bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational modeling of spinal circuits controlling limb coordination and gaits in quadrupeds
Authors: Danner Simon M , Shevtsova Natalia A , Frigon Alain , Rybak Ilya A
Published: November 2017

Interactions between cervical and lumbar spinal circuits are mediated by long propriospinal neurons (LPNs). Ablation of descending LPNs in mice disturbs left-right coordination at high speeds without affecting fore-hind alternation. We developed a computational model of spinal circuits consisting of four rhythm generators coupled by commissural interneurons (CINs), providing left-right interactions, and LPNs, mediating homolateral and diagonal interactions. The proposed CIN and diagonal LPN connections contribute to speed-dependent gait transition from walk, to trot, and then to gallop and bound; the homolateral LPN connections ensure fore-hind alternation in all gaits. The model reproduces speed-dependent gait expression in intact and genetically transformed mice and the disruption of hindlimb coordination following ablation of descending LPNs. Inputs to CINs and LPNs can affect interlimb coordination and change gait independent of speed. We suggest that these interneurons represent the main targets for supraspinal and sensory afferent signals adjusting gait.
The AAA ATPase Vps4 binds ESCRT-III substrates through a repeating array of dipeptide-binding pockets
Authors: Han Han , Monroe Nicole , Sundquist Wesley I , Shen Peter S , Hill Christopher P
Published: November 2017

The hexameric AAA ATPase Vps4 drives membrane fission by remodeling and disassembling ESCRT-III filaments. Building upon our earlier 4.3 Å resolution cryo-EM structure (Monroe et al., 2017), we now report a 3.2 Å structure of Vps4 bound to an ESCRT-III peptide substrate. The new structure reveals that the peptide approximates a β-strand conformation whose helical symmetry matches that of the five Vps4 subunits it contacts directly. Adjacent Vps4 subunits make equivalent interactions with successive substrate dipeptides through two distinct classes of side chain binding pockets formed primarily by Vps4 pore loop 1. These pockets accommodate a wide range of residues, while main chain hydrogen bonds may help dictate substrate-binding orientation. The structure supports a ‘conveyor belt’ model of translocation in which ATP binding allows a Vps4 subunit to join the growing end of the helix and engage the substrate, while hydrolysis and release promotes helix disassembly and substrate release at the lagging end.
The pragmatics of mimesis: A case study of intercultural email communication
Authors: Marsden Liz , Kádár Dániel
Published: November 2017

Researchers have pursued interest in how the mimetic practice types of convention and ritual influence the ways in which people build up and maintain interpersonal relationships. Arguably, mimetic interactional acts that animate conventional and ritual practices are key to capturing fundamental aspects of interpersonal phenomena such as politeness, impoliteness, and humour, since language users tend to produce and interpret interpersonal behaviour through normative and repetitive moves, which may develop into routines. Despite the importance of mimetic acts in language use, little research has been done on mimesis itself in the realm of interpersonal pragmatics even though memes themselves have received attention. In this paper, we consider how mimetic chunks of interaction may develop into localised convention and possibly ritual by examining a corpus of 955 business emails between a British sole trader and her international clients, specifically focussing on mimetic practices present in greeting, signing-off and conversation topic. In particular, we attempt to show that by looking into habitual and everyday communication, the origins of conventional and ritual practices may be uncovered. A marked convergence towards using the same greeting or sign- off convention is noticeable in our quantitative data analysis and when examining the data qualitatively. The data also show that participants occasionally engage in relational practices that involve repeated and consistent responses to the same stimuli. The results indicate a tendency for accommodative communicative practices to be used, although there is no point at which mimesis can be interpreted as permanently “switched on”.
Layered Oxide Cathodes for Sodium‐Ion Batteries: Phase Transition, Air Stability, and Performance
Authors: Wang Peng‐Fei , You Ya , Yin Ya‐Xia , Guo Yu‐Guo
Published: November 2017

The increasing demand for replacing conventional fossil fuels with clean energy or economical and sustainable energy storage drives better battery research today. Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are considered as a promising alternative for grid‐scale storage applications due to their similar “rocking‐chair” sodium storage mechanism to lithium‐ion batteries, the natural abundance, and the low cost of Na resources. Searching for appropriate electrode materials with acceptable electrochemical performance is the key point for development of SIBs. Layered transition metal oxides represent one of the most fascinating electrode materials owing to their superior specific capacity, environmental benignity, and facile synthesis. However, three major challenges (irreversible phase transition, storage instability, and insufficient battery performance) are known for cathodes in SIBs. Herein, a comprehensive review on the latest advances and progresses in the exploration of layered oxides for SIBs is presented, and a detailed and deep understanding of the relationship of phase transition, air stability, and electrochemical performance in layered oxide cathodes is provided in terms of refining the structure–function–property relationship to design improved battery materials. Layered oxides will be a competitive and attractive choice as cathodes for SIBs in next‐generation energy storage devices.
Investigation of the abnormal nasal aerodynamics and trigeminal functions among empty nose syndrome patients
Authors: Li Chengyu , Farag Alexander A. , Maza Guillermo , McGhee Sam , Ciccone Michael A. , Deshpande Bhakthi , Pribitkin Edmund A. , Otto Bradley A. , Zhao Kai
Published: November 2017

Background

Abnormal nasal aerodynamics or trigeminal functions have been frequently implicated in the symptomology of empty nose syndrome (ENS), yet with limited evidence.

