bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What are the origins and relevance of spontaneous bladder contractions? ICI‐RS 2017
Authors: Drake Marcus J. , Fry Christopher H. , Hashitani Hikaru , Kirschner‐Hermanns Ruth , Rahnama'i Mohammad S. , Speich John E. , Tomoe Hikaru , Kanai Anthony J. , McCloskey Karen D.
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Storage phase bladder activity is a counter‐intuitive observation of spontaneous contractions. They are potentially an intrinsic feature of the smooth muscle, but interstitial cells in the mucosa and the detrusor itself, as well as other muscular elements in the mucosa may substantially influence them. They are identified in several models explaining lower urinary tract dysfunction.

Methods

A consensus meeting at the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society (ICI‐RS) 2017 congress considered the origins and relevance of spontaneous bladder contractions by debating which cell type(s) modulate bladder spontaneous activity, whether the methodologies are sufficiently robust, and implications for healthy and abnormal lower urinary tract function.

Results

The identified research priorities reflect a wide range of unknown aspects. Cellular contributions to spontaneous contractions in detrusor smooth muscle are still uncertain. Accordingly, insight into the cellular physiology of the bladder wall, particularly smooth muscle cells, interstitial cells, and urothelium, remains important. Upstream influences, such as innervation, endocrine, and paracrine factors, are particularly important. The cellular interactions represent the key understanding to derive the integrative physiology of organ function, notably the nature of signalling between mucosa and detrusor layers. Indeed, it is still not clear to what extent spontaneous contractions generated in isolated preparations mirror their normal and pathological counterparts in the intact bladder. Improved models of how spontaneous contractions influence pressure generation and sensory nerve function are also needed.

Conclusions

Deriving approaches to robust evaluation of spontaneous contractions and their influences for experimental and clinical use could yield considerable progress in functional urology.
Effects of corona treatment on morphology and properties of carbon based fillers/epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Gholshan Tafti Hamid Reza , Valipour Peiman , Mirjalili Mohammad
Published: January 2018

Corona discharge treatment was applied to modify the surface of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and carbon fibers. Successful functionalization was evaluated by ATR‐FTIR. Then, the neat and modified fillers were introduced into the epoxy matrix and nanocomposites containing different amounts of filler were obtained. The properties of neat epoxy and nanocomposites including morphology, thermal, mechanics, viscoelastic, and conductivity were evaluated. According to the results, it was found that the corona modification of fillers resulted in breaking of fillers agglomerates and improved their dispersion. The mechanical properties and thermal stability of modified samples were improved with respect to unmodified ones. To analyze the relationship between the interfacial interactions in the nanocomposites and tensile performance, a theoretical model germane to the mechanical behaviors of the nanocomposite was applied. It was found that strong interfacial interactions existed in the modified nanocomposites comparing the unmodified counterparts. Although the electrical conductivity of hybrid filler systems was increased, their tensile properties were reduced compared to CNTs/epoxy nanocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E2298–E2304, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects and moderators of psychosocial interventions on quality of life, and emotional and social function in patients with cancer: An individual patient data meta‐analysis of 22 RCTs
Authors: Kalter J. , Verdonck‐de Leeuw I.M. , Sweegers M.G. , Aaronson N.K. , Jacobsen P.B. , Newton R.U. , Courneya K.S. , Aitken J.F. , Armes J. , Arving C. , Boersma L.J. , Braamse A.M.J. , Brandberg Y. , Chambers S.K. , Dekker J. , Ell K. , Ferguson R.J. , Gielissen M.F.M. , Glimelius B. , Goedendorp M.M. , Graves K.D. , Heiney S.P. , Horne R. , Hunter M.S. , Johansson B. , Kimman M.L. , Knoop H. , Meneses K. , Northouse L.L. , Oldenburg H.S. , Prins J.B. , Savard J. , van Beurden M. , van den Berg S.W. , Brug J. , Buffart L.M.
Published: January 2018

Objective

This individual patient data (IPD) meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of psychosocial interventions (PSI) on quality of life (QoL), emotional function (EF), and social function (SF) in patients with cancer, and to study moderator effects of demographic, clinical, personal, and intervention‐related characteristics.

Methods

Relevant studies were identified via literature searches in 4 databases. We pooled IPD from 22 (n = 4217) of 61 eligible randomized controlled trials. Linear mixed‐effect model analyses were used to study intervention effects on the post‐intervention values of QoL, EF, and SF (z‐scores), adjusting for baseline values, age, and cancer type. We studied moderator effects by testing interactions with the intervention for demographic, clinical, personal, and intervention‐related characteristics, and conducted subsequent stratified analyses for significant moderator variables.Results: PSI significantly improved QoL (β = 0.14,95%CI = 0.06;0.21), EF (β = 0.13,95%CI = 0.05;0.20), and SF (β = 0.10,95%CI = 0.03;0.18). Significant differences in effects of different types of PSI were found, with largest effects of psychotherapy. The effects of coping skills training were moderated by age, treatment type, and targeted interventions. Effects of psychotherapy on EF may be moderated by cancer type, but these analyses were based on 2 randomized controlled trials with small sample sizes of some cancer types.

Conclusions

PSI significantly improved QoL, EF, and SF, with small overall effects. However, the effects differed by several demographic, clinical, personal, and intervention‐related characteristics. Our study highlights the beneficial effects of coping skills training in patients treated with chemotherapy, the importance of targeted interventions, and the need of developing interventions tailored to the specific needs of elderly patients.
Effective shunt closure for pulmonary hypertension and liver dysfunction in congenital portosystemic venous shunt
Authors: Uike Kiyoshi , Nagata Hazumu , Hirata Yuichiro , Yamamura Kenichiro , Terashi Eiko , Matsuura Toshiharu , Morihana Eiji , Ohkubo Kazuhiro , Ishii Kanako , Sakai Yasunari , Taguchi Tomoaki , Ohga Shouichi
Published: January 2018

Objective

Congenital portosystemic venous shunt (CPSVS) is a rare vascular malformation with a high risk of mortality from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but the treatment outcome of CPSVS closure remains elusive. Our aim was to investigate the clinical features and establish the optimal management of CPSVS with or without PAH.

Methods

Twenty‐four patients with CPSVS treated in Kyushu University Hospital between 1990 and 2015 were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into a PAH group (n = 9) and a non‐PAH group (n = 15). Clinical characteristics and outcomes were evaluated.

Results

The first manifestation of CPSVS at diagnosis (28.5 [1‐216] months) was hypergalactosemia in 13 (54%) or PAH in six (25%) patients. PAH was the cause of all three deaths. The PAH group had higher levels of serum total bile acid, manganese, and total bilirubin, along with higher pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) than the non‐PAH group (7.2 [5.1‐38.1] vs 1.2 [0.5‐3.3] unit/m2, P < 0.001). Five of nine PAH patients underwent CPSVS closure at a median of 38 months (range 21‐118) after PAH diagnosis. Pulmonary artery pressure improved after CPSVS closure with PAH‐specific therapy, but normal range was not achieved. CPSVS closure improved the hepatic synthetic function of four PAH patients. Eigh­t of 15 non‐PAH patients who received CPSVS closure did not develop PAH for a median of 34.5 months (range 6‐164) after the procedure.

Conclusions

CPSVS closure with PAH‐specific therapy successfully controlled PAH. Early CPSVS closure may prevent the occurrence and progression of PAH with CPSVS.­
Update on the use of emergency contraception
Authors: Bacon Lesley
Published: January 2018

In March 2017, the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) issued a new guideline on emergency contraception. This article provides an overview of the current approach to managing emergency contraception to help busy clinicians tailor the most appropriate method to each individual.
Orphan medicines: the high cost of hope
Authors: Houlton Sarah
Published: January 2018

Orphan drugs can transform the lives of patients with rare diseases, but they often come at an extremely high cost. Sarah Houlton discusses the incentives that are encouraging pharma investment in orphan drug research and the steps that NICE and the NHS are taking to budget for these treatments as they come to market.
Dimethyl fumarate for the treatment of plaque psoriasis
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: January 2018

Dimethyl fumarate (Skilarence) is an oral therapy licensed for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults when systemic treatment is indicated. This article discusses its efficacy, adverse effects and place in therapy.
Structural, Thermal, Electrical, and Negative Resistance Properties of (Se60Te40)xTl(100−x) Chalcogenide Glasses
Authors: Ahmed Ehab Moustafa , El‐Ghamaz Naser Abdou , Abdel‐Wahab Fouad
Published: January 2018

Bulk (Se60Te40)xTl(100−x) glass (x = 80, 75, 70, and 60 mol.%) is prepared by the melt quenching technique. The density of the samples is found to increase with increasing the Tl content in the glass. Only the sample (Se60Te40)80Tl20 is confirmed to be amorphous according to XRD results, while some nanocrystals are grown and increase with increasing the Tl content in the glass. Average bond energy is calculated and found to decrease with increasing the Tl content. Thermal characteristics and responses of the glass are investigated by DSC and TGA measurements. The electrical measurements are carried out in the temperature range 100–300 K. The direct current (dc) conductivity is discussed in the light of the variable range hopping (VRH) model with activation energies decreasing with the increase of the Tl content in the glass. The alternating current (ac) conductivity is discussed and fitted for the sample (Se60Te40)80Tl20 on the bases of the Correlated Barrier Hopping (CBH) model with N ≈ 2 × 1019 cm−3 eV−1and the τo ≈ 10−13 s. Different types of switching modes with threshold voltage are obtained in the range 5–17 V. Fth is found to decrease with increasing the average bond energy, and increase with increasing the sample thickness indicating that the mechanism of switching is of electrothermal origin.
Combining Thickness Reduction and Light Trapping for Potential Efficiency Improvements in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Soldera Marcos , Taretto Kurt
Published: January 2018

In this contribution it is shown that the efficiency of perovskite solar cells based on CH3NH3PbI3 can be increased further by combining thickness reduction of the perovskite layer and light trapping. A physical model for the current/voltage curve of pin solar cells is used to reveal the beneficial impact of thinning on cell efficiency. If interface recombination is kept at moderate levels, the model shows that there is a potential efficiency increase above 20% relative (+3% absolute) when thickness is reduced from 500 to 200 nm, provided total light absorption is maintained. A rigorous optical model is employed to calculate light absorption on typical state–of–the–art layer stacks patterned with sinusoidal grooves on ITO coated glass. The results suggest that solar light absorption in a flat, 500 nm thick film, can be matched by a 200 nm thick perovskite layer on a sinusoidal texture, while using 300 nm leads to several sinusoidal parameter combinations delivering the same light absorption. Since the structuring step must be compatible with low cost processing, it is shown that direct laser interference patterning (DLIP) is capable of delivering +3% absolute efficiency increase, while offering a typical photovoltaic module cost reduction of 10%.
Collagen proteins exchange oxygen with demineralisation and gelatinisation reagents and also with atmospheric moisture
Authors: von Holstein Isabella C.C. , von Tersch Matthew , Coutu Ashley N. , Penkman Kirsty E.H. , Makarewicz Cheryl A. , Collins Matthew J.
Published: January 2018

Rationale

The oxygen (O) isotope composition of collagen proteins is a potential indicator of adult residential location, useful for provenancing in ecology, archaeology and forensics. In acidic solution, proteins can exchange O from carboxylic acid moieties with reagent O. This study investigated whether this exchange occurs during demineralisation and gelatinisation preparation of bone/ivory collagen.

Methods

EDTA and HCl demineralisation or gelatinisation reagents were made up in waters with different δ18O values, and were used to extract collagen from four skeletal tissue samples. Aliquots of extracted collagen were exposed to two different atmospheric waters, at 120°C and ambient temperature, and subsequently dried in a vacuum oven at 40°C or by freeze drying. Sample δ18O values were measured by HT‐EA pyrolysis/IRMS using a zero‐blank autosampler.

Results

Collagen samples exchanged O with both reagent waters and atmospheric water, which altered sample δ18O values. Exchange with reagent waters occurred in all extraction methods, but was greater at lower pH. Damage to the collagen samples during extraction increased O exchange. The nature of exchange of O with atmospheric water depended on the temperature of exposure: kinetic fractionation of O was identified at 120°C but not at ambient temperature. Exchange was difficult to quantify due to the high variability of δ18O values between experimental replicates.

Conclusions

Studies of δ18O values in collagen proteins should avoid extraction methods using acidic solutions.
The challenge of model complexity: improving the interpretation of large causal models through variety filters
Authors: Schoenenberger Lukas , Schmid Alexander , Ansah John , Schwaninger Markus
Published: January 2018

While large causal models provide detailed insights to the analysts who develop them, general users are often challenged by their complexity. Commonly, these models overwhelm the cognitive capacities of human beings. The inaccessibility of large causal models is particularly regrettable when they deliver valuable expertise and information that should be shared with other researchers and practitioners. To address this issue, we propose a set of tools—so‐called variety filters—to reduce model complexity and promote the accurate interpretation of their results. These filters encompass interpretive model partitioning, structural model partitioning and algorithmic detection of archetypal structures (ADAS). We demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed variety filters using the World3–2003 Model—a simulation model of remarkable complexity. The filters drastically attenuate the complexity while enhancing the comprehension of the model. Based on our findings, we derive implications for the use of complex models and their interpretation.

Copyright © 2018 System Dynamics Society
Quantifying the effect of light activated outer and inner retinal inhibitory pathways on glutamate release from mixed bipolar cells.
Authors: Lipin Mikhail Y , Vigh Jozsef
Published: January 2018

Inhibition mediated by horizontal and amacrine cells in the outer and inner retina, respectively, are fundamental components of visual processing. Here, our purpose was to determine how these different inhibitory processes affect glutamate release from ON bipolar cells when the retina is stimulated with full‐field light of various intensities. Light‐evoked membrane potential changes (ΔVm) were recorded directly from axon terminals of intact bipolar cells receiving mixed rod and cone inputs (Mbs) in slices of dark‐adapted goldfish retina. Inner and outer retinal inhibition to Mbs was blocked with bath applied picrotoxin (PTX) and NBQX, respectively. Then, control and pharmacologically modified light responses were injected into axotomized Mb terminals as command potentials to induce voltage‐gated Ca2+ influx (QCa) and consequent glutamate release. Stimulus‐evoked glutamate release was quantified by the increase in membrane capacitance (ΔCm). Increasing depolarization of Mb terminals upon removal of inner and outer retinal inhibition enhanced the ΔVm/QCa ratio equally at a given light intensity and inhibition did not alter the overall relation between QCa and ΔCm. However, relative to control, light responses recorded in the presence of PTX and PTX + NBQX increased ΔCm unevenly across different stimulus intensities: at dim stimulus intensities predominantly the inner retinal GABAergic inhibition controlled release from Mbs, whereas the inner and outer retinal inhibition affected release equally in response to bright stimuli. Furthermore, our results suggest that non‐linear relationship between QCa and glutamate release can influence the efficacy of inner and outer retinal inhibitory pathways to mediate Mb output at different light intensities.
A market‐oriented wind power dispatch strategy using adaptive price thresholds and battery energy storage
Authors: Khalid Muhammad , Aguilera Ricardo P. , Savkin Andrey V. , Agelidis Vassilios G.
Published: January 2018

In this paper, an adaptive dispatch strategy is presented to maximize the revenue for grid‐tied wind power plant coupled with a battery energy storage system (BESS). The proposed idea is mainly based on time‐varying market‐price thresholds, which are varied according to the proposed algorithm in an adaptive manner. The variable nature of wind power and market price signals leads to the idea of storing energy at low price periods and consequently selling it at high prices. In fact, the wind farm operators can take advantage of the price variability to earn additional income and to maximize the operational profit based on the choice of best price thresholds at each instant of time. This research study proposes an efficient strategy for intermittent power dispatch along with the optimal operation of a BESS in the presence of physical limits and constraints. The strategy is tested and validated with different BESSs, and the percentage improvement of income is calculated. The simulation results, based on actual wind farm and market‐price data, depict the proficiency of the proposed methodology over standard linear programming methods.
Interpreting technical evidence from spectral imaging of paintings by Édouard Manet in the Courtauld Gallery
Authors: Amato Silvia Rita , Burnstock Aviva , Cross Maureen , Janssens Koen , Rosi Francesca , Cartechini Laura , Fontana Raffaella , Fovo Alice Dal , Paolantoni Marco , Grazia Chiara , Romani Aldo , Michelin Anne , Andraud Christine , Tournié Aurélie , Dik Joris
Published: January 2018

The paintings by Édouard Manet in The Courtauld Gallery Déjeuner sur l'herbe (1863–68), Marguerite de Conflans en Toilette de Bal (1870–1880), Banks of the Seine at Argenteuil (1874), and A Bar at the Folies–Bergère (1882) were investigated for the first time using a range of non‐invasive in situ analyses.

The aims of the study were to investigate the painting techniques and materials used for this group of works and to critically evaluate the technical evidence derived from the integrated use of imaging techniques and portable spectroscopic methods in this context.

The paintings were investigated by means of macro X‐ray fluorescence (MA‐XRF), reflection spectral imaging, portable UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy, portable Raman spectroscopy, and reflection FTIR. MA‐XRF and reflection spectral imaging allowed visualising elements in the compositions that were not visible using traditional methods of technical study. For example, MA‐XRF analysis of Déjeuner sur l'herbe revealed elements of the development of the composition that provided new evidence to consider its relationship to other versions of the composition. The study also highlighted questions about the interpretation of elemental distribution maps and spectral images that did not correspond to the reworking visible in X‐radiographs. For example, in A Bar at the Folies–Bergère Manet made numerous changes during painting, which were not clearly visualised with any of the techniques used.

The research has wider implications for the study of Impressionist paintings, as the results will support technical studies of works by other artists of the period who used similar materials and painting methods.
The Home State Duty to Regulate the Human Rights Impacts of TNCs Abroad: A Rebuttal
Authors: METHVEN O’BRIEN Claire
Published: January 2018

Scholars have suggested that ‘home’ states of transnational corporations (TNCs) have a legal duty to protect against human rights abuses occurring in ‘host’ states that may be breached by failure to regulate TNCs’ extraterritorial activities. This article challenges the claim that such a duty of home states to regulate TNCs’ extraterritorial human rights impacts can be said currently to exist as a matter of law. The article first summarizes the general structure of arguments made in favour of such a ‘home state duty to regulate’. It then considers the foundations and meanings of extraterritorial jurisdiction in public international law and international human rights law; requirements and conditions of attribution and state responsibility for the conduct of non-state actors; and the scope and limits of ‘positive obligations’ to ensure the effective enjoyment of human rights, domestically and extraterritorially, as they relate to prevention of human rights abuses by TNCs.
The Data-Driven Approach to Spectroscopic Analyses
Authors: Ness M.
Published: January 2018

I review the data-driven approach to spectroscopy, The Cannon, which is a method for deriving fundamental diagnostics of galaxy formation of precise chemical compositions and stellar ages, across many stellar surveys that are mapping the Milky Way. With The Cannon, the abundances and stellar parameters from the multitude of stellar surveys can be placed directly on the same scale, using stars in common between the surveys. Furthermore, the information that resides in the data can be fully extracted, this has resulted in higher precision stellar parameters and abundances being delivered from spectroscopic data and has opened up new avenues in galactic archeology, for example, in the determination of ages for red giant stars across the Galactic disk. Coupled with Gaia distances, proper motions, and derived orbit families, the stellar age and individual abundance information delivered at the precision obtained with the data-driven approach provides very strong constraints on the evolution of and birthplace of stars in the Milky Way. I will review the role of data-driven spectroscopy as we enter the era where we have both the data and the tools to build the ultimate conglomerate of galactic information as well as highlight further applications of data-driven models in the coming decade.
Fatty acid transport receptor soluble CD36 and dietary fatty acid pattern in type 2 diabetic patients: a comparative study
Authors: Ekici Merve , Kisa Ucler , Arikan Durmaz Senay , Ugur Elif , Nergiz-Unal Reyhan
Published: January 2018

