bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EEG patterns of self-paced movement imaginations towards externally-cued and internally-selected targets
Authors: Pereira Joana , Sburlea Andreea Ioana , Müller-Putz Gernot R.
Published: August 2018

In this study, we investigate the neurophysiological signature of the interacting processes which lead to a single reach-and-grasp movement imagination (MI). While performing this task, the human healthy participants could either define their movement targets according to an external cue, or through an internal selection process. After defining their target, they could start the MI whenever they wanted. We recorded high density electroencephalographic (EEG) activity and investigated two neural correlates: the event-related potentials (ERPs) associated with the target selection, which reflect the perceptual and cognitive processes prior to the MI, and the movement-related cortical potentials (MRCPs), associated with the planning of the self-paced MI. We found differences in frontal and parietal areas between the late ERP components related to the internally-driven selection and the externally-cued process. Furthermore, we could reliably estimate the MI onset of the self-paced task. Next, we extracted MRCP features around the MI onset to train classifiers of movement vs. rest directly on self-paced MI data. We attained performance significantly higher than chance level for both time-locked and asynchronous classification. These findings contribute to the development of more intuitive brain-computer interfaces in which movement targets are defined internally and the movements are self-paced.
SeesawPred: A Web Application for Predicting Cell-fate Determinants in Cell Differentiation
Authors: Hartmann András , Okawa Satoshi , Zaffaroni Gaia , del Sol Antonio
Published: August 2018

Cellular differentiation is a complex process where a less specialized cell evolves into a more specialized cell. Despite the increasing research effort, identification of cell-fate determinants (transcription factors (TFs) determining cell fates during differentiation) still remains a challenge, especially when closely related cell types from a common progenitor are considered. Here, we develop SeesawPred, a web application that, based on a gene regulatory network (GRN) model of cell differentiation, can computationally predict cell-fate determinants from transcriptomics data. Unlike previous approaches, it allows the user to upload gene expression data and does not rely on pre-compiled reference data sets, enabling its application to novel differentiation systems. SeesawPred correctly predicted known cell-fate determinants on various cell differentiation examples in both mouse and human, and also performed better compared to state-of-the-art methods. The application is freely available for academic, non-profit use at http://seesaw.lcsb.uni.lu.
Bacterial communities and potential waterborne pathogens within the typical urban surface waters
Authors: Jin Decai , Kong Xiao , Cui Bingjian , Jin Shulan , Xie Yunfeng , Wang Xingrun , Deng Ye
Published: August 2018

Waterborne pathogens have attracted a great deal of attention in the public health sector over the last several decades. However, little is known about the pathogenic microorganisms in urban water systems. In this study, the bacterial community structure of 16 typical surface waters in the city of Beijing were analyzed using Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing based on 16S rRNA gene. The results showed that Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were the dominant groups in 16 surface water samples, and Betaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Flavobacteriia, Sphingobacteriia and Actinobacteria were the most dominant classes. The dominant genus across all samples was Flavobacterium. In addition, fifteen genus level groups of potentialy pathogenic bacteria were detected within the 16 water samples, with Pseudomonas and Aeromonas the most frequently identified. Spearman correlation analysis demonstrated that richness estimators (OTUs and Chao1) were correlated with water temperature, nitrate and total nitrogen (p < 0.05), while ammonia-nitrogen and total nitrogen were significantly correlated with the percent of total potential pathogens (p ≤ 0.05). These results could provide insight into the ecological function and health risks of surface water bacterial communities during the process of urbanization.
Pro inflammatory stimuli enhance the immunosuppressive functions of adipose mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes
Authors: Domenis Rossana , Cifù Adriana , Quaglia Sara , Pistis Cinzia , Moretti Massimo , Vicario Annalisa , Parodi Pier Camillo , Fabris Martina , Niazi Kayvan R. , Soon-Shiong Patrick , Curcio Francesco
Published: August 2018

The predominant mechanism by which adipose mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) participate to tissue repair is through a paracrine activity and their communication with the inflammatory microenvironment is essential part of this process. This hypothesis has been strengthened by the recent discovery that stem cells release not only soluble factors but also extracellular vesicles, which elicit similar biological activity to the stem cells themselves. We demonstrated that the treatment with inflammatory cytokines increases the immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory potential of AMSCs-derived exosomes, which acquire the ability to shift macrophages from M1 to M2 phenotype by shuttling miRNA regulating macrophages polarization. This suggests that the immunomodulatory properties of AMSCs-derived exosomes may be not constitutive, but are instead induced by the inflammatory microenvironment.
Strain-specific differences in brain gene expression in a hydrocephalic mouse model with motile cilia dysfunction
Authors: McKenzie Casey W. , Preston Claudia C. , Finn Rozzy , Eyster Kathleen M. , Faustino Randolph S. , Lee Lance
Published: August 2018

Congenital hydrocephalus results from cerebrospinal fluid accumulation in the ventricles of the brain and causes severe neurological damage, but the underlying causes are not well understood. It is associated with several syndromes, including primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), which is caused by dysfunction of motile cilia. We previously demonstrated that mouse models of PCD lacking ciliary proteins CFAP221, CFAP54 and SPEF2 all have hydrocephalus with a strain-dependent severity. While morphological defects are more severe on the C57BL/6J (B6) background than 129S6/SvEvTac (129), cerebrospinal fluid flow is perturbed on both backgrounds, suggesting that abnormal cilia-driven flow is not the only factor underlying the hydrocephalus phenotype. Here, we performed a microarray analysis on brains from wild type and nm1054 mice lacking CFAP221 on the B6 and 129 backgrounds. Expression differences were observed for a number of genes that cluster into distinct groups based on expression pattern and biological function, many of them implicated in cellular and biochemical processes essential for proper brain development. These include genes known to be functionally relevant to congenital hydrocephalus, as well as formation and function of both motile and sensory cilia. Identification of these genes provides important clues to mechanisms underlying congenital hydrocephalus severity.
Imidazole Compounds for Protecting Choroidal Endothelial Cells from Complement Injury
Authors: Zeng Shemin , Wen Kuo-Kuang , Workalemahu Grefachew , Sohn Elliott H. , Wu Meng , Chirco Kathleen R. , Flamme-Wiese Miles J. , Liu Xiuying , Stone Edwin M. , Tucker Budd A. , Mullins Robert F.
Published: August 2018

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common, blinding disease associated with increased complement system activity. Eyes with AMD show elevated accumulation of the membrane attack complex (MAC) in the choriocapillaris and degeneration of macular choriocapillaris endothelial cells (ECs). Thus, one could reasonably conclude that the endothelial cell death that occurs in AMD is due to injury by the MAC. We therefore sought to identify strategies for protecting ECs against MAC lysis. RF/6A endothelial cells were pre-incubated with a library of FDA-approved small molecules, followed by incubation with complement intact human serum quantification of cell death. Two closely related molecules identified in the screen, econazole nitrate and miconazole nitrate, were followed in validation and mechanistic studies. Both compounds reduced lysis of choroidal ECs treated with complement-intact serum, across a range of doses from 1 to 100 µM. Cell rescue was confirmed in mouse primary choroidal ECs. Both exosome release and cell surface roughness (assessed using a Holomonitor system) were reduced by drug pretreatment in RF/6A cells, whereas endosome formation increased with both drugs, consistent with imidazole-mediated alterations of cell surface dynamics. The results in the current study provide further proof of principle that small molecules can protect choroidal ECs from MAC-induced cell death and suggest that FDA approved compounds may be beneficial in reducing vascular loss and progression of AMD.
An all-in-one nanoparticle (AION) contrast agent for breast cancer screening with DEM-CT-MRI-NIRF imaging
Authors: Hsu Jessica C. , Naha Pratap C. , Lau Kristen C. , Chhour Peter , Hastings Renee , Moon Brianna F. , Stein Joel M. , Witschey Walter R. T. , McDonald Elizabeth S. , Maidment Andrew D. A. , Cormode David P.
Published: August 2018

AION have improved biocompatibility and are an effective multimodal contrast agent for breast cancer diagnosis.
Active tuning of directional scattering by combining magneto-optical effects and multipolar interferences
Authors: Liu M. Q. , Zhao C. Y. , Wang B. X.
Published: August 2018

Achieving directional optical switching between forward and backward scattering with an external magnetic field B in a dynamic way.
Polymerization of 1-chloro-2-phenylacetylene by cationic monoanionic tridentate (S,S)-bis(oxazolinylphenyl)amido-ligated palladium catalysts: is it a coordination–insertion mechanism?
Authors: Wu Xiaolu , Yang Zhi , Yan Xinwen , Zhang Pengfei , Wang Lin , Guo Ge , Dong Yuping , Li Xiaofang
Published: August 2018

Cationic (S,S)-bis(oxazolinylphenyl)amido-ligated palladium species were first used for the coordination–insertion polymerization of 1-chloro-2-phenylacetylenes.
A nano-micro dual-scale particulate-reinforced copper matrix composite with high strength, high electrical conductivity and superior wear resistance
Authors: Zou Cunlei , Chen Zongning , Guo Enyu , Kang Huijun , Fan Guohua , Wang Wei , Li Rengeng , Zhang Siruo , Wang Tongmin
Published: August 2018

A nano Cu5Zr and micro ZrB2 dual-scale particulate-reinforced copper matrix composite is prepared by in situ synthesis and heat treatment, which has high strength, high electrical conductivity and superior wear resistance.
Thermal tuning of graphene-embedded waveguide filters based on the polymer–silica hybrid structure
Authors: Cao Yue , Lin Baizhu , Sun Yue , Che Xinchi , Yi Yunji , Wang Fei , Zhang Daming
Published: August 2018

We propose thermal tuning filters based on a graphene embedded polymer–silica hybrid waveguide. This device can realize the efficient adjustment of the relative position between the optical field and graphene layer by thermal tuning.
Enhancing the tactile and near-infrared sensing capabilities of electrospun PVDF nanofibers with the use of gold nanocages
Authors: Li Haoxuan , Wu Tong , Xie Minghao , Shi Yifeng , Shen Song , Zhao Ming , Yang Xuan , Figueroa-Cosme Legna M. , Ke Qinfei , Xia Younan
Published: August 2018

