bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depositional processes and sedimentation pattern in an intermontane basin: Insights from the Imphal Basin, Indo‐Myanmar Range, NE India
Authors: Goswami Pradeep K. , Kshetrimayum Alexander S.
Published: January 2018

Intermontane basins make a distinct category of sedimentary basins, but nevertheless, the depositional processes and sedimentation patterns therein are not well understood. Quaternary sediment‐filled Imphal Basin in the Indo‐Myanmar Range provides us with an excellent opportunity of lending insight into these sedimentological aspects of an intermontane basin. Detailed facies analysis brings out that five distinct facies associations (“FAA”–“FAE”) have developed in different parts of the basin, each one of which indicates a specific subenvironment of deposition. Facies characters and spatial distribution of facies associations reveal that the basin fill records interlinked lacustrine, fluvial, and alluvial fan processes. Comprising mud and peat, the facies association “FAA” represents deposits of a lake and lakeshore swamp. The facies association “FAB” comprises mud interfingered with crudely bedded gravel and represents suspension fallout in a lake with intervening gravel‐rich, hyperconcentrated flows that diffusively plunged into the lakebed. The sand‐dominated facies association “FAC” and gravel‐dominated facies association “FAD” were deposited in fluvial domains of meandering and braided streams, respectively. Rimming the basin margin, the gravel‐dominated facies association “FAE” was deposited in the alluvial fan–interfan areas. Widespread development of the lacustrine facies (“FAA” and “FAB”) around the Loktak Lake along with extensive peat development over the lacustrine mud suggests lakeshore regression and development of vast swamps under humid conditions. The regression under humid conditions could be a result of fast and enhanced influx of finer sediments into the lake that transcended the creation of accommodation space and ultimately led to faster infilling of the lake margins favouring development of vast swamps in due course of time.
Geochemical characteristics of Late Carboniferous volcanic rocks in South‐eastern Heishanling, Beishan area, Xinjiang, China
Authors: He Hujun , An Le , Yang Xingke , Li Yuhang , Zhang Jian , Yang Longwei , Han Ke
Published: January 2018

The Palaeozoic Beishan Rift Valley zone in Xinjiang, China, is located between the Dunhuang and Kuluketage blocks, in the north‐eastern margin of the Tarim Plate. Carboniferous–Permian volcanism is evident in this area. The Ganquan cycle, the main eruptive event of the Late Carboniferous in the Beishan region, produced large volumes of lava and was related to Carboniferous–Permian volcanism in the rift valley. Major element, rare earth element (REE), and trace element compositions of volcanic rocks were determined, with results indicating that volcanic rocks of the Ganquan cycle are mainly an association of sodic calc‐alkaline rocks, with some alkaline compositions. The REE characteristics of all rock types indicate a continuous and progressive evolution, with a gradual increase in light REE enrichment, and positive to negative Eu anomalies reflecting crystallization of plagioclase. Trace element compositions show obvious depletion in Nb and Ta, and high abundances of large‐ion lithophile elements, indicative of a subduction‐related origin. It is concluded that the Late Carboniferous Beishan Rift Valley of the Ganquan cycle formed in a compressional tectonic environment, which generated a set of volcanic rock assemblages and sedimentary formations. Subsequent Early Permian volcanic activity was caused by large‐scale delamination of the orogenic belt and thickened lithosphere, which resulted in large‐scale ascent of partial melt from the mantle.
Controls of a Triassic fan‐delta system, Junggar Basin, NW China
Authors: Jia Haibo , Ji Hancheng , Wang Linsheng , Gao Yan , Wang Zhengkai
Published: January 2018

Both sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy variability in the deltaic area are distinguished in the fan‐delta system of the Northwestern Junggar Basin. Sediment supply plays a significant role in controlling the fan‐delta petrology, evolution, and depositional processes and the delivery of sediment into deeper parts of the basin. The results of this study show that variations in the lithology of the sediment supply control the fan‐delta petrology and spatial and temporal variations in sediment supply influence the location and shifting of depocentres. A fining‐upward fan‐delta succession developed as accommodation rates outpaced the sediment supply rate. Frequent flood events were mostly recorded by sediment gravity flow deposits, which in turn influenced the geometry of the sandstone bodies and their reservoir quality. Hyperpycnal flow was a significant delta front process and an important mechanism for sediment delivery into deeper waters, favoured by the combination of denudation of coastal ranges and the fresh waters of the receiving basin. This study highlights that a detailed understanding of variations in sediment supply is essential to accurately predict sediment partitions in a delta system and the delivery of coarse‐grained sediments into deeper parts of lacustrine basins.
Does the PPP condition hold for oil‐exporting countries? A quantile cointegration regression approach
Authors: Lyon Matthew , Olmo Jose
Published: January 2018

