bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel incubation‐free approaches to determine phytoplankton net primary productivity, growth, and biomass based on flow cytometry and quantification of ATP and NAD(H)
Authors: Jones Bethan M. , Halsey Kimberly H. , Behrenfeld Michael J.
Published: October 2017

Recent advances in sorting flow cytometry (SFCM) and sensitive biochemical techniques have opened the door for a variety of new incubation‐free measurements to assess cell physiology. We adapted highly sensitive bioluminescent methodologies to measure cell NAD(H) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) contents as predictors of phytoplankton primary production and growth rate. We first applied these methods to algae in taxonomically distinct groups: the chlorophyte Dunaliella tertiolecta, the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana and a model cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. WH8102. We found that NAD(H) content [NAD(H)phyto] increased significantly with increasing net primary productivity (NPP) and growth rate. In contrast, and in agreement with previous studies, phytoplankton ATP content (ATPphyto) was highly correlated with carbon biomass. Furthermore, ATPphyto was not correlated with NPP or growth rate. As a field test of the method, we then measured NAD(H)phyto in phytoplankton samples collected by SFCM in the North Pacific. These measurements yielded an estimate of NPP closely matching that from the traditional incubation‐dependent 14C uptake technique. The methods described here enable low‐biomass, incubation‐free estimates of phytoplankton NPP, growth rate, and biomass.
Parenting styles and Internet use
Authors: Tur‐Porcar Ana
Published: October 2017

The Internet has become the most popular way for young people to communicate with one another. Recent data indicate that 95% of students have Internet access. This study examined the links between Internet use and the parenting styles that shape parent–child interactions. Empirical analysis showed that Internet use accounts for the majority of adolescents’ leisure time. The neglecting parenting style has the strongest relationship with addictive Internet use by adolescent girls and boys. For boys, addictive Internet use is also related to a combination of different parenting styles resulting from inconsistencies and contradictions between parents.
Gender and age differences in the psychosocial risk factors of workplace bullying
Authors: López‐Cabarcos M. Ángeles , Vázquez‐Rodríguez Paula , Gieure Clara
Published: October 2017

Bullying at work means harassing, offending, or socially excluding someone or negatively affecting someone's work. Bullying affects all kinds of organizations, although organizations in the public sector are some of the worst affected. To date, no studies have examined how the combination of psychosocial risk factors leads to bullying. Using a sample of Spanish prison employees (n = 488) and fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), this study analyzed how five combined effects (role conflict, role ambiguity, social support, esteem, and work overload) lead to bullying at work. Two classification variables (gender and age) were also considered. Based on these classification variables, four models were proposed. In the first, third, and fourth models (young man, old man, and old woman, respectively), no conditions were found to be necessary to lead to bullying at work. In the second model (young woman), a lack of esteem was identified as a necessary condition for bullying at work. Seven conditions across the four models were identified as sufficient to lead to bullying among prison employees. Two antecedents (work overload and lack of esteem) were present in all seven configurations. These findings reinforce the need for prison managers to be vigilant to ensure that job descriptions are properly defined and that the work environment is egalitarian and collaborative.
Exploring the customer's intention to switch firms: The role of customer‐related antecedents
Authors: Revilla‐Camacho María‐Ángeles , Vega‐Vázquez Manuela , Cossío‐Silva Francisco‐José
Published: October 2017

This study examined the customer‐related antecedents of the customer's intention to switch firms. Customer citizenship behavior was a key element in this study. Scholars have extensively studied the antecedents of customer citizenship behavior. However, the way that customer citizenship behavior relates to other attitudinal variables and the intention to switch has scarcely been analyzed. The proposed hypotheses were verified using partial least squares variance‐based structural equation modeling applied to 947 users of beauty care service firms in five countries. The results suggest that customer citizenship behavior is an antecedent of satisfaction, trust, and attitudinal loyalty. Two of these variables influence customers’ intentions to abandon relationships with the service provider. The implications of these findings enhance managers’ and scholars’ understanding of the determinants of customers’ intentions to switch firms.
Persistent voting decisions in shareholder meetings
Authors: Piñeiro‐Chousa Juan , Vizcaíno‐González Marcos , Carvalho das Neves João
Published: October 2017

This study examined the determinants of voting decisions in shareholder meetings, with a special focus on voting persistence. The data captured votes on managerial proposals in shareholder meetings held by U.S. banks between 2003 and 2013. The dynamic panel data were analyzed using robust two‐step system generalized method of moments estimation (GMM) with orthogonal deviations. The lagged voting decision was a significant factor in explaining subsequent voting decisions. This finding provides evidence of voting persistence. Although persistence is a prominent topic in behavioral economics, studies have tended to focus on buying, consumption, and investment decisions. Persistence in voting decisions at the corporate level has been underexplored, so this article contributes to the behavioral economics literature.
Regenerable‐Catalyst‐Aided, Opened to Air and Sunlight‐Driven “CuAAC&ATRP” Concurrent Reaction for Sequence‐Controlled Copolymer
Authors: Zhang Weidong , Xue Wentao , Ming Wen , Weng Yuyan , Chen Gaojian , Haddleton David M.
Published: October 2017