Gold nanocages are directly into PVDF nanofibers during electrospinning to greatly improve their performance in tactile and near-infrared sensing.
Centrifugally spun ultrafine starch/PEO fibres as release formulation for poorly water‐soluble drugs
Authors: Li Xianglong , Lu Yishen , Hou Teng , Zhou Jing , Yang Bin
Published: August 2018

In this work, the authors prepared drug‐loaded ultrafine starch/polyethylene oxide (PEO) fibres through centrifugal spinning, which use the poorly water‐soluble drugs ibuprofen (ibu) and ketoprofen (ket) as model drugs. The obtained fibres were treated by acetic acid/glutaraldehyde solution (1/1, v/v) for 12 h at 40°C, in order to remove residual sodium hydroxide in fibres and improve the water stability. The morphology, chemical structures, and mechanical properties of obtained fibres were investigated. In‐vitro drug release tests revealed that more than 75% of loaded drugs could be released from fibrous membranes without initial burst release (>80% in the first 2 h). The ibu‐loaded fibrous membranes showed a sustained release period as long as 24 h, while the ket‐loaded fibrous membranes could release more than 48 h. These fibre‐based delivery systems are therefore proposed to be good candidate drug formulations, especially for improving solubility and bioavailability of poorly water‐soluble drugs.
Effect of increase in temperature on the survival and growth ofMacrobrachium amazonicum(Palaemonidae) in the Amazon
Authors: Bastos Argemiro Midonês , Lima Jô Farias , Tavares-Dias Marcos
Published: August 2018

Macrobrachium amazonicumis a shrimp species distributed in freshwater habitats of Neotropical regions and is of great importance for the Amazonian economy. This study evaluated the effects of temperature increase on the survival and growth ofM. amazonicum. For this, we distributed 360M. amazonicumjuveniles in 70 L tanks, and carried out a 90-day experiment with three treatments (T0: 28 ± 0.5 °C, or room temperature; T1: 30 ± 0.2 °C; T2: 32 ± 0.2 °C), using 4 replicate tanks each with 30 individual shrimp. Culture-tanks were connected to a recirculation system with biofiltration and constant aeration. Animals were fed twice a day using shrimp pelleted commercial food. After 90 days of trial, the total length and body mass gain of the animals cultured at room temperature was 78% and 433%, respectively. The specific growth rate, condition factor, weight gain, and length and survival of animals cultured at 30 and 32 °C were lower than those cultivated at 28 °C, and feed conversion was higher. Therefore, water temperature of 30 and 32 °C may compromise growth and survival ofM. amazonicumduring cultivation, none of the extreme temperatures may be recommended in practice.
Dossier : La fabrique de la compensation écologique : controverses et pratiques – Quand les parlementaires débattent de la compensation écologique : des occasions manquées
Authors: Doussan Isabelle
Published: August 2018

Lors du processus d’élaboration de la loi du 8 août 2016 pour la reconquête de la biodiversité de la nature et des paysages, la compensation écologique a occupé une place non négligeable dans les débats parlementaires. Si le débat portant sur la protection de la biodiversité versus le développement économique a été houleux, tant les positions des députés et sénateurs apparaissaient inconciliables, celui qui aurait dû porter, selon nous, sur la question de l’institutionnalisation de la compensation comme outil de prévention des atteintes à l’environnement n’a pas véritablement eu lieu. Il en est allé pareillement concernant la question pourtant essentielle de la durée de l’obligation de compenser les atteintes à l’environnement. Enfin, si la solution retenue de créer les conditions d’un marché de la compensation a donné lieu à débats, elle ne s’est pas traduite par l’adoption de mesures visant à réguler le fonctionnement de ce marché. Au final, on peut regretter que le législateur français n’ait pas saisi l’occasion fournie par cette loi pour élaborer un véritable « droit de la compensation ».
Dossier : La fabrique de la compensation écologique : controverses et pratiques – L’économie néo-institutionnelle comme cadre de recherche pour questionner l’efficacité de la compensation écologique
Authors: Scemama Pierre , Kermagoret Charlène , Levrel Harold , Vaissière Anne-Charlotte
Published: August 2018

Analyser l’efficacité d’une politique publique implique d’adopter une démarche normative, c’est-à-dire de définir « ce qui doit être » pour ensuite discuter du meilleur chemin pour y arriver. Dans le cadre de la compensation écologique, cet objectif est défini par l’atteinte de l’équivalence entre les pertes liées à un projet et les gains liés aux mesures compensatoires. Cette équivalence repose sur une logique de substitution, qui est au cœur des préoccupations de l’économie de l’environnement. Nous commencerons par présenter les contributions de ce champ théorique à l’étude de l’efficacité de la compensation. Nous en soulignerons aussi les limites, qui nous ont conduits à préférer le cadre de l’économie néo-institutionnelle qui étudie l’efficacité de la compensation comme un problème d’organisation des acteurs en tenant compte de leur contexte institutionnel et environnemental.
Using ideotypes to support selection and recommendation of varieties
Authors: Gauffreteau Arnaud
Published: August 2018

