bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo simulations of elemental imaging using the neutron‐associated particle technique
Authors: Abel Michael R. , Nie Linda H.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop and employ a Monte Carlo (MC) simulation model of associated particle neutron elemental imaging (APNEI) in order to determine the three‐dimensional (3D) imaging resolution of such a system by examining relevant physical and technological parameters and to thereby begin to explore the range of clinical applicability of APNEI to fields such as medical diagnostics, intervention, and etiological research.

Methods

The presented APNEI model was defined in MCNP by a Gaussian‐distributed and isotropic surface source emitting deuterium + deuterium (DD) neutrons, iron as the target element, nine iron‐containing voxels (1 cm3 volume each) arranged in a 3‐by‐3 array as the interrogated volume of interest, and finally, by high‐purity germanium (HPGe) gamma‐ray detectors anterior and posterior to the 9‐voxel array. The MCNP f8 pulse height tally was employed in conjunction with the PTRAC particle tracking function to not only determine the signal acquired from iron inelastic scatter gamma‐rays but also to quantitate each of the nine target voxels’ contribution to the overall iron signal — each detected iron inelastic scatter gamma‐ray being traced to the source neutron which incited its emission.

Results

With the spatial, vector, and timing information of the series of events for each relevant neutron history as collected by PTRAC, realistic grayscale images of the distribution of iron concentration in the 9‐voxel array were simulated in both the projective and depth dimensions. With an overall 225 ps timing resolution, 6.25 mm2 imaging plate pixels assumed to have well localized scintillation, and a DD neutron, Gaussian‐distributed source spot with a diameter of 2 mm, projective and depth resolutions of < 1 cm and <3 cm are achievable, respectively, for iron‐containing voxels on the order of 1,000 ppm Fe.

Conclusions

The imaging resolution offered by APNEI of target elements such as iron lends itself to potential applications in disease diagnosis and treatment planning (high resolution) as well as to ordnance and contraband detection (low resolution). However, experimental study beyond simulation is required to optimize the layout and electronic configuration of APNEI system components — including realistic shielding and phantom materials — for background signal reduction in order to accurately determine the detection limits and spatial resolution of iron and other elements of interest on a case‐by‐case basis.
Separating fast and slow exchange transfer and magnetization transfer using off‐resonance variable‐delay multiple‐pulse (VDMP) MRI
Authors: Chen Lin , Xu Xiang , Zeng Haifeng , Chan Kannie W.Y. , Yadav Nirbhay , Cai Shuhui , Schunke Kathryn J. , Faraday Nauder , van Zijl Peter C.M. , Xu Jiadi
Published: February 2018

Purpose

To develop a method that can separate and quantify the fast (>1 kHz) and slow exchange transfer and magnetization transfer components in Z‐spectra.

Methods

Z‐spectra were recorded as a function of mixing time using a train of selective pulses providing variable‐delay multipulse build‐up curves. Fast and slow transfer components in the Z‐spectra were separated and quantified on a voxel‐by‐voxel basis by fitting the mixing time–dependent CEST signal using a 3‐pool model.

Results

Phantom studies of glutamate solution, bovine serum albumin solution, and hair conditioner showed the capability of the proposed method to separate fast and slow transfer components. In vivo mouse brain studies showed a strong contrast between white matter and gray matter in the slow‐transferring map, corresponding to an asymmetric component of the conventional semisolid magnetization transfer contrast. In addition, a fast‐transferring proton map was found that was homogeneous across the brain and attributed to the total contributions of the fast‐exchanging protons from proteins, metabolites, and a symmetric magnetization transfer contrast component.

Conclusions

This new method provides a simple way to extract fast and slow transfer components from the Z‐spectrum, leading to novel MRI contrasts, and providing insight into the different magnetization transfer contrast contributions.
Importance of the lipid‐related pathways in the association between statins, mortality, and cardiovascular disease risk: The Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Talbot Denis , Delaney Joseph A. (Chris) , Sandfort Veit , Herrington David M. , McClelland Robyn L.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Estimating how much of the impact of statins on coronary heart diseases (CHD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and mortality risk is attributable to their effect on low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and triglycerides.

Methods

A semi‐parametric g‐formula estimator together with data from the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (a prospective multi‐center cohort study) was utilized to perform a mediation analysis. A total of 5280 participants, men and women of various race/ethnicities from multiple sites across the United States, were considered in the current study.

Results

The adherence adjusted total relative risk reduction (RRR) estimate (95% confidence interval) of statins on CHD was 14% (−16%, 37%), and the indirect component through LDL was 23% (−4%, 58%). For CVD, the total RRR was 23% (2%, 40%), and the indirect component through LDL was 5% (−13%, 25%). The total RRR of mortality was 18% (−1%, 35%), and the indirect component through LDL was −4% (−17%, 12%). The estimated indirect components through HDL and triglycerides were close to zero with narrow confidence intervals for all 3 outcomes.

