bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On zero frequency zonal flow and second harmonic generation by finite amplitude energetic particle induced geodesic acoustic mode
Authors: Qiu Zhiyong , Chavdarovski Ilija , Biancalani Alessandro , Cao Jintao
Published: July 2017

The nonlinear self-interaction of finite amplitude energetic particle induced geodesic acoustic modes (EGAMs) is investigated using the nonlinear gyrokinetic theory. It is found that both zero frequency zonal flow (ZFZF) and second harmonic can be driven by finite amplitude EGAMs, with energetic particles (EPs) playing a dominant role in the nonlinear couplings through finite orbit width effects. For ZFZF, the effects of EPs on EGAM nonlinear self-coupling dominate those of the thermal plasmas which are also present, while the second harmonic generation is only possible via finite amplitude coupling through EPs. Our findings may improve the understanding of stabilizing zonal modes and consequently drift wave turbulence.
The role of terahertz surface plasmons in the scattering pattern of electromagnetic waves in an unstable elliptical plasma antenna
Authors: Safari S. , Jazi B.
Published: July 2017

The scattering phenomenon of plane waves from an unstable elliptical plasma antenna is investigated. The role of surface plasmon excitation in the scattering pattern is studied. In the antenna mentioned above, there is a metallic rod with dielectric cover embedded in a long plasma column with an elliptical cross section. The antenna is considered unstable because of the injection of an electron beam into the plasma layer. The effects of applied accelerating voltage and applied current intensity on the scattering pattern and resonance frequency are investigated. The geometrical structure and its effect on the scattering cross section and creation of new resonance frequency are studied.
Active control and switching of broadband electromagnetically induced transparency in symmetric metadevices
Authors: Yahiaoui Riad , Manjappa Manukumara , Srivastava Yogesh Kumar , Singh Ranjan
Published: July 2017

Electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) arises from coupling between the bright and dark mode resonances that typically involve subwavelength structures with broken symmetry, which results in an extremely sharp transparency band. Here, we demonstrate a tunable broadband EIT effect in a symmetry preserved metamaterial structure at the terahertz frequencies. Alongside, we also envisage a photo-active EIT effect in a hybrid metal-semiconductor metamaterial, where the transparency window can be dynamically switched by shining near-infrared light beam. A robust coupled oscillator model explains the coupling mechanism in the proposed design, which shows a good agreement with the observed results on tunable broadband transparency effect. Such active, switchable, and broadband metadevices could have applications in delay bandwidth management, terahertz filtering, and slow light effects.
Free radical scavenging activities can mitigate the effect of water stress in chickpea
Authors: Kaur Davinder , Grewal Satvir Kaur , Kaur Jagmeet , Singh Sarvjeet
Published: July 2017

To get a comprehensive view of drought tolerance mechanisms, the influence of water deficit stress on antioxidative capacity due to scavenging of free radicals and ability to maintain reduced cell state was investigated in roots, nodules, leaves, pod wall and seeds of two chickpea cultivars differing in rooting behaviour. ICC4958 (deep rooted) possessed better ability to combat water deficit-induced oxidative stress relative to ILC3279 (shallow rooted) as revealed by increase in total phenol, reducing power, ferric reducing ability and capacity to scavenge 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and OH free radicals. Effect of water deficit stress on photosynthetic pigments of these cultivars was also studied. The investigation revealed that the influence of water stress in enhancing antioxidative capacity was most prominent in roots of ICC4958 among all other tissues as revealed by increased total phenols, DPPH and OH free radical scavenging activity and total reducing power under stress. However, roots of ILC3279 suffered a decrease in total phenolic content, total reducing power and DPPH free radical scavenging activity under prolonged stress, which was reflected in reduced antioxidative defence in reproductive tissues like decreased reducing power in pod wall and ferric-reducing antioxidant power ability in seeds.
In-field methods for rapid detection of frost damage in Australian dryland wheat during the reproductive and grain-filling phase
Authors: Perry Eileen M. , Nuttall James G. , Wallace Ashley J. , Fitzgerald Glenn J.
Published: July 2017