This paper examines the legitimacy of the Purchasing Power Parity condition applied to the quantile process for 12 oil‐exporting countries: Algeria, Angola, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, and Russia. The application of quantile unit root inference methods to test the specification of the PPP condition in the quantile process yields limited support to the equilibrium condition. However, the application of quantile cointegration methods that estimate the equilibrium relationship between national prices and the nominal exchange rate is much more supportive of a generalized PPP condition that varies across countries and quantiles. Our empirical findings suggest that the distribution of the nominal exchange rate reflects a nonlinear equilibrium relationship between national prices that varies widely between the central and tail quantiles and is country‐specific.
Reassessing the relationship between the financial sector and economic growth: Dynamic panel evidence
Authors: Alexiou Constantinos , Vogiazas Sofoklis , Nellis Joseph G.
Published: January 2018

Historically, the development of the financial sector has been an indispensable driver of economic growth. In the aftermath of the Great Recession, there is a pressing need to reassess the role of the financial sector in the determination of economic growth. Using a dynamic panel framework, our analysis covers 34 European and Commonwealth of Independent States economies for the period 1998–2014 and controls for the role of macroeconomic and institutional variables. Our evidence suggests that the potential benefits of the financial sector finance may have dramatically reversed in recent years, resulting in “un‐creative destruction.” The results suggest, tentatively, that there has been a severance of the link between the financial sector and the real economy. The results, however, vary according to the level of economic development across the European and Commonwealth of Independent States economies. In the case of developing market economies, the financial intermediation proxies are not significant in explaining economic growth. The effect of changes in investment expenditure, the money supply, wages, unit labour costs, and trade openness is found to be strong and in line with a priori expectations across all country samples. Notably, government consumption is also found to be a significant driver of economic growth, except in the developing market economies in the period following the Great Recession. In line with the growing consensus in other research areas, we provide evidence of a robust role for the institutional framework proxied by the quality of governance in determining economic development.
The effect of maternal exposure to di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐phthalate on fetal cardiac development in mice
Authors: Tang Changqing , Deng Yuxin , Duan Hongyu , Zhang Yi , Li Yifei , Qiu Dajian , Zhou Kaiyu , Hua Yimin , Wang Chuan
Published: January 2018

Accumulating evidence has suggested a link between maternal di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐phthalate (DEHP) exposure and various developmental abnormalities. However, the evidence regarding the effect of maternal DEHP exposure on fetal cardiac development is scarce. The present study aimed to determine the effect of maternal DEHP exposure on fetal cardiac development in mice and explore the possible involved mechanism preliminarily. The C57BL mice were randomly divided into four groups: the vehicle group (corn oil, n = 10), 250 mg kg–1 DEHP group (n = 15), 500 mg kg–1 DEHP group (n = 20) and 1 g kg–1 DEHP group (n = 20). Pregnant dams in different group received respective intervention by gavage once daily from embryonic day (E)6.5 to E14.5. Maternal weights were monitored every day and samples were collected at E15.5. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to examine fetal cardiac malformations. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot were applied to detect peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)α/PPARγ/Nkx2.5/Gata4/Tbx5/Mef2c/Chf1 mRNA and protein expression, respectively. Maternal DEHP exposure significantly decreased maternal body weight, fetal weight and placental weight, and remarkably elevated fetal cardiac malformations rate. The phenotypes of cardiac anomalies mainly include septal defects, ventricular myocardium noncompaction and cardiac hypoplasia. Higher doses DEHP (500 mg kg–1 and 1 g kg–1) could significantly decreased fetal cardiac Gata4/Mef2c/Chf1 expression, while PPARγ expression was upregulated. Maternal exposure to higher doses of DEHP could result in fetal cardiac development malformations in mice and it might have resulted from the inhibition of cardiac GATA4/Mef2c/Chf1 expression via PPARγ activation.
Evaluation of a Multimodal, Direct-to-Patient Educational Intervention Targeting Barriers to Osteoporosis Care: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Danila Maria I , Outman Ryan C , Rahn Elizabeth J , Mudano Amy S , Redden David T , Li Peng , Allison Jeroan J , Anderson Fred A , Wyman Allison , Greenspan Susan L , LaCroix Andrea Z , Nieves Jeri W , Silverman Stuart L , Siris Ethel S , Watts Nelson B , Miller Michael J , Curtis Jeffrey R , Warriner Amy H , Wright Nicole C , Saag Kenneth G
Published: January 2018

