bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alkali Metals Doping for High‐Performance Planar Heterojunction Sb2S3 Solar Cells
Authors: Jiang Chenhui , Tang Rongfeng , Wang Xiaomin , Ju Huanxin , Chen Guilin , Chen Tao
Published: November 2018

Sb2S3 as a stable light harvesting material has received increasing attention for solar cell applications. To improve the device efficiency, much effort has been put into the materials synthesis, interfacial engineering, and device structure design. Here, it is demonstrated that doping of alkali metal (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) ions essentially affects the morphological, crystal, optical and electrical properties of Sb2S3 films. The structural and compositional analysis shows that the doping is in form of alkali metal‐sulfur chemical bond at both surface and grain boundaries of Sb2S3 films. Compared with the pristine Sb2S3, we observe that Li and Na doping are not able to improve the device efficiency, while K, Rb, and Cs notably increase energy conversion efficiency. The most effective enhancement is found in Cs‐doped Sb2S3, where the carrier concentration, crystallinity, and film formability show remarkable improvement. The device based on the Cs‐Sb2S3 film delivers a power conversion efficiency of 6.56%, which is the highest efficiency in planar heterojunction Sb2S3 solar cells, regardless of whether the films are fabricated by a solution process or thermal deposition. This research identifies that doping of heavy alkali metals is an effective approach to improve the performance of Sb2S3 solar cells.
Systemic Factors Trigger Vasculature Cells to Drive Notch Signaling and Neurogenesis in Neural Stem Cells in the Adult Brain
Authors: Lin Ruihe , Cai Jingli , Kenyon Lawrence , Iozzo Renato , Rosenwasser Robert , Iacovitti Lorraine
Published: November 2018

It is well documented that adult neural stem cells (NSCs) residing in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and the subgranular zone (SGZ) are induced to proliferate and differentiate into new neurons after injury such as stroke and hypoxia. However, the role of injury-related cues in driving this process and the means by which they communicate with NSCs remains largely unknown. Recently, the coupling of neurogenesis and angiogenesis and the extensive close contact between vascular cells and other niche cells, known as the neurovascular unit (NVU), has attracted interest. Further facilitating communication between blood and NSCs is a permeable blood-brain-barrier (BBB) present in most niches, making vascular cells a potential conduit between systemic signals, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and NSCs in the niche, which could play an important role in regulating neurogenesis. We show that the leaky BBB in stem cell niches of the intact and stroke brain can respond to circulating VEGF165 to drive induction of the Notch ligand DLL4 (one of the most important cues in angiogenesis) in endothelial cells (ECs), pericytes, and further induce significant proliferation and neurogenