bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Donepezil: a case of inappropriate sexual behaviours in dementia
Authors: Luong Eric , Lewis Karen
Published: September 2016

Background

Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor currently available to help manage cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease by enhancing cholinergic function in the central nervous system. Product information reports increased libido (≥1%) as part of the endocrine and metabolic adverse effects of donepezil. What is less clear is the relationship between donepezil and inappropriate sexual behaviours (ISB). To date, there have been three published case reports of patients displaying ISB after commencing donepezil. However, information about patient experiences were lacking and, if documented, only accounts from female patients were given.

Aim

To increase awareness of the association between donepezil and ISB.

Clinical details

An 85‐year‐old man presented to the Geriatric Evaluation and Management unit for further management of cognitive decline. Eight days after donepezil commencement, the patient developed ISB. The patient had no previous history of abnormality in sexual behaviour prior to hospitalisaton.

Outcomes

ISB, including fondling himself and masturbating in public, were documented. Despite the cognitive decline, the patient still retained some insight into his sexual behaviour and requested a private consultation with the geriatrician. Medical and laboratory findings and neurological examinations were unremarkable. Donepezil was then ceased. The patient's behaviour improved after 3 days and he was transferred to a transitional care program.

Conclusion

This case adds to the existing literature that donepezil may cause ISB. This should be especially considered when it is prescribed for patients who display or have risk factors for sexual disinhibition, a potential element of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.
How to Outperform Emerging Market Indexes Using Passive Indexation
Authors: Agarwal Nipun , Al Farooque Omar
Published: September 2016

The proposed excess return indexation (ERI) method helps reduce index volatility and increase return compared with the underlying market capitalization or price‐weighted indexes.
Strategic Flexibility for Reconfiguring Loan Portfolios in Indian Banks
Authors: Roy Anjan
Published: September 2016

Bank organizations must have the strategic flexibility to make changes in their business mix.
Microfinance Institutions, Responsibility, and Strategic Direction
Authors: Abraham Dimple Tresa , Kalamkar Shrikant S.
Published: September 2016

MFIs and the microfinance sector should align with state goals of job creation and poverty eradication to rediscover their original mission.
Dealing with Black Swan Events: An Interview with Vijay Mahajan, Founder and CEO of Basix
Authors: Ashta Arvind
Published: September 2016

Social entrepreneurs who are genuinely following their mission may find unexpected disaster if the industry as a whole does not conform to the social consciousness created by their image.
Totally implantable venous access port via the femoral vein in a femoral port position with CT‐venography
Authors: Kato Kazuya , Iwasaki Yoshiaki , Onodera Kazuhiko , Higuchi Mineko , Kato Kimitaka , Kato Yurina , Matsuda Minoru , Endo Seiya , Kobashi Yuko , Taniguchi Masahiko
Published: September 2016

Background and Purpose

We aimed to determine the success rate and any complications using a percutaneous approach to the femoral vein (FV) for placement of a totally implantable access port (TIVAP), with a preoperative assessment of the femoral and iliac veins using computed tomography‐venography (CT‐V).

Methods

A prospective study of 72 patients was conducted where placement of a TIVAP was attempted via the right FV, with the port placed in the anterior thigh, when subclavian vein or jugular vein access was contraindicated. Preoperative assessment of the femoral venous plexus was performed with CT‐V in 72 patients.

Results

CT‐V success was achieved in 72 of 72 patients (100%). The average distance between the inguinal ligament and the saphenofeomral (FV‐GSV) junction was 42.8 ± 12.9 mm. The FV approach had a 97% successful cannulation rate. Two patients had a thrombosis in either the femoral vein or the great saphenous vein. One procedural complication (1.4%) and one initial complication (1.4%) occurred. Late complications occurred in four patients (5.7%).

Conclusions

The percutaneous FV approach with CT‐V guidance is an option for patients with multiple central venous cannulations, as well as those with bilateral breast cancer, or those undergoing hemodialysis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:1024–1028. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of a novel stirrerliquid/solid microextraction method for the separation and enrichment of trace levels of active compounds in traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Wang Caiyun , Chen Xuan , Hu Shuang , Bai Xiaohong
Published: September 2016

A novel stirrer‐liquid/solid microextraction method was developed for the separation and enrichment of trace levels of curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and demethoxycurcumin in Rhizoma Curcumae Longae, Radix Curcumae, and Rhizoma Curcumae before their analysis by high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. In the proposed approach, a magnetic stirrer was immersed in decanol to coat its surface completely with decanol, which was used as an extraction platform. The stirrer coated with decanol is not only a power to agitate the sample solution to constantly update the sample on the stirrer surface but also it can adsorb and extract the target analytes. Some effective parameters, including suitable superficial area of stirrer, extraction solvent, sample phase pH, NaCl concentration, stirring rate, extraction time, sample phase volume, were analyzed and selected. Under the optimal conditions, the linearities are 0.0044–2.20 μg/mL, detection limits are 0.3–0.6 ng/mL, and the extraction content per unit length and enrichment factors of the target analytes are 6.24–9.71/mm and 589–917, respectively. Also, the stirrer‐liquid/solid microextraction mechanism for the extraction and enrichment of the target analytes was analyzed and expounded. The results showed that stirrer‐liquid/solid microextraction is a simple, rapid sample pretreatment approach with a high enrichment factor.
Improvement of ischemic or congested wound conditions by reconstruction with microsurgical flaps
Authors: Kim Jeong Tae , Kim Sang Wha
Published: September 2016