Conclusions

The estimated effect of statins on mortality, CVD, and CHD appeared to be independent of their estimated effect on HDL and triglycerides. Our study provides evidence that the preventive effect of statins on CHD could be attributed in large part to their effect on LDL. Our g‐formula estimator is a promising approach to elucidate pathways, even if it is hard to make firm conclusions for the LDL pathway on mortality and CVD.
Electropolymerization and characterization of ionic diffusion in poly(diphenyldithieno[3,2‐b;20,30‐d]thiophene)
Authors: Charron Alexia , Esnault Charles , Abada Zahra , Marcel Corinne , Schmaltz Bruno , Tran‐Van François
Published: February 2018

Poly(diphenyldithieno[3,2‐b;20,30‐d]thiophene) was synthesized by electropolymerization on Pt quartz crystal and on an indium tin oxide electrode by cyclic voltammetry. Ionic diffusion through the electronic conducting film (for the p‐doping process) was studied by cyclic voltammetry coupled to a quartz crystal microbalance (E‐QCM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), using different electrolyte salts such as LiTFSI, LiClO4 or LiCF3CO2. The molar ratio of insertion/expulsion of anions and cations was estimated from E‐QCM. By comparison between E‐QCM and EIS, the intrinsic ionic diffusion mechanisms in the electronic conducting film were highlighted depending on the salts used in acetonitrile. Moreover, the different mechanisms are in good agreement with the molar ratio of anion/cation insertion/expulsion. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Surface, interface and electronic properties of F8:F8BT polymeric thin films used for organic light‐emitting diode applications
Authors: Borges Bruno GAL , Veiga Amanda G , Gioti Maria , Laskarakis Argiris , Tzounis Lazaros , Logothetidis Stergios , Rocco Maria Luiza M
Published: February 2018

Ultrathin polymeric films consisting of poly(9,9‐di‐n‐octylfluorenyl‐2,7‐diyl) (F8) blended with poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐alt‐benzothiadiazole) (F8BT) grown onto PEDOT:PSS/ITO/PET were investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), depth‐profiling XPS, reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy (REELS) and angle‐dependent X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to gain information on the films' electronic, order and interface properties. AFM studies provide valuable information on the films' nanotopographical properties and homogeneity. Spectroscopic ellipsometry and photoluminescence spectroscopy were used also to obtain information on the optoelectronic properties. Well‐ordered films were observed from the XAS analysis, measured at the sulfur K absorption edge. XPS measurements demonstrated that the surface composition of the polymer thin films prepared by a spin‐coating wet‐chemical deposition method matches the expected F8:F8BT blend stoichiometry. The interfacial properties were studied through an argon ion sputtering process coupled to the XPS acquisition, showing an enhancement of oxygen components at the interface. The films' inhomogeneity was verified by AFM images and analysis. We obtained a value of 3.1 eV as the electronic bandgap of the F8:F8BT film from REELS data, whereas analysis of the spectroscopic ellipsometry spectra revealed that the optical bandgap of F8:F8BT has a value of 2.4 eV. A strong green emission was obtained for the produced films, which is in agreement with the expected emission due to the 1:19 ratio of the F8 and F8BT blended polymers. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Stress Impacts the Regulation Neuropeptides in the Rat Hippocampus and Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Li Wenxue , Papilloud Aurelie , Lozano‐Montes Laura , Zhao Nan , Ye Xueting , Zhang Xiaozhe , Sandi Carmen , Rainer Gregor
Published: February 2018

Adverse life experiences increase the lifetime risk to several stress‐related psychopathologies, such as anxiety or depressive‐like symptoms following stress in adulthood. However, the neurochemical modulations triggered by stress have not been fully characterized. Neuropeptides play an important role as signaling molecules that contribute to physiological regulation and have been linked to neurological and psychiatric diseases. However, little is known about the influence of stress on neuropeptide regulation in the brain. Here, we have performed an exploratory study of how neuropeptide expression at adulthood is modulated by experiencing a period of multiple stressful experiences. We have targeted hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) brain areas, which have previously been shown to be modulated by stressors, employing a targeted liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) based approach that permits broad peptide coverage with high sensitivity. We found that in the hippocampus, Met‐enkephalin, Met‐enkephalin‐Arg‐Phe, and Met‐enkephalin‐Arg‐Gly‐Leu were upregulated, while Leu‐enkephalin and Little SAAS were downregulated after stress. In the PFC area, Met‐enkephalin‐Arg‐Phe, Met‐enkephalin‐Arg‐Gly‐Leu, peptide PHI‐27, somatostatin‐28 (AA1‐12), and Little SAAS were all downregulated. This systematic evaluation of neuropeptide alterations in the hippocampus and PFC suggests that stressors impact neuropeptides and that neuropeptide regulation is brain‐area specific. These findings suggest several potential peptide candidates, which warrant further investigations in terms of correlation with depression‐associated behaviors.
Stress and marital adjustment in families of children with cancer
Authors: Lavi Iris , Fladeboe Kaitlyn , King Kevin , Kawamura Joy , Friedman Debra , Compas Bruce , Breiger David , Gurtovenko Kyrill , Lengua Liliana , Katz Lynn Fainsilber
Published: February 2018

Objective

Pediatric cancer is highly stressful for parents. The current prospective study examines the impact of several stressors (financial strain, life threat, treatment intensity, treatment‐related events, and negative life events) on the trajectory of marital adjustment across the first year following diagnosis. We examined whether average level of stressors across the year was related to (1) levels of marital adjustment at the end of the first year of treatment and () the rate of change in marital adjustment.