An ideal stimuli‐responsive controlled/living radical polymerization should have the ability to manipulate the reaction through spatiotemporal “on/off” controls, achieving the polymerization under fully open conditions and allowing for precise control over macromolecular architecture with defined molecular weights and monomer sequence. In this contribution, the photo (sunlight)‐induced electron transfer atom transfer radical‐polymerization (PET‐ATRP) can be realized to be reversibly activated and deactivated under fully open conditions utilizing one‐component copper(II) thioxanthone carboxylate as multifunctional photocatalyst and oxygen scavenger. The polymerization behaviors are investigated, presenting controlled features with first‐order kinetics and linear relationships between molecular weights and monomer conversions. More importantly, “CuAAC&ATRP” concurrent reaction combining PET‐ATRP, photodriven deoxygenation, and photoactivated CuAAC click reaction is successfully employed to synthesize the sequence‐defined multiblock functional copolymers, in which the iterative monomer additions can be easily manipulated under fully open conditions.
Neural network dose models for knowledge‐based planning in pancreatic SBRT
Authors: Campbell Warren G. , Miften Moyed , Olsen Lindsey , Stumpf Priscilla , Schefter Tracey , Goodman Karyn A. , Jones Bernard L.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for pancreatic cancer requires a skillful approach to deliver ablative doses to the tumor while limiting dose to the highly sensitive duodenum, stomach, and small bowel. Here, we develop knowledge‐based artificial neural network dose models (ANN‐DMs) to predict dose distributions that would be approved by experienced physicians.

Methods

Arc‐based SBRT treatment plans for 43 pancreatic cancer patients were planned, delivering 30–33 Gy in five fractions. Treatments were overseen by one of two physicians with individual treatment approaches, with variations in prescribed dose, target volume delineation, and primary organs at risk. Using dose distributions calculated by a commercial treatment planning system (TPS), physician‐approved treatment plans were used to train ANN‐DMs that could predict physician‐approved dose distributions based on a set of geometric parameters (vary from voxel to voxel) and plan parameters (constant across all voxels for a given patient). Patient datasets were randomly allocated, with two‐thirds used for training, and one‐third used for validation. Differences between TPS and ANN‐DM dose distributions were used to evaluate model performance. ANN‐DM design, including neural network structure and parameter choices, was evaluated to optimize dose model performance.

Results

Remarkable improvements in ANN‐DM accuracy (i.e., from > 30% to < 5% mean absolute dose error, relative to the prescribed dose) were achieved by training separate dose models for the treatment style of each physician. Increased neural network complexity (i.e., more layers, more neurons per layer) did not improve dose model accuracy. Mean dose errors were less than 5% at all distances from the PTV, and mean absolute dose errors were on the order of 5%, but no more than 10%. Dose–volume histogram errors (in cm3) demonstrated good model performance above 25 Gy, but much larger errors were seen at lower doses.

Conclusions

ANN‐DM dose distributions showed excellent overall agreement with TPS dose distributions, and accuracy was substantially improved when each physician's treatment approach was taken into account by training their own dedicated models. In this manner, one could feasibly train ANN‐DMs that could predict the dose distribution desired by a given physician for a given treatment site.
Fast and accurate multi‐channel mapping based on the TIAMO technique for 7T UHF body MRI
Authors: Brunheim Sascha , Gratz Marcel , Johst Sören , Bitz Andreas K. , Fiedler Thomas M. , Ladd Mark E. , Quick Harald H. , Orzada Stephan
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Current methods for mitigation of transmit field inhomogeneities at ultrahigh field (UHF) MRI by multi‐channel radiofrequency (RF) shimming rely on accurate mapping. This can be time consuming when many RF channels have to be mapped for in vivo body MRI, where the B1 maps should ideally be acquired within a single breath‐hold. Therefore, a new mapping technique (B1TIAMO) is proposed.

Methods

The performance of this technique is validated against an established method (DREAM) in phantom measurements for a cylindrical head phantom with an 8‐channel transmit/receive (Tx/Rx) array. Furthermore, measurements for a 32‐channel Tx/Rx remote array are conducted in a large body phantom and the map reliability is validated against simulations of the transmit RF field distribution. Finally, in vivo results of this new mapping technique for human abdomen are presented.

Results

For the head phantom (8‐channel Tx/Rx coil), the single comparison between B1TIAMO, the direct DREAM measurements, and simulation data showed good agreement with 10–19% difference. For the large body phantom (32‐channel Tx/Rx coil), B1TIAMO matched the RF field simulations well.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate the potential to acquire 32 accurate single‐channel maps for large field‐of‐view body imaging within only a single breath‐hold of 16 s at 7T UHF MRI. Magn Reson Med 79:2652–2664, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
A modified Newton‐type Koiter‐Newton method for tracing the geometrically nonlinear response of structures
Authors: Liang Ke , Abdalla Mostafa M. , Sun Qin
Published: October 2017

The Koiter‐Newton (KN) method is a combination of local multimode polynomial approximations inspired by Koiter's initial postbuckling theory and global corrections using the standard Newton method. In the original formulation, the local polynomial approximation, called a reduced‐order model, is used to make significantly more accurate predictions compared to the standard linear prediction used in conjunction with Newton method. The correction to the exact equilibrium path relied exclusively on Newton‐Raphson method using the full model.