Background

Intractable chronic wounds share the basic problem of the environment being unfavorable for wound healing and prone to infection, inflammation, and recurrences. Microsurgical flap provides a healthy, well‐vascularized normal tissue to compromised intractable environment, and promotes wound healing. In this report, we present the results of microsurgical flaps used for the reconstruction of chronic intractable conditions including chronic ulcer with an ischemic environment and pathologic lesions with a congestive environment.

Patients and methods

From 1997 to 2015, 18 patients received microsurgical flaps for chronic intractable conditions. Among them, three patients had radiation ulcers with an ischemic environment and 15 had pathologic lesions with a congested environment, such as vascular malformations. Nine patients were male, and nine were female. The mean age was 31.9 years. All patients were treated using radical excision and reconstruction with microsurgical tissue transfer.

Results

All flaps survived completely. Among three patients with radiation ulcers, two had minor wound disruptions, which were managed conservatively. No further episodes of infections or breakdowns occurred. Among 15 patients who had pathologic lesions, one suffered facial palsy of the forehead. No complications in terms of infection, or recurrences were noted, and resolution of the residual surrounding lesions was observed on follow‐ups. No donor related problems occurred in any patients. The mean follow‐up period was 10.7 years.

Conclusion

In this report, we present the results of reconstruction of chronic intractable conditions using microsurgical flaps. The reconstruction using microsurgical flaps was clinically successful, with long‐term improvement of surrounding tissues and no recurrence.
A review on potential development of flame retardant kenaf fibers reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Saba N. , Jawaid M. , Alothman Othman Y. , Inuwa I.M. , Hassan A.
Published: September 2016

Kenaf fibers have been extensively explored from the past few decades in polymer composites industries owing to its extensive adaptations, excellent properties together with its comparable mechanical properties to traditional glass fibers polymer composites. The combustibility or lowered flame retardancy hampered the diverse applications of kenaf fibers reinforced polymer composites, as it affects the mechanical strength and stiffness of composites during fire. Current review article intended to be a comprehensive source of published literature involving the flame retardants (FRs), types and applications of FRs and the fabrication of kenaf fibers reinforced polymer composites. This article will also provide a perfect data on the recent development of the FR kenaf fibers polymer composites with different FRs and explored its structural and semi‐structural industrial application for performing further research in this topic. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular mechanisms in atopic eczema: insights gained from genetic studies
Authors: Brown Sara J
Published: September 2016

Atopic eczema (synonymous with atopic dermatitis) is a common heterogeneous phenotype with a wide spectrum of severity, from mild transient disease to a severe chronic disorder with atopic and non‐atopic comorbidities. Eczema is a complex trait, resulting from the interaction of multiple genetic and environmental factors. The skin, as an organ that can be biopsied easily, provides opportunities for detailed molecular genetic analysis. Strategies applied to the investigation of atopic eczema include candidate gene and genome‐wide studies, extreme phenotypes, and comparative analysis of inflammatory skin diseases. Genetic studies have identified a central role for skin barrier impairment in eczema predisposition and perpetuation; this has brought about a paradigm shift in understanding atopic disease, but specific molecular targets to improve skin barrier function remain elusive. The role of Th2‐mediated immune dysfunction is also central to atopic inflammation, and has proved to be a powerful target for biological therapy in atopic eczema. Advances in understanding eczema pathogenesis have provided opportunities for patient stratification, primary prevention, and therapy development, but there remain considerable challenges in the application of this knowledge to optimize benefit for patients with atopic eczema in the era of personalized medicine. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and properties evaluation of bio‐based PLA/PLGA blend films reinforced with microcrystalline cellulose and organophilic silica
Authors: dos Santos Fernanda Abbate , Valle Iulianelli Gisele Cristina , Bruno Tavares Maria Inês
Published: September 2016

The preparation and properties of hybrid materials based on poly(lactic acid)/poly(lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLA/PLGA) blends using microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and organophilic silica (R972) as fillers have been investigated. Hybrid materials were manufactured by solution casting using chloroform as solvent to prepare films. R972 was incorporated in a ratio of 3 wt%, and MCC was added in ratios of 3, 5, or 7 wt% with respect to the weight of the polymeric matrix. Films were prepared with only MCC addition or with MCC and R972 combined. Properties of the films were evaluated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and mechanical property measurements. The results show that each filler, when added individually or in combination, affects the structure and final properties of the films differently. MCC acts as a nucleating agent for the crystallization of the polymeric matrix. An increase in the MCC content increased the crystallinity of the films. This effect became more pronounced with silica addition. The domain distribution curves showed PLA/PLGA blends to be homogeneous, which was further confirmed by DSC. An improvement in the mechanical performance was observed with MCC addition, especially when silica was added together with cellulose. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:464–472, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Genetic medicines for CF: Hype versus reality
Authors: Alton Eric W.F.W. , Boyd A. Christopher , Davies Jane C. , Gill Deborah R. , Griesenbach Uta , Harrison Patrick T. , Henig Noreen , Higgins Tracy , Hyde Stephen C. , Innes J. Alastair , Korman Michael S.D.
Published: September 2016