Recently, it has been remarked that dietary fatty acids and fatty acid receptors might be involved in the aetiology of diabetes. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the relationship between dietary fatty acid pattern, fatty food preferences and soluble CD36 (sCD36) and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The study was carried out with thirty-eight newly diagnosed type 2 DM patients and thirty-seven healthy volunteers, aged 30–65 years. In the study, socio-demographic characteristics, dietary fat type and fatty acid pattern of individuals were recorded. After anthropometric measurements were taken, blood CD36, glucose, TAG and insulin levels were analysed. The results showed that although the type of fatty acid intake did not differ between the groups (P>0·05), the consumption of olive oil in the type 2 DM group was lower than the control group (P<0·05). Mean blood glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, TAG and sCD36 levels were determined to be higher in the type 2 DM group (P<0·05). However, there was no correlation between sCD36 levels and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) value, blood insulin and TAG levels, waist circumference, dietary fatty acid pattern and food preferences in the type 2 DM group (P>0·05). Crucially, elevated sCD36 levels increased the type 2 DM risk (OR 1·21, P<0·05). In conclusion, sCD36 level may be a possible biomarker, independent from the dietary fatty acid pattern, for type 2 DM owing to its higher levels in these patients. Therefore, the new insights make CD36 attractive as a therapeutic target for diabetes.
PUFA status at birth and allergy-related phenotypes in childhood: a pooled analysis of the Maastricht Essential Fatty Acid Birth (MEFAB) and RHEA birth cohorts
Authors: Stratakis Nikos , Gielen Marij , Margetaki Katerina , de Groot Renate H. M. , Apostolaki Maria , Chalkiadaki Georgia , Vafeiadi Marina , Leventakou Vasiliki , Godschalk Roger W. , Kogevinas Manolis , Stephanou Euripides G. , Zeegers Maurice P. , Chatzi Leda
Published: January 2018

Lower prenatal exposure ton-3 PUFA relative ton-6 PUFA has been hypothesised to influence allergy development, but evidence remains largely inconsistent. In the Dutch Maastricht Essential Fatty Acid Birth (MEFAB) (n293) and Greek RHEA Mother–Child (n213) cohorts, we investigated whether cord blood phospholipid PUFA concentrations are associated with symptoms of wheeze, asthma, rhinitis and eczema at the age of 6–7 years. Information on allergy-related phenotypes was collected using validated questionnaires. We estimated relative risks (RR) and 95 % CI for associations of PUFA with child outcomes using multivariable generalised linear regression models. In pooled analyses, higher concentration of then-3 long-chain EPA and DHA and a higher totaln-3:n-6 PUFA ratio were associated with lower risk of current wheeze (RR 0·61; 95 % CI 0·45, 0·82 persdincrease in EPA+DHA and 0·54; 95 % CI 0·39, 0·75 per unit increase in then-3:n-6 ratio) and reduced asthma risk (RR 0·50; 95 % CI 0·31, 0·79 for EPA+DHA and 0·43; 95 % CI 0·26, 0·70 for then-3:n-6 ratio). No associations were observed for other allergy-related phenotypes. The results were similar across cohorts. In conclusion, higher EPA and DHA concentrations and a highern-3:n-6 fatty acid ratio at birth were associated with lower risk of child wheeze and asthma. Our findings suggest that dietary interventions resulting in a marked increase in then-3:n-6 PUFA ratio, and mainly inn-3 long-chain PUFA intake in late gestation, may reduce the risk of asthma symptoms in mid-childhood.
Local Fractal Interpolation on Unbounded Domains
Authors: Massopust Peter R.
Published: January 2018

We define fractal interpolation on unbounded domains for a certain class of topological spaces and construct local fractal functions. In addition, we derive some properties of these local fractal functions, consider their tensor products, and give conditions for local fractal functions on unbounded domains to be elements of Bochner–Lebesgue spaces.
Headhunting in ancient China: the history of violence and denial of knowledge
Authors: Milburn Olivia
Published: January 2018

Headhunting has a long and well-documented history in China, but most people are today unaware of this practice, first recorded in Shang oracle bones and regularly mentioned in ancient Chinese texts until the Han dynasty. This ignorance is because headhunting subsequently came to be seen as a barbaric practice and knowledge concerning its long history was destroyed: this was achieved by inventing a new character, guo 聝, which means “to cut the ear of a dead enemy combatant” and using this to replace (and thus confuse meanings with) an older character guo 馘, which refers specifically to headhunting. Ancient texts in which headhunting practices are documented have been misunderstood and misrepresented by imperial era scholars to prevent anyone from seeing that ancient China was a headhunting culture. This study shows how dominant cultural norms can impact on the way in which texts are read.
Hidden Treasure: The Church of England's Stewardship of Its Silver Plate
Authors: Petchey Philip
Published: January 2018

This article examines the Church of England's stewardship of its silver plate. It explains the way in which the use of chalices, patens and flagons changed over time and considers the legal basis on which church plate is held by churchwardens. It explains how, having initially discountenanced all sales of redundant church plate, consistory courts came to authorise sales to museums. It also explains how, following a series of judgments by George Newsom QC, acting first as Chancellor of both London and St Albans dioceses and later as Deputy Dean of the Court of Arches, sales on the open market were more frequently allowed and then how, following the judgment of the Court of Arches in re St Lawrence, Wootton, a more restrictive approach was re-imposed. It considers the practical and legal issues arising out of that judgment. Finally, it considers the role of the Court of Arches as a maker of policy.
Demographics of a large paediatric Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome Program
Authors: Boris Jeffrey R. , Bernadzikowski Thomas
Published: January 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate demographic and clinical features of paediatric patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in a tertiary hospital speciality clinic.