Osteoporosis treatment rates are declining, even among those with past fractures. Novel, low-cost approaches are needed to improve osteoporosis care. We conducted a parallel group, controlled, randomized clinical trial evaluating a behavioral intervention for improving osteoporosis medication use. A total of 2684 women with self-reported fracture history after age 45 years not using osteoporosis therapy from US Global Longitudinal Study of Osteoporosis in Women (GLOW) sites were randomized 1:1 to receive a multimodal, tailored, direct-to-patient, video intervention versus usual care. The primary study outcome was self-report of osteoporosis medication use at 6 months. Other outcomes included calcium and vitamin D supplementation, bone mineral density (BMD) testing, readiness for behavioral change, and barriers to treatment. In intent-to-treat analyses, there were no significant differences between groups (intervention versus control) in osteoporosis medication use (11.7% versus 11.4%, p = 0.8), calcium supplementation (31.8% versus 32.6%, p = 0.7), vitamin D intake (41.3% versus 41.9%, p = 0.8), or BMD testing (61.8% versus 57.1%, p = 0.2). In the intervention group, fewer women were in the precontemplative stage of behavior change, more women reported seeing their primary care provider, had concerns regarding osteonecrosis of the jaw, and difficulty in taking/remembering to take osteoporosis medications. We found differences in BMD testing among the subgroup of women with no prior osteoporosis treatment, those who provided contact information, and those with no past BMD testing. In per protocol analyses, women with appreciable exposure to the online intervention (n = 257) were more likely to start nonbisphosphonates (odds ratio [OR] = 2.70; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26–5.79) compared with the usual care group. Although our intervention did not increase the use of osteoporosis therapy at 6 months, it increased nonbisphosphonate medication use and BMD testing in select subgroups, shifted participants’ readiness for behavior change, and altered perceptions of barriers to osteoporosis treatment. Achieving changes in osteoporosis care using patient activation approaches alone is challenging. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
SPHK1-S1PR1-RANKL Axis Regulates the Interactions Between Macrophages and BMSCs in Inflammatory Bone Loss
Authors: Xiao Lan , Zhou Yinghong , Zhu Lingxin , Yang Shasha , Huang Rong , Shi Wei , Peng Bin , Xiao Yin
Published: January 2018

Accumulating evidence indicates that the immune and skeletal systems interact with each other through various regulators during the osteoclastogenic process. Among these regulators, the bioactive lipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), which is synthesized by sphingosine kinase 1/2 (SPHK1/2), has recently been recognized to play a role in immunity and bone remodeling through its receptor sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1). However, little is known regarding the potential role of S1PR1 signaling in inflammatory bone loss. We observed that SPHK1 and S1PR1 were upregulated in human apical periodontitis, accompanied by macrophage infiltration and enhanced expression of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL, an indispensable factor in osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption) and increased numbers of S1PR1-RANKL double-positive cells in lesion tissues. Using an in vitro co-culture model of macrophages and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), it was revealed that in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, macrophages could significantly induce SPHK1 activity, which resulted in activated S1PR1 in BMSCs. The activated S1P-S1PR1 signaling was responsible for the increased RANKL production in BMSCs, as S1PR1-blockage abolished this effect. Applying a potent S1P-S1PR1 signaling modulator, Fingolimod (FTY720), in a Wistar rat apical periodontitis model effectively prevented bone lesions in vivo via downregulation of RANKL production, osteoclastogenesis, and bone resorption. Our data unveiled the regulatory role of SPHK1-S1PR1-RANKL axis in inflammatory bone lesions and proposed a potential therapeutic intervention by targeting this cell-signaling pathway to prevent bone loss. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
SOST/Sclerostin Improves Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis and Inhibits MMP2/3 Expression After Injury
Authors: Chang Jiun C , Christiansen Blaine A , Murugesh Deepa K , Sebastian Aimy , Hum Nicholas R , Collette Nicole M , Hatsell Sarah , Economides Aris N , Blanchette Craig D , Loots Gabriela G
Published: January 2018

Patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture are two times as likely to develop posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Annually, there are ∼900,000 knee injuries in the United States, which account for ∼12% of all osteoarthritis (OA) cases. PTOA leads to reduced physical activity, deconditioning of the musculoskeletal system, and in severe cases requires joint replacement to restore function. Therefore, treatments that would prevent cartilage degradation post-injury would provide attractive alternatives to surgery. Sclerostin (Sost), a Wnt antagonist and a potent negative regulator of bone formation, has recently been implicated in regulating chondrocyte function in OA. To determine whether elevated levels of Sost play a protective role in PTOA, we examined the progression of OA using a noninvasive tibial compression overload model in SOST transgenic (SOSTTG) and knockout (Sost-/-) mice. Here we report that SOSTTG mice develop moderate OA and display significantly less advanced PTOA phenotype at 16 weeks post-injury compared with wild-type (WT) controls and Sost-/-. In addition, SOSTTG built ∼50% and ∼65% less osteophyte volume than WT and Sost-/-, respectively. Quantification of metalloproteinase (MMP) activity showed that SOSTTG had ∼2-fold less MMP activation than WT or Sost-/-, and this was supported by a significant reduction in MMP2/3 protein levels, suggesting that elevated levels of SOST inhibit the activity of proteolytic enzymes known to degrade articular cartilage matrix. Furthermore, intra-articular administration of recombinant Sost protein, immediately post-injury, also significantly decreased MMP activity levels relative to PBS-treated controls, and Sost activation in response to injury was TNFα and NF-κB dependent. These results provide in vivo evidence that sclerostin functions as a protective molecule immediately after joint injury to prevent cartilage degradation. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Thrombotic microangiopathy in the setting of human immunodeficiency virus infection: High incidence of severe thrombocytopenia
Authors: Bade Najeebah A. , Giffi Victoria S. , Baer Maria R. , Zimrin Ann B. , Law Jennie Y.
Published: January 2018

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection increases the risk of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), but TMA in the setting of HIV infection is not well characterized. The experience with TMA in the setting of HIV infection at the University of Maryland Medical Center was reviewed.

Study design and methods

Patients undergoing therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) for TMA from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2012 were reviewed. Those with known HIV‐positive and ‐negative status were compared.

Results

Among 102 patients with known HIV status, 28 (27%) were HIV‐positive, including 3 with previously undiagnosed HIV. HIV‐positive patients had a median viral load of 89 500 copies/mL (range, 0‐>750 000 copies/mL) and a median CD4 count of 58 cells/µL (range, 2‐410 cells/µL). Compared to HIV‐negative patients, HIV‐positive patients more frequently presented with concurrent infections (60.7% vs. 23.7%; P = .0007), had a trend toward lower median platelet counts (3000/µL vs. 15 000/µL; P = .07) and more frequently had platelet counts less than 10 000/mcL (P = .02). Nevertheless, number of TPE procedures required for remission, remission rate, mortality, and relapse incidence were similar in HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative patients.

Conclusions

The incidence described herein of HIV infection among TMA patients is the highest reported outside of South Africa. More severe thrombocytopenia in HIV‐positive patients may reflect TMA in the setting of preexisting HIV‐associated thrombocytopenia. HIV should be considered in patients with TMA, and TMA should be considered in HIV‐positive patients with severe thrombocytopenia.
The diagnostic accuracy of the mediastinal width on supine anteroposterior chest radiographs with nontraumatic Stanford type A acute aortic dissection
Authors: Funakoshi Hiraku , Mizobe Michiko , Homma Yosuke , Nakashima Yoshiyuki , Takahashi Jin , Shiga Takashi
Published: January 2018

Background

Nontraumatic Stanford type A acute aortic dissection is a life‐threatening condition; thus, the ability to make a precise diagnosis of nontraumatic Stanford type A acute aortic dissection is essential for the emergency physician. Several reports have shown that the mediastinal widening on a chest radiograph is useful for the diagnosis of nontraumatic Stanford type A acute aortic dissection; however, the exact cutoff value of the mediastinal width on plain radiographs is rarely defined.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective case‐control study was conducted between October 1, 2013, and March 31, 2015. We evaluated the maximal mediastinal width of the anteroposterior chest X‐ray at the level of the aortic knob in the supine position between patient groups with and without nontraumatic Stanford type A acute aortic dissection.

Results

We enrolled 72 patients (36 patients with nontraumatic Stanford type A acute aortic dissection and 36 patients without nontraumatic Stanford type A acute aortic dissection). The median mediastinal width of patients with nontraumatic Stanford type A acute aortic dissection was significantly larger than that of patients without nontraumatic Stanford type A acute aortic dissection (100.7 mm vs 77.7 mm, P < .01). The optimal cutoff level was 87 mm (sensitivity, 81%; specificity, 89%). Using multivariable logistic regression, the odds ratio of a mediastinal width of >87 mm for a diagnosis nontraumatic Stanford type A acute aortic dissection was 57.1 (95% confidence interval, 11.2‐290.2).

Conclusion

A mediastinal width of >87 mm showed high sensitivity in the diagnosis of probable nontraumatic Stanford type A acute aortic dissection.
Effects of anti-inflammatory drugs on the expression of tryptophan-metabolism genes by human macrophages
Authors:   MRC Immunopsychiatry Consortium, Regan Tim , Gill Andrew C , Clohisey Sara M , Barnett Mark W , Pariante Carmine M , Harrison Neil A , Hume David A , Bullmore Edward T , Freeman Tom C
Published: January 2018

Several lines of evidence link macrophage activation and inflammation with (monoaminergic) nervous systems in the etiology of depression. IFN treatment is associated with depressive symptoms, whereas anti-TNFα therapies elicit positive mood. This study describes the actions of 2 monoaminergic antidepressants (escitalopram, nortriptyline) and 3 anti-inflammatory drugs (indomethacin, prednisolone, and anti-TNFα antibody) on the response of human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) from 6 individuals to LPS or IFN-α. Expression profiling revealed robust changes in the MDM transcriptome (3294 genes at P < 0.001) following LPS challenge, whereas a more limited subset of genes (499) responded to IFNα. Contrary to published reports, administered at nontoxic doses, neither monoaminergic antidepressant significantly modulated the transcriptional response to either inflammatory challenge. Each anti-inflammatory drug had a distinct impact on the expression of inflammatory cytokines and on the profile of inducible gene expression—notably on the regulation of enzymes involved in metabolism of tryptophan. Inter alia, the effect of anti-TNFα antibody confirmed a predicted autocrine stimulatory loop in human macrophages. The transcriptional changes were predictive of tryptophan availability and kynurenine synthesis, as analyzed by targeted metabolomic studies on cellular supernatants. We suggest that inflammatory processes in the brain or periphery could impact on depression by altering the availability of tryptophan for serotonin synthesis and/or by increasing production of neurotoxic kynurenine.
Reaction of 11C‐benzoyl chlorides with metalloid reagents: 11C‐labeling of benzyl alcohols, benzaldehydes, and phenyl ketones from [11C]CO
Authors: Roslin Sara , Dahl Kenneth , Nordeman Patrik
Published: January 2018