Method

One hundred and thirty families of children newly diagnosed with cancer (M age = 6.33 years, SD = 3.61) participated. Primary caregivers provided 12 monthly reports on marital adjustment and stressors.

Results

Multilevel models indicated that although marital adjustment was stable across the first year on average, random effect estimates suggested that this was the result of differing trajectories between families (eg, some increasing and others decreasing). Five individual stress constructs and a cumulative stress composite were then used to predict this variability. Higher average economic strain was related to consistently poorer marital adjustment across time. Higher average frequency of treatment‐related events and negative life events were associated with decreasing adjustment over time and lower adjustment at the end of the first year of treatment. Perception of life threat and treatment intensity were not associated with final levels or trajectory of adjustment. Finally, higher cumulative stress was associated with consistently poorer marital adjustment across time.

Conclusion

Implications for identification of at‐risk families are discussed, and importance of delivering tailored interventions for this population.
High‐Resolution Label‐Free Detection of Biocompatible Polymeric Nanoparticles in Cells
Authors: Pancani Elisabetta , Mathurin Jérémie , Bilent Sylvie , Bernet‐Camard Marie‐Françoise , Dazzi Alexandre , Deniset‐Besseau Ariane , Gref Ruxandra
Published: February 2018

The design of efficient drug nanocarriers necessitates a deep understanding of their interaction with targeted cells. Polymeric poly(lactic acid) (PLA) or poly(d,l‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) nanoparticles (NPs) with sizes lower than 200 nm are among the most employed nanocarriers in drug delivery. Their detection inside cells requires appropriate labeling for high‐resolution imaging techniques, which unfortunately often alter their physicochemical properties and biological fate. Moreover, nowadays no high‐resolution method allows precise detection simultaneously to the identification of NPs chemical composition in cells, which is of outmost interest to gain insights on their fate. Here, this challenge is addressed by using an innovative atomic force microscope coupled with a tunable infrared laser source (nanoIR). NanoIR is used to unambiguously identify PLA NPs of around 170 nm with high resolution. A reliable, nondestructive, and direct method able to precisely locate and chemically characterize PLA NPs within a cell without the need of labeling is presented.
Zero Bias Conductance in d‐Wave Superconductor/Ferromagnet/d‐Wave Superconductor Trilayers
Authors: Popović Zorica , Miranović Predrag , Zikic Radomir
Published: February 2018

Zero bias conductance (ZBC) in ballistic voltage‐biased d‐wave superconductor/ferromagnet/d‐wave superconductor (DFD) junctions is studied theoretically, for various orientations of superconducting electrodes. We show that ZBC increases with exchange field h in the F barrier, up to some maximum value of h which is of the order of the pair potential in the superconducting electrodes. We find that for a given exchange field, ZBC monotonically decreases with temperature. When the exchange field h is smaller or of the order of the superconducting gap Δ, ZBC has a distinct kink at some characteristic temperature T*. It appears that for this temperature Δ(T*) = h. Thus, observing T* where the kink in the ZBC temperature dependence occurs provides a reliable measurement method to determine exchange fields of the order of the superconducting gap.
Magnetic Relaxation Phenomena above the Freezing Temperature in the Single Layered Cobaltite La0.75Sr1.25CoO4
Authors: Mao Jinhua , Li Longlong , Li Luyan
Published: February 2018

The magnetic relaxation properties of the single layered perovskite La0.75Sr1.25CoO4 are investigated, in which spin glass‐like and cluster glass behaviors coexist at low temperature. Not only below but also above the freezing temperature Tf, all magnetization measurements as a function of time display a cooperative relaxation. Above Tf, the ZFC (zero‐field‐cooled) relaxation follows the stretched exponential form while the FC (field‐cooled) relaxation rate can be well described by a power law. These magnetic relaxation phenomena can be attributed to the local interactions between ferromagnetic clusters in La0.75Sr1.25CoO4.
Chemical and morphological characterization of commercial tinplate for food packaging
Authors: Cova Caiazzo Fabio , Brambilla Laura , Montanari Angela , Mischler Stefano
Published: February 2018

The structure of tinplate is usually described as a sequence of layers involving an external tin layer (passivated by a chromate conversion coating), an intermediate FeSn2 layer, and the steel substrate. This structure description applies well to tinplate produced in the past by hot dipping but not necessarily to modern materials fabricated through tin electrodeposition and subsequent heat treatment. In this work, the chemical composition and the structure of 5 commercial tinplate materials have been investigated using Auger electron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, 3D white light interferometry, and electrochemical chrono‐potentiometry. The study revealed that the intermediate layer consists indeed in a wide interface where tin, steel, and the FeSn2 alloy coexist. Moreover, the thickness of the Sn film varied locally significantly. A new tinplate structure was proposed in order to reliably appraise corrosion relevant features.
Designed Synthesis and Supercapacitor Electrode of V2O3@C Core‐shell Structured Nanorods with Excellent Pseudo‐capacitance in Na2SO4 Neutral Electrolyte
Authors: Zhang Yifu
Published: February 2018