Methods

Individual computed tomography (CT)‐based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was applied to 27 ENS patients to simulate their nasal aerodynamics and compared with 42 healthy controls. Patients’ symptoms were confirmed with Empty Nose Syndrome 6‐item Questionnaire (ENS6Q), 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22), and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores. Nasal trigeminal sensitivity was measured with menthol lateralization detection thresholds (LDTs).

Results

ENS patients had significantly lower (∼25.7%) nasal resistance and higher (∼2.8 times) cross‐sectional areas compared to healthy controls (both p < 0.001). Despite inferior turbinate reductions, CFD analysis demonstrated that ENS patients had increased airflow concentrated in the middle meatus region (66.5% ± 18.3%) compared to healthy controls (49.9% ± 15.1%, p < 0.0001). Significantly less airflow (25.8% ± 17.6%) and lower peak wall shear stress (WSS) (0.58 ± 0.24 Pa) were found in the inferior meatus (vs healthy: 36.5% ± 15.9%; 1.18 ± 0.81 Pa, both p < 0.05), with the latter significantly correlated with the symptom scores of ENS6Q (r = −0.398, p = 0.003). Item‐wise, complaints of “suffocation” and “nose feels too open” were also found to be significantly correlated with peak WSS around the inferior turbinate (r = −0.295, p = 0.031; and r = −0.388, p = 0.004, respectively). These correlations were all negative, indicating that less air‐mucosal stimulations resulted in worse symptom scores. ENS patients (n = 12) also had impaired menthol LDT when compared to healthy controls (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

This is the first CFD examination of nasal aerodynamics in a large cohort of ENS patients. The results indicated that a combination of loss of neural sensitivity and poorer inferior air‐mucosal stimulation may potentially lead to ENS symptomology.
Is the Pollock's paradigm of X‐ray emission for O stars correct?
Authors: Ryspaeva E. B. , Kholtygin A. F.
Published: November 2017

We considered the mechanism of the formation of the X‐ray emission for massive stars. The X‐ray spectra of 25 O stars were extracted from the archive of XMM‐Newton data obtained in 2000–2014. We determined the distribution of the ratio of half‐width at half‐maximum to the wind terminal velocity for strong isolated spectral lines in the spectra of single, binary or multiple, and Of?p stars. Obtained distributions are similar for different types of objects. We established that the maximum of the ratio of half‐width at half‐maximum to the terminal wind velocity belongs to the interval 5–15%. In 2007, Pollock proposed this ratio for the X‐ray emission of O stars to be ∼50% (so‐called Pollock's paradigm). Our results show that the Pollock's paradigm is not correct.
Long‐term variations of turbulent transport coefficients in a solarlike convective dynamo simulation
Authors: Gent F. A. , Käpylä M. J. , Warnecke J.
Published: November 2017

The Sun, aside from its 11‐year sunspot cycle, is additionally subject to long‐term variation in its activity. In this work, we analyze a solarlike convective dynamo simulation, containing approximately 60 magnetic cycles, exhibiting equatorward propagation of the magnetic field, multiple frequencies, and irregular variability, including a missed cycle and complex parity transitions between dipolar and quadrupolar modes. We compute the turbulent transport coefficients, describing the effects of the turbulent velocity field on the mean magnetic field, using the test‐field method. The test‐field analysis provides a plausible explanation of the missing cycle in terms of the reduction of αϕϕ in advance of the reduced surface activity and enhanced downward turbulent pumping during the event to confine some of the magnetic field at the bottom of the convection zone, where the local maximum of magnetic energy is observed during the event. At the same time, however, a quenching of the turbulent magnetic diffusivities is observed, albeit differently distributed in depth compared to the other transport coefficients. Therefore, dedicated mean‐field modeling is required for verification.
Mass loss and magnetospheres of massive stars
Authors: Küker M.
Published: November 2017

About 10% of all OB stars show strong, large‐scale surface magnetic fields. The interaction of the magnetic field and the wind is believed to be the cause for the X‐ray emission shown by these objects. We, therefore, run numerical simulations in two dimensions for a number the O‐type stars and Wolf–Rayet stars to study the interaction of the stellar magnetic fields of these stars with their winds. While weak dipolar magnetic fields leave the wind largely unmodified, and the field opens up and becomes a split monopole, the interaction between magnetic field and outflowing gas is more complex, as the magnetic field remains closed in some regions, causing the outflowing gas to be trapped. We use the Nirvana Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) code with adaptive mesh refinement to study this interaction with high numerical resolution to model cases with containment parameters up to 104.
Impact of Flue Gas Compounds on Microalgae and Mechanisms for Carbon Assimilation and Utilization
Authors: Vuppaladadiyam Arun K. , Yao Joseph G. , Florin Nicholas , George Anthe , Wang Xiaoxiong , Labeeuw Leen , Jiang Yuelu , Davis Ryan W. , Abbas Ali , Ralph Peter , Fennell Paul S. , Zhao Ming
Published: November 2017