In this paper, we proposed a modified Newton‐type KN method to trace the geometrically nonlinear response of structures. The developed predictor‐corrector strategy is applied to each predicted solution of the reduced‐order model. The reduced‐order model can be used also in the correction phase, and the exact full nonlinear model is applied only to calculate force residuals. Remainder terms in both the displacement expansion and the reduced‐order model are well considered and constantly updated during correction. The same augmented finite element model system is used for both the construction of the reduced‐order model and the iterations for correction. Hence, the developed method can be seen as a particular modified Newton method with a constant iteration matrix over the single KN step. This significantly reduces the computational cost of the method. As a side product, the method has better error control, leading to more robust step size adaptation strategies. Numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the method in treating nonlinear buckling problems.
Chaos in a nonlinear Bloch system with Atangana–Baleanu fractional derivatives
Authors: Gómez‐Aguilar J.F.
Published: October 2017

In this article, a nonlinear model of the Bloch equation to include both fractional derivatives with variable‐order, constant‐order, and time delays was considered. The fractional derivative with the generalized Mittag‐Leffler function as kernel is introduced due to the nonlocality of the dynamical system. To find a numerical solution of the delay variable‐order model, a predictor corrector method had been developed to solve this system. The existence and uniqueness of the numerical scheme was discussed in detail. For the constant‐order, we presented the existence and uniqueness of a positive set of the solutions for the new model and the Adams–Moulton rule was considered to solved numerically the fractional equations. The behavior of the fractional commensurate order nonlinear delay‐dependent Bloch system with total order less than 3, which exhibits chaos and transient chaos, was presented. In addition, it is found that the presence of fractional variable‐order in the nonlinear Bloch system exhibit more complicated dynamics can improve the stability of the solutions.
The Effect of Methanol on the Photodeposition of Pt Nanoparticles on Tungsten Oxide
Authors: Wenderich Kasper , Han Kai , Mul Guido
Published: October 2017

Formation of platinum nanoparticles on tungsten oxide by photodeposition from acidic [PtCl6]2− solutions in the absence or presence of methanol is studied in detail. Without methanol, [PtCl6]2−‐ions adsorbed on the WO3 surface are converted to highly dispersed PtO/Pt(OH)2 particles upon illumination, the maximum achievable amount being limited to 10–30% of [PtCl6]2− present in solution. Inclusion of methanol not only promotes adsorption of [PtCl6]2− ions, but upon illumination results in a deposited Pt quantity close to 100% of [PtCl6]2−. The obtained Pt particles are in the metallic state, large, and often clustered. The limited loading and presence of PtO/Pt(OH)2 in the absence of methanol is explained by reduction of WO3‐surface sites, accompanied by water oxidation catalyzed by PtO/Pt(OH)2 deposits. The extensive reduction of Pt in methanol solutions is likely induced by methoxy‐radicals, oxidatively formed by reaction of methanol with photogenerated holes. This study provides guidelines for optimization of synthesis procedures of Pt/WO3 (photo)catalysts.
Non‐target site SDHI resistance is present as standing genetic variation in field populations of Zymoseptoria tritici
Authors: Yamashita Masao , Fraaije Bart
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

A new generation of more active succinate dehydrogenase (Sdh) inhibitors (SDHIs) is currently widely used to control Septoria leaf blotch in northwest Europe. Detailed studies were conducted on Zymoseptoria tritici field isolates with reduced sensitivity to fluopyram and isofetamid; SDHIs which have only just or not been introduced for cereal disease control, respectively.

RESULTS

Strong cross‐resistance between fluopyram and isofetamid, but not with other SDHIs, was confirmed through sensitivity tests using laboratory mutants and field isolates with and without Sdh mutations. The sensitivity profiles of most field isolates resistant to fluopyram and isofetamid were very similar to a lab mutant carrying SdhC‐A84V, but no alterations were found in SdhB, C and D. Inhibition of mitochondrial Sdh enzyme activity and control efficacy in planta for those isolates was severely impaired by fluopyram and isofetamid, but not by bixafen. Isolates with similar phenotypes were not only detected in northwest Europe but also in New Zealand before the widely use of SDHIs.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of SDHI‐specific non‐target site resistance in Z. tritici. Monitoring studies show that this resistance mechanism is present and can be selected from standing genetic variation in field populations. © 2017 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Low‐Ohmic Contacting of Laser‐Doped p‐Type Silicon Surfaces with Pure Ag Screen‐Printed and Fired Contacts
Authors: Lohmüller Elmar , Werner Sabrina , Norouzi Mohammad Hassan , Gutscher Simon , Demant Matthias , Saint‐Cast Pierre , Linse Michael , Bitnar Bernd , Palinginis Phedon , Neuhaus Holger , Wolf Andreas
Published: October 2017