Frost damage causes significant production losses and costs to Australian dryland wheat, and frost impacts are not expected to decline in the near future, despite global warming. Rapid estimation of frost damage to crops on a spatial basis would allow for timely management decisions to reduce the economic impact of frost events. In this paper, we take a first step in evaluating the utility of hyperspectral reflectance and active light fluorescence for detecting frost damage to wheat during its reproductive phase. Two experiments were conducted immediately after the first observation of frost damage, (i) in 2006, five plots in an existing trial were opportunistically subdivided to take spectral reflectance measurements on frost damaged plants along with yield measurements, and (ii) in 2015, a transect across 31 rows within a commercial paddock was established to evaluate spectral reflectance, fluorometer measurements, and yield along a gradient from non-frosted to frost damaged plants. The results of the hyperspectral reflectance data appeared variable in response across the two experimental sites where frost was observed in-crop. In 2006, hyperspectral-derived indices showed significant differences (P < 0.05) between measurements of frosted and non-frosted canopies, but this was not the case for observations taken in 2015, where the mean response was reversed between experimental sites for several of the indices. In contrast, fluorometer measurements in the 2015 trial resulted in higher correlations with yield and observed frost damage compared with the reflectance measurements. Seven of the nine fluorometer indices evaluated were correlated with yield (used as an indicator of frost damage) at P < 0.01. An index of compounds which absorbs at 375 nm, FLAV, had the best correlation coefficients of 0.91 and 0.90 for the two dates in 2015. The fluorescence index FLAV was selected to evaluate whether it could be used to classify the canopy as frost affected or not, using discriminant analysis for the 2015 transect data. The overall classification accuracy, defined as the number of correctly classified measurements (57) divided by the total number (62) was 92%. The present study was not able to provide insight into how rapidly the sensors could detect frost damage before detection with the naked eye, as the survey data constituted a transect based on early visual symptoms, however this study does provide important insight into what sensors and/or indices may be sensitive to ‘seeing’ early frost damage in-crop. The next steps, which build on this work and need to be resolved are (i) what is the nominal scale of measurements required, and for which portions of the plant canopy? (ii) How robust (over space and time) are any relationships between frost damage and index response? (iii) Can frost damage be detected before the onset of visual damage?
Accurate age estimation in small-scale societies
Authors: Diekmann Yoan , Smith Daniel , Gerbault Pascale , Dyble Mark , Page Abigail E. , Chaudhary Nikhil , Migliano Andrea Bamberg , Thomas Mark G.
Published: July 2017

Significance

Understanding demographic and evolutionary processes shaping human life history diversity depends on precise age estimations. Inferring age is a challenge in small-scale societies, and especially in those societies that do not follow a calendar year. Our method opens possibilities in demographic and life history studies allowing cross-sectional data to be incorporated in cross-cultural comparisons and a better understanding of the adaptive importance of human life history variation.
Functional characterization of human pluripotent stem cell-derived arterial endothelial cells
Authors: Zhang Jue , Chu Li-Fang , Hou Zhonggang , Schwartz Michael P. , Hacker Timothy , Vickerman Vernella , Swanson Scott , Leng Ning , Nguyen Bao Kim , Elwell Angela , Bolin Jennifer , Brown Matthew E. , Stewart Ron , Burlingham William J. , Murphy William L. , Thomson James A.
Published: July 2017

Significance

Generating fully functional arterial endothelial cells is a critical problem for vascular development and disease research. Currently, the arterial endothelial cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells lack the range of arterial-specific functions in vitro and the protective function for ischemic tissues in vivo. Here, we combine single-cell RNA sequencing and CRISPR-Cas9 technology to identify pathways for regulating arterial endothelial cell differentiation. We then manipulate these pathways and generate arterial endothelial cells that demonstrate unprecedented arterial-specific functions as well as improve survival of myocardial infarction. These findings facilitate the understanding of vascular development and disease and provide a source of cells that have broad applications for vascular disease modeling and regenerative medicine.
Otoferlin is a multivalent calcium-sensitive scaffold linking SNAREs and calcium channels
Authors: Hams Nicole , Padmanarayana Murugesh , Qiu Weihong , Johnson Colin P.
Published: July 2017

Significance

Congenital hearing loss is a common disorder, and over 60 mutations in the sensory hair cell protein otoferlin have been linked to hearing loss. Although otoferlin is essential for hearing, the large size and low solubility of the protein have limited approaches to study the protein and prevented a molecular-level explanation for otoferlin-related forms of deafness. To overcome these challenges, we have developed a single-molecule fluorescence assay, which has allowed us to quantitatively probe otoferlin. The results of our studies suggest that otoferlin serves as a calcium-sensitive linker protein that places the synaptic vesicle near the calcium channel. This close apposition allows for fast membrane fusion and exocytosis of neurotransmitter in response to sound.
Continuous immunotypes describe human immune variation and predict diverse responses
Authors: Kaczorowski Kevin J. , Shekhar Karthik , Nkulikiyimfura Dieudonné , Dekker Cornelia L. , Maecker Holden , Davis Mark M. , Chakraborty Arup K. , Brodin Petter
Published: July 2017

Significance

The human immune system consists of many different white blood cells that coordinate their actions to fight infections. The balance between these cell populations is determined by direct interactions and soluble factors such as cytokines, which serve as messengers between cells. Understanding how the interactions between cell populations influence the function of the immune system as a whole will allow us to better distinguish patients most at risk for specific infections or immune-mediated diseases and inform vaccination strategies. Here, we determine key collective interactions between white blood cells present in blood samples taken from healthy individuals. This perspective allows us to predict functional responses and describe previously unappreciated differences between age groups and in individuals carrying cytomegalovirus.
Probing large viscosities in glass-formers with nonequilibrium simulations
Authors: Jadhao Vikram , Robbins Mark O.
Published: July 2017