To shift the world to a more sustainable future, it is necessary to phase out the use of fossil fuels and focus on the development of low‐carbon alternatives. However, this transition has been slow, so there is still a large dependence on fossil‐derived power, and therefore, carbon dioxide is released continuously. Owing to the potential for assimilating and utilizing carbon dioxide to generate carbon‐neutral products, such as biodiesel, the application of microalgae technology to capture CO2 from flue gases has gained significant attention over the past decade. Microalgae offer a more sustainable source of biomass, which can be converted into energy, over conventional fuel crops because they grow more quickly and do not adversely affect the food supply. This review focuses on the technical feasibility of combined carbon fixation and microalgae cultivation for carbon reuse. A range of different carbon metabolisms and the impact of flue gas compounds on microalgae are appraised. Fixation of flue gas carbon dioxide is dependent on the selected microalgae strain and on flue gas compounds/concentrations. Additionally, current pilot‐scale demonstrations of microalgae technology for carbon dioxide capture are assessed and its future prospects are discussed. Practical implementation of this technology at an industrial scale still requires significant research, which necessitates multidisciplinary research and development to demonstrate its viability for carbon dioxide capture from flue gases at the commercial level.
Anionic Redox Chemistry in Polysulfide Electrode Materials for Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Grayfer Ekaterina D. , Pazhetnov Egor M. , Kozlova Mariia N. , Artemkina Sofya B. , Fedorov Vladimir E.
Published: November 2017

Classical Li‐ion battery technology is based on the insertion of lithium ions into cathode materials involving metal (cationic) redox reactions. However, this vision is now being reconsidered, as many new‐generation electrode materials with enhanced reversible capacities operate through combined cationic and anionic (non‐metal) reversible redox processes or even exclusively through anionic redox transformations. Anionic participation in the redox reactions is observed in materials with more pronounced covalency, which is less typical for oxides, but quite common for phosphides or chalcogenides. In this Concept, we would like to draw the reader's attention to this new idea, especially, as it applies to transition‐metal polychalcogenides, such as FeS2, VS4, TiS3, NbS3, TiS4, MoS3, etc., in which the key role is played by the (S−S)2−/2 S2− redox reaction. The exploration and better understanding of the anion‐driven chemistry is important for designing advanced materials for battery and other energy‐related applications.
Micelle‐Assisted Electrodeposition of Mesoporous Fe–Pt Smooth Thin Films and their Electrocatalytic Activity towards the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Isarain‐Chávez Eloy , Baró Maria Dolors , Alcantara Carlos , Pané Salvador , Sort Jordi , Pellicer Eva
Published: November 2017

Mesoporous Fe–Pt thin films are obtained by micelle‐assisted electrodeposition onto metallic substrates with dissimilar activity (namely, gold, copper, and aluminum seed layers evaporated on Si/Ti) under constant applied potential (E=−1.1 V vs. Ag/AgCl) and deposition time (600 s). The amphiphilic triblock copolymer Pluronic P‐123 is used as a soft template to guide the formation of mesopores. The occurrence of pores (ca. 7 nm in diameter) with narrow size distribution, distributed evenly over the surface, is observed in all cases. Despite the applied conditions being the same, the roughness and the amount of Fe incorporated in the films are influenced by the nature of the substrate. In particular, ultra‐smooth films containing a larger amount of Fe (21 wt %) are obtained when deposition takes place on the Au surface. X‐ray diffraction analyses reveal that Pt and Fe are alloyed to a certain extent, although some iron oxides/hydroxides also unavoidably form. The resulting films have been tested as electrocatalysts in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media. The mesoporous Fe‐rich Fe–Pt films on Au show excellent HER activity and cyclability.
Stripping flow cytometry: How many detectors do we need for bacterial identification?
Authors: Rubbens Peter , Props Ruben , Garcia‐Timermans Cristina , Boon Nico , Waegeman Willem
Published: November 2017

Multicolor approaches are challenging for microbial flow cytometry; as flow cytometers are mainly developed for biomedical applications, modern instruments contain more detectors than needed. Some of these additional fluorescence detectors measure biological information due to spectral overlap, yet the extent to which this information is relevant for the identification of bacterial populations is ambiguous. In this paper we characterize the usefulness of these additional detectors. We propose a data‐driven detector selection method to select the smallest subset of detectors that will optimally discriminate between bacterial populations. Using a detector elimination strategy, we show that one or more detectors can be removed without loss of resolving power. A number of additional detectors are included in the final subset, which help to improve the identification of bacterial populations. Experimental data were retrieved from two types of modern cytometers with different configurations. The method reveals a clear ordering of detector importances, which depends on the instrument from which the data were retrieved. In addition, we were able to pinpoint unexpected behavior of SYBR Green I in the red spectrum. As the field of microbial flow cytometry is maturing, these results motivate the construction of a different kind of cytometric instruments for microbiologists, for which the number of detectors is reduced, but tailored toward the characteristics of microbial experiments. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
From patches to richness: assessing the potential impact of landscape transformation on biodiversity
Authors: Arnillas Carlos Alberto , Tovar Carolina , Cadotte Marc W. , Buytaert Wouter
Published: November 2017