The state‐of‐the‐art low‐ohmic electrical contacting of highly boron‐doped silicon surfaces is based on the use of screen‐printed and fired silver‐aluminum (Ag‐Al) contacts. For these contacts, metal crystallites with depths of up to a few microns are observed at the interface. For screen‐printed and fired Ag contacts on phosphorus‐doped surfaces, the observed crystallite depths are much smaller. In this work, low‐ohmic electrical contacting of local laser‐doped p‐type silicon surfaces with commercial pure Ag screen‐printing paste are demonstrated. The doping layer is based on the “pPassDop” approach, which serves as a passivation layer on the rear side of p‐type silicon solar cells. The specific contact resistances are measured down to 1 mΩ cm2 for p‐type doping densities of about 3 × 1019 cm−3 at the silicon surface and finger widths of around 55 μm. Microstructure analysis reveals the formation of numerous small Ag crystallites at the interface with penetration depths of less than 80 nm. A first implementation of the “pPassDop” approach on 6‐inch p‐type Cz‐Si bifacial solar cells using solely Ag contacts on both sides results in a peak front side energy conversion efficiency of 19.1%, measured on a black chuck with contact bars on both sides.
Placenta-Derived Adherent Stromal Cells Improve Diabetes Mellitus-Associated Left Ventricular Diastolic Performance
Authors: Van Linthout Sophie , Hamdani Nazha , Miteva Kapka , Koschel Annika , Müller Irene , Pinzur Lena , Aberman Zami , Pappritz Kathleen , Linke Wolfgang Albrecht , Tschöpe Carsten
Published: October 2017

Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction is among others attributed to cardiomyocyte stiffness. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have cardiac-protective properties. We explored whether intravenous (i.v.) application of PLacenta-eXpanded (PLX) MSC-like cells (PLX) improves LV diastolic relaxation in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice and investigated underlying mechanisms. Diabetes mellitus was induced by STZ application (50 mg/kg body weight) during five subsequent days. One week after the first STZ injection, PLX or saline were i.v. applied. Two weeks later, mice were hemodynamically characterized and sacrificed. At this early stage of diabetic cardiomyopathy with low-grade inflammation and no cardiac fibrosis, PLX reduced LV vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, transforming growth factor-β1, and interferon-γ mRNA expression, induced the percentage of circulating regulatory T cells, and decreased the splenic pro-fibrotic potential in STZ mice. STZ + PLX mice exhibited higher LV vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA expression and arteriole density versus STZ mice. In vitro, hyperglycemic PLX conditioned medium restored the hyperglycemia-impaired tube formation and adhesion capacity of human umbelical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) via increasing nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. PLX further induced the diabetes-downregulated activity of the NO downstream protein kinase G, as well as of protein kinase A, in STZ mice, which was associated with a raise in phosphorylation of the titin isoforms N2BA and N2B. Concomitantly, the passive force was lower in single isolated cardiomyocytes from STZ + PLX versus from STZ mice, which led to an improvement of LV diastolic relaxation. We conclude that i.v. PLX injection improves diabetes mellitus-associated diastolic performance via decreasing cardiomyocyte stiffness.
High Efficiency Solar Cell Based on Full PVD Processed Cu(In,Ga)Se2/CdIn2S4 Heterojunction
Authors: Barreau Nicolas , Frelon Agathe , Lepetit Thomas , Gautron Eric , Gautier Nicolas , Ribeiro‐Andrade Rodrigo , Nicoara Nicoleta , Sadewasser Sascha , Zabierowski Pawel , Arzel Ludovic , Choubrac Léo , Harel Sylvie , Deudon Catherine , Latouche Camille , Jobic Stéphane , Caldes Maite , Assmann Lionel , Tsoulka Polyxeni , Péan Emmanuel V. , Lorthioir Justine , Geschier Frédéric , Braems Isabelle , Moret Matthieu , Briot Olivier , Ouvrard Guy
Published: October 2017

The original goal of our study is to synthesize by co‐evaporation the phase that could be formed at the interface between polycrystalline p‐Cu(In,Ga)Se2 treated with KF and n‐CdS. Hence, a new buffer layer, CdIn2S4 (C24), deposited by co‐evaporation is presented for the use in thin film solar cells, exhibiting device efficiencies as high as 16.2%, comparable to that obtained on a reference standard CdS‐buffered device. The physico‐chemical and optical properties of close to stoichiometry 400 nm‐thick films of C24 show similar properties to what has been reported in the literature for single crystals. The layer stack used for solar cells is investigated by transmission electron microscopy, showing the formation of an ultrathin Cd‐deficient C24 layer at the CIGSe/C24 interface, while a clear lattice match is observed at the C24/ZnO interface. Advanced electrical characterizations of the devices suggest that the output voltage and fill factor of the solar cells based on Cu(In,Ga)Se2/(PVD)C24 are limited by tunneling‐enhanced recombination through extended band tail states. These results open new routes to explain the superiority of wet processes used for the junction formation compared to vacuum‐based approaches.
Single‐Crystal Structure and Electronic Conductivity of Melt Synthesized Fe‐rich, near End‐Member Ferro‐Kinoshitalite
Authors: Daab Matthias , Loch Patrick , Milius Wolfgang , Schönauer‐Kamin Daniela , Schubert Michaela , Wunder Anja , Moos Ralf , Wagner Friedrich E. , Breu Josef
Published: October 2017