Significance

As a liquid cools, molecules move more slowly and the viscosity rises. A fundamental question is whether this trend continues smoothly down to zero temperature, or if flow stops at a finite temperature where the material undergoes a transition to a glass phase. Direct measurements of growing viscosities become difficult as the time for motion exceeds years or centuries. We describe and test an approach for obtaining large viscosities using nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. Results agree with existing experiments on the model glass-former squalane and allow viscosities over 10 orders of magnitude larger to be predicted. The temperature dependence at fixed pressure or density is consistent with a gradual slowing of dynamics, rather than a finite-temperature divergence in viscosity.
Coordination, negotiation, and social attention
Authors: Bader Oren , Bader Aya Peri
Published: July 2017

Living with others is a key factor shaping our urban life. Their bodily presence scaffolds our social world and is involved in the way the built environment appears to us. In this article we highlight the influence of the embodied presence of other human beings on the constitution of a special type of urban architecture — the extraordinary architectural space. Our analysis, which lies at the intersection between architecture, phenomenology and cognitive science, suggests that being in the direct presence of others constitutes this extraordinary architectural space in the sense that it transforms the built setting into a negotiated place and reveals for the subject some of its extraordinary properties. The architectural examples we discuss show that these intersubjective advantages are often embedded in and encouraged by the design of such built objects.
Terror and theLeviathan
Authors: Barilan Y.M.
Published: July 2017

The article surveys the history of “terror” vis a vis the development of international humanitarian and human rights law. During the French Revolution, the word “terror” was coined to describe a deviation from the laws of war. Justified by a mixture of ideology and necessity. People who resort to terrorism either suspends or rejects the laws of war (jus in bellum) in the name of an alternative and heightened sense of truth. However, the terrorists’ strong sense of probity and mission is also an opening for re-establishing communication, arbitration and mitigation of cruelty and destruction. This paper represents International Humanitarian Law (IHL) as an “abstract Leviathan”, submission to which is the contemporary norm of pacification. From the perspective of radical terrorism, it is tyrannical. From other perspectives, it is open to criticism and change. Most importantly, it is on the side of rational arbitration rather than arbitrary ordeal. Even radical terrorism, which refuses to recognize the legitimacy of the abstract Leviathan, seeks to communicate its radical messages rather than to seek victory my means of physical annihilation of its opponents.
The Babel tower of the body
Authors: Keshet Yochi
Published: July 2017

This article follows the idea that our body offers a unique language to read our personal history; our physical body remembers everything and is ready to tell all. We just have to learn the language it speaks. The purpose of this article is to examine how body language allows us to read the presence of conflicts between the body, mind and emotions and resolve them. In this article, I will deal with the following questions: What is the significance of the signs that the brain has imprinted on the surface of the body? Why does our body preserve these signs? What is the body’s role in communicating between people and within themselves?
A type 2 cytokine axis for thymus emigration
Authors: White Andrea J. , Baik Song , Parnell Sonia M. , Holland Amanda M. , Brombacher Frank , Jenkinson William E. , Anderson Graham
Published: July 2017

In the thymus, stromal microenvironments support a developmental program that generates mature T cells ready for thymic exit. The cellular and molecular specialization within thymic stromal cells that enables their regulation of specific stages of thymocyte development is poorly understood. Here, we show the thymic microenvironment expresses the type 2 IL-4R complex and is functionally responsive to its known ligands, IL-4 and IL-13. Absence of IL-4Rα limits thymocyte emigration, leading to an intrathymic accumulation of mature thymocytes within medullary perivascular spaces and reduced numbers of recent thymic emigrants. Thymus transplantation shows this requirement maps to IL-4Rα expression by stromal cells, and we provide evidence that it regulates thymic exit via a process distinct from S1P-mediated migration. Finally, we reveal a cellular mechanism by which IL-4+IL-13+ invariant NKT cells are necessary for IL-4Rα signaling that regulates thymic exit. Collectively, we define a new axis for thymic emigration involving stimulation of the thymic microenvironment via type 2 cytokines from innate T cells.
Keeping Humans in the Ecosystem
Authors: Link Jason S. , Thébaud Olivier , Smith David C. , Smith Anthony D.M. , Schmidt Jörn , Rice Jake , Poos Jan Jaap , Pita Cristina , Lipton Doug , Kraan Marloes , Frusher Stewart , Doyen Luc , Cudennec Annie , Criddle Keith , Bailly Denis
Published: July 2017