In this article, we describe the carbon‐11 (11C, t1/2 = 20.4 minutes) labeling of benzyl alcohols, benzaldehydes, and ketones using an efficient 2‐step synthesis in which 11C‐carbon monoxide is used in an initial palladium‐mediated reaction to produce 11C‐benzoyl chloride as a key intermediate. In the second step, the obtained 11C‐benzoyl chloride is further treated with a metalloid reagent to furnish the final 11C‐labeled product. Benzyl alcohols were obtained in moderated to high non‐isolated radiochemical yields (RCY, 35%–90%) with lithium aluminum hydride or lithium aluminum deuteride as metalloid reagent. Changing the metalloid reagent to either tributyltin hydride or sodium borohydride, allowed for the reliable syntheses of 11C‐benzaldehydes in RCYs ranging from 58% to 95%. Finally, sodium tetraphenylborate were utilized to obtain 11C‐phenyl ketones in high RCYs (77%–95%). The developed method provides a new and efficient route to 3 different classes of compounds starting from aryl iodides or aryl bromides.
Feeding wild fish for tourism—A systematic quantitative literature review of impacts and management
Authors: Patroni Jessica , Simpson Gregory , Newsome David
Published: January 2018

Feeding wildlife for the purpose of tourism is a contentious issue with for and against arguments being raised by tour operators, non‐governmental organisations, researchers, and managers. Despite this situation, there is a growing trend in the feeding of marine wildlife to guarantee visitors an exciting up‐close experience. This review investigates the scope and key findings of research conducted on the impacts and social aspects of tourism related wild fish feeding. This systematic quantitative literature review identified 58 peer‐reviewed articles on feeding wild fish for tourism. Of those articles, 35 (60%) reported on ecological impacts on the fish. Only 14 articles explored fish feeding tourism from a social perspective, and of those only 9 (15%) investigated the perspectives of visitors. This review highlights that the impacts and management of complex human‐wildlife interactions, such as feeding wild fish, are case and species specific. The impacts of feeding wild fish for tourism include changes in species distribution and behaviour, negative health effects, increased predation of some fish species, and risk of injury to tourists. There is less research on social aspects such as visitor attitudes and satisfaction with fish feeding operations. Further studies are required on visitor demand and interests, and the ecological implications of provisioning to ensure the scenarios in which fish feeding occur are sustainable, maximizing the tourism experience while minimizing negative impacts on fish populations. It is important that progress is made towards developing appropriate codes of conduct and nationally and internationally accredited standards of practice.
The approximate solution of nonlinear mixed Volterra‐ Fredholm‐Hammerstein integral equations with RH wavelet bases in a complex plane
Authors: Erfanian Majid
Published: January 2018

This work is based on using wavelet for calculating one‐dimensional nonlinear Volterra‐Hammerstein and mixed Volterra‐Fredholm‐Hammerstein integral equation of the second kind in a complex plane. So far, as we know, no study has yet been attempted for solving this integral equation in the complex plane. The main specificity of this method is to avoid solving any linear or algebra system for approximated of integral equations. In Section 2, we introduce the integral operator for RH wavelet and use it in our numerical methods. In Section 3, we show that our problems have a unique solution. Furthermore, we give an upper bound for the error analysis. Finally, we make some example in Section 4 and solve them.
Snapshot‐CEST: Optimizing spiral‐centric‐reordered gradient echo acquisition for fast and robust 3D CEST MRI at 9.4 T
Authors: Zaiss Moritz , Ehses Philipp , Scheffler Klaus
Published: January 2018

Gradient echo (GRE)‐based acquisition provides a robust readout method for chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) at ultrahigh field (UHF). To develop a snapshot‐CEST approach, the transient GRE signal and point spread function were investigated in detail, leading to optimized measurement parameters and reordering schemes for fast and robust volumetric CEST imaging. Simulation of the transient GRE signal was used to determine the optimal sequence parameters and the maximum feasible number of k‐space lines. Point spread function analysis provided an insight into the induced k‐space filtering and the performance of different rectangular reordering schemes in terms of blurring, signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and relaxation dependence. Simulation results were confirmed in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements of healthy subjects. Minimal repetition time (TR) is beneficial for snapshot‐GRE readout. At 9.4 T, for TR = 4 ms and optimal flip angle close to the Ernst angle, a maximum of 562 k‐space lines can be acquired after a single presaturation, providing decent SNR with high image quality. For spiral‐centric reordered k‐space acquisition, the image quality can be further improved using a rectangular spiral reordering scheme adjusted to the field of view. Application of the derived snapshot‐CEST sequence for fast imaging acquisition in the human brain at 9.4 T shows excellent image quality in amide and nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE), and enables guanidyl CEST detection. The proposed snapshot‐CEST establishes a fast and robust volumetric CEST approach ready for the imaging of known and novel exchange‐weighted contrasts at UHF.
A scaled boundary finite element formulation for poroelasticity
Authors: Ooi Ean Tat , Song Chongmin , Natarajan Sundararajan
Published: January 2018