In an attempt to improve the electronic conductivity an FeII‐rich brittle mica, a near end‐member Ferro‐Kinoshitalite (BaFe3Si2Al2O10F2) was synthesized via a melt approach. The structure is of 1M polytype [a = 5.4013(11) Å, b = 9.3659(19) Å, c = 9.987(2) Å, β = 100.52(3)°, C2/m] and the iron content clearly exceeds natural abundance levels. The crystal structure is discussed with respect to established limits of isomorphous substitution based on geometrical considerations and is compared to other iron‐rich micas. It is evidenced that the limitation of octahedral FeII substitution in micas is not merely governed by the misfit of tetrahedral and octahedral sheets as indicated in the literature. The electronic conductivity of contacted single crystals (μS·cm–1) is comparable to the conductivity of Ferrous‐Tainiolite and is unfortunately not enhanced by the increased iron content. It is determined by the valence state of Fe rather than by the total Fe content.
Swedenborgite CaBa(Mn2Fe2)O7 with Spin Ordering on a Geometrically Frustrated, Polar, Non‐centrosymmetric S = 5/2 Lattice
Authors: Valldor Martin , Yadav Ravi , Hozoi Liviu , van den Brink Jeroen , Maljuk Andrey , Werner Jochen , Scaravaggi Francesco , Wolter Anja U. B. , Büchner Bernd
Published: October 2017

By solid‐state reaction in closed ampoules, almost phase pure Swedenborgite CaBa(Mn2Fe2)O7 [P63mc, a = 6.4100(1) Å, c = 10.3752(2) Å] was obtained. Thermodynamic and melting behavior investigations suggest that this complex oxide melts incongruently and that the true composition contains a minor surplus of Fe as compared to Mn. However, in first approximation, the magnetic transition metal lattice (Mn2Fe2) can be described as a homogeneous S = 5/2 system and consists of kagome layers with an intermediate trigonal site. A long range antiferromagnetic ordering is observed at TN = 205.5 K, as proven by magnetometry and specific heat measurements. The S = 5/2 (high‐spin d5) on‐site configuration is confirmed by ab initio quantum chemical calculations, which additionally indicate antiferromagnetic Heisenberg interactions with a ratio of 1.56 between the spin coupling constants of the two distinct d5–d5 links (in and out of the kagome plane). In light of recent numerical studies for the extended Swedenborgite spin lattice, this quantum chemical estimate for the Jout/Jin ratio in combination with magneto‐electric coupling, as a consequence of the polar, non‐centrosymmetric crystal structure, explain the experimentally found antiferromagnetic order.
Postoperative Bleeding After Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy: the Achilles’ Heel?
Authors: Chopinet Sophie , Fuks David , Rinaudo Mathieu , Massol Julien , Gregoire Emilie , Lamer Christian , Belgaumkar Ajay , Hardwigsen Jean , Le Treut Yves‐Patrice , Gayet Brice
Published: October 2017

Background

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) is technically demanding, and its impact on postoperative outcomes remains controversial.

Objective

To compare short‐term outcomes between laparoscopic versus open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) in order to assess the safety of LPD.

Methods

From 2002 to 2014, all consecutive patients undergoing LPD or OPD at two tertiary centers were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were matched for demographics, comorbidities, pathological diagnosis, and pancreatic texture. Results for the two groups were compared for postoperative outcomes.

Results

Sixty‐five LPD were performed and compared to 290 OPD. In the whole population, postoperative pancreatic fistula (PF) was higher in the LPD group, but the proportion of ampullary adénocarcinoma (25 vs. 10%, p = 0.004) and soft pancreatic parenchyma (52 vs. 38%, p = 0.001) were higher in the LDP group. After matching (n = 65), LPD was associated with longer operative time (429 vs. 328 min, p < 0.001) and lower blood loss (370 vs. 515 mL, p = 0.047). The PF rate and its severity were similar (33 vs. 27%, p = 0.439, p = 0.083) in the two groups. However, both complications (78 vs. 71%, p = 0.030) and major complications (40 vs. 23%, p = 0.033) were more frequent in the LPD group. LPD patients experience more postoperative bleeding (21 vs. 14%, p = 0.025) compared to their open counterparts. In multivariate analysis, perioperative transfusion (OR = 5 IC 95% (1.5–16), p = 0.008), soft pancreas (OR = 2.5 IC 95% (1.4–4.6), p = 0.001), and ampullary adenocarcinoma (OR = 2.6 IC 95% (1.2–5.6), p = 0.015) were independent risks factors of major complications.

Conclusion

Despite lower blood loss and lower intraoperative transfusion, LPD leads to higher rate of postoperative complications with postoperative bleeding in particular.
Analysis of Growth, Nutritional Status and Hospital Visitation Scores Associated with Reflux After Nissen Fundoplication in Neurologically Impaired Children with Gastroesophageal Reflux
Authors: Oh Chaeyoun , Youn Joong Kee , Han Ji‐Won , Kim Hyun‐Young , Jung Sung‐Eun
Published: October 2017

Background

Neurologically impaired children (NIC) often experience swallowing difficulties and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Although these conditions could place children in a state of poor nutritional status and prevent them from thriving, there is insufficient research evaluating growth and nutritional status following fundoplication in these patients.

Method

This is a retrospective study of patients who were neurologically impaired and underwent Nissen fundoplication between April 2001 and March 2015. Seventy‐six patients were enrolled, and the follow‐up period was 12 months or longer. Growth was measured by the change in body weight and height. Nutritional status was measured by the change in body mass index, serum albumin and protein level.