V2O3@C core‐shell structured nanorods (VCNR) were successfully prepared using V2O5 nanowires and glucose via a facile hydrothermal route combination of calcination. VCNR comprised of core‐shell structures with V2O3 cores and amorphous carbon shells. Electrochemical properties of VCNR as supercapacitor electrodes were studied in Na2SO4 neutral electrolyte. Results demonstrated that VCNR featured capacitive behavior originating from pseudocapacitance. Specific capacitances of VCNR at 0.5, 1, 2, 5 and 10 A⋅g−1 were achieved to 219, 192, 148, 127 and 119 F⋅g−1, respectively, and VCNR displayed higher specific capacitance than the values of carbon spheres and V2O3 particles. Maximum specific capacitance of VCNR reached 219 F⋅g−1 at 0.5 A⋅g−1 in present study, which was superior to the reported values of V2O3‐based materials and VO2‐based materials. Capacitance retention of VCNR was 100% after 700 cycles and 66% after 1000 cycles. Findings in present study proved that VCNR could be promising candidate as an ideal material for supercapacitors’ electrode.
Facile Synthesis of Porous Pd3Pt Half‐Shells with Rich “Active Sites” as Efficient Catalysts for Formic Acid Oxidation
Authors: Yan Xiaoxiao , Hu Xuejiao , Fu Gengtao , Xu Lin , Lee Jong‐Min , Tang Yawen
Published: February 2018

Exploring highly efficient electrocatalysts is greatly important for the widespread uptake of the fuel cells. However, many newly generated nanocrystals with attractive nanostructures often have extremely limited surface area or large particle‐size, which leads them to display limited electrocatalytic performance. Herein, a novel anode catalyst of hollow and porous Pd3Pt half‐shells with rich “active sites” is synthesized by using urea as a guiding surfactant. It is identified that the formation of Pd3Pt half‐shells involves the combination of bubble guiding, in situ deposition of particles and bubble burst. The obtained Pd3Pt half‐shells demonstrate a rich edge area with abundant exposed active sites and surface defects, indicating great potential for the electrocatalysis. When used as an electrocatalyst, the Pd3Pt half‐shells exhibit remarkably improved electrocatalytic performance for formic acid oxidation (FAO), where it promotes the dehydrogenation process of FAO by suppressing the formation of poisonous species COads via the electronic effect and ensemble effect.
An iterative technique for optimally designing a separable 2D FIR filter
Authors: Wang Hao , Zeng Rong , Cheng Xinmin , Jian Zhihua
Published: February 2018

The optimal design of a separable two‐dimensional (2D) finite impulse response (FIR) filter is a nonlinear programming problem. In this paper, an iterative alternating optimization technique for optimally designing the separable 2D FIR filter in the mini‐max sense and the least‐square sense is proposed. Implementation of the proposed technique only requires a suitable initial solution. The simulation experiment validates the effectiveness of the proposed technique. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An efficient method for reconfiguring power‐efficient VLSI array with maximum satisfiability
Authors: Qian Junyan , Chen Cong , Zhao Lingzhong , Guo Yunchuan
Published: February 2018

Techniques to determine subarrays when processing elements (PEs) of very large scale integration (VLSI) arrays become faulty have been investigated extensively. In this paper, we propose a maximum satisfiability (MaxSAT)‐based method for the reconfiguration of a two‐dimensional degradable VLSI array with faulty PEs. A MaxSAT model is developed such that the target array can be constructed utilizing the efficient MaxSAT solver. Using the proposed method, we are able to find a maximum logical array with the least number of long interconnects and minimizing the number of the long interconnects that will lead to less rerouting costs. Experimental results show that the proposed method is able to reduce most redundant interconnects for the host array compared to earlier works. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Application of an extension method on optimal site selection for PV power systems: A case study in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Mei‐Ling , Wang Meng‐Hui , Lu Shiue‐Der , Lin Yue‐Ter
Published: February 2018

Photovoltaic (PV) power investors mainly consider the investment cost and payback period when settling on a new PV power site. This study applies the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to decompose complex decision‐making problems into several subproblems, which are then organized into a tree‐like structure. The relative importance of each subproblem is weighted to prevent subjective cognitive differences when setting the weight for each factor. Subsequently, this study adopts the extension theory to solve the contradictory problems generated during quality assessments, to analyze the principal factors influencing the installation sites for PV power systems, and to evaluate optimal installation sites. This study further integrates AHP with a quality assessment method based on the extension theory to select the optimal site for installing PV power systems. Factors affecting installation sites comprise sunshine, temperature, PV cell conversion efficiency, feed‐in tariffs, investment payback period, interest rate on bank loans, land rental, and installation costs. Sites located in Northern, Central, and Southern Taiwan and the outlying islands of Taiwan were analyzed. Finally, results from the analysis verify that the method proposed herein generates results quickly and is easy to use. Therefore, the proposed method can help select the optimal installation site for PV power systems. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Thrust force enhancement and ripple reduction of a sandwiched linear flux switching permanent magnet machine with segment stator for urban rail transit
Authors: Hao Wenjuan , Wang Yu
Published: February 2018