Natural patchiness and human fragmentation result in habitats that are not continuously distributed. How spatial configuration of patches in fragmented habitats influences biodiversity remains largely controversial. Here, we propose a framework to extend the species–area relationship (SAR) approach to analyze how changes in habitat configuration affect species richness in fragmented habitats. We use hypothetical communities that are characterized by (1) their tolerance to human activities, (2) the dispersal capability of the individuals of any species, (3) the SAR, and (4) the species turnover among patches. Further, the species turnover is a function of (4a) the predictability of species survival and (4b) the species recolonization odds. In our framework, we identify three extreme communities that encompass the richness of all potential different communities, and thus encapsulate the richness of real communities. We propose a graph to visualize the effect of different patch sizes on species richness, an index to quantify those changes, and a second graph using the index to visualize the effect of distance between patches on species richness. After applying our framework and tools to the Tropical Andes, we found strong differences in the impact of natural vs. human‐driven fragmentation on richness between biomes. When projecting future richness values under climate change scenarios, the largest sources of uncertainty in our richness calculation (>90%) were species turnover among patches and species dispersal for most of the biomes rather than future climate or species tolerance to human activities. Habitat loss consistently decreased the species richness; however, fragmentation per se often increased it. The increment was mostly linked to the species turnover rate among patches. Our framework is a new theoretical tool to study the main patterns that underlie regional richness and therefore can provide new insights to face spatial habitat reconfiguration caused by human activities.
How do firm political connections impact foreign acquisitions? The effects of decision makers' political and firm embeddedness
Authors: Albino‐Pimentel João , Anand Rahul , Dussauge Pierre
Published: November 2017

Research Summary: We examine how firm political connections established through the political embeddedness of senior decision makers affect firms' foreign acquisition strategies. We argue that such political embeddedness affects the mental models of decision makers and, in turn, influences their preferences for particular strategies. We propose that political embeddedness leads to the formation of mental models that favor foreign acquisition strategies. We further argue that the firm embeddedness of politically embedded decision makers alters their mental models, thereby mitigating their inclination for such strategies. We find evidence consistent with our mental models explanation using a sample of foreign acquisitions made by French publicly traded firms during the 2009–2014 period. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of the mechanisms through which political connections impact global strategy.

Managerial Summary: We investigate how firm political connections affect firms' foreign acquisition strategies. We argue that when firms have top decision makers with close connections to the government, they will make more foreign acquisitions. We further argue that this inclination toward foreign acquisitions is driven primarily by nonexecutive board members, with politically connected executives appearing to be more reluctant to engage in such strategies. We find evidence consistent with these ideas when examining foreign acquisitions made by French publicly traded firms managed by graduates of the prestigious ENA government school, which trains many government and senior civil servants in France.
Combinatorial Libraries Reloaded[1]
Authors: Reetz Manfred T.
Published: November 2017

This essay constitutes a personal assessment of two quite different projects that the author has initiated during the last two decades, both involving combinatorial libraries of catalysts. The first encounter with combinatorial catalysis involved the use of a mixture of two different monodentate ligands in asymmetric transition metal catalysis, especially when one ligand is chiral and the other achiral. The reason for abandoning this approach as a research topic, although (industrially) successful, is outlined herein. The second and distinctly more significant approach concerns the directed evolution of stereo‐ and regioselective enzymes as catalysts in organic chemistry. It is not only a prolific source of catalysts for a variety of synthetically useful selective transformations, but has also produced several fundamentally important insights. The lessons learned include mechanistic intricacies of enzyme catalysis as well insights regarding cooperative mutational effects which are distinctly more than additive. The Darwinian approach to generating stereoselective enzymes is compared with evolution as it occurs in Nature.
Application of kartogenin for musculoskeletal regeneration
Authors: Im Gun‐Il
Published: November 2017

Kartogenin (KGN) is a recently characterized small molecule that promotes the selective differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes, and thus, KGN stimulates cartilage regeneration. KGN also possess chondro‐protective effect. Furthermore, because it is a highly stable small molecule, KGN can be stored and transported at room temperature. These obvious superiorities over peptide growth factors make KGN a desirable chondrogenic agent for cartilage regeneration. Since its discovery, KGN has drawn much attention as a new chondrogenic drug for intraarticular (IA) treatment. Although it was originally developed with a focus on OA, it has been used to treat other conditions and to promote disc and bone‐tendon junction regeneration. Our group has also developed several formulations for IA delivery of KGN including KGN‐conjugated chitosan nano/microparticles, thermo‐responsive polymeric nanospheres based on chitosan oligosaccharide conjugated pluronic F127, and hyluronate hydrogels containing polyethylene glycol (PEG/KGN) micelles. This review was undertaken to summarize current research on the action mechanism of KGN and the various formulations described in the literature that induce musculoskeletal regeneration. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1141–1148, 2018.
Electro‐optic Polymer Ring Resonator Modulator on a Flat Silicon‐on‐Insulator
Authors: Qiu Feng , Spring Andrew M. , Hong Jianxun , Miura Hiroki , Kashino Tsubasa , Kikuchi Takamasa , Ozawa Masaaki , Nawata Hideyuki , Odoi Keisuke , Yokoyama Shiyoshi
Published: November 2017