Since identification of the CFTR gene over 25 years ago, gene therapy for cystic fibrosis (CF) has been actively developed. More recently gene therapy has been joined by other forms of “genetic medicines” including mRNA delivery, as well as genome editing and mRNA repair‐based strategies. Proof‐of‐concept that gene therapy can stabilize the progression of CF lung disease has recently been established in a Phase IIb trial. An early phase study to assess the safety and explore efficacy of CFTR mRNA repair is ongoing, while mRNA delivery and genome editing‐based strategies are currently at the pre‐clinical phase of development. This review has been written jointly by some of those involved in the various CF “genetic medicine” fields and will summarize the current state‐of‐the‐art, as well as discuss future developments. Where applicable, it highlights common problems faced by each of the strategies, and also tries to highlight where a specific strategy may have an advantage on the pathway to clinical translation. We hope that this review will contribute to the ongoing discussion about the hype versus reality of genetic medicine‐based treatment approaches in CF. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:S5–S17. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The CF gastrointestinal microbiome: Structure and clinical impact
Authors: Rogers Geraint B. , Narkewicz Michael R. , Hoffman Lucas R.
Published: September 2016

The gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome is shaped by host diet, immunity, and other physicochemical characteristics of the GI tract, and perturbations such as antibiotic treatments can lead to persistent changes in microbial constituency and function. These GI microbes also play critical roles in host nutrition and health. A growing body of evidence suggests that the GI microbiome in people with CF is altered, and that these dysbioses contribute to disease manifestations in many organs, both within and beyond the GI tract. Therapies that people with CF receive, even those targeting the respiratory tract, may impact the CF GI microbiome in ways that can influence the outcome of treatment. These new perspectives on the microbial contents of the CF intestine offer new opportunities for preventing a variety of CF‐associated disorders. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:S35–S44. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Monitoring of nanodiamonds in human urine using artificial neural networks
Authors: Laptinskiy Kirill , Burikov Sergey , Dolenko Sergey , Efitorov Alexander , Sarmanova Olga , Shenderova Olga , Vlasov Igor , Dolenko Tatiana
Published: September 2016

This paper presents the results of application of the elaborated methods for monitoring of nanodiamonds in human urine using fluorescence spectroscopy. High efficiency of artificial neural networks applied for recognition and estimation of the concentration of nanodiamonds in urine with a strong autofluorescence background is demonstrated. It was found that minimal concentration of nanodiamonds with strong fluorescence containing nitrogen‐vacancy (NV) centers can be detected in urine by fluorescence spectroscopy at a level of 3.06 × 10−4 g L−1; while use of artificial neural networks for detection of weakly fluorescent detonation nanodiamonds provides reasonably high accuracy of detection, not worse than 6.8 × 10−3 g L−1.
EM‐based adaptive divided difference filter for nonlinear system with multiplicative parameter
Authors: Wang Xiaoxu , Song Bao , Liang Yan , Pan Quan
Published: September 2016

This paper is concerned with application of expectation maximization (EM) algorithm for deriving an adaptive version of divided difference filter for joint state estimation and multiplicative parameter identification of nonlinear system with the colored measurement noise. Owing to the fact that there exist a mutual coupling and interaction of state and parameter on each other, it requires a joint or simultaneous estimation of both state and parameter by a mutual iteration, and justly, EM iterates Expectation (E‐)step and Maximization (M‐)step to meet such requirement. Firstly, E‐step involves state filtering and smoothing issues under knowing the previous parameter identification results, which is well solved by resorting to the Gaussian approximation with a trade‐off between accuracy and complexity. Further, such Gaussian approximation estimators are applied for evaluating the condition expectation of complete‐data likelihood function, nonlinearly characterized by the multiplicative parameter needed to be optimized. Secondly, M‐step deals with the maximization of the condition expectation by directly making its derivative as zero to obtain the current general parameter identification equation as the nonlinear integral. Thirdly, by iteratively operating E‐step and M‐step, an adaptive divided difference filter is proposed for joint state estimation and parameter identification by using the second‐order Stirling interpolation to compute the associated nonlinear integral. Finally, the robust performance of the EM‐based adaptive version of divided difference filter to the unknown or time‐varying multiplicative parameter, as compared with the standard augmentation method, is demonstrated by a maneuvering target tracking example. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flavonoid compounds from the red marine alga Alsidium corallinum protect against potassium bromate‐induced nephrotoxicity in adult mice
Authors: Ben Saad Hajer , Gargouri Manel , Kallel Fatma , Chaabene Rim , Boudawara Tahia , Jamoussi Kamel , Magné Christian , Mounir Zeghal Khaled , Hakim Ahmed , Ben Amara Ibtissem
Published: September 2016