Linear flux‐switching permanent magnet (LFSPM) machines have significant potential in many applications like urban rail transit, automobile and naval. In order to reach high thrust force capability, a sandwiched LFSPM machine (SLFSPM) is investigated in this paper to enhance the usage of both PMs and steel. This machine is found to have higher thrust force after being optimized for maximum thrust force and compared with a optimized conventional 12/14 LFSPM machine based on FEA. However, big thrust ripples will limit its application in many areas. Thus, the SLFSPM machine is improved with two end PMs to suppress the thrust ripple that caused by the unbalanced back‐EMFs, and then, to reduce the thrust ripples that caused by cogging force, the SLFSPM machine with segment stator struture (SLFPM‐SS) is proposed, and the cogging force can be minimized without thrust force capability decrease. Based on FEA results, the SLFPM‐SS machine can maintain high thrust force capability and at the same time, achieve small thrust force ripples and high sinusoidal back‐EMFs. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Syntheses, Structures, and Photoluminescence Properties of a Series of 3D Zn‐Ln Heterometallic Complexes with 2,3‐Pyrazine Dicarboxylic Acid as a Bridging Ligand
Authors: Zhang Hao , Li Hongfeng , Chen Peng , Yan Pengfei
Published: February 2018

A series of 3D d–f heterometallic coordination polymers, {[Ln2Zn(Pzdc)4(H2O)6]·2H2O}n [Ln = La (1), Pr (2), Nd (3), Sm (4), Eu (5), Gd (6), Tb (7), Dy (8)] (H2Pzdc = 2,3‐pyrazine dicarboxylic acid), were synthesized by one‐pot reactions under hydrothermal conditions. X‐ray crystallographical analysis and powder X‐ray diffraction analysis reveal that the complexes 1–8 are isostructural and adopt a multi‐parallel quadrilateral channel network structure with {4.6·2}2{4·2.6·2.8·2}{6·3}2{6·5.8}2 topology, in which the central LnIII ion is nine‐coordinate by four oxygen atoms and two nitrogen atoms from four ligands and three oxygen atoms from three coordinated H2O molecules and the central ZnII ion is six‐coordinate by four oxygen atoms and two nitrogen atoms from four ligands. Moreover, the photophysical properties related to the electronic transition for complexes 4, 5, 7, and 8 were investigated by the excitation and emission spectra as well as the emission lifetimes.
Formal derivation and existence result of an approximate model on dislocation densities
Authors: Ibrahim Hassan , Rizik Vivian , Salloum Zaynab
Published: February 2018

In this work, we are interested in a mathematical problem arising from the dynamics of dislocation densities in crystals. The model, originally developed by Groma, Czikor, and Zaiser in [], is a coupled singular parabolic system that describes the motion of dislocations in a bounded crystal, taking into account the short‐range interactions and the effect of exterior stresses. We show the derivation and the short time existence and uniqueness of a regular solution in a Hölder space using a fixed point argument and a particular comparison principle.
Early Consequences of Pectus Excavatum Surgery on Self‐Esteem and General Quality of Life
Authors: Zuidema W. P. , Oosterhuis J. W. A. , Zijp G. W. , van der Heide S. M. , van der Steeg A. F. W. , van Heurn L. W. E.
Published: February 2018

Background

An early observation after chest wall correction is direct inspection from the PE patient of their “new” thorax. Changes in self‐perception may give raise to other psychological adaptations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the early changes in the fields of self‐esteem, body image and QoL.

Methods

Prospective observational longitudinal multicenter cohort study. Self‐esteem, emotional limitations and general health were assessed using the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) in patients under 18 and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire‐bref (WHOQOL‐bref) was used for body image, psychological domain and overall QoL in patients over 16 years of age. Measurements were taken before surgery (T1) and 6 weeks (T2), and 6 months thereafter (T3).

Results

Scores on post‐operative self‐esteem were significantly higher compared with scores pre‐operatively (p < 0.007). Also body image, psychological domain and emotional limitations showed significant improvement, respectively p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.016. Significant improvement in the first three components was mainly achieved in the first 6 weeks post‐operative. In emotional limitation, however, the largest change was between 6 weeks and 6 months. Overall quality of life in the WHOQOL‐bref and general health domain in the CHQ showed no significant improvement in relation to the pre‐operative scores.

Conclusion

Post‐operative PE patients after Nuss procedure showed an improved body image, increased self‐esteem and increased psychological resilience in the first 6 months, with the most marked change in the first 6 weeks. Also emotional limitations changed significantly over time. The changes were not large enough to influence general QoL or general health significantly.
Cerebrospinal fluid and serum MHPG improve Alzheimer's disease versus dementia with Lewy bodies differential diagnosis
Authors: Janssens Jana , Vermeiren Yannick , Fransen Erik , Aerts Tony , Van Dam Debby , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , De Deyn Peter P.
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Given the challenges concerning the differential diagnosis of dementia, we investigated the possible added value of monoaminergic compounds to the standard cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers. Particularly, regarding the AD versus dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) comparison, monoamines or their metabolites might have added discriminative value as there is a more severe neuropathological burden in the locus coeruleus of DLB patients, the principal site of noradrenaline synthesis.

Methods

We applied enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to analyze CSF amyloid β peptide of 42 amino acids, total tau, and tau phosphorylated at threonine 181, in patients with AD, frontotemporal dementia, DLB/Parkinson's disease dementia, and controls. Reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection was implemented to study monoamine and metabolite levels in CSF and serum. Stepwise forward conditional logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of these newly fitted models containing the most discriminative indicators of disease status.

Results

Most significant differences in CSF and serum were confined to the noradrenergic system. More specifically, CSF 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) levels were higher, whereas serum MHPG levels were lower, in DLB patients compared with all other groups. Addition of CSF and serum MHPG levels to the CSF AD biomarker panel significantly increased diagnostic accuracy between DLB/Parkinson's disease dementia and AD. Interestingly, a model only including CSF and serum MHPG without the classic AD biomarker panel reached similar area under the curve values.

Discussion

We hypothesize that varying degrees of neuronal loss in the locus coeruleus of DLB/Parkinson's disease dementia versus AD patients result in differentially altered MHPG levels, making this metabolite a valuable biomarker.
The People’s Right to Know and State Secrecy
Authors: Mokrosinska Dorota
Published: February 2018

Among the classic arguments which advocates of open government use to fight government secrecy is the appeal to a “people’s right to know.” I argue that the employment of this idea as a conceptual weapon against state secrecy misfires. I consider two prominent arguments commonly invoked to support the people’s right to know government-held information: an appeal to human rights and an appeal to democratic citizenship. While I concede that both arguments ground the people’s right to access government information, I argue that they also limit this right and in limiting it, they establish a domain of state secrecy. The argument developed in the essay provides a novel interpretation of Dennis Thompson’s claim, who in his seminal work on the place of secrecy in democratic governance, has argued that some of the best reasons for secrecy are the same reasons that argue for openness and against secrecy.
Coercion and Volition in Law and Philosophy
Authors: Pundik Amit
Published: February 2018

This paper discusses cases in which defendants were coerced to do something they wanted to do anyway. Through these cases a stark divergence between the legal and philosophical discussion of alternative possibilities is highlighted. The paper seeks to vindicate the legal approach to coercion and volition by showing that the legal approach could be accounted for with an epistemic version of the Principle of Alternative Possibilities, a version which is also immune to Frankfurt-type examples.
Onset conditions for vortex breakdown in supersonic flows
Authors: Hiejima Toshihiko
Published: February 2018

This study proposes an onset condition of shock-free supersonic vortex breakdown from the axial momentum variation, which applies in the presence or absence of a stagnation point. The condition is derived from a comprehensive approach to vortex breakdown. Supersonic breakdown appeared when the swirl parameter and Mach number were small. Moreover, bubble-type breakdowns with a stagnation point, which occur in subsonic conditions, could not occur under the supersonic condition in the present analysis. The predicted breakdowns under this condition were consistent with the results of the three-dimensional numerical simulations for Mach numbers ranging from 1.5 to 5.0. Supersonic vortex breakdowns were clearly captured by the helicity contours in the numerical results. The threshold of the downstream Mach number required for spiral breakdown with no stagnation point was also theoretically derived and verified in numerical results. These findings provide new insights into vortex breakdown in supersonic flows.
LEFT-ORDERABLE COMPUTABLE GROUPS
Authors: HARRISON-TRAINOR MATTHEW
Published: February 2018

Downey and Kurtz asked whether every orderable computable group is classically isomorphic to a group with a computable ordering. By an order on a group, one might mean either a left-order or a bi-order. We answer their question for left-orderable groups by showing that there is a computable left-orderable group which is not classically isomorphic to a computable group with a computable left-order. The case of bi-orderable groups is left open.
The Ethics of Political Alliance
Authors: White Jonathan
Published: February 2018

Usually pictured in relations of opposition, political parties are sometimes inclined to make alliances. This article examines the ethical questions such arrangements give rise to. It considers first the formal characteristics of an alliance as a distinctive form of association, moving on to examine what reasons for alliance are good reasons. Intrinsic arguments that invoke epistemic or democratic criteria, and instrumental arguments that cite areas of shared programme or imperfect institutions, are weighed in turn, with the latter judged to be more consistent with the partisan ethos. The final section examines the normative standards to which alliances should be held once formed.
Inside the Enclosed Farm: Farmers, Shepherds, and the Introduction of New Technology in Cape Wool Farming, 1865–1950
Authors: Lilja Fredrik
Published: February 2018