Method

This is a retrospective review of clinical data obtained during initial outpatient evaluation.

Results

A total of 708 patients met the evaluation criteria. Female patients outnumbered males, 3.45:1. Caucasians were over-represented at 94.1% of patients. Median age at diagnosis was 15.7 years. Joint hypermobility occurred in 57.3% of patients; 22.4% had hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome; and 34.9% had hypermobility spectrum disorder. Median age of onset of symptoms was 12.6 years in patients with hypermobility versus 13.7 years in those without (p=0.0001). Median duration of symptoms was 3.3 years with hypermobility versus 1.5 years without (p<0.00001). Putative triggers included infection in 23.6% of patients, concussion in 11.4%, and surgery/trauma in 2.8%. Concurrent inflammatory disorders were noted in 5.2% of patients. Six symptoms comprised 80% of initial patient complaints. Overall, 66% of patients subsequently had at least 10 symptoms, 50% had at least 14 symptoms, and 30% reported at least 26 symptoms. Symptoms were largely cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and neurological. Paediatric patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome seen in a large speciality clinic are predominantly female, are mostly Caucasian, have onset of symptoms in early adolescence, and have symptoms for over two years before diagnosis. Over half of patients have joint hypermobility. More than one-third of patients have a possible autoimmune or inflammatory trigger, including infection, concussion, or surgery/trauma. Patients experience symptoms that are highly variable and multi-system in origin over the course of illness.
Excellence of Universities versus Autonomy, Funding and Accountability
Authors: Michavila Francisco , Martinez Jorge M.
Published: January 2018

Universities see a need for major changes in their organisational structures and functioning to be able to respond adequately to current social expectations. A greater provision of funds and an increase of university autonomy are priorities of today’s university policy. This article presents the results of relating excellence and autonomy through data from the Academic Ranking of World Universities of the University of Shanghai and the indicators developed by the European University Association for four types of university autonomy: organisational, academic, staffing and financial.
A NOTE ON SIMPLE MONETARY POLICY RULES WITH LABOR MARKET AND FINANCIAL FRICTIONS
Authors: Girdėnas Šarūnas
Published: January 2018

We consider a New-Keynesian model with financial and labor market frictions where firms borrowing is limited by the enforcement constraint. The wage is set in a bargaining process where the firm's shareholder and worker share the production surplus. As debt service is considered to be a part of production costs, firms borrow to reduce the surplus which allows to lower the wage. We study the model's response to financial shock under two Taylor-type interest rate rules: first one responds to inflation and borrowing, second one to inflation and unemployment. We have found that the second rule delivers better policy in terms of the welfare measure. Additionally, we show that the feedback on unemployment in this rule depends on the extent of workers' bargaining power.
Projecting shortages and surpluses of doctors and nurses in the OECD: what looms ahead
Authors: Scheffler Richard M. , Arnold Daniel R.
Published: January 2018

There is little debate that the health workforce is a key component of the health care system. Since the training of doctors and nurses takes several years, and the building of new schools even longer, projections are needed to allow for the development of health workforce policies. Our work develops a projection model for the demand of doctors and nurses by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in the year 2030. The model is based on a country’s demand for health services, which includes the following factors: per capita income, out-of-pocket health expenditures and the ageing of its population. The supply of doctors and nurses is projected using country-specific autoregressive integrated moving average models. Our work shows how dramatic imbalances in the number of doctors and nurses will be in OECD countries should current trends continue. For each country in the OECD with sufficient data, we report its demand, supply and shortage or surplus of doctors and nurses for 2030. We project a shortage of nearly 400,000 doctors across 32 OECD countries and shortage of nearly 2.5 million nurses across 23 OECD countries in 2030. We discuss the results and suggest policies that address the shortages.
Quaternary sea level change in Scotland
Authors: SMITH David E. , BARLOW Natasha L.M. , BRADLEY Sarah L. , FIRTH Callum R. , HALL Adrian M. , JORDAN Jason T. , LONG David
Published: January 2018