Results

Median age at operation was 1.85 years old, and median body weight was 10 kg. The respective Z scores for weight and height showed significant improvements after 1 year since the operation compared to 1 year within the operation (−2.42 ± 2.19 vs. −1.31 ± 1.96, P < 0.001) (−1.6 ± 2.16 vs. −1.05 ± 1.69, P = 0.002). The respective Z scores for body mass index, albumin and protein also showed improvements after 1 year since the operation compared to 1 year within the operation (−2.07 ± 2.99 vs. −0.89 ± 2.1, P < 0.001) (3.55 ± 0.48 vs. 3.86 ± 0.45, P < 0.001) (6.22 ± 0.76 vs. 6.65 ± 0.51, P < 0.001). Hospital visitation scores associated with reflux were significantly lower after the operation (4.1 ± 3.43 vs. 1.18 ± 1.67, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In summary, after Nissen fundoplication in NIC with GER, growth and nutritional status improved significantly. Also, hospital visitation scores associated with reflux decreased after the operation.
Gamma Prime Precipitate Evolution During Aging of a Model Nickel-Based Superalloy
Authors: Goodfellow A. J. , Galindo-Nava E. I. , Christofidou K. A. , Jones N. G. , Martin T. , Bagot P. A. J. , Boyer C. D. , Hardy M. C. , Stone H. J.
Published: October 2017

The microstructural stability of nickel-based superalloys is critical for maintaining alloy performance during service in gas turbine engines. In this study, the precipitate evolution in a model polycrystalline Ni-based superalloy during aging to 1000 hours has been studied via transmission electron microscopy, atom probe tomography, and neutron diffraction. Variations in phase composition and precipitate morphology, size, and volume fraction were observed during aging, while the constrained lattice misfit remained constant at approximately zero. The experimental composition of the γ matrix phase was consistent with thermodynamic equilibrium predictions, while significant differences were identified between the experimental and predicted results from the γ′ phase. These results have implications for the evolution of mechanical properties in service and their prediction using modeling methods.
Working Life Expectancy at Age 50 in the United States and the Impact of the Great Recession
Authors: Dudel Christian , Myrskylä Mikko
Published: October 2017

A key concern about population aging is the decline in the size of the economically active population. Working longer is a potential remedy. However, little is known about the length of working life and how it relates to macroeconomic conditions. We use the U.S. Health and Retirement Study for 1992–2011 and multistate life tables to analyze working life expectancy at age 50 and study the impact of the Great Recession in 2007–2009. Despite declines of one to two years following the recession, in 2008–2011, American men aged 50 still spent 13 years, or two-fifths of their remaining life, working; American women of the same age spent 11 years, or one-third of their remaining life, in employment. Although educational differences in working life expectancy have been stable since the mid-1990s, racial differences started changing after the onset of the Great Recession. Our results show that although Americans generally work longer than people in other countries, considerable subpopulation heterogeneity exists. We also find that the time trends are fluctuating, which may prove troublesome as the population ages. Policies targeting the weakest performing groups may be needed to increase the total population trends.
Hepatic Bubble: Rare Case of a Primary Hepatic Cyst
Authors: Singh Divya , Kaur Ladbans , Kaur Meetan Preet
Published: October 2017

Fetal hepatic cyst is a rare lesion. The authors present a case of fetal hepatic cyst detected at 20 weeks of gestation during the target scan. Sonography revealed an anechoic lesion in the right upper quadrant of the fetal abdomen lacking vascularity on color Doppler. The lesion remained stable during the course of pregnancy. A baby girl was delivered at 38 weeks of gestation. Postnatal evaluation of the child confirmed the diagnosis of a primary hepatic cyst.
A Tale of Eight Pesticides: Risk Regulation and Public Health in China
Authors: SNYDER Francis , NI Lili
Published: October 2017

This article focuses on the use and regulation of eight toxic pesticides in agricultural production in China. The pesticides are bifenthrin, chlorpyrifus, diazinon, dimethoate, methidathion, omethoate, phosmet and phosphamidon. These pesticides pose widely recognised public health risks in China. So far as we know, the article is the first article in English ever to treat these pesticides systematically from the standpoint of the regulation of risks to human beings and to the environment. Adopting perspectives from public health, economic sociology and law, the article considers the principal characteristics of these pesticides, the main health risks associated with their use in agricultural production and how these pesticides in agricultural production are currently regulated in Chinese law. It identifies a series of policy implications and makes specific policy recommendations concerning risk regulation of these eight pesticides.
The Italian Xylella Case: The Role of EFSA in the EU Decision-making on Risk
Authors: PAGANO Mario
Published: October 2017

Joined Cases C-78/16 and C-79/16, Giovanni Pesce (et al) v Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri, [2016] EU:C:2016:428.

In Xylella, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) was called upon to assess how far policymakers can go in conditions of scientific uncertainty, and whether EFSA opinions can be indirectly subject to judicial review, despite not being legally binding. In particular, the Xylella case highlights the relevance of EFSA’s scientific authority over the Commission: since EFSA opinions are not directly reviewable by the CJEU – as they constitute an intermediate stage of a more complex administrative procedure – the political and legal liabilities relating to EFSA assessments are entirely shifted onto the Commission, whose discretion is reviewable by the EU judiciary. In this regard, the Xylella case confirms how difficult the judicial review of precautionary measures can be. It shows once again that a full assessment of these measures is impossible, as scientific uncertainty restricts the grounds for judicial review to the manifest appropriateness of the contested measures and the availability of less onerous and equally effective measures.
Appraisal of the fossil record ofHomarus(nephropid lobster), with description of a new species from the upper Oligocene of Hungary and remarks on the status ofHoploparia
Authors: Tshudy Dale , Hyžný Matúš , Dulai Alfréd , Jagt John W.M.
Published: October 2017