The World Ocean presents many opportunities, with the blue economy projected to at least double in the next two decades. However, capitalizing on these opportunities presents significant challenges and a multi-sectoral, integrated approach to managing marine socio-ecological systems will be required to achieve the full benefits projected for the blue economy. Integrated ecosystem assessments have been identified as the best means of delivering the information upon which marine resource management decisions can be made. By their nature, these assessments are inter-disciplinary, but to date have mostly focused on the natural sciences. Inclusion of human dimensions into integrated ecosystem assessments has been lagging, but is fundamental. Here we report on a Symposium, and the articles emmanating from it that are included in this Theme Set, that address how to more effectively include human dimensions into integrated ecosystem assessments. We provide an introduction to each of the main symposium topics (governance, scenarios, indicators, participatory processes, and case studies), highlight the works that emerged from the symposium, and identify key areas in which more work is required. There is still a long way to go before we see end-to-end integrated ecosystem assessments inclusive of all the major current and potential ocean use sectors that also encompass multiple aspects of human dimensions. Nonetheless, it is also clear that progress is being made and we are developing tools and approaches, including the human dimension, that can inform management and position us to take advantage of the multi-sectoral opportunities of sustainable blue growth.
Impact of Soaking Temperature and Duration on Fissure Incidence of Rough Rice Kernels
Authors: Patindol James , Domingues Wallison , Wang Ya‐Jane
Published: July 2017

Internal stresses owing to moisture and temperature gradients often result in the development of rice kernel fissures. Fissured rough rice kernels tend to break upon milling and potentially reduce the market value of rice. This work was conducted on the premise that fissures may be healed by soaking in water at a specific temperature and duration. Fissured rough rice kernels of a long‐grain cultivar, Wells, were selected by X‐ray imaging. Fissured kernels were soaked in a water bath at six soaking temperatures (22, 60, 65, 70, 75, and 80°C) and three soaking durations (1, 2, and 3 h) and then gently dried for characterization. X‐ray images revealed that soaking at 75°C for 3 h healed up to 70.0% of the fissured kernels. Soaking at 22, 60, or 65°C did not result in healing. For normal kernels, soaking at different temperatures for 3 h created fissures. Bending tests using a texture analyzer showed that brown rice breaking force increased from 18.5 N (fissured kernels) to 43.7 N (healed kernels). Soaking rough rice in water at a temperature slightly above its onset gelatinization temperature may potentially heal fissures.
Adaptations of an RNA virus to increasing thermal stress
Authors: Singhal Sonia , Leon Guerrero Cierra M. , Whang Stella G. , McClure Erin M. , Busch Hannah G. , Kerr Benjamin
Published: July 2017

Environments can change in incremental fashions, where a shift from one state to another occurs over multiple organismal generations. Therateat which the environment changes is expected to influence how and how well populations adapt to the ultimate environment. We used a model system, the lytic RNA bacteriophage Φ6, to investigate this question empirically. We evolved viruses for thermostability by exposing them to heat shocks that increased to a maximum temperature at different rates. We observed increases in the ability of many heat-shocked populations to survive high temperature heat shocks, and on their first exposure to the highest temperature, populations that experienced a gradual increase in temperature had higher average survival than populations that experienced a rapid temperature increase. However, at the end of the experiment, neither the survival of populations at the highest temperature nor the number of mutations per population varied significantly according to the rate of thermal change. We also evaluated mutations from the endpoint populations for their effects on viral thermostability and growth. As expected, some mutations did increase viral thermostability. However, other mutationsdecreasedthermostability but increased growth rate, suggesting that benefits of an increased replication rate may have sometimes outweighed the benefits of enhanced thermostability. Our study highlights the importance of considering the effects of multiple selective pressures, even in environments where a single factor is changing.
Social networking sites in the workplace: an imperative
Authors: Xavier Naveenraj , Wesley J. Reeves
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to lay a theoretical foundation favoring the use of social networking sites (SNS) in workplace and its implication on employee stress and well-being. Prescriptive policies are also formulated to control unintended negative consequences.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have used an explorative design. Prescriptive data were drawn from extant literature, simple discussions with employees and employers. Discussions were centered on the consequences of SNS.

Findings

In recent years, SNS usage has skyrocketed and use in the workplace has been controversial. Use of SNS enables employees to communicate and connect not only with coworkers but also with family members and friends, and it also helps to minimize the stress and improve the well-being of employees. However, a comprehensive policy that controls negative consequences should be in place.

Originality/value

This paper sensitizes readers on the need for permitting SNS usage within a policy-controlled setting in organizations. It also throws light on social support, stress and well-being.
Social entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial ecosystems
Authors: Roundy Philip T.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The formation of entrepreneurial ecosystems is recognized as an activity that can produce economic development and community revitalization. Social entrepreneurship is also an activity that is receiving growing attention because of its potential for addressing social and economic problems. However, while scholars have focused on how the participants in entrepreneurial ecosystems, such as investors and support organizations, influence ecosystem functioning, it is not clear what role social entrepreneurs can play in entrepreneurial ecosystems. Nor is it known how the entrepreneurial ecosystems in which social entrepreneurs are located can influence the founding and operation of their ventures. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this conceptual paper, theory is proposed to explain the interrelationship between entrepreneurial ecosystems and social entrepreneurship.

Findings

It is theorized that entrepreneurial ecosystems will influence the operations and effectiveness of social entrepreneurs through mechanisms such as the ecosystem’s diversity of resource providers, support infrastructure, entrepreneurial culture, and learning opportunities. In turn, social entrepreneurs can shape the entrepreneurial ecosystems in which they are situated by influencing the heterogeneity of ecosystem participants, garnering attention for the ecosystem, and increasing its attractiveness to stakeholders.