This paper summarises developments in understanding sea level change during the Quaternary in Scotland since the publication of theQuaternary of ScotlandGeological Conservation Review volume in 1993. We present a review of progress in methodology, particularly in the study of sediments in isolation basins and estuaries as well as in techniques in the field and laboratory, which have together disclosed greater detail in the record of relative sea level (RSL) change than was available in 1993. However, progress in determining the record of RSL change varies in different areas. Studies of sediments and stratigraphy offshore on the continental shelf have increased greatly, but the record of RSL change there remains patchy. Studies onshore have resulted in improvements in the knowledge of rock shorelines, including the processes by which they are formed, but much remains to be understood. Studies of Late Devensian and Holocene RSLs around present coasts have improved knowledge of both the extent and age range of the evidence. The record of RSL change on the W and NW coasts has disclosed a much longer dated RSL record than was available before 1993, possibly with evidence of Meltwater Pulse 1A, while studies in estuaries on the E and SW coasts have disclosed widespread and consistent fluctuations in Holocene RSLs. Evidence for the meltwater pulse associated with the Early Holocene discharge of Lakes Agassiz–Ojibway in N America has been found on both E and W coasts. The effects of the impact of storminess, in particular in cliff-top storm deposits, have been widely identified. Further information on the Holocene Storegga Slide tsunami has enabled a better understanding of the event, but evidence for other tsunami events on Scottish coasts remains uncertain. Methodological developments have led to new reconstructions of RSL change for the last 2000 years, utilising state-of-the-art GIA models and alongside coastal biostratigraphy to determine trends to compare with modern tide gauge and documentary evidence. Developments in GIA modelling have provided valuable information on patterns of land uplift during and following deglaciation. The studies undertaken raise a number of research questions which will require addressing in future work.
Ultra-wide-bandwidth (UWB) microstrip monopole antenna using split ring resonator (SRR) structure
Authors: Elsheakh Dalia M. , Abdallah Esmat A.
Published: January 2018

This paper presents a procedure to model an ultra wide-bandwidth (UWB) microstrip monopole antenna. The proposed antenna is composed of three different lengths of semi-circular shapes connected with circular disk and half circular modified ground plane. The proposed antenna has a size of 50 × 50 mm2on a low-cost FR4 substrate. The antenna demonstrates impedance bandwidth of −10 dB extended from 1.5 to 11 GHz with discontinuous bandwidth at different interior operating bands. Two pairs of split ring resonator as metamaterial structure cells are inserted closely located from feeding transmission line of the antenna to achieve good impedance matching over the entire band of operation and improve the antenna performance. The fundamental parameters of the antenna including reflection coefficient, gain, radiation pattern and group delay are obtained and they meet the acceptable UWB antenna standard. High-frequency structure simulator ver. 14 is used as full-wave electromagnetic solver then the prototypes are fabricated and measured. Results show that the antenna is very suitable for the applications in UWB as well as wireless communication systems.
Transcriptional regulation of P63 on the apoptosis of male germ cells and three stages of spermatogenesis in mice
Authors: Wang Hong , Yuan Qingqing , Niu Minghui , Zhang Wenhui , Wen Liping , Fu Hongyong , Zhou Fan , He Zuping
Published: January 2018

Infertility affects 10–15% of couples worldwide, and male factors account for 50%. Spermatogenesis is precisely regulated by genetic factors, and the mutations of genes result in abnormal spermatogenesis and eventual male infertility. The aim of this study was to explore the role and transcriptional regulation of P63 in the apoptosis and mouse spermatogenesis. P63 protein was decreased in male germ cells of P63(+/−) mice compared with wild-type mice. There was no obvious difference in testis weight, sperm motility, and fecundity between P63(+/−) and wild-type mice. However, abnormal germ cells were frequently observed in P63(+/−) mice at 2 months old. Notably, apoptotic male germ cells and the percentage of abnormal sperm were significantly enhanced in P63(+/−) mice compared to wild-type mice. Spermatogonia, pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids were isolated from P63(+/−) and wild-type mice using STA-PUT velocity sedimentation, and they were identified phenotypically with high purities. RNA sequencing demonstrated distinct transcription profiles in spermatogonia, pachytene spermatocytes, and round spermatids between P63(+/−) mice and wild-type mice. In total, there were 645 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in spermatogonia, 106 DEGs in pachytene spermatocytes, and 1152 in round spermatids between P63(+/−) mice and wild-type mice. Real time PCR verified a number of DEGs identified by RNA sequencing. Gene ontology annotation and pathway analyzes further indicated that certain key genes, e.g., Ccnd2, Tgfa, Hes5, Insl3, Kit, Lef1, and Jun were involved in apoptosis, while Dazl, Kit, Pld6, Cdkn2d, Stra8, and Ubr2 were associated with regulating spermatogenesis. Collectively, these results implicate that P63 mediates the apoptosis of male germ cells and regulates three stages of spermatogenesis transcriptionally. This study could provide novel targets for the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
Inhibition of p53 prevents diabetic cardiomyopathy by preventing early-stage apoptosis and cell senescence, reduced glycolysis, and impaired angiogenesis
Authors: Gu Junlian , Wang Shudong , Guo Hua , Tan Yi , Liang Yaqin , Feng Anyun , Liu Qiuju , Damodaran Chendil , Zhang Zhiguo , Keller Bradley B. , Zhang Chi , Cai Lu
Published: January 2018