This article considers the transformation of labour relations in wool farming in the Cape Colony/Province between 1865 and 1950. It focuses specifically on shepherds and how their relationship with farmers changed as a result of the requirement to improve production through the implementation of fenced camps in the late nineteenth century. It was expected that this innovation would reduce the demand among farmers for shepherds. This article shows, however, that the demand for shepherds continued due to the existence of jackals and the lack of sufficient water in the dry Karoo. It was not until the 1910s that, on the most progressive farms, the demand for shepherds was markedly reduced. But the shepherds were replaced by camp walkers – people who managed fences rather than sheep. Among farmers who had not invested in fencing and water supplies, the demand for shepherding continued, and, to compete, those farmers hired younger shepherds.
COMPLETED FERTILITY DURING THE TWENTIETH CENTURY: AN EXAMPLE FROM SIX SETTLEMENTS IN NORTHERN GREECE
Authors: Zafeiris Konstantinos N. , Kaklamani Stamatina
Published: February 2018

This study aimed to delineate temporal trends and differentials of completed fertility and their relationship with some characteristics of the marriage system in specific anthropological populations of northern Greece. The analysis was based on the life history of quinquennial and decennial birth cohorts of married women born in the 20thcentury who reproduced solely within the settlements studied. The variables studied were: children ever born, mean age of mother at first marriage, mean age of mother at first child (live birth), mean age of mother at last child and reproductive span. The results indicated that there were significant differences in the demographic characteristics of marriage and that there was an ongoing fertility transition in the 20th century in the populations studied. The mechanism of fertility decline was connected with the gradual reduction of the mean age of the mother at last child, the parallel decrease in the mean age at childbearing and a shortening of the reproductive span. Fertility levels at all times maintained a dynamic character imposed by local cultural, economic and social structures, which, in turn, were part of broader national and international structures, in all the populations studied. A strong trend of convergence of fertility levels was observed among the populations studied.
WHY SHOULD WE TEAM REASON?
Authors: Browne Katharine
Published: February 2018

Team reasoning is thought to be descriptively and normatively superior to the classical individualistic theory of rational choice primarily because it can recommend coordination on Hi in the Hi-Lo game and cooperation in Prisoner's Dilemma-type situations. However, left unanswered is whether it is rational for individuals to become team members, leaving a gap between reasons for individuals and reasons for team members. In what follows, I take up Susan Hurley's attempt to show that it is rational for an individual to become a team member. I argue that her account fails to show that becoming a team member is necessary to gain the advantages of coordination in Hi-Lo games or cooperation in Prisoner's Dilemma-type situations, and that individuals will often fare better reasoning as individual agents than as members of a team. I argue further that there is a more general problem for team reasoning, specifically that the conditions needed to make it rational for a team member to employ team reasoning make becoming a team member unnecessary.
DECOMPOSITION ALGORITHMS TO COMPUTE THE QUICKEST TIME DISTRIBUTION IN DYNAMIC NETWORKS
Authors: Jane Chin-Chia , Laih Yih-Wenn
Published: February 2018

In dynamic networks, the quickest time is the least possible time required to transmit specified data from the source to the sink. When arcs in dynamic networks are independently subjected to failures, the quickest time is a random variable. Although previous studies have already explored the reliability of the quickest path, this work presents an algorithm that computes the probability distribution of the quickest time from the viewpoint of the quickest flow that contains all possible joint and disjoint paths. For moderate dynamic networks, the proposed algorithm can be easily modified to approximate the quickest time distribution with a trade-off between accuracy and running time. The performance and properties of the exact and modified algorithms are explored through computational experiments, which are conducted on 10 randomly generated networks. The exact algorithm is also compared with the exhaustive method which examines all state vectors.
Taxation, State Formation, and Governmentality: The Historical Development of Alcohol Excise Duties in England and Wales
Authors: Yeomans Henry
Published: February 2018

The use of excise taxation in contemporary Western societies is marked by the curious coexistence of the state's fiscal objective of raising revenue with often-articulated behavioral objectives relating to lowering or altering public consumption of certain commodities. This article uses findings from the first dedicated empirical study of the long-term development of various alcohol excise duties in England and Wales to explain how and why this contemporary situation, of distinct and potentially inconsistent rationalities, came to exist. Orthodox tax history tends to emphasize the importance of tax for state formation generally and/or the more specific establishment of a fiscal-military state in Britain. While important, such accounts relate principally to the fiscal dimensions of taxation and say little about any behavioral aspects. This article draws upon the original analysis of archival government sources dating from 1643 to 1914 that pertain to the excise taxation of various drinks that are today defined as alcoholic. It also involves the innovative application of the Foucauldian concept of governmentality to this history of taxation. The article demonstrates that the historical development of alcohol excise duties in England and Wales has been driven not just by the formation of a fiscal-military state, but also by the emergence of governmentality across the modern period. This original insight into tax history is used to explain the logical inconsistencies within current tax laws. Moreover, by providing the first sustained analysis of its links to taxation, the article advances the developing literature around governmentality within criminology, sociology, and sociolegal studies.
Incorporating Physical Processes into Sea Level Projections
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: February 2018

Including the effects of physical mechanisms that can quickly increase ice sheet discharge significantly raises sea level rise projections under high-emission scenarios.
Retinal progenitor cells release extracellular vesicles containing developmental transcription factors, microRNA and membrane proteins
Authors: Zhou Jing , Benito-Martin Alberto , Mighty Jason , Chang Lynne , Ghoroghi Shima , Wu Hao , Wong Madeline , Guariglia Sara , Baranov Petr , Young Michael , Gharbaran Rajendra , Emerson Mark , Mark Milica Tesic , Molina Henrik , Canto-Soler M. Valeria , Selgas Hector Peinado , Redenti Stephen
Published: February 2018

A range of cell types, including embryonic stem cells, neurons and astrocytes have been shown to release extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing molecular cargo. Across cell types, EVs facilitate transfer of mRNA, microRNA and proteins between cells. Here we describe the release kinetics and content of EVs from mouse retinal progenitor cells (mRPCs). Interestingly, mRPC derived EVs contain mRNA, miRNA and proteins associated with multipotency and retinal development. Transcripts enclosed in mRPC EVs, include the transcription factors Pax6, Hes1, and Sox2, a mitotic chromosome stabilizer Ki67, and the neural intermediate filaments Nestin and GFAP. Proteomic analysis of EV content revealed retinogenic growth factors and morphogen proteins. mRPC EVs were shown to transfer GFP mRNA between cell populations. Finally, analysis of EV mediated functional cargo delivery, using the Cre-loxP recombination system, revealed transfer and uptake of Cre+ EVs, which were then internalized by target mRPCs activating responder loxP GFP expression. In summary, the data supports a paradigm of EV genetic material encapsulation and transfer within RPC populations. RPC EV transfer may influence recipient RPC transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, representing a novel mechanism of differentiation and fate determination during retinal development.
DYRK1A inhibition and cognitive rescue in a Down syndrome mouse model are induced by new fluoro-DANDY derivatives
Authors: Neumann Fernanda , Gourdain Stéphanie , Albac Christelle , Dekker Alain D. , Bui Linh Chi , Dairou Julien , Schmitz-Afonso Isabelle , Hue Nathalie , Rodrigues-Lima Fernando , Delabar Jean M. , Potier Marie-Claude , Le Caër Jean-Pierre , Touboul David , Delatour Benoît , Cariou Kevin , Dodd Robert H.
Published: February 2018

Inhibition of DYRK1A kinase, produced by chromosome 21 and consequently overproduced in trisomy 21 subjects, has been suggested as a therapeutic approach to treating the cognitive deficiencies observed in Down syndrome (DS). We now report the synthesis and potent DYRK1A inhibitory activities of fluoro derivatives of 3,5-di(polyhydroxyaryl)-7-azaindoles (F-DANDYs). One of these compounds (3-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine, 5a) was selected for in vivo studies of cognitive rescuing effects in a standard mouse model of DS (Ts65Dn line). Using the Morris water maze task, Ts65Dn mice treated i.p. with 20 mg/kg of 5a performed significantly better than Ts65Dn mice treated with placebo, confirming the promnesiant effect of 5a in the trisomic mice. Overall, these results demonstrate for the first time that selective and competitive inhibition of DYRK1A kinase by the F-DANDY derivative 5a may provide a viable treatment strategy for combating the memory and learning deficiencies encountered in DS.
IL-23 and IL-27 Levels in Serum are Associated with the Process and the Recovery of Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Authors: Peng Jing , Zhang Hui , Liu Peidong , Chen Min , Xue Bing , Wang Rui , Shou Jifei , Qian Juanfeng , Zhao Zhikang , Xing Yanmeng , Liu Hongbo
Published: February 2018

IL-23 and IL-27 are believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). However, changes in these cytokines during the dynamic pathological and recovery processes of GBS are not well described. In the present study, plasma was collected from 83 patients with various stages of GBS, 70 patients with central nervous system demyelinating diseases,70 patients with other neurological diseases (OND) and 70 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Serum levels of IL-23, IL-27, and Campylobacter jejuni (CJ) IgM were assessed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that serum IL-23 levels of patients during the acute phase of GBS were significantly higher followed by a decreasing trend during the recovery phase of the disease. Serum IL-27 levels significantly increased during the acute phase of GBS, and gradually increased during the recovery phase. Interestingly, both the severity and subtype of GBS were closely associated with the two cytokines. IL-23 levels were positively correlated with IL-27 levels, prognosis, and other clinical parameters. Our findings confirm that IL-23 may show pro-inflammatory effects, especially at the early stage of GBS. IL-27 appears to have a dual role in GBS, with initial pro-inflammatory effects, followed by anti-inflammatory properties during recovery.