This paper develops the scaled boundary finite element formulation for applications in coupled field problems, in particular, to poroelasticity. The salient feature of this formulation is that it can be applied over arbitrary polygons and/or quadtree decomposition, which is widely employed to traverse between small and large scales. Moreover, the formulation can treat singularities of any order. Within this framework, 2 sets of semianalytical, scaled boundary shape functions are used to interpolate the displacement and the pore fluid pressure. These shape functions are obtained from the solution of vector and scalar Laplacian, respectively, which are then used to discretise the unknown field variables similar to that of the finite element method. The resulting system of equations are similar in form as that obtained using standard procedures such as the finite element method and, hence, solved using the standard procedures. The formulation is validated using several numerical benchmarks to demonstrate its accuracy and convergence properties.
Commutativity of the strain energy density expression for the benefit of the FEM implementation of Koiter's initial postbuckling theory
Authors: Li Shuguang , Yan Jiayi , Zhang Guofan , Duan Shihui
Published: January 2018

The concept of full commutativity of displacements in the expression for strain energy density for the geometrically nonlinear problem has been introduced for the first time and fully established in this paper. Its consequences for the FEM formulation have been demonstrated. As a result, the strain energy, equilibrium equation, and incremental equilibrium equation for the geometrically nonlinear problem can all be presented in a unified manner involving various stiffness matrices that are all symmetric, unique, and explicitly expressed. As an important application, the framework has been employed in the FEM implementation of Koiter's initial postbuckling theory, which has been handicapped by its mesh sensitivity in evaluating one of the initial postbuckling coefficients. This has largely prevented it from being incorporated in mainstream commercial FEM codes. Based on the outcomes of this paper, the mesh sensitivity problem has been completely resolved without the need to use any specially formulated element. As a result, Koiter's theory can be practically and straightforwardly implemented in any FEM code. The results have been verified against those found in the literature.
Component cell–based restriction of spectral conditions and the impact on CPV module power rating
Authors: Steiner Marc , Muller Matt , Siefer Gerald , Bett Andreas W.
Published: January 2018

One approach to consider the prevailing spectral conditions when performing CPV module power ratings according to the standard IEC 62670‐3 is based on spectral matching ratios (SMRs) determined by the means of component cell sensors. In this work, an uncertainty analysis of the SMR approach is performed based on a dataset of spectral irradiances created with SMARTS2. Using these illumination spectra, the respective efficiencies of multijunction solar cells with different cell architectures are calculated. These efficiencies were used to analyze the influence of different component cell sensors and SMR filtering methods. The 3 main findings of this work are as follows. First, component cells based on the lattice‐matched triple‐junction (LM3J) cell are suitable for restricting spectral conditions and are qualified for the standardized power rating of CPV modules—even if the CPV module is using multijunction cells other than LM3J. Second, a filtering of all 3 SMRs with ±3.0% of unity results in the worst case scenario in an underestimation of −1.7% and overestimation of +2.4% compared to AM1.5d efficiency. Third, there is no benefit in matching the component cells to the module cell in respect to the measurement uncertainty.
Being mindful of mindfulness interventions in cancer: A systematic review of intervention reporting and study methodology
Authors: Shaw Joanne M. , Sekelja Natasha , Frasca Diana , Dhillon Haryana M. , Price Melanie A.
Published: January 2018

Objectives

While mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) have demonstrated efficacy in clinical populations, the potential therapeutic benefit of mindfulness in the context of cancer is less clear. The aim of this review was to critically appraise mindfulness intervention reporting and study methodology.

Methods

Studies using randomized control trial design and/or a control arm were included. PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Embase databases between January 1999 and April 2017 were searched. Studies were assessed on (1) reported theoretical framework, (2) intervention description, and (3) justification of modifications to standardized MBSR/MBCT. The overall quality of study design and research methodology were also assessed.

Results

Of 30 studies identified, none adhered to MBSR. Modified versions of MBSR were reported in 19 studies. Five studies reported variants of MBCT, 1 used a combination of MBSR/MBCT, and 5 inadequately documented the intervention/ theoretical framework. Overall, component and timeline modifications were poorly documented and justified. Mean intervention contact time was less than standardized MBSR/MBCT protocols. Target outcomes were poorly justified, and 12 studies failed to identify a primary aim, reporting multiple outcomes. Only 9 of 15 studies recruiting clinical populations included clinical cutoffs, and an active therapeutic control was included in 4 studies.