Climate change, synthetic input reduction and new cropping practices contribute to renew deeply and rapidly the cropping conditions and the required attributes of the varieties. To provide varieties adapted to those multiple cropping situations and objectives, stakeholders of selection, assessment and recommendation need new methods. Indeed, selecting a variety on a large number of objectives simultaneously may be complicated and inefficient. To improve the efficiency of the selection, Donald (1968) proposed an ideotype-based approach. It consists first in building a plant model by pointing out the mechanisms and plant traits to reach the goals and then only selecting varieties on those traits. To do so, a three-step method is presented: (i) defining the varietal specifications; (ii) designing and building an ideotype; and (iii) selecting varieties according to the ideotype and assessing their ability to meet the specifications. Tools available for helping the implementation of such a method are identified in different fields (computing, design, genetics…). This ideotype approach is presented as a valuable framework to support a collective design as it eases the interactions between stakeholders from different scientific and technical fields and the use of different forms of knowledge either scientific or empirical.
Impact of peritoneal carcinomatosis on clinical outcomes of patients receiving self-expandable metal stents for malignant colorectal obstruction
Authors: Park Jae , Rhee Kwangwon , Yoon Jin , Park Soo , Kim Joo , Kim Jie-Hyun , Youn Young , Kim Tae , Park Hyojin , Kim Won , Cheon Jae
Published: August 2018

Background Peritoneal carcinomatosis can influence clinical outcomes of patients receiving self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) for malignant colorectal obstruction, but data regarding this issue are sparse. We analyzed the clinical outcomes of post-SEMS insertion for malignant colorectal obstruction based on carcinomatosis status.

Methods Stent- and patient-related clinical outcomes were compared for carcinomatosis status in a retrospective review involving 323 consecutive patients (colorectal cancer 198 patients; extracolonic malignancy 125 patients) who underwent palliative SEMS placement for malignant colorectal obstruction from January 2005 to March 2012. Severity of carcinomatosis was classified as mild, moderate, or severe.

Results Carcinomatosis was observed in 190 patients (58.8 %). The rates of technical (84.7 vs. 94.7 %; P = 0.005) and clinical (73.2 vs. 83.5 %; P = 0.03) success were lower in patients with vs. without carcinomatosis. Rates of early (2.1 % vs. 3.0 %; P = 0.72) and delayed (1.6 % vs. 6.0 %; P = 0.08) perforation and stent failure (27.9 % vs. 26.3 %; P = 0.75) showed no difference. Technical and clinical success rates were significantly different based on the severity of carcinomatosis (technical success rate: mild 90.7 %, moderate 97.4 %, severe 76.3 %, P = 0.003; clinical success rate: mild 83.3 %, moderate 82.1 %, severe 63.9 %, P = 0.01). In multivariate analysis, severe carcinomatosis was identified as an independent factor related to technical (odds ratio [OR] 0.18, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.06 – 0.56) and clinical (OR 0.33, 95 %CI 0.15 – 0.74) success.

Conclusions Peritoneal carcinomatosis was associated with decreased technical and clinical success rates in patients receiving SEMS for malignant colorectal obstruction. Moreover, the presence of severe carcinomatosis was an independent factor determining these clinical outcomes.
Na2CO3-Catalyzed O-Acylation of Phenols for the Synthesis of Aryl Carboxylates with Use of Alkenyl Carboxylates
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Yu , Chen Xia
Published: August 2018

Inorganic base-catalyzed O-acylation of phenol and its derivatives has been developed. The procedure provides an efficient catalysis system for the preparation of aryl carboxylates with alkenyl carboxylates as acyl reagents. The reaction proceeded smoothly by using ­Na2CO3 as the catalyst in MeCN to produce the corresponding aryl carboxylates in good to excellent yields.
New Direct Assay of Free Protein S Antigen Applied to Diagnosis of Protein S Deficiency
Authors: Aillaud M F , Pouymayou K , Brunet D , Alessi M C , Amiral J , Juhan-Vague I
Published: August 2018

Congenital deficiencies of protein S (PS) are associated with thrombophilia. Their characterization and classification have been hampered by the complex physiology of the protein C-protein S system and the poor standardization and reliability of laboratory assays. The free active form of protein S is usually determined by immunoassay using polyclonal antibodies in the plasma supemate after polyethyleneglycol (PEG) precipitation. A new one step ELISA using two monoclonal antibodies specific for distinct epitopes of the free form of protein S has been developed for the direct measurement of free PS in untreated plasma.

We have tested two ELISA assays for free PS. One assay was based on the PEG precipitation (Asserachrom PS®, Stago, Asnières, France) whereas the other was a one step ELISA assay (Asserachrom® free PS, Stago). Values were obtained in 35 PS deficient patients recruited among 500 consecutive patients evaluated by the laboratory for diagnosis of congenital disorders of coagulation. Values were compared to those obtained in 50 patients with no PS deficiency matched for age and sex with the PS deficient patients as well as in 33 normal subjects and in 12 pregnant women. Strong correlation was found between the two tests (r = 0.81, p<10-5) in the entire population (n = 130), as well as in the separate groups. The new one step ELISA was more accurate than the PEG free PS determination. Determination of PS activity and antigens allowed us to separate quantitative and qualitative deficiencies. Among the qualitative deficiencies, isolated decrease in PS activity was the most frequent defect observed (66%). This fact questions the substitution of PS activity assays by the one step antigenic free PS ELISA assay.
Factor XIa Induced Activation of the Intrinsic Cascade In Vivo
Authors: Cate Hugo ten , Biemond Bart J , Levi Marcel , Wuillemin Walter A , Bauer Kenneth , Barzegar Samad , Buller Harry R , Hack C Erik , ten Cate Jan W , Rosenberg Robert D
Published: August 2018