Originality/value

Scholars examining entrepreneurial ecosystems have not studied the role of an increasingly important market actor: the social entrepreneur. At the same time, work on social entrepreneurship has not emphasized the community of social relations and cultural milieu in which social entrepreneurs found their ventures. The theory developed addresses both of these omissions and has important implications for practitioners focused on spurring entrepreneurial ecosystems and social entrepreneurship.
The lead-lag relationship between US industry-level credit and stock markets
Authors: Shahzad Syed Jawad Hussain , Nor Safwan Mohd , Sanusi Nur Azura , Kumar Ronald Ravinesh
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the arbitrage opportunities between US industry-level credit and stock markets with a focus on dynamic lead-lag relationships given that these markets involve heterogeneous agents operating over various time horizons.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use daily data of 11 US industries stock markets and their credit counterparts to model the dynamic dependence and casual nexuses using time-frequency approach, namely, wavelet squared coherence (WTC).

Findings

The WTC estimation results show that credit and stock markets are out of phase (counter cyclical) and stock markets lead their credit counterparts. The coherence between two markets increases during financial crises. The banks (utilities) industry credit and stock markets have relatively high (low) dependence.

Research limitations/implications

The casual nexuses between stock and credit markets have multilateral dimensions. Greater interest in examining the relationship between stock markets and credit default swap (CDS) spreads emerged as an important albeit a complex area of research, and gained prominence especially at the onset and following the global financial crises of 2007-2008 which clearly showed that the positive views of CDSs contribution in creating a resilient and efficient financial sector was nothing further from the truth.

Practical implications

The arbitrage and hedging opportunities between stock and credit markets are industry dependent and vary over investment time horizons. The utilities industry seems attractive for the investment with the objective to exploit arbitrage, but not for hedging.

Originality/value

The paper, for the first time, employs time-frequency approach to assess the arbitrage opportunities between US industry-level credit and stock markets.
Mindfulness as substitute for transformational leadership
Authors: Kroon Brigitte , van Woerkom Marianne , Menting Charlotte
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Transformational leaders spark the intrinsic motivation of employees, thereby stimulating their extra-role performance. However, not all employees are lucky enough to have a transformational leader. The purpose of this paper is to investigate to what extent mindfulness can function as a substitute for transformational leadership. By being attentive to and aware of what is taking place in the present, mindfulness provides employees with a source of intrinsic motivation that lies within the person, thereby possibly making employees less dependent on transformational leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was used to collect data of 382 employees working in diverse sectors in the Netherlands.

Findings

Moderated mediation analyses indicated that mindfulness partly compensates for a low levels of transformational leadership in fostering intrinsic motivation and in turn extra-role performance, thereby providing evidence for the substitutes for leadership theory. Moreover, the findings extend previous research on the contribution of mindfulness to in-role performance by showing its additional value for intrinsic motivation and extra-role performance.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the use of validated measures and the presence of an interaction effect, common-source bias cannot be out ruled completely.

Practical implications

Since mindfulness can be developed, the results suggest a training intervention to make employees less dependent on their leaders for their motivation.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to show that mindful people are more resilient against the absence of transformational leadership. Given the frequent changes in management layers in organizations, knowledge about resources for individual resilience and self-management is sorely needed.
Effect of layer thickness on irreversible thermal expansion and interlayer strength in fused deposition modeling
Authors: D’Amico Anthony A. , Debaie Analise , Peterson Amy M.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of layer thickness on irreversible thermal expansion, residual stress and mechanical properties of additively manufactured parts.

Design/methodology/approach

Samples were printed at several layer thicknesses, and their irreversible thermal expansion, tensile strength and flexural strength were determined.

Findings

Irreversible thermal strain increases with decreasing layer thickness, up to 22 per cent strain. Tensile and flexural strengths exhibited a peak at a layer thickness of 200 μm although the maximum was not statistically significant at a 95 per cent confidence interval. Tensile strength was 54 to 97 per cent of reported values for injection molded acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and 29 to 73 per cent of those reported for bulk ABS. Flexural strength was 18 to 41 per cent of reported flexural strength for bulk ABS.

Practical implications

The large irreversible thermal strain exhibited that corresponding residual stresses could lead to failure of additively manufactured parts over time. Additionally, the observed irreversible thermal strains could enable thermally responsive shape in additively manufactured parts. Variation in mechanical properties with layer thickness will also affect manufactured parts.

Originality/value

Tailorable irreversible thermal strain of this magnitude has not been previously reported for additively manufactured parts. This strain occurs in parts made with both high-end and consumer grade fused deposition modeling machines. Additionally, the impact of layer thickness on tensile and flexural properties of additively manufactured parts has received limited attention in the literature.
Topical treatment with sacran, a sulfated polysaccharide from Aphanothece sacrum, improves corneocyte‐derived parameters
Authors: Doi Moeko , Sagawa Yuki , Momose Shigeyoshi , Tanaka Takumi , Mizutani Taeko , Okano Yuri , Masaki Hitoshi
Published: July 2017

Sacran, a polysaccharide isolated from Aphanothece sacrum (Suizenji‐nori) alga, has unique characteristics in terms of its physiological properties and effects on the skin, and has recently become a focus of attention as a novel biomaterial. In a previous study, we reported the unique physical characteristics of sacran, which forms a gel‐like film containing water in the presence of polyols. This film resists penetration by water and chemicals. We expected this unique physical characteristic to act as an artificial barrier upon the application of sacran to the skin. In the present study, we tested the efficacy of sacran application in healthy individuals who reported previous symptoms of dry or inflamed skin, to evaluate the potential benefits of sacran for skin care in patients with mild atopic dermatitis. Compared with placebo, sacran‐containing serum did not significantly alter either the water content of the skin surface or transepidermal water loss. However, subjects using the serum showed improvements in corneocyte parameters including size, percentage of thick abrasion, ratio of SH to SS groups, ratio of interleukin (IL)‐1 receptor antagonist to IL‐1α, and carbonylated protein level. These results indicate that the sulfated polysaccharide sacran is an effective agent for improving or maintaining the skin conditions.
Full waveform inversion using oriented time‐domain imaging method for vertical transverse isotropic media
Authors: Zhang Zhen‐dong , Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: July 2017

Full waveform inversion for reflection events is limited by its linearised update requirements given by a process equivalent to migration. Unless the background velocity model is reasonably accurate, the resulting gradient can have an inaccurate update direction leading the inversion to converge what we refer to as local minima of the objective function. In our approach, we consider mild lateral variation in the model and, thus, use a gradient given by the oriented time‐domain imaging method. Specifically, we apply the oriented time‐domain imaging on the data residual to obtain the geometrical features of the velocity perturbation. After updating the model in the time domain, we convert the perturbation from the time domain to depth using the average velocity. Considering density is constant, we can expand the conventional 1D impedance inversion method to two‐dimensional or three‐dimensional velocity inversion within the process of full waveform inversion. This method is not only capable of inverting for velocity, but it is also capable of retrieving anisotropic parameters relying on linearised representations of the reflection response. To eliminate the crosstalk artifacts between different parameters, we utilise what we consider being an optimal parametrisation for this step. To do so, we extend the prestack time‐domain migration image in incident angle dimension to incorporate angular dependence needed by the multiparameter inversion. For simple models, this approach provides an efficient and stable way to do full waveform inversion or modified seismic inversion and makes the anisotropic inversion more practicable. The proposed method still needs kinematically accurate initial models since it only recovers the high‐wavenumber part as conventional full waveform inversion method does. Results on synthetic data of isotropic and anisotropic cases illustrate the benefits and limitations of this method.
Visualization of Aged Fingerprints with an Ultraviolet Laser
Authors: Akiba Norimitsu , Kuroki Kenro , Kurosawa Kenji , Tsuchiya Ken'ichi
Published: July 2017

Detection of aged fingerprints is difficult because they can degrade over time with exposure to light, moisture, and temperature. In this study, aging fingerprints were visualized by time‐resolved spectroscopy with an ultraviolet‐pulsed laser. Fingerprints were prepared on glass slides and paper and then stored under three lighting conditions and two humidity conditions for up to a year. The fluorescence intensities of the fingerprints decreased with time. Samples were stored in the dark degraded less than in sunlight or under a fluorescent lamp. Samples were stored under low humidity degraded less than under moderate humidity. As the storage period increased, a fluorescence emission peak appeared that was at a longer wavelength than the peak visible in earlier spectra. This peak was used for visualization of an aged fingerprint over time. An image of the fingerprint was not initially visible, but an image appeared as the time since deposition of the fingerprint increased.
Validation of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complexPTSDusing the International Trauma Questionnaire
Authors: Hyland P. , Shevlin M. , Brewin C. R. , Cloitre M. , Downes A. J. , Jumbe S. , Karatzias T. , Bisson J. I. , Roberts N. P.
Published: July 2017

Objective

The 11th version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐11) has proposed two related trauma diagnoses: Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and ComplexPTSD(CPTSD). Using a newly developed, disorder‐specific measure ofPTSDandCPTSDcalled theInternational Trauma Questionnaire(ITQ) the current study will (i) assess the factorial validity ofICD‐11PTSDandCPTSD; (ii) provide the first test of the discriminant validity of these constructs; and (iii) provide the first comparison ofICD‐11, and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM‐5),PTSDdiagnostic rates using disorder‐specific measures.

Method

ICD‐11 andDSM‐5PTSD‐specific measures were completed by a British clinical sample of trauma‐exposed patients (N =171). The structure and validity ofICD‐11PTSDandCPTSDwere assessed by means of factor analysis and assessing relationships with criterion variables.