The fossil record of the clawed lobster genus,Homarus, is appraised. The taxonomic history ofHomarusandHoplopariais summarized, and a list of species recognized for each is provided. A tabulation of all fossil species of the family Nephropidae permits assessment of nephropid species diversity through time. A new species ofHomarus,H.hungaricus, is recorded from the upper Oligocene (Chattian) Mány Formation at Mány, northern Hungary. The species is known by a single specimen consisting of a partial cephalothorax, a pleon minus telson, and partial chelipeds.Homarusis now known by two extant species (H.americanusandH.gammarus) and six fossil taxa, one of Early Cretaceous (Albian;H.benedeni) and five of Cenozoic age (H.hungaricusn. sp.,H.klebsi,H.lehmanni,H.morrisi, andH.percyi). The new fossilHomarusdiffers from modern congeners in aspects of carapace and pleon ornamentation and, especially, cutter claw shape. This is the fourth Oligocene occurrence of a nephropid species; all areHomarusand all are from Western Europe.Homarusmakes its appearance in the fossil record in the Early Cretaceous (Albian) and then is not known again until the Paleogene, despite the fact that nephropid lobsters in general are well known from the Late Cretaceous. Nephropid lobsters are better known from the Cretaceous than from the Cenozoic. Both raw species numbers and numbers corrected (normalized) for epicontinental sea coverage show that shelf-dwelling nephropid lobsters were most diverse during the Late Cretaceous.
The Origin and Development of Prison Fellowship International: Pluralism, Ecumenism and American Leadership in the Evangelical World 1974–2006
Authors: OLIVER KENDRICK
Published: October 2017

Established in 1979 by Watergate felon Charles Colson, Prison Fellowship International (PFI) is now one of the largest para-church organizations in world evangelicalism. This article explains PFI's origins with reference to the existence of a transnational evangelical network, the compatibility of PFI's mission with the emergent theme of evangelical social concern, and a general crisis of penology across a number of Western countries. It explores the creative tension between Colson's empire-building instincts and the desire of PFI affiliates to influence the direction of the organization, revealing the transactional manner in which American evangelicals exercised global leadership in the late twentieth century.
Christ of the American Road: E. Stanley Jones, India, and Civil Rights
Authors: SWARTZ DAVID R.
Published: October 2017

This article, which emphasizes the importance of transnational history, tracks the influence of E. Stanley Jones, a missionary to India in the early twentieth century, on evangelicals in the United States. It contends that global encounters pushed Jones to hold integrated ashrams, conduct evangelistic crusades, and participate in the Congress on Racial Equality. During his time abroad, he discovered that racial segregation at home hurt the causes of missions and democracy abroad. Using this Cold War logic, Jones in turn provoked American evangelicals to consider more fully questions of racial inequality.
The World Congress on Evangelism 1966 in Berlin: US Evangelicalism, Cultural Dominance, and Global Challenges
Authors: BALBIER UTA A.
Published: October 2017

This article uses the World Congress on Evangelism held in Berlin in 1966 to explore the cultural dimensions of US leadership in the world of global evangelism post-World War II. It shows how a close alliance with technology and business, as well as traditional anticommunism and belief in Western civilization, spurred US evangelicals to assume global leadership. A closer examination of the cultural and spiritual atmosphere of the congress reveals, however, that beneath the apparent American leadership tensions emerged around race and social issues, expressed forcefully by new theological and political voices from the developing world. These tensions were negotiated through common practices and behaviours, such as during prayer sessions, dinner conversations, and discussions groups, and allowed a genuine transnational evangelical community to arise.
Global Radio Broadcasting and the Dynamics of American Evangelicalism
Authors: STONEMAN TIMOTHY
Published: October 2017

During the middle decades of the twentieth century, American evangelicals broadened their global outlook and operations, becoming the largest private radio broadcasters in the world. As they expanded overseas after World War II, American evangelicals encountered a world in crisis due to the Cold War, population growth, and processes of decolonization, affecting Western missions. Evangelical broadcasting advocates promoted mass media as a means to address the shifting demographic, political, and religious balance between the global North and South. Global radio broadcasting demonstrated a dynamic tension within American evangelicalism between innovative and conservative impulses, which was particularly evident in the area of reception.
Age modification of the relationship between C-reactive protein and fatigue: findings from Understanding Society (UKHLS)
Authors: Hughes A. , Kumari M.
Published: October 2017

Background

Systemic inflammation may play a role in the development of idiopathic fatigue, that is, fatigue not explained by infections or diagnosed chronic illness, but this relationship has never been investigated in community studies including the entire adult age span. We examine the association of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) and fatigue assessed annually in a 3-year outcome period for UK adults aged 16–98.

Methods

Multilevel models were used to track fatigue 7, 19, and 31 months after CRP measurement, in 10 606 UK individuals. Models accounted for baseline fatigue, demographics, health conditions diagnosed at baseline and during follow-up, adiposity, and psychological distress. Sensitivity analyses considered factors including smoking, sub-clinical disease (blood pressure, anaemia, glycated haemoglobin), medications, ethnicity, and alcohol consumption.