Conclusions

Mindfulness is increasingly considered a standard therapy in psycho‐oncology. While many studies proclaim benefits, considerable variability, modification to standardized protocols, and claims of benefit often reflect decreases in sub‐clinical supportive care symptomology rather than therapeutic relief of clinically significant psychological disorders.
Dielectrophoresis‐Based Protein Enrichment for a Highly Sensitive Immunoassay Using Ag/SiO2 Nanorod Arrays
Authors: Cao Zhen , Zhu Yu , Liu Yang , Dong Shurong , Chen Xin , Bai Fan , Song Shengxin , Fu Junxue
Published: January 2018

A nanoscale insulator‐based dielectrophoresis (iDEP) technique is developed for rapid enrichment of proteins and highly sensitive immunoassays. Dense arrays of nanorods (NDs) by oblique angle deposition create a super high electric field gradient of 2.6 × 1024 V2 m−3 and the concomitant strong dielectrophoresis force successfully traps small proteins at a bias as low as 5 V. 1800‐fold enrichment of bovine serum albumin protein at a remarkable rate of up to 180‐fold s−1 is achieved using oxide coated Ag nanorod arrays with pre‐patterned sawtooth electrodes. Based on this system, an ultrasensitive immunoassay of mouse immunoglobulin G is demonstrated with a reduction in the limit of detection from 5.8 ng mL−1 (37.6 pM) down to 275.3 fg mL−1 (1.8 f M), compared with identical assays performed on glass plates. This methodology is also applied to detect a cancer biomarker prostate‐specific antigen spiked in human serum with a detection limit of 2.6 ng mL−1. This high sensitivity results from rapid biomarker enrichment and metal enhanced fluorescence through the integration of nanostructures. The concentrated proteins also accelerate binding kinetics and enable signal saturation within 1 min. Given the easy fabrication process, this nanoscale iDEP system provides a highly sensitive detection platform for point‐of‐care diagnostics.
Faster Electron Injection and More Active Sites for Efficient Photocatalytic H2 Evolution in g‐C3N4/MoS2 Hybrid
Authors: Shi Xiaowei , Fujitsuka Mamoru , Kim Sooyeon , Majima Tetsuro
Published: January 2018

Herein, the structural effect of MoS2 as a cocatalyst of photocatalytic H2 generation activity of g‐C3N4 under visible light irradiation is studied. By using single‐particle photoluminescence (PL) and femtosecond time‐resolved transient absorption spectroscopies, charge transfer kinetics between g‐C3N4 and two kinds of nanostructured MoS2 (nanodot and monolayer) are systematically investigated. Single‐particle PL results show the emission of g‐C3N4 is quenched by MoS2 nanodots more effectively than MoS2 monolayers. Electron injection rate and efficiency of g‐C3N4/MoS2‐nanodot hybrid are calculated to be 5.96 × 109 s−1 and 73.3%, respectively, from transient absorption spectral measurement, which are 4.8 times faster and 2.0 times higher than those of g‐C3N4/MoS2‐monolayer hybrid. Stronger intimate junction between MoS2 nanodots and g‐C3N4 is suggested to be responsible for faster and more efficient electron injection. In addition, more unsaturated terminal sulfur atoms can serve as the active site in MoS2 nanodot compared with MoS2 monolayer. Therefore, g‐C3N4/MoS2 nanodot exhibits a 7.9 times higher photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution (660 µmol g−1 h−1) than g‐C3N4/MoS2 monolayer (83.8 µmol g−1 h−1). This work provides deep insight into charge transfer between g‐C3N4 and nanostructured MoS2 cocatalysts, which can open a new avenue for more rationally designing MoS2‐based catalysts for H2 evolution.
The Effect of Voltage Charging on the Transport Properties of Gold Nanotube Membranes
Authors: Experton Juliette , Martin Charles R.
Published: January 2018

Porous membranes are used in chemical separations and in many electrochemical processes and devices. Research on the transport properties of a unique class of porous membranes that contain monodisperse gold nanotubes traversing the entire membrane thickness is reviewed here. These gold nanotubes can act as conduits for ionic and molecular transports through the membrane. Because the tubes are electronically conductive, they can be electrochemically charged by applying a voltage to the membrane. How this “voltage charging” affects the transport properties of gold nanotube membranes is the subject of this Review. Experiments showing that voltage charging can be used to reversibly switch the membrane between ideally cation‐ and anion‐transporting states are reviewed. Voltage charging can also be used to enhance the ionic conductivity of gold nanotube membranes. Finally, voltage charging to accomplish electroporation of living bacteria as they pass through gold nanotube membranes is reviewed.
Heterogeneous fault prediction with cost‐sensitive domain adaptation
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Jing Xiao‐Yuan , Zhu Xiaoke
Published: January 2018