Elevated tumor suppressor p53 expression has been associated with heart diseases, including the diabetic heart. However, its precise role in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) remains unclear. We hypothesized that the development of DCM is attributed to up-regulated p53-mediated both early cardiac cell death and persistent cell senescence, glycolytic and angiogenetic dysfunctions. The present study investigated the effect of p53 inhibition with its specific inhibitor pifithrin-α (PFT-α) on the pathogenesis of DCM and its associated mechanisms. Type 1 diabetes was induced with multiple low doses of streptozotocin. Both hyperglycemic and age-matched control mice were treated with and without PFT-α five times a week for 2 months and then sacrificed at 3 and 6 months post-diabetes. Treatment with PFT-α significantly prevented the progression of diabetes-induced cardiac remodeling and dysfunction (i.e., DCM). Mechanistically, the inhibition of p53 prevented the cardiac apoptosis during early-stage diabetes (0.5 month), attenuated diabetes-induced cell senescence (3 and 6 months), and improved both glycolytic and angiogenic defects by increasing hypoxia-induced factor (HIF)-1α protein stability and upregulating HIF-1α transcription of specific target genes at 3 and 6 months after diabetes. Therefore, the targeted inhibition of p53 in diabetic individuals may provide a novel approach for the prevention of DCM.
An artificial nociceptor based on a diffusive memristor
Authors: Yoon Jung Ho , Wang Zhongrui , Kim Kyung Min , Wu Huaqiang , Ravichandran Vignesh , Xia Qiangfei , Hwang Cheol Seong , Yang J. Joshua
Published: January 2018

A nociceptor is a critical and special receptor of a sensory neuron that is able to detect noxious stimulus and provide a rapid warning to the central nervous system to start the motor response in the human body and humanoid robotics. It differs from other common sensory receptors with its key features and functions, including the “no adaptation” and “sensitization” phenomena. In this study, we propose and experimentally demonstrate an artificial nociceptor based on a diffusive memristor with critical dynamics for the first time. Using this artificial nociceptor, we further built an artificial sensory alarm system to experimentally demonstrate the feasibility and simplicity of integrating such novel artificial nociceptor devices in artificial intelligence systems, such as humanoid robots.
Isolated proton bunch acceleration by a petawatt laser pulse
Authors: Hilz P. , Ostermayr T. M. , Huebl A. , Bagnoud V. , Borm B. , Bussmann M. , Gallei M. , Gebhard J. , Haffa D. , Hartmann J. , Kluge T. , Lindner F. H. , Neumayr P. , Schaefer C. G. , Schramm U. , Thirolf P. G. , Rösch T .F. , Wagner F. , Zielbauer B. , Schreiber J.
Published: January 2018

Often, the interpretation of experiments concerning the manipulation of the energy distribution of laser-accelerated ion bunches is complicated by the multitude of competing dynamic processes simultaneously contributing to recorded ion signals. Here we demonstrate experimentally the acceleration of a clean proton bunch. This was achieved with a microscopic and three-dimensionally confined near critical density plasma, which evolves from a 1 µm diameter plastic sphere, which is levitated and positioned with micrometer precision in the focus of a Petawatt laser pulse. The emitted proton bunch is reproducibly observed with central energies between 20 and 40 MeV and narrow energy spread (down to 25%) showing almost no low-energetic background. Together with three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations we track the complete acceleration process, evidencing the transition from organized acceleration to Coulomb repulsion. This reveals limitations of current high power lasers and viable paths to optimize laser-driven ion sources.
Hotspots of dendritic spine turnover facilitate clustered spine addition and learning and memory
Authors: Frank Adam C. , Huang Shan , Zhou Miou , Gdalyahu Amos , Kastellakis George , Silva Tawnie K. , Lu Elaine , Wen Ximiao , Poirazi Panayiota , Trachtenberg Joshua T. , Silva Alcino J.
Published: January 2018

Modeling studies suggest that clustered structural plasticity of dendritic spines is an efficient mechanism of information storage in cortical circuits. However, why new clustered spines occur in specific locations and how their formation relates to learning and memory (L&M) remain unclear. Using in vivo two-photon microscopy, we track spine dynamics in retrosplenial cortex before, during, and after two forms of episodic-like learning and find that spine turnover before learning predicts future L&M performance, as well as the localization and rates of spine clustering. Consistent with the idea that these measures are causally related, a genetic manipulation that enhances spine turnover also enhances both L&M and spine clustering. Biophysically inspired modeling suggests turnover increases clustering, network sparsity, and memory capacity. These results support a hotspot model where spine turnover is the driver for localization of clustered spine formation, which serves to modulate network function, thus influencing storage capacity and L&M.
The SAM domain of mouse SAMHD1 is critical for its activation and regulation
Authors: Buzovetsky Olga , Tang Chenxiang , Knecht Kirsten M. , Antonucci Jenna M. , Wu Li , Ji Xiaoyun , Xiong Yong
Published: January 2018

Human SAMHD1 (hSAMHD1) is a retroviral restriction factor that blocks HIV-1 infection by depleting the cellular nucleotides required for viral reverse transcription. SAMHD1 is allosterically activated by nucleotides that induce assembly of the active tetramer. Although the catalytic core of hSAMHD1 has been studied extensively, previous structures have not captured the regulatory SAM domain. Here we report the crystal structure of full-length SAMHD1 by capturing mouse SAMHD1 (mSAMHD1) structures in three different nucleotide bound states. Although mSAMHD1 and hSAMHD1 are highly similar in sequence and function, we find that mSAMHD1 possesses a more complex nucleotide-induced activation process, highlighting the regulatory role of the SAM domain. Our results provide insights into the regulation of SAMHD1 activity, thereby facilitating the improvement of HIV mouse models and the development of new therapies for certain cancers and autoimmune diseases.