Optical polymers are a promising material of choice in the development of hybrid silicon photonics devices. Particularly, recent progress in electro‐optic (EO) active polymers has shown a strong Pockels effect. A ring resonator modulator is a vital building block for practical applications, such as signal processing, routing, and monitoring. However, the properties of the hybrid silicon and EO polymer ring modulators are still far from their theoretical limits. Here, we demonstrate a unique design of a hybrid ring resonator modulator simply located onto a silicon‐on‐insulator (SOI) substrate. Extra doping and etching of the SOI wafer is not required, even so we measured an in‐device electro‐optic coefficient r33 = 129 pm/V. The ring modulator exhibited a high sensitivity of the electrically tunable resonance, which enabled a 3 dB bandwidth of up to 18 GHz. The proposed technique will enable efficient mass‐production of the micro‐footprint modulators and promote the development of integrated silicon photonics.
Tunable Visible Cloaking Using Liquid Diffusion
Authors: Zhu Xiaoqiang , Liang Li , Zuo Yunfeng , Zhang Xuming , Yang Yi
Published: November 2017

A method is introduced for the design of invisibility cloaks inspired by fluid dynamics that is different from traditional transformation optics. The inhomogeneous refractive index of the liquid cloak controlled by the natural liquid diffusion is analogous to its counterpart designed by transformation optics. Here, a tunable liquid visible cloak is experimentally presented by the natural diffusion of miscible flows. This method avoids the use of complex nanostructures in its solid counterpart, and provides a simple and low‐cost approach. This implies that optofluidics can be used as a technology to make real‐time reconfigurable transformation optic devices.
A transposon mutant library of Bacillus cereus ATCC 10987 reveals novel genes required for biofilm formation and implicates motility as an important factor for pellicle‐biofilm formation
Authors: Okshevsky Mira , Louw Matilde Greve , Lamela Elena Otero , Nilsson Martin , Tolker‐Nielsen Tim , Meyer Rikke Louise
Published: November 2017

Bacillus cereus is one of the most common opportunistic pathogens causing foodborne illness, as well as a common source of contamination in the dairy industry. B. cereus can form robust biofilms on food processing surfaces, resulting in food contamination due to shedding of cells and spores. Despite the medical and industrial relevance of this species, the genetic basis of biofilm formation in B. cereus is not well studied. In order to identify genes required for biofilm formation in this bacterium, we created a library of 5000 +  transposon mutants of the biofilm‐forming strain B. cereusATCC 10987, using an unbiased mariner transposon approach. The mutant library was screened for the ability to form a pellicle biofilm at the air‐media interface, as well as a submerged biofilm at the solid‐media interface. A total of 91 genes were identified as essential for biofilm formation. These genes encode functions such as chemotaxis, amino acid metabolism and cellular repair mechanisms, and include numerous genes not previously known to be required for biofilm formation. Although the majority of disrupted genes are not directly responsible for motility, further investigations revealed that the vast majority of the biofilm‐deficient mutants were also motility impaired. This observation implicates motility as a pivotal factor in the formation of a biofilm by B. cereus. These results expand our knowledge of the fundamental molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation by B. cereus.
Pulse duration settings in subthalamic stimulation for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Steigerwald Frank , Timmermann Lars , Kühn Andrea , Schnitzler Alfons , Reich Martin M. , Kirsch Anna Dalal , Barbe Michael Thomas , Visser‐Vandewalle Veerle , Hübl Julius , van Riesen Christoph , Groiss Stefan Jun , Moldovan Alexia‐Sabine , Lin Sherry , Carcieri Stephen , Manola Ljubomir , Volkmann Jens
Published: November 2017

Background

Stimulation parameters in deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus for Parkinson's disease (PD) are rarely tested in double‐blind conditions. Evidence‐based recommendations on optimal stimulator settings are needed. Results from the CUSTOM‐DBS study are reported, comparing 2 pulse durations.

Methods

A total of 15 patients were programmed using a pulse width of 30 µs (test) or 60 µs (control). Efficacy and side‐effect thresholds and unified PD rating scale (UPDRS) III were measured in meds‐off (primary outcome). The therapeutic window was the difference between patients’ efficacy and side effect thresholds.

Results

The therapeutic window was significantly larger at 30 µs than 60 µs (P = ·0009) and the efficacy (UPDRS III score) was noninferior (P = .00008).

Interpretation

Subthalamic neurostimulation at 30 µs versus 60 µs pulse width is equally effective on PD motor signs, is more energy efficient, and has less likelihood of stimulation‐related side effects. © 2017 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Technical Note: Response time evolution of XR‐QA2 GafChromic™ film models
Authors: Aldelaijan Saad , Tomic Nada , Papaconstadopoulos Pavlos , Schneider James , Seuntjens Jan , Shih Shelley , Lewis David , Devic Slobodan
Published: November 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the response of the newest XR‐QA2 GafChromic™ film model in terms of postexposure signal growth and energy response in comparison with the older XR‐QA (Version 2) model.