In the early phases of software testing, projects may have only limited historical defect data. Learning prediction model with such insufficient training data will limit the efficacy of learned predictor. In practice, there are usually many publicly available fault prediction datasets. Recently, heterogeneous fault prediction (HFP) has been proposed. However, existing HFP models do not investigate how to use mixed project data to predict target. Furthermore, defect data are often imbalanced. The imbalanced data distribution of source usually leads to serious misclassification of fault‐prone instances, which will degrade the predictor's performance. Existing HFP methods do not consider the class imbalance problem in the training stages. In this paper, we propose a novel Cost‐sensitive Label and Structure‐consistent Unilateral Projection (CLSUP) approach for HFP. CLSUP can not only make better use of the within‐project and cross‐project data but also alleviate the class imbalance problem by setting different misclassification costs for fault‐prone and non–fault‐prone instances. Extensive experiments on 30 projects demonstrate the effectiveness of CLSUP.
Toxicity and effects of the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam on Scaptotrigona bipunctata lepeletier, 1836 (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Moreira Daiani Rodrigues , Sinópolis Gigliolli Adriana Aparecida , Falco José Ricardo Penteado , Julio Alison Henrique Ferreira , Volnistem Eduardo Azzolini , Chagas Francieli das , Toledo Vagner de Alencar Arnaut de , Ruvolo‐Takasusuki Maria Claudia Colla
Published: January 2018

The neonicotinoid thiamethoxam is widely used in different agricultural crops, and it has a spectrum of action against insects, affecting both pests and pollinators, such as bees. In this study, the effects of exposure to sublethal concentrations of thiamethoxam on stingless bees Scaptotrigona bipunctata were evaluated. Foragers bees were exposed to the insecticide and subjected to genetic biochemical, histochemical, and morphological analyses after 24, 48, and 72 h of ingestion. Analysis of isoenzyme esterases revealed significant alterations in the relative activity of EST‐4, a type II cholinesterase. Evaluation of the S. bipunctata brain revealed changes in the state of chromatin condensation according to the exposure time and concentration of neonicotinoid compared with the control. Morphological changes were observed in the midgut of this species at all concentrations and exposure times, which may interfere with various physiological processes of these insects. We can conclude that, although thiamethoxam at the concentrations evaluated did not cause high mortality, it induced concentration‐dependent changes in bees by activating enzymes related with the protection for xenobiotic, internal morphology and probably these changes may lead to alterations in the activity of bees.
Community action research track: Community-based participatory research and service-learning experiences for medical students
Authors: Gimpel Nora , Kindratt Tiffany , Dawson Alvin , Pagels Patti
Published: January 2018

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) and service-learning are unique experiential approaches designed to train medical students how to provide individualized patient care from a population perspective. Medical schools in the US are required to provide support for service-learning and community projects. Despite this requirement, few medical schools offer structured service-learning. We developed the Community Action Research Track (CART) to integrate population medicine, health promotion/disease prevention and the social determinants of health into the medical school curriculum through CBPR and service-learning experiences. This article provides an overview of CART and reports the program impact based on students’ participation, preliminary evaluations and accomplishments. CART is an optional 4‑year service-learning experience for medical students interested in community health. The curriculum includes a coordinated longitudinal program of electives, community service-learning and lecture-based instruction. From 2009–2015, 146 CART students participated. Interests in public health (93%), community service (73%), primary care (73%), CBPR (60%) and community medicine (60%) were the top reasons for enrolment. Significant improvements in mean knowledge were found when measuring the principles of CBPR, levels of prevention, determining health literacy and patient communication strategies (all p’s < 0.05). Most students (73%) were satisfied with CART. Projects were disseminated by at least 65 posters and four oral presentations at local, national and international professional meetings. Six manuscripts were published in peer-reviewed journals. CART is an innovative curriculum for training future physicians to be community-responsive physicians.
The variables for drawing up the profile of dictionary users
Authors: Kwary Deny
Published: January 2018

Dictionary users should be the main considerations in creating dictionaries. A mistake in identifying the users can make a dictionary to be simply a display without much benefit. Nevertheless, only a small handful of references have discussed the variables to be considered in determining the dictionary user profiles. Consequently, a more concise and updated reference is needed to draw up a more thorough profile of dictionary users. This article starts with reviews of the references on how to determine the profiles of dictionary users, proposed by Bergenholtz and Tarp (Manual of specialised dictionaries, John Benjamins Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 1995), Atkins and Varantola (in: Atkins (ed) Lexicographica Series Maior 88: using dictionaries, Max Niemeyer Verlag, Tu¨bingen, 1998), Denisov (in: Hartmann (ed) Lexicography: critical concepts, Routledge, London, 2003), Tarp (Lexikos 14:222–252, 2004), Bergenholtz and Nielsen (Terminology 12(2):281–303, 2006) and, Tarp (Lexicography in the borderland between knowledge and non-knowledge: general lexicographical theory with particular focus on learner’s lexicography, John Benjamins Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 2008). A theory on market segmentation process from Kotler and Keller (Marketing management, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, 2006) is also discussed to widen the perspective on determining the variables for dictionary user profiles. This study has found fourteen variables which are relevant for drawing up the profile of dictionary users.