Potassium bromate (KBrO3), an environmental pollutant, is a well‐known human carcinogen and a potent nephrotoxic agent. Currently, natural products have built a well‐recognized role in the management of many diseases induced by pollutants. As potent natural sources of bioactive compounds, marine algae have been demonstrated to be rich in novel secondary metabolites with a broad range of biological functions. In this study, adults male mice were orally treated for 15 days with KBrO3 (0.5 g/L) associated or not with extract of Alsidium corallinum, a red Mediterranean alga. In vitro study demonstrated that algal extract has antioxidant efficacy attributable to the presence of flavonoids and polyphenols. Among these, Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis showed A. corallinum is rich in kaempferol, apigenin, catechin, and quercetin flavonoids. In vivo study showed that supplementation with the alga significantly prevented KBrO3‐induced nephrotoxicity as indicated by plasma biomarkers (urea, uric acid, and creatinin levels) and oxidative stress related parameters (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione, vitamin C, hydrogen peroxide, protein oxidation products) in kidney tissue. The corrective effect of A. corallinum on KBrO3‐induced kidney injury was also supported by molecular and histopathological observations. In conclusion, it was established that the red alga, thanks to its bioactive compounds, effectively counteracts toxic effects of KBrO3 and could be a useful coadjuvant agent for treatment of this pollutant poisonings. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1475–1486, 2017.
Multiwell Technique of Saline and Nonsaline Groundwater Pumping from Coastal Aquifers
Authors: Islam Muktarun , Hoque M. Mozzammel
Published: September 2016

In this article, the authors explore their recent study, which introduces the concept of extracting saline water and fresh water simultaneously from groundwater aquifers to produce water that is suitable for irrigation. To achieve these results, multiwell modeling concepts are used to exploit both the saline and nonsaline aquifer domains from geologic formations where a freshwater aquifer domain is either underlain or overlain by a saline aquifer domain. The water from these domains are either mixed to an acceptable salinity level after independent withdrawal from separate, saline or nonsaline domains present within the same aquifer, or mixed from the domains to achieve acceptable levels of salinity before withdrawal.
Phytoremediation of Copper‐Contaminated Soil Using Helianthus annuus, Brassica nigra, and Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.: A Pot Scale Study
Authors: Lothe Anjali G. , Hansda Arti , Kumar Vipin
Published: September 2016

Phytoremediation is an eco‐friendly and cost‐effective technology that uses plants to extract contaminants from the environment or to decrease contaminant toxicity. This article documents a study not only of the effectiveness of copper uptake by Heliantus annuus (common sunflower), Brassica nigra (black mustard), and Lycoperscion esculentum Mill. (a tomato species), but of where, within these plant species, the copper is accumulated—in the roots or in the shoots. This is vital information, for if these particular plants accumulate copper primarily in their roots, then their edible portions will likely be safe to eat, while if they accumulate the copper in their shoots, their harvestable portions would be harmful to living beings.
Natural succession of grassland on the Loess Plateau of China affects multifractal characteristics of soil particle‐size distribution and soil nutrients
Authors: Sun Caili , Liu Guobin , Xue Sha
Published: September 2016

Knowledge of the changes of soil properties and soil particle‐size distribution (PSD) is important for quantifying soil quality and dynamics during natural succession. We applied multifractal theory to characterize the PSDs in five soil layers of nine croplands abandoned for less than 1 year, 2, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 35 years and evaluated the changes of soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (total N), total phosphorus (total P), soil texture and multifractal parameters [capacity dimension (D0), entropy dimension (D1), correlation dimension (D2) and Hölder exponent of order zero (α0)] during natural succession on the Loess Plateau of China. Rényi spectra (Dq) and singularity spectra f(α) characterized the PSDs well and sensitively reflected the changes of heterogeneity of the surface soil (0–20 cm) during natural succession. SOC, total N and clay contents and the multifractal parameters increased significantly by the late stage of succession, mostly in the topsoil (0–10 cm). Natural succession thus effectively improved the soil physicochemical properties on the Loess Plateau of China, even though it was time‐consuming. SOC and total N contents decreased with depth throughout the natural succession, but the multifractal parameters were higher in the topsoil only in the late stage. D1 and D2 were strongly and positively correlated with SOC and total N contents in the surface layers and with fine particles in all layers, suggesting that D1 and D2 may be sensitive and practical indices for quantifying changes in soil properties and erosion.
Continuous Gradient Temperature Raman Spectroscopy of Oleic and Linoleic Acids from −100 to 50 °C
Authors: Broadhurst C. Leigh , Schmidt Walter F. , Kim Moon S. , Nguyen Julie. K. , Qin Jianwei , Chao Kuanglin , Bauchan Gary L. , Shelton Daniel. R.
Published: September 2016