Methods

Pieces of film were irradiated to air kerma in air values up to 12 cGy with several beam qualities (5.3–8.25 mm Al) commonly used for CT scanning. Film response was scored in terms of net reflectance from scanned film images at various points in time postirradiation ranging from 1 to 7 days and 5 months postexposure. To reconstruct the measurement signal changes with postirradiation delay, we irradiated one film piece and then scanned it at different point times starting from 2" min and up to 3 days postexposure.

Results

For all beam qualities and dose range investigated, it appears that the XR‐QA2 film signal completely saturated after 15 h. Compared to 15 h postirradiation scanning time, the observed variation in net reflectance were 3%, 2%, and 1% for film scanned 2" min, 20 min, and 3 h after exposure, respectively, which is well within the measurement uncertainty of the XR‐QA2 based reference radiochromic film dosimetry system. A comparison between the XR‐QA (Version 2) and the XR‐QA2 film response after several months (relative to their responses after 24 h) show differences in up to 8% and 1% for each film model respectively.

Conclusions

The replacement of cesium bromide in the older XR‐QA (Version 2) film model with bismuth oxide in the newer XR‐QA2 film, while keeping the same single sensitive layer structure, lead to a significantly more stable postexposure response.
The Association Between the Dosage of SGLT2 Inhibitor and Weight Reduction in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Cai Xiaoling , Yang Wenjia , Gao Xueying , Chen Yifei , Zhou Lingli , Zhang Simin , Han Xueyao , Ji Linong
Published: November 2017

Objective

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors may induce urinary glucose excretion via the inhibition of renal glucose reabsorption, improve glycemic control, and lower body weight. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate weight changes in patients who received different dosages of SGLT2 inhibitors.

Methods

Overall, 55 placebo‐controlled trials were included.

Results

The results indicated that treatment with 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg of dapagliflozin led to significant decreases in body weight compared with a placebo (weighted mean difference [WMD], −1.30 kg, −1.51 kg, −1.79 kg, −2.24 kg, respectively; P < 0.001). Treatment with 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg of canagliflozin also led to significant decreases in weight (WMD, −1.20 kg, −1.82 kg, −1.83 kg, −2.37 kg, respectively; P < 0.001). In the treatment with empagliflozin, ipragliflozin, tofogliflozin, and luseogliflozin, body weight also significantly decreased. The decrease in weight was associated with the dosage of dapagliflozin (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Body weight significantly decreased in patients with type 2 diabetes who received different dosages of SGLT2 inhibitors compared with patients who received a placebo. Moreover, in patients treated with dapagliflozin, there was a statistically significant dosage‐dependent trend in body weight reduction.
Eu3+ Photoluminescence in CaYTiNbO7 Pyrochlore: A Promising Orange‐Red Phosphor for White‐Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Tiwari Hansnath , Varadaraju Upadhyayula Venkata , Naidu Salla Asiri
Published: November 2017

CaY1‐xEuxTiNbO7 compositions with pyrochlore structure were synthesized by solid state reaction technique and photoluminescence was studied. Photoluminescence emission results reveal that the 5D0→7F1 magnetic dipole transition has higher intensity indicating that Eu3+ occupies a centrosymmetric site in the host lattice. The critical concentration of Eu3+ was found to be x=0.5. The CaY0.5Eu0.5TiNbO7 phase shows higher orange‐red emission when compared to that of commercial red phosphor, Y2O3:Eu3+.
A Common Approach for the Synthesis of (R)‐Ethyl 2,4‐dihydroxy‐6‐(8‐hydroxynonyl) benzoate, Ethyl 2,4‐Dihydroxy‐6‐nonylbenzoate and (2R,3R)‐1,2,3,4‐Butanetetraol‐1,4‐diorsellinate
Authors: Mali Prakash R. , Chirke Sahadev S. , Meshram Harshadas M.
Published: November 2017

A concise and facile first total synthesis of biological active β‐resorcylic acid ester (R)‐ethyl 2,4‐dihydroxy‐6‐(8‐hydroxynonyl) benzoate, ethyl 2,4‐Dihydroxy‐6‐nonylbenzoate and (2R,3R)‐1,2,3,4‐Butanetetraol‐1,4‐diorsellinate have been demonstrated from commercially available ethyl acetoacetate as starting material. Key steps employed for the synthesis of target molecules are cross metathesis and esterification reaction.
Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Dynamics of Charge Exchange Processes between Single Trap and Nanowire Channel
Authors: Zadorozhnyi Ihor , Li Jing , Pud Sergii , Hlukhova Hanna , Handziuk Volodymyr , Kutovyi Yurii , Petrychuk Mykhailo , Vitusevich Svetlana
Published: November 2017

In the present study, transport properties and single trap phenomena in silicon nanowire (NW) field‐effect transistors (FETs) are reported. The dynamic behavior of drain current in NW FETs studied before and after gamma radiation treatment deviates from the predictions of the Shockley–Read–Hall model and is explained by the concept taking into account an additional energy barrier in the accumulation regime. It is revealed that dynamics of charge exchange processes between single trap and nanowire channel strongly depend on gamma radiation treatment. The results represent potential for utilizing single trap phenomena in a number of advanced devices.
Review of Modeling and Simulation of Galvanizing Operations
Authors: Ajersch Frank , Ilinca Florin
Published: November 2017