Coagulation factor XI is a glycoprotein of the contact factor system. Its deficiency is associated with a highly variable bleeding tendency, thus a role in relation to hemostasis appears to exist. However, the importance of factor XI for stimulating intrinsic coagulation in vivo has not yet been determined. To study the procoagulant effects of human factor Xla in vivo, we infused the purified enzyme into normal chimpanzees (100 Μg) in the absence or presence of the thrombin inhibitor rec-hirudin (1.0 mg/kg loading dose plus 0.3 mg/kg body wt continuous infusion). Factor Xla elicited an immediate activation of factors IX, X, and prothrombin, as measured by their respective activation fragments. However, whereas the activation of factors IX and X was immediate and shortlasting, (peak increments of 6- and 1.4-fold of baseline at 5 minutes after injection), the conversion of prothrombin gradually increased, reaching a summit of 6-fold baseline values after 60 min, and remaining elevated during the course of the experiments. Thrombin-antithrombin complexes also remained elevated during the study period. In the presence of hirudin, the initial activation of factors IX, X, and prothrombin was unchanged, however the further increment in prothrombin fragment FI+2 was markedly inhibited. These results demonstrate that factor Xla is a potential agonist of the intrinsic cascade in vivo, which activity is enhanced in the presence of thrombin.
Morphological Alterations in the External Gills of Some Tadpoles in Response to pH
Authors: Thabah Caressa , Devi Longjam , Hooroo Rupa , Dey Sudip
Published: August 2018

Introduction Water pH affects the breeding, hatching, development, locomotion, mortality and habitat distributions of species in nature. The external gills of anuran tadpoles were studied by several authors in relation to abiotic factors. Exposure to low and high pH has been found to adversely affect the different tissues of various organisms. On that consideration, the present investigation was performed with tadpoles of the species Hyla annectans and Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis.

Material and Methods The maximum and the minimum pH thresholds were determined prior to the detailed experiments on the effects of pH. The pH that demonstrated 50% mortality was taken as the minimum and maximum pH thresholds. The hatchlings of both the species were then subjected to different pH (based on the minimum and maximum pH thresholds). After 48 hours of exposure, the external gills of the hatchlings were anesthetized and observed under a scanning electron microscope.

Results After 48 hours, clumping, overlapping and curling of the secondary filaments of the external gills and epithelial lesions in response to both acidic and alkaline pH were observed. The lengths of the secondary filaments were also affected by pH in both the species studied when compared with the control groups.

Conclusion Scanning electron microscopic approaches are relevant in assessing the adverse effects of pH on the morphology of the external gills of H. annectans and E. cyanophlyctis tadpoles, which included problems with osmoregulation, acid-base balance and respiratory function.
Diameter, Vessel Thickness and Angle of Bifurcation of the Radial Artery in Ethiopian Cadavers
Authors: Getachew Dereje , Astatkie Ayalew , Lemma Kinfe
Published: August 2018

Introduction The basic knowledge about the morphology, variation, diameter, and wall thickness of the radial artery is very important for clinicians to make precise decisions in matters such as performing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using catheterization.

Materials and Methods This was a descriptive study involving the dissection of 78 upper limbs (39 right, 39 left) of the cadavers of 18 adult females and 21 adult males in the age range between 25 and 77 years old whose radial artery and its branches were exposed. The measurement of the radial artery was taken at its origin from the brachial artery at the cubital fossa and at the wrist joint.

Results The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of the internal diameter of the right radial artery at the wrist joint was 2.79 ± 1.10 mm, and the mean ± (SD) of the internal diameter of the left radial artery at the wrist joint was 2.66 ± 0.94 mm. The paired samples t-test showed that this difference was not statistically significant (t-test [t] [degree of freedom (df) = 38] = 1.19; p-value = 0.24). The mean ± SD of the left internal diameter of the radial artery at the wrist joint was 2.56 ± 1.06 mm in males, and 2.77 ± 0.80 mm in females. This difference was also not statistically significant (t [df = 37] = -0.68; p = 0.12). There was also no significant difference in vessel thickness and in the bifurcation angle either between the left and right limbs or between genders.