We analyzed the unsaturated fatty acids oleic (OA, 18:1n‐9) and linoleic (LA, 18:2n‐3), and a 3:1 LA:OA mixture from −100 to 50 °C with continuous gradient temperature Raman spectroscopy (GTRS). The 20 Mb three‐dimensional data arrays with 0.2 °C increments and first/second derivatives allowed rapid, complete assignment of solid, liquid, and transition state vibrational modes. For OA, large spectral and line width changes occurred in the solid state γ to α transition near −4 °C, and the melt (13 °C) over a range of only 1 °C. For LA, major intensity reductions from 200 to 1750 cm−1 and some peak shifts marked one solid state phase transition at −50 °C. A second solid state transition (−33 °C) had minor spectral changes. Large spectral and line width changes occurred at the melt transition (−7 °C) over a narrow temperature range. For both molecules, melting initiates at the diene structure, then progresses towards the ends. In the 3:1 LA:OA mixture, some less intense and lower frequencies present in the individual lipids are weaker or absent. For example, modes assignable to C8 rocking, C9H–C10H wagging, C10H–C11H wagging, and CH3 rocking are present in OA but absent in LA:OA. Our data quantify the concept of lipid premelting and identify the flexible structures within OA and LA, which have characteristic vibrational modes beginning at cryogenic temperatures.
Offspring Socioeconomic Status and Parent Mortality Within a Historical Population
Authors: Zimmer Zachary , Hanson Heidi A. , Smith Ken R.
Published: September 2016

Considering a network approach to health determinants, we test the hypothesis that benefits of high socioeconomic status (SES) may be transmitted up the generational ladder from offspring to parents. Studies that examine own SES and own health outcomes, or SES of parents and outcomes of young or adolescent children, are common. Those that investigate SES of offspring and their association with parental health are rare. Employing data from a historical population of individuals extracted from a comprehensive population database that links demographic and vital records across generations, this study tests the hypothesis that higher offspring SES associates with lower parental mortality after controlling for parental SES. The sample includes 29,972 individuals born between 1864 and 1883 whose offspring were born between 1886 and 1920. SES is operationalized using Nam-Powers occupational status scores divided into quartiles and a category for farmers. Models assess mortality risk after age 40. Included is a test for whether effects are proportional across parents who died younger and older. Estimated life expectancies across categories of offspring SES conditioned on parental SES are calculated to illustrate specifically how differences in SES relate to differences in years lived. Results indicate a longevity penalty for those whose offspring have low SES and a longevity dividend for those with high-SES offspring. The influence of offspring attributes on well-being of parents points to fluid and myriad linkages between generations.
Preemptive Isolation Precautions of Patients at High Risk for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Combination With Ultrarapid Polymerase Chain Reaction Screening as an Effective Tool for Infection Control
Authors: Hallak Ghias , Neuner Bruno , Schefold Joerg C. , Gorzelniak Kerstin , Rapsch Brigitte , Pfüller Roland , Stengel Dirk , Wellmann Jürgen , Ekkernkamp Axel , Walter Michael
Published: September 2016

This sequential nonrandomized intervention study investigated the role of preemptive isolation precautions plus ultrarapid polymerase chain reaction screening for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Compared with no prophylactic isolation plus conventional microbiology MRSA screening, nosocomial MRSA colonization and total MRSA incidence per 10,000 patient days significantly decreased.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1489–1491
Fragmentation of acoustically levitating droplets by laser-induced cavitation bubbles
Authors: Gonzalez Avila Silvestre Roberto , Ohl Claus-Dieter
Published: September 2016

We report on an experimental study on the dynamics and fragmentation of water droplets levitated in a sound field exposed to a single laser-induced cavitation bubble. The nucleation of the cavitation bubble leads to a shock wave travelling inside the droplet and reflected from pressure release surfaces. Experiments and simulations study the location of the high negative pressures inside the droplet which result into secondary cavitation. Later, three distinct fragmentation scenarios are observed: rapid atomization, sheet formation and coarse fragmentation. Rapid atomization occurs when the expanding bubble, still at high pressure, ruptures the liquid film separating the bubble from the surrounding air and a shock wave is launched into the surrounding air. Sheet formation occurs due to the momentum transfer of the expanding bubble; for sufficiently small bubbles, the sheet retracts because of surface tension, while larger bubbles may cause the fragmentation of the sheet. Coarse fragmentation is observed after the first collapse of the bubble, where high-speed jets emanate from the surface of the droplet. They are the result of surface instability of the droplet combined with the impulsive pressure generated during collapse. A parameter plot for droplets in the size range between 0.17 and 1.5 mm and laser energies between 0.2 and 4.0 mJ allows the separation of these three regimes.
On the spreading of impacting drops
Authors: Wildeman Sander , Visser Claas Willem , Sun Chao , Lohse Detlef
Published: September 2016