Worldwide demand for galvanized steel products continues to grow for the assembly of automobile structures that are lighter and more resistant to impact, as well as for applications in the construction and domestic appliance industries. The technical challenges faced by these producers are the ability to coat a variety of low cost, high strength steels in developing a product with minimal surface defects, and reduced consumption of zinc and energy. The performance of the coating process depends on a thorough understanding of the reactions at the steel surface, the bath chemistry, the temperature variation in the bath, and the fluid dynamics of the coating operation. Operational parameters such as line speed, bath configuration, and immersed hardware all contribute to the variability of the process. Numerical simulations of this process have determined the spatial distribution of temperature and composition of the critical constituents in the zinc bath in transient turbulent flow conditions. This simulation is able to identify the rate of formation and the location of the intermetallic dross particles (dross) within the bath. The generation of dross at the surface of the bath is also simulated experimentally using a mixing system with variable agitation and with air or nitrogen gas streams. Industrial tests carried out to continuously monitor the variation of the temperature and the Al and Fe composition are able to confirm the variations determined by the numerical simulations, validating the use of numerical simulation as an important means of analyzing a complex metallurgical process.
Result of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Patients with Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Matsumoto Akira , Kanaoka Yuji , Baba Takeshi , Takizawa Reo , Hara Masayuki , Maeda Koji , Nishikawa Katsunori , Suzuki Yutaka , Yanaga Katsuhiko , Ohki Takao
Published: November 2017

Background

Bleeding from the thoracic aorta is potentially fatal in patients with advanced esophageal cancer. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) was recently applied for aortic invasion by esophageal cancer. However, only a few case reports have been published. This study was performed to clarify the effectiveness and safety of TEVAR for patients with advanced esophageal cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 18 patients who underwent TEVAR for esophageal cancer. We also performed a literature search and reviewed 21 similar cases.

Results

From 2007 to 2016, 10 patients were treated on an emergent basis for aortic hemorrhage (salvage group) and 8 patients underwent urgent prophylactic surgery (prophylactic group). Hemostasis was achieved in all cases. One (10%) patient in the salvage group died of aspiration pneumonia on postoperative day 1, while all patients in the prophylactic group survived for >1 month. The median survival period in the salvage and prophylactic group was 3.25 and 11.10 months, respectively. The longest survivor was still alive 9 years after TEVAR and chemoradiotherapy. No fatal adverse events or negative impacts on subsequent treatment for esophageal cancer occurred.

Conclusions

TEVAR is feasible, safe, and effective in preventing fatal aortic hemorrhage secondary to esophageal cancer invasion, although it is palliative in most cases. Because the outcomes of emergent TEVAR after bleeding tended to be worse in the salvage than in prophylactic group, prophylactic TEVAR may be considered a viable treatment option for patients with aortic invasion by advanced esophageal cancer.
Anaphoric Strategies Across Language
Modalities: A Comparison Between Catalan and Catalan Sign Language
(LSC)
Authors: Mayol Laia , Barberà Gemma
Published: November 2017

The goal of this paper is to compare the different anaphoric
strategies that Catalan and Catalan Sign Language (LSC) use by means of a parallel
corpus. In particular, our comparison is focused in an examination of the uses of
overt subject pronouns in Catalan and how these uses are rendered in a language that
exploits the visual-manual modality, such as LSC. As far as we know, this is one of
the first studies to compare reference-tracking devices in a spoken and a signed
language by means of a parallel corpus and incorporating both a descriptive and a
theoretical perspective. All instances of overt pronouns in Catalan were analyzed
and most of the data can be accounted with three factors: topic change, focus and
contrast. As for LSC, the use of pronouns is rare and only few instances were found.
Instead, other anaphoric strategies are used: while topic change and focus are
primarily encoded with bare nouns, the expression of contrast relies on
modality-specific features.
The Influence of Strain Path on Rare Earth Recrystallization Textures in a Magnesium-Zinc-Rare Earth Alloy
Authors: Griffiths D. , Davis B. , Robson J. D.
Published: November 2017

In this study, the effect of strain path on texture evolution during cold rolled and annealing of hot rolled Mg-Zn-Rare-Earth (RE) alloy (ZEK100) sheet has been investigated. Strain path during cold rolling has been varied by changing rolling direction with respect to the original hot rolling (HR) direction of the sheet. Cold rolling either parallel or perpendicular to the HR direction leads to spread and split of basal poles in the transverse direction (TD) during annealing, characteristic of Mg-Zn-RE alloys. However, when the sheet is continuously rotated between cold rolling passes, this texture spread is not produced. It is demonstrated that a change in dislocation activity, as predicted by crystal plasticity modeling, cannot explain the unusual textures developed in Mg-Zn-RE alloys. Instead, the role of strain path in determining shear band evolution is considered to be critical. When shear bands are suppressed by continuously rotating the specimen, the distinct Zn-RE texture is not produced. Furthermore, it is demonstrated the dominance of the TD spread grains emerges gradually during recrystallization, leading to the final observed texture.
Cerebral small vessel disease in middle age and genetic predisposition to late‐onset Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Stefaniak James D. , Su Li , Mak Elijah , Sheikh‐Bahaei Nasim , Wells Katie , Ritchie Karen , Waldman Adam , Ritchie Craig W. , O'Brien John T.
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is associated with late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) and might contribute to the relationship between apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE ε4) and LOAD, in older people. However, it is unclear whether CSVD begins in middle age in individuals genetically predisposed to LOAD.

Methods

We assessed the relationship between radiological markers of CSVD, white matter hyperintensities and microbleeds, and genetic predisposition to LOAD in a cross‐sectional analysis of cognitively normal subjects aged 40–59 years recruited from the PREVENT Dementia study.

Results

Microbleed prevalence was 14.5%, and mean ± standard deviation white matter hyperintensity percentage of total brain volume was 0.41 ± 0.28%. There was no significant association between APOE ε4 carrier status or history of parental dementia and white matter hyperintensity volume (P = .713, .912 respectively) or microbleeds (P = .082, .562 respectively) on multiple regression.

Discussion

Genetic predisposition to LOAD, through APOE genotype or AD family history, is not associated with CSVD in middle age.
Home is where the future is: The BrightFocus Foundation consensus panel on dementia care
Authors: Samus Quincy M. , Black Betty Smith , Bovenkamp Diane , Buckley Michael , Callahan Christopher , Davis Karen , Gitlin Laura N. , Hodgson Nancy , Johnston Deirdre , Kales Helen C. , Karel Michele , Kenney John Jay , Ling Shari M. , Panchal Maï , Reuland Melissa , Willink Amber , Lyketsos Constantine G.
Published: November 2017

Introduction

A national consensus panel was convened to develop recommendations on future directions for home‐based dementia care (HBDC).

Methods

The panel summarized advantages and challenges of shifting to HBDC as the nexus of care and developed consensus‐based recommendations.

Results

The panel developed five core recommendations: (1) HBDC should be considered the nexus of new dementia models, from diagnosis to end of life in dementia; (2) new payment models are needed to support HBDC and reward integration of care; (3) a diverse new workforce that spans the care continuum should be prepared urgently; (4) new technologies to promote communication, monitoring/safety, and symptoms management must be tested, integrated, and deployed; and (5) targeted dissemination efforts for HBDC must be employed.

Discussion

HBDC represents a promising paradigm shift to improve care for those living with dementia and their family caregivers: these recommendations provide a framework to chart a course forward for HBDC.
Evaluating risk‐based capital regulation
Authors: Hogan Thomas L. , Meredith Neil R. , Pan Xuhao (Harry)
Published: November 2017

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of risk‐based capital (RBC) regulation and challenges some evidence from the well‐known study by Haldane and Madouros (2012). We reconsider the evidence on the relationship betweenRBCratios and failures ofUSbanks from Haldane and Madouros (2012) and find their results are not robust to changes in the sample period or regression model. Using data onUScommercial banks from 2000 through 2015 and an improved regression model, we compare banks’RBCratios and simple capital ratios as predictors of bank risk. We find simple capital ratios to be significantly better than complexRBCratios as predictors of bank risk.
DEALING WITH UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS: THE WELFARE EFFECTS OF AMNESTIES AND DEPORTATIONS
Authors: Machado Joël
Published: November 2017

The effects on agents’ welfare of two different policies dealing with undocumented immigrants, amnesties and deportations, are assessed. I develop a two-period overlapping generations model which accounts for the ex-ante production by undocumented workers and their impact on the government budget. Additional channels, such as the discrimination on the labor market and a different productivity of regularized workers are discussed. The impact of a migration policy depends on the wage effects of the legalized/deported workers and their net fiscal contribution. The calibration of the model for the United States in 2014 allows to disentangle the channels at work. Overall, the impact of the two policies on natives’ welfare is limited (between −0.1% and +0.15%). Retired agents benefit from an amnesty and are harmed by a deportation. The effect on workers is ambiguous and depends on the wage and fiscal effects in addition to the change in the returns on savings.
I-O Psychology and Human Resource Development: Yes, and . . .
Authors: Werner Jon M.
Published: November 2017

It is encouraging to see the diversity of sources cited in the top introductory textbooks in industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology. It is not surprising that the Journal of Applied Psychology (JAP) and Personnel Psychology are off the charts in terms of the two most-cited sources in these six textbooks. However, I would not have expected that in these books, “77% of the top-cited articles were published in cross-disciplinary journals” (Aguinis et al., 2017, p. 507). I wish to build on Aguinis et al. (2017), with a focus on the relationship between I-O psychology and human resource development (HRD). I am the author of an HRD textbook (Werner, 2017a). The journal I co-edit, Human Resource Development Quarterly, is one of those “cross-disciplinary journals” on Aguinis et al.’s list of most-cited sources (56th out of 110, 40th in academic journals), with 16 citations. Finally, my article on legal issues in performance appraisal was cited in five of the six textbooks (Werner & Bolino, 1997).