Conclusion The diameter of the radial artery in the Ethiopian population is comparable to that of other populations, and its size is adequate for the most commonly used radial catheters.
Nonlinear electrophoresis of a charged polarizable liquid droplet
Authors: Bhattacharyya Somnath , Majee Partha Sarathi
Published: August 2018

A numerical study on the electrophoresis of a liquid droplet in an aqueous medium is made by considering the full set of governing equations based on the conservation principle. The surface of the droplet is considered to be charged, and the liquid filling the droplet is nonconducting. The dielectric polarization of the nonconducting droplet is also addressed in the present study. The impact of the surface conduction, double layer polarization, and relaxation effects creates a retardation on the electrophoresis. The occurrence of slip velocity at the droplet surface creates the surface conduction important even at weak electric field and a thin Debye layer for which the double layer polarization and relaxation may become small. The role of the surface conduction, which is measured through the Dukhin number, on the electrophoretic propulsion of the droplet is analyzed. Our numerical solutions for low charge density and thinner Debye length agree well with the existing simplified model and asymptotic analysis. However, a large discrepancy in mobility from these existing results occurs when the droplet size is bigger or droplet viscosity is lower than the suspended liquid medium. The variation of the electrophoretic mobility of a perfectly dielectric droplet as a function of the droplet viscosity, droplet size, and other electrokinetic parameters is analyzed. The dielectric polarization of the droplet and its impact on the electrophoresis are considered in the present work. The drag and the strength of the internal circulation are obtained.
Magnetic fluctuations under pressure on S-doped FeSe studied via 77Se NMR
Authors: Kuwayama Takanori , Matsuura Kohei , Mizukami Yuta , Kasahara Shigeru , Matsuda Yuji , Shibauchi Takasada , Uwatoko Yoshiya , Fujiwara Naoki
Published: August 2018

FeSe1-xSx has attracted much attention among iron-based superconductors because the pure sample undergoes nematic and superconducting (SC) phase transitions without magnetism. A pressure-induced antiferromagnetic (AFM) phase emerges upon applying pressure. In the pressure (P)-temperature (T) phase diagram for the 12%-S doped sample, the AFM phase is separated from the nematic phase at around 3.0 GPa, and SC transition temperature (Tc) takes a maximum (∼30 K). We measured T1 of 77Se for the 12%-S doped FeSe at 3.0 GPa. We found from 1/T1T that low-energy AFM fluctuations are not so much enhanced under pressure compared with those at ambient pressure. The result suggests changes of topology and nesting of Fermi surfaces during pressurizing process.
Phonological factors of Spanish/English word internal code-switching
Authors: Stefanich Sara , Amaro Jennifer Cabrelli
Published: August 2018

This chapter examines phonological factors of Spanish/English word-internal code-switching. Specifically, we empirically test the claim that a code-switched word cannot contain phonological elements from two languages (Bandi-Rao & den Dikken, 2014; MacSwan & Colina, 2014). In this pilot study we examine production of English /z/ (not part of the Spanish phonological inventory) in morphologically switched nonce verbs with an English root and Spanish affixes. Data from an elicited production task administered in English/Spanish code-switching and monolingual Spanish conditions indicate that the early Spanish/English bilinguals tested do not maintain English phonology ([z]) in the English root of the switched verb. Instead, Spanish phonology is applied to the entire word, which provides preliminary support for the posited ban on word-internal phonological switches.
A Guide to Utilization of the Microbiology Laboratory for Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases: 2018 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Society for Microbiologya
Authors: Miller J Michael , Binnicker Matthew J , Campbell Sheldon , Carroll Karen C , Chapin Kimberle C , Gilligan Peter H , Gonzalez Mark D , Jerris Robert C , Kehl Sue C , Patel Robin , Pritt Bobbi S , Richter Sandra S , Robinson-Dunn Barbara , Schwartzman Joseph D , Snyder James W , Telford Sam , Theel Elitza S , Thomson Richard B , Weinstein Melvin P , Yao Joseph D
Published: August 2018

The critical nature of the microbiology laboratory in infectious disease diagnosis calls for a close, positive working relationship between the physician/advanced practice provider and the microbiologists who provide enormous value to the healthcare team. This document, developed by experts in laboratory and adult and pediatric clinical medicine, provides information on which tests are valuable and in which contexts, and on tests that add little or no value for diagnostic decisions. This document presents a system-based approach rather than specimen-based approach, and includes bloodstream and cardiovascular system infections, central nervous system infections, ocular infections, soft tissue infections of the head and neck, upper and lower respiratory infections, infections of the gastrointestinal tract, intra-abdominal infections, bone and joint infections, urinary tract infections, genital infections, and other skin and soft tissue infections; or into etiologic agent groups, including arthropod-borne infections, viral syndromes, and blood and tissue parasite infections. Each section contains introductory concepts, a summary of key points, and detailed tables that list suspected agents; the most reliable tests to order; the samples (and volumes) to collect in order of preference; specimen transport devices, procedures, times, and temperatures; and detailed notes on specific issues regarding the test methods, such as when tests are likely to require a specialized laboratory or have prolonged turnaround times. In addition, the pediatric needs of specimen management are also emphasized. There is intentional redundancy among the tables and sections, as many agents and assay choices overlap. The document is intended to serve as a guidance for physicians in choosing tests that will aid them to quickly and accurately diagnose infectious diseases in their patients.
Thornton v Telegraph Media Group Ltd [2011] 1 WLR 1985
Authors: Purshouse Craig
Published: August 2018

Essential Cases: Tort Law provides a bridge between course textbooks and key case judgments. This case document summarizes the facts and decision in Thornton v Telegraph Media Group Ltd [2011] 1 WLR 1985. The document also included supporting commentary from author Craig Purshouse.
5. Parliamentary sovereignty, the European Union, and Brexit
Authors: Stanton John , Prescott Craig
Published: August 2018