The energy budget and dissipation mechanisms during droplet impact on solid surfaces are studied numerically and theoretically. We find that for high impact velocities and negligible surface friction at the solid surface (i.e. free slip), approximately one-half of the initial kinetic energy is transformed into surface energy, independent of the impact parameters and the detailed energy loss mechanism(s). We argue that this seemingly universal rule is related to the deformation mode of the droplet and is reminiscent of pipe flow undergoing a sudden expansion, for which the head loss can be calculated by multiplying the kinetic energy of the incoming flow by a geometrical factor. For impacts on a no-slip surface also dissipation in the shear boundary layer at the solid surface is important. In this case the geometric head loss acts as a lower bound on the total dissipation (i.e. the spreading on a no-slip surface approaches that on a free-slip surface when the droplet viscosity is sent to zero). This new view on the impact problem allows for simple analytical estimates of the maximum spreading diameter of impacting drops as a function of the impact parameters and the properties of the solid surface. It bridges the gap between previous momentum balance approaches and energy balance approaches, which hitherto did not give consistent predictions in the low viscosity limit. Good agreement is found between our models and experiments, both for impacts on ‘slippery’ or lubricated surfaces (e.g. Leidenfrost droplet impacts and head-on droplet–droplet collisions) and for impacts on no-slip surfaces.
Language learning motivation through a small lens: A research agenda
Authors: Ushioda Ema
Published: September 2016

In this paper I propose an agenda for researching language learning motivation ‘through a small lens’, to counteract our tendency in the second language (L2) motivation field to engage with language learning and teaching processes at a rather general level. I argue that by adopting a more sharply focused or contextualized angle of inquiry, we may be able to understand better how motivation connects with specific aspects of second language acquisition (SLA) or particular features of linguistic development. Keeping the empirical focus narrow may also lead to interesting and illuminating analyses of motivation in relation to particular classroom events or to evolving situated interactions among teachers and learners. I propose a number of possible research tasks that might be undertaken by experienced researchers, teacher-researchers or student-researchers wishing to investigate language learning motivation ‘through a small lens’.
ASYMPTOTICALLY EFFICIENT ESTIMATION OF WEIGHTED AVERAGE DERIVATIVES WITH AN INTERVAL CENSORED VARIABLE
Authors: Kaido Hiroaki
Published: September 2016

This paper studies the identification and estimation of weighted average derivatives of conditional location functionals including conditional mean and conditional quantiles in settings where either the outcome variable or a regressor is interval-valued. Building on Manski and Tamer (2002, Econometrica 70(2), 519–546) who study nonparametric bounds for mean regression with interval data, we characterize the identified set of weighted average derivatives of regression functions. Since the weighted average derivatives do not rely on parametric specifications for the regression functions, the identified set is well-defined without any functional-form assumptions. Under general conditions, the identified set is compact and convex and hence admits characterization by its support function. Using this characterization, we derive the semiparametric efficiency bound of the support function when the outcome variable is interval-valued. Using mean regression as an example, we further demonstrate that the support function can be estimated in a regular manner by a computationally simple estimator and that the efficiency bound can be achieved.
ON SOCIOPHONETIC COMPETENCE
Authors: Dalola Amanda , Bullock Barbara E.
Published: September 2016

The data from this study investigate phrase-final vowel devoicing in Metropolitan French among L1 and L2 speakers, in terms of number of times a speaker devoices a phrase-final high vowel and percentage of the vowel that is devoiced. The goal is to assess whether experienced L2 speakers use style-based variation in response to the same factors as native speakers. Results from a set of role playing and word list tasks revealed that L2 devoicing rates matched those of the natives, but were conditioned by different factors in each group. The duration of L2 speaker devoicing, however, was found not to match native levels. Notable differences emerged in response to shifts in style: L1 speakers showed higher rates and enhanced degrees of devoicing in pragmatic contexts that favored either slower or more formal speech, while L2 speakers responded very little to pragmatic shifts within role plays, instead responding more pronouncedly to different tasks.
Hollow quasi-Fatou components of quasiregular maps
Authors: NICKS DANIEL A. , SIXSMITH DAVID J.
Published: September 2016

We define a quasi-Fatou component of a quasiregular map as a connected component of the complement of the Julia set. A domain in ℝdis calledhollowif it has a bounded complementary component. We show that for eachd⩾ 2 there exists a quasiregular map of transcendental typef: ℝd→ ℝdwith a quasi-Fatou component which is hollow.

