankton. However, many diatoms belong to the nanophytoplankton (2–20 µm) and a few species even overlap with the picoplanktonic size-class (<2 µm). Due to their minute size and difficulty of detection they are poorly characterized. Here we describe a massive spring bloom of the smallest known diatom (Minidiscus) in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. Analysis ofTaraOceans data, together with literature review, reveal a general oversight of the significance of these small diatoms at the global scale. We further evidence that they can reach the seafloor at high sinking rates, implying the need to revise our classical binary vision of pico- and nanoplanktonic cells fueling the microbial loop, while only microphytoplankton sustain secondary trophic levels and carbon export.