This chapter explains the process and significance of the UK's membership in the EU and sets out the authorities underpinning the supremacy of EU law, accepted and established prior to the UK's accession. It then explores cases — from the early 1970s to the present day — which consider the ways in which EU membership has impacted on Parliament's sovereignty. Following this, the chapter explores the legal and political landscape of the UK's departure from the EU. It considers the process through which Brexit is happening and the manner in which the constitution will provide the foundation for a working relationship with the EU in the future and establish a stable system in the UK post-Brexit, looking particularly at the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill and its underpinning White Paper.
13. Judicial review: procedural impropriety
Authors: Stanton John , Prescott Craig
Published: August 2018

This chapter explores procedural impropriety, the final of the three grounds for judicial review outlined by Lord Diplock in Council of Civil Service Unions and Others v Minister for the Civil Service. Procedural impropriety has the following elements. The first is a failure to comply with any procedural requirements set out in statute. Secondly, there is a broader heading of failing to act ‘fairly’, the core of which are the rules of natural justice. These rules can be summarised as the right to be heard and the right to a fair hearing. However, a clear understanding of procedural impropriety, and in particular the idea of fairness, still remains elusive.
16. Human rights in the UK: public order and police powers
Authors: Stanton John , Prescott Craig
Published: August 2018

This chapter examines the rights contained within Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (freedom of expression), Article 11 (freedom of association and assembly), Article 5 (the right to liberty), and Article 8 (the right to a private and family life). It considers the domestic application of these rights as well as the various cases in which they have been raised. In doing this, the chapter explores the balance that must be struck between certain rights on the one hand and competing interests and needs on the other. With this in mind, it focuses on two areas: first, the freedoms of association and assembly, balanced against the need to ensure public order; and secondly, the freedom of liberty and right to a fair trial, against the need to ensure that the police can carry out their functions and responsibilities appropriately.
9. Constructive trusts
Authors: Pearce Robert , Barr Warren
Published: August 2018

This chapter turns to constructive trusts, the second main category in informal trusts. At its simplest, the term ‘constructive trust’ describes the circumstances in which property is subjected to a trust by operation of law. Unlike an expressly declared trust, a constructive trust does not come into being solely in consequence of the express intention of a settlor. Unlike automatic resulting trusts, it does not fill gaps in beneficial ownership. Like presumed resulting trusts, intention can form an important element in its genesis. As such, a constructive trust is a trust which the law imposes on the trustee by reason of their unconscionable conduct.
28. Control and accountability
Authors: Pearce Robert , Barr Warren
Published: August 2018

This chapter studies mechanisms for controlling trustees or the donees of powers and holding them accountable for their actions. It shows that the prime responsibility for supervising the activities of the trustees falls to the beneficiaries, who are able to complain to the court if they believe the trustees have committed, or are about to commit, a breach of trust. If the beneficiaries are able to apply to the court before the alleged breach has taken place, they may obtain an injunction against the trustees to restrain them from committing the contemplated breach. Trustees are also subject to a number of duties which enable the beneficiaries to keep a better check on their activities by entitling them to obtain information which will inform them of the trustees’ actions and may enable the beneficiaries to detect breaches of trust. This chapter considers those duties.
10. The Medical Treatment of Children
Authors: Scullion Dianne
Published: August 2018

This chapter discusses who can consent to or refuse medical treatment for a child, and considers in what circumstances the child themselves can make this decision. This involves discussion of Gillick competence, which refers to circumstances where a child is viewed as having the required maturity and understanding to make these decisions. It also examines the role that parents play in the decision-making process. It explores cases where parents and doctors disagree on the treatment proposed and consider how these disputes are resolved. The chapter concludes by considering an alternative route to settle disputes concerning the medical treatment of children and examines the role that mediation can take in this context. It considers whether this has the potential to avoid extreme situations, such as that seen with Ashya King's parents removing him from the hospital and fleeing the country to avoid the treatment proposed by the doctors and receive alternative treatment abroad.
2. Formation of the contract
Authors: Macdonald Elizabeth , Atkins Ruth , Krebs Jens
Published: August 2018

This chapter identifies the key elements required for a contract to be formed. It looks in depth at agreement, breaking it down into offer and acceptance. An offer is distinguished from an invitation to treat in principle, and specific examples of communications which are commonly identified as invitations to treat or offers are considered (eg advertisements, displays in shops, auctions, and website ‘shops’/advertisements). Termination of offers by various means, including counter-offers and revocation, are looked at. What constitutes an acceptance is addressed, and the special rule relating to the time of effectiveness of posted acceptances (‘the postal rule’) is considered, as is its extension to contexts such as e-mailed acceptances. The ‘battle of the forms’ is looked at.
12. Mistake
Authors: Macdonald Elizabeth , Atkins Ruth , Krebs Jens
Published: August 2018