Suppose thatUis a hollow quasi-Fatou component of a quasiregular map of transcendental type. We show that ifUis bounded, thenUhas many properties in common with a multiply connected Fatou component of a transcendental entire function. On the other hand, we show that ifUis not bounded, then it is completely invariant and has no unbounded boundary components. We show that this situation occurs ifJ(f) has an isolated point, or ifJ(f) is not equal to the boundary of the fast escaping set. Finally, we deduce that ifJ(f) has a bounded component, then all components ofJ(f) are bounded.
Navigating an International Research Elective in a Resource-Poor Setting
Authors: Elbers Jorina
Published: September 2016

In the fall of 2008, I completed a 2-month international elective and traveled from Toronto, Canada to Zambia. Zambia is a peaceful, land-locked country in sub-Saharan Africa, neighboring Zimbabwe,Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Zambia ranks number 164 out of 182 in the United Nation's Human Development Index (2009), with 64.3% of the nation's population living below the World Bank poverty threshold of $1 a day. The estimated adult prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is 15%, with greater than 50% of the population less than 18 years old, and an average lifeexpectancy of 42 years (Unicef, 2007).
Societal pessimism in Japan, the United States, and The Netherlands-ERRATUM
Authors: HOUWELINGEN PEPIJN VAN
Published: September 2016

In the above paper one of the acronyms was expanded incorrectly.

‘COB’ is mentioned as ‘Coordination of Benefits’ (page 435) but the correct expansion is the following ‘Citizens’ Outlooks Barometer’.
Tracing an Ethic of Care in the Policy and Practice of the Troubled Families Programme
Authors: Bond-Taylor Sue
Published: September 2016

Drawing upon the Trace method developed by Selma Sevenhuijsen (2004), this paper has traced the discourse constructed in two key Troubled Families Programme (TFP) policy documents through the lens of care ethics, highlighting tensions between ‘care’ and ‘justice’ orientations in the neoliberal family intervention model. It is argued that whilst the family intervention model advocated has the potential to provide families with support underpinned by an ethic of care, the TFP's managerialist tendencies also create challenges to the integration of care ethics within such services. Given that the programme's financial framework generates considerable opportunity for local variation in policy implementation, the ethics of care offer a valuable moral framework by which to evaluate local practice. Moreover, engaging with a distinctly feminist ethic of care renders visible to family support services the inequalities produced through the gendered distribution of ‘caring’ responsibilities, and highlights the need for interventions to address rather than reinforce these inequalities.
Online Suicide Risk Assessment and Management Training
Authors: Gryglewicz Kim , Chen Jason I. , Romero Gabriela D. , Karver Marc S. , Witmeier Melissa
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Background: Many mental health professionals (MHPs) encounter youth at risk for suicide but lack knowledge and confidence to assist these individuals. Unfortunately, training for MHPs on suicide risk assessment and management is often not adequately accessible. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether MHPs' knowledge, attitudes, perceived social norms, and perceived behavioral control in working with at-risk suicidal youth improve following an online training (QPRT: Question, Persuade, Refer, Treat). Method: QPRT was provided to 225 MHPs from three large urban areas in the United States. Suicide prevention literacy, attitudes, perceived social norms, and perceived behavioral control in assessing and managing suicide risk were assessed before and after training. Data were also collected on training engagement and completion. Results: Suicide prevention literacy in most competency domains and perceived behavioral control increased significantly after participation in QPRT. Suicide prevention attitudes and some knowledge domains did not significantly improve. MHPs reported high satisfaction with the training. Conclusion: The current study provides initial support for offering MHPs online suicide risk assessment and management training. Online training programs may be an engaging and feasible means for providing advanced suicide prevention skills to MHPs who may have numerous barriers to accessing face-to-face training.
Comprehensive Online Self-Monitoring to Support Clinicians Manage Risk of Suicide in Youth Depression
Authors: Hetrick Sarah E. , Goodall Joanne , Yuen Hok Pan , Davey Christopher G. , Parker Alexandra G. , Robinson Jo , Rickwood Debra J. , McRoberts Alison , Sanci Lena , Gunn Jane , Rice Simon , Simmons Magenta B.
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Background: Routine monitoring of depression symptoms and suicide risk is essential for appropriate treatment planning and risk management, but not well implemented by clinicians. We developed a brief online monitoring tool to address this issue. Aims: To investigate whether the online tool can feasibly improve monitoring; whether it is acceptable and useful for young people and their clinicians; and to determine whether a shorter tool could be implemented. Method: In a naturalistic longitudinal cohort study, 101 young people with depression completed the online tool on a tablet, prior to their consultation. Their results were immediately available to their clinician. Clients and clinicians answered questionnaires about acceptability and usefulness. Results: The tool was feasible to implement. Young people and clinicians found the tool acceptable and useful for understanding symptoms and risk. A brief three-item suicidal ideation screening measure correlated well with a validated measure of suicidal ideation. Conclusion: The online tool facilitates the quick exchange of key information about suicide risk, allowing clinicians to immediately address this. This level of responsiveness is likely to improve treatment outcomes. The brief version allows full integration into clinical practice to support clinicians managing those at risk of suicide.
Blinatumomab vs historical standard therapy of adult relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Gökbuget N , Kelsh M , Chia V , Advani A , Bassan R , Dombret H , Doubek M , Fielding A K , Giebel S , Haddad V , Hoelzer D , Holland C , Ifrah N , Katz A , Maniar T , Martinelli G , Morgades M , O'Brien S , Ribera J-M , Rowe J M , Stein A , Topp M , Wadleigh M , Kantarjian H
Published: September 2016