Results

Diagnostic rates underICD‐11 were significantly lower than those underDSM‐5. A two‐factor second‐order model reflecting the distinction betweenPTSDandCPTSDbest represented the data from theITQ; and thePTSDandCPTSDfactors differentially predicted multiple psychological variables.

Conclusion

The factorial and discriminant validity ofICD‐11PTSDandCPTSDwas supported, andICD‐11 produces fewer diagnostic cases thanDSM‐5.
Electoral Ambiguity and Political Representation
Authors: Kartik Navin , Van Weelden Richard , Wolton Stephane
Published: July 2017

We introduce a Downsian model in which policy‐relevant information is revealed to the elected politician after the election. The electorate benefits from giving the elected politician discretion to adapt policies to his information. But limits on discretion are desirable when politicians do not share the electorate's policy preferences. Optimal political representation generally consists of a mixture of the delegate (no discretion) and trustee (full discretion) models. Ambiguous electoral platforms are essential for achieving beneficial representation. Nevertheless, electoral competition does not ensure optimal representation: The winning candidate's platform is generally overly ambiguous. While our theory rationalizes a positive correlation between ambiguity and electoral success, it shows that the relationship need not be causal.
Measurement centration and zone diameter in anterior, posterior and total corneal astigmatism in keratoconus
Authors: Fredriksson Anneli , Behndig Anders
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To investigate the central and paracentral astigmatism and the significance of centration and measurement zone diameter compared to a 3‐mm pupil‐centred measurement zone in keratoconus and in healthy eyes.

Methods

Twenty‐eight right eyes from 28 KC patients with an inferotemporal cone were selected according to specified criteria based on Oculus Pentacam HR® measurements and were matched with healthy control eyes. The flat (K1) and steep (K2) keratometry readings were registered from the ‘Total Corneal Refractive Power’ (TCRP) display as well as the anterior and posterior corneal astigmatism displays (ACA and PCA, respectively). Astigmatic power vectors KP0 and KP45 were calculated and analysed for a 6‐mm and two 3‐mm zones centred on the corneal apex and the pupil, and for 8 paracentral 3‐mm zones.

Results

The astigmatism was generally higher in KC. Many astigmatic values in KC differed between the 3‐mm pupil‐centred and the 3‐ and 6‐mm apex‐centred zones in KC. In the controls, no corresponding differences between measurement zones were seen, apart from PCA, which differed. The magnitude and direction of KP0 and KP45 varied greatly between the paracentral measurements in KC.

Conclusion

Centration and measurement zone diameter have great impacts on the astigmatic values in KC. A small pupil‐centred measurement zone should be considered when evaluating the astigmatism in KC.
Quality predictors of parental satisfaction after birth of infants with life‐limiting conditions
Authors: Wool Charlotte , Kain Victoria J. , Mendes Joana , Carter Brian S.
Published: July 2017

Aim

This study examines parental satisfaction with care received in the context of a life‐limiting foetal diagnosis and subsequent birth.

Methods

Survey methods were utilised to embed the Quality Indicators (QI) and Parental Satisfaction of Perinatal Palliative Care Instrument in a survey: ‘The Voice of Parents’.

Results

The web‐based survey had a final sample of N = 405 parent responders. Overall, parents reported satisfaction with care (80.2%; n = 393). Parents satisfied with care reported higher agreement with quality indicator items for all subscales. In total, 17 items from the 41‐item instrument revealed the ability to predict higher parental satisfaction when particular QI are reported.

Conclusion

This study has led to credible insights into parental satisfaction with care given after the birth of an infant with a life‐limiting condition. The findings contribute to development of a model with a good fit in ascertaining the importance of compassion, unhurried provider–patient communication and bereavement interventions.
Neonatal therapeutic hypothermia outside of standard guidelines: a survey of U.S. neonatologists
Authors: Burnsed Jennifer , Zanelli Santina A.
Published: July 2017

Aim

Therapeutic hypothermia is standard of care in term infants with moderate‐to‐severe hypoxic–ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). The goal of this survey was to explore the attitudes of U.S. neonatologists caring for infants with HIE who fall outside of current guidelines.

Methods

Case‐based survey administered to members of the Section on Neonatal‐Perinatal Medicine of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Results

A total of 447 responses were analysed, a response rate of 19%. We found significant variability amongst U.S. neonatologists with regard to the use of therapeutic hypothermia for infants with HIE who fall outside standard inclusion criteria. Scenarios with the most variability included HIE in a late preterm infant and HIE following a postnatal code. Provision of therapeutic hypothermia outside of standard guidelines was not influenced by number of years in practice, neonatal intensive care type (NICU) or NICU size.

Conclusion

Significant variability in practice exists when caring for infants with HIE who do not meet standard inclusion criteria, emphasizing the need for continued and rigorous research in this area.
Toll‐like receptor 1 and 10 gene polymorphisms are linked to postbronchiolitis asthma in adolescence
Authors: Törmänen Sari , Korppi Matti , Lauhkonen Eero , Koponen Petri , Teräsjärvi Johanna , Vuononvirta Juho , Helminen Merja , He Qiushui , Nuolivirta Kirsi
Published: July 2017

Aim

Toll‐like receptors (TLR) are innate immunity molecules and our previous studies found that TLR1 gene polymorphism was associated with postbronchiolitis asthma at one to six years of age, as was TLR10 at five to seven years of age. This study examined any associations at 11–13 years of age.

Methods

This prospective follow‐up study was part of an ongoing evaluation of children admitted to Tampere University Hospital, Finland, for bronchiolitis in 2001–2004 at less than six months of age. We evaluated the association of TLR1 rs5743618 and TLR10 rs4129009 polymorphisms with asthma and asthma medication in 125 children aged 11–13 years.

Results

Associations were measured as adjusted odd ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The variant TLR1 rs5743618 (aOR 4.04, 95% CI 0.99–13.01) and TLR10 rs4129009 (aOR 7.02, 95% CI 1.56–31.53) genotypes increased the risk of needing inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) at 11–13 years of age. The variant TLR10 genotype (aOR 7.69, 95% CI 1.35–43.95) increased the risk of persistent asthma continuing from five to seven years of age until 11–13 years of age. The results were similar when the combined genotypes were analysed. [Correction added on 3 October 2017, after online publication: The data in the variant TRL1 rs5743618 genotype were incorrect and have been corrected in this version.]

Conclusion

Polymorphisms in both the TLR1 and TLR10 genes may increase the risk of asthma at 11–13 years after infant bronchiolitis.
Crotalus atrox Venom Exposed to Carbon Monoxide Has Decreased Fibrinogenolytic Activity In Vivo in Rabbits
Authors: Nielsen Vance G.
Published: July 2017

Envenomation by haemotoxic enzymes remains a significant source of human morbidity and mortality worldwide, with administration of long‐acting or multiple doses of antivenom first‐line therapy. However, coagulopathy can still occur and recur. Of interest, it has been recently demonstrated that direct, isolated exposure of snake venom enzymes with fibrinogenolytic activity to carbon monoxide (CO) abrogates venom‐mediated loss of coagulation in human plasma. These observations of CO inhibition of venom fibrinogenolytic activity were subsequently repeated in rabbit whole blood. This study sought to translate these findings in an in vivo rabbit model of envenomation with fibrinogenolytic Crotalus atrox venom. Sedated rabbits were intravenously administered C. atrox venom (400 μg/kg) pre‐exposed to 0 or 1000 μM carbon monoxide‐releasing molecule‐2 (CORM‐2) in vitro. Arterial whole‐blood samples demonstrated that compared to pre‐envenomation values, the CORM‐2‐naïve venom significantly prolonged the onset of coagulation, decreased the velocity of clot growth and decreased clot strength as determined by thromboelastography an hour after venom injection. In contrast, CORM‐2 pre‐exposure prevented or attenuated C. atrox venom effects on coagulation kinetics. Future studies to determine whether rabbits injected with such venom subcutaneously/intramuscularly can have consequent coagulopathy abrogated by injection of carbon monoxide‐releasing molecules into the ‘bite site’ are justified.
Impact of childhood trauma on cognitive profile in bipolar disorder
Authors: Jiménez Esther , Solé Brisa , Arias Bárbara , Mitjans Marina , Varo Cristina , Reinares María , Bonnín Caterina del Mar , Ruíz Victoria , Saiz Pilar Alejandra , García‐Portilla M Paz , Burón Patricia , Bobes Julio , Amann Benedikt L , Martínez‐Arán Anabel , Torrent Carla , Vieta Eduard , Benabarre Antoni
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Bipolar Disorder (BD) is associated with cognitive impairment even during remission periods. Nonetheless, this impairment seems to adjust to different profiles of severity. Our aim was to examine the potential impact of childhood trauma (CT) on cognitive performance and, more specifically, on neurocognitive profile membership.

Methods

Using a data‐driven strategy, 113 euthymic bipolar patients were grouped according to their cognitive performance using a hierarchical clustering technique. Patients from the three resulting clusters, the so‐called “low”, “average”, and “high performance” groups, were then compared in terms of main sociodemographic, clinical and functioning variables, including CT measures. One‐way ANOVA, a chi‐square test and partial correlations were used for this purpose, as appropriate. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to determine which variables contributed to neurocognitive clustering membership.

Results

Patients from the three neurocognitive clusters differed in terms of sociodemographic, clinical, functioning and CT variables. Scores on the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), especially on the physical negligence subscale, were also associated with a poor cognitive performance. The multinomial regression model indicated that CTQ total scores and the estimated intelligence quotient (IQ) significantly contributed to differentiation among the three neurocognitive groups.

Conclusions

Our results confirmed that CT significantly impacts on cognitive performance during adulthood in BD. The data obtained suggest that a history of CT could act as a liability marker for cognitive impairment. A higher estimated IQ may act as a protective factor against cognitive decline in this group of patients.