This chapter deals with mistake. First it looks at mistake in relation to the agreement, exploring the relevance of the identity and attributes distinction and its application in case law including the important decision of the House of Lords in Shogun Finance Ltd v Hudson. The equitable jurisdiction of the courts permits a more flexible approach and this too is considered. Second, the chapter explores mistake relating to questions of performability, often referred to as common mistake. In a situation where both parties share the same misapprehension about an underlying fact, this could constitute a mistake as to the existence, or a mistake as to the quality, of the subject matter. The significance of the leading case of Great Peace Shipping Ltd and its influence on the scope of common mistake is dealt with. The possibility of a document being signed by mistake is also addressed.
17. Privity and third party rights
Authors: Macdonald Elizabeth , Atkins Ruth , Krebs Jens
Published: August 2018

This chapter describes privity of contract, explaining the development of the doctrine and the problems associated with its application. The scope and usage of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 is discussed. The tensions inherently created by the possible freedom of the contracting parties to vary or cancel a third party’s right under an agreement are highlighted. Circumventions of, and exceptions to, the doctrine are also addressed including limitations on the doctrine which may be brought about by an assignment of contractual rights and the doctrine of agency. Finally, the issues surrounding privity and the doctrine of consideration are noted.
6. Essential Features of a Valid Contract 2: Consideration, Intention to Create Legal Relations, and Certainty of Terms
Authors: Marson James , Ferris Katy
Published: August 2018

This chapter is a continuation of the previous one, and further discusses the essential features of a legally binding, or valid, contract. It puts particular importance on the meaning of ‘consideration’, which is what makes a promise or agreement a ‘bargain’ and, therefore, enforceable. The courts are not bound to, and will not, consider a ‘bare promise’. Parties to a contract must intend it to be legally binding, and not just be social or domestic agreement, and such contracts must contain certain terms that identify the rights and obligations of both parties. Without an understanding of these crucial elements, agreements may be concluded but they will not create an enforceable contract. Also, although a contract is enforceable by those parties to it, this right can be extended to third parties if the contract has been made for the benefit of these parties.
8. Contractual Terms
Authors: Marson James , Ferris Katy
Published: August 2018

This chapter focuses on the terms or details of a contractual agreement, and considers the implications of what the parties intend to include in the agreement, what they did not mean to be included in the contract, and what significance different terms may have in the contract. It distinguishes between the terms of a contract and representations, and considers whether, when a term has been identified as such, it is a ‘condition’ or a ‘warranty’. The chapter then studies how terms are implied into the contract and how this affects terms that have been expressed. It concludes by examining how parties may seek to exclude or limit a legal responsibility through the incorporation of an exclusion clause.
9. Statutory Regulation of Contracts
Authors: Marson James , Ferris Katy
Published: August 2018

This chapter studies the features of legally binding contracts by examining the manner in which the terms of a contract are regulated through statutory intervention. Such legislative measures have come about as a response to the unequal bargaining positions of consumers as contracting parties in business contracts, and the idea that laissez-faire can be contrary to public policy and fairness, e.g. with certain exclusion clauses. Some examples include statutes, such as the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Sale of Goods Act 1979, which imply terms into contracts, and the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977, which regulate the parties’ use of exclusion clauses. This protects the weaker party to a contract from exploitation and provides minimum rights that may not be waived.
17. Corporate Management
Authors: Marson James , Ferris Katy
Published: August 2018

This chapter considers corporate management and focuses on the regulation of those who govern the company, and the protection of the shareholders, who have no automatic right of management. The actual ‘running’ of the company is left to the directors, a relatively small number of persons who may take individual responsibility for aspects of the company’s business or may oversee the company as a whole. Directors have significant powers when acting for the company, and whilst a corporation possesses its own separate legal personality, independent of those who manage it, the actions of the company are performed, under authority provided by statute and the company’s constitution, by its directors. The chapter identifies the appointment of directors and their duties as codified from the common law into the Companies Act (CA) 2006, and the provisions for removing a director.
18. Agency
Authors: Marson James , Ferris Katy
Published: August 2018

This chapter identifies agency relationships, their prevalence in business, and how the agency exists to bind the principal in contracts with third parties. It begins by defining agency as the relationship that exists between two persons when one, called the agent, is considered in law to represent the other, called the principal, in such a way as to be able to affect the principal’s legal position in respect to strangers to the relationship by the making of contracts or the disposition of property. Agencies exist in corporate organizations, sole trader, and partnership trading structures, and the law in this area applies to many relationships and is frequently seen in commercial enterprises, including high street retailers, between partners, and the directors of a corporation.
15. Sexual orientation and gender identity
Authors: O’Flaherty Michael
Published: August 2018

This chapter examines the human rights protections afforded to sexual minorities. It shows that the jurisprudence focuses on issues of non-discrimination and privacy, and that important human rights protections can also be derived from the range of other civil, political, economic, social, and cultural human rights of general application. The chapter examines a recent exercise in the clarification of the application of human rights law concerning issues of sexual orientation and gender identity: the Yogyakarta Principles.
19. United Nations
Authors: Connors Jane
Published: August 2018

This chapter examines the work of the United Nations in the field of human rights. Particular attention is given to the Human Rights Council and its special procedures, as well as the treaty bodies that consider progress in the implementation of UN human rights treaties. In addition, the roles of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the General Assembly, Security Council, Secretary-General, and International Court of Justice are considered.