We compared outcomes from a single-arm study of blinatumomab in adult patients with B-precursor Ph-negative relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (R/R ALL) with a historical data set from Europe and the United States. Estimates of complete remission (CR) and overall survival (OS) were weighted by the frequency distribution of prognostic factors in the blinatumomab trial. Outcomes were also compared between the trial and historical data using propensity score methods. The historical cohort included 694 patients with CR data and 1112 patients with OS data compared with 189 patients with CR and survival data in the blinatumomab trial. The weighted analysis revealed a CR rate of 24% (95% CI: 20–27%) and a median OS of 3.3 months (95% CI: 2.8–3.6) in the historical cohort compared with a CR/CRh rate of 43% (95% CI: 36–50%) and a median OS of 6.1 months (95% CI: 4.2–7.5) in the blinatumomab trial. Propensity score analysis estimated increased odds of CR/CRh (OR=2.68, 95% CI: 1.67–4.31) and improved OS (HR=0.536, 95% CI: 0.394–0.730) with blinatumomab. The analysis demonstrates the application of different study designs and statistical methods to compare novel therapies for R/R ALL with historical data.
New insights into the Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome-related haematological disorder: hyper-activation of mTOR and STAT3 in leukocytes
Authors: Bezzerri Valentino , Vella Antonio , Calcaterra Elisa , Finotti Alessia , Gasparello Jessica , Gambari Roberto , Assael Baroukh Maurice , Cipolli Marco , Sorio Claudio
Published: September 2016

Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is an inherited disease caused by mutations of a gene encoding for SBDS protein. So far little is known about SBDS exact function. SDS patients present several hematological disorders, including neutropenia and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), with increased risk of leukemic evolution. So far, the molecular mechanisms that underlie neutropenia, MDS and AML in SDS patients have been poorly investigated. STAT3 is a key regulator of several cellular processes including survival, differentiation and malignant transformation. Moreover, STAT3 has been reported to regulate neutrophil granulogenesis and to induce several kinds of leukemia and lymphoma. STAT3 activation is known to be regulated by mTOR, which in turn plays an important role in cellular growth and tumorigenesis. Here we show for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, that both EBV-immortalized B cells and primary leukocytes obtained from SDS patients present a constitutive hyper-activation of mTOR and STAT3 pathways. Interestingly, loss of SBDS expression is associated with this process. Importantly, rapamycin, a well-known mTOR inhibitor, is able to reduce STAT3 phosphorylation to basal levels in our experimental model. A novel therapeutic hypothesis targeting mTOR/STAT3 should represent a significant step forward into the SDS clinical practice.
In-silico insights on the prognostic potential of immune cell infiltration patterns in the breast lobular epithelium
Authors: Alfonso J. C. L. , Schaadt N. S. , Schönmeyer R. , Brieu N. , Forestier G. , Wemmert C. , Feuerhake F. , Hatzikirou H.
Published: September 2016

Scattered inflammatory cells are commonly observed in mammary gland tissue, most likely in response to normal cell turnover by proliferation and apoptosis, or as part of immunosurveillance. In contrast, lymphocytic lobulitis (LLO) is a recurrent inflammation pattern, characterized by lymphoid cells infiltrating lobular structures, that has been associated with increased familial breast cancer risk and immune responses to clinically manifest cancer. The mechanisms and pathogenic implications related to the inflammatory microenvironment in breast tissue are still poorly understood. Currently, the definition of inflammation is mainly descriptive, not allowing a clear distinction of LLO from physiological immunological responses and its role in oncogenesis remains unclear. To gain insights into the prognostic potential of inflammation, we developed an agent-based model of immune and epithelial cell interactions in breast lobular epithelium. Physiological parameters were calibrated from breast tissue samples of women who underwent reduction mammoplasty due to orthopedic or cosmetic reasons. The model allowed to investigate the impact of menstrual cycle length and hormone status on inflammatory responses to cell turnover in the breast tissue. Our findings suggested that the immunological context, defined by the immune cell density, functional orientation and spatial distribution, contains prognostic information previously not captured by conventional diagnostic approaches.
A quantum approach to homomorphic encryption
Authors: Tan Si-Hui , Kettlewell Joshua A. , Ouyang Yingkai , Chen Lin , Fitzsimons Joseph F.
Published: September 2016

Encryption schemes often derive their power from the properties of the underlying algebra on the symbols used. Inspired by group theoretic tools, we use the centralizer of a subgroup of operations to present a private-key quantum homomorphic encryption scheme that enables a broad class of quantum computation on encrypted data. The quantum data is encoded on bosons of distinct species in distinct spatial modes, and the quantum computations are manipulations of these bosons in a manner independent of their species. A particular instance of our encoding hides up to a constant fraction of the information encrypted. This fraction can be made arbitrarily close to unity with overhead scaling only polynomially in the message length. This highlights the potential of our protocol to hide a non-trivial amount of information, and is suggestive of a large class of encodings that might yield better security.