Results

Fatigue and CRP increased with age, and women had higher values than men. CRP was associated with future self-reported fatigue, but only for the oldest participants. Thus, in those aged 61–98 years, high CRP (>3 mg/L) independently predicted greater fatigue 7, 19, and 31 months after CRP measurement [odds ratio for new-onset fatigue after 7 months: 1.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21–2.92; 19 months: 2.25, CI 1.46–3.49; 31 months: 1.65, CI 1.07–2.54]. No significant longitudinal associations were seen for younger participants.

Conclusions

Our findings support previously described CRP–fatigue associations in older individuals. However, there are clear age modifications in these associations, which may reflect a contribution of unmeasured sub-clinical disease of limited relevance to younger individuals. Further work is necessary to clarify intervening processes linking CRP and fatigue in older individuals.
Prediction of drug abuse recurrence: a Swedish National Study
Authors: Kendler K. S. , Ohlsson H. , Sundquist K. , Sundquist J.
Published: October 2017

Background

Relapse from drug abuse (DA) is common, but has rarely been studied in general population samples using a wide range of objective predictors.

Method

Using nationwide registries, we ascertained 44 523 subjects first registered for DA between the ages of 15 and 40 in 1998 to 2004 and followed for 8 years. We predicted relapse in subjects defined as a second DA registration. We also predicted DA relapse in relative pairs concordant for DA but discordant for relapse.

Results

In multivariate regression analyses, the strongest predictors for relapse were prior criminal behavior, male sex, being on social welfare, low school achievement, prior alcoholism, and a high-risk father. A risk index trained from these analyses on random split-halves demonstrated a risk ratio of 1.11 [95% confidence intervals (CIs) 1.10–1.11] per decile and an ROC value of 0.70 (0.69–0.71). Co-relative analyses indicated that a modest proportion of this association was causal, with the remainder arising from familial confounders. A developmental structural equation model revealed a complex interviewing of risk pathways to DA with three key mediational hubs: low educational attainment, early age at first registration, and being on social welfare.

Conclusions

In a general population sample, using objective registry information, DA relapse is substantially predictable. However, the identified risk factors may not be valid targets for interventions because many index familial risk and may not impact causally on probability of relapse. Risk for DA relapse may reflect an inter-weaving, over developmental time, of genetic–temperamental vulnerability, indices of externalizing behaviors and social factors reflecting deprivation.
A Cooperative Positioning Service for Multi-Modal Public Transit Situations
Authors: Retscher G. , Obex F.
Published: October 2017

A better understanding of passenger movement in multi-modal transit situations is the major aim of this study. By using a novel Cooperative Positioning (CP) approach, algorithms can be generated which considerably increase the accuracy of person tracking. Smooth transit at stations is enabled, thus the total waiting time for routing at the traffic interchange is reduced. A Location-Based Services (LBS) user is guided by the service and located with the assistance of the whole user group. In addition to the technological developments, the acceptance and end-user needs are considered. End-users of such a service have the right to withdraw their consent for transferring location-based and other personal data at any time. They also receive clear and comprehensive information about when and why they reveal their personal data and location and its further use. In this paper, the concept is introduced followed by a comprehensive discussion of the suitable CP localisation techniques as well as an implementation strategy. Furthermore, ethical and usability aspects are discussed to ensure user-friendly results.
Contrasting tocol ratios associated with seed longevity in rice variety groups
Authors: Lee Jae-Sung , Kwak Jieun , Yoon Mi-Ra , Lee Jeom-Sig , Hay Fiona R.
Published: October 2017

Vitamin E (tocols) is a key metabolite for efficient scavenging of lipid peroxy radicals that cause membrane breakdown during seed ageing. However, in rice, this hypothesis has been tested for very few lines only and without considering intraspecific variation in genomic structure. Here, we present a correlation study between tocols and seed longevity using a diverse rice panel. Seeds of 20 rice accessions held in the International Rice Genebank at the International Rice Research Institute, representing Aus, Basmati/Sadri, Indica, temperate Japonica and tropical Japonica variety groups, were used for tocols analysis (quantification of α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherol/tocotrienol by ultra-performance liquid chromatography) and storage experiments at 45°C and 10.9% seed moisture content. To examine the effects of DNA-haplotype on the phenotype, the 700 K high-density single-nucleotide polymorphism marker dataset was utilized. Both seed longevity (time for viability to fall to 50%; p50) and tocols content varied across variety groups related to the heterogeneity in the genetic architecture. Among eight types of tocol homologues, α-tocopherol and γ-tocotrienol were significantly correlated with p50 (negatively and positively, respectively). While temperate Japonica varieties were most abundant in α-tocopherol, Indica varieties recorded 1.3- to 1.7-fold higher γ-tocotrienol than those of other groups. We conclude that the specific ratio of tocol homologues rather than total tocols content plays an important role in the seed longevity mechanism.
Could President Trump Rely on Legal Advice to Order the Offensive Use of Military Force at His Discretion?
Authors: Edelson Chris
Published: October 2017

Although the US Constitution permits presidents to order the use of military force without congressional approval only in an emergency context, presidents since Truman—especially after 9/11—have unilaterally ordered the offensive use of military force without congressional approval. Unless Congress asserts its constitutional role, President Donald Trump could continue to draw on this precedent to claim broad discretion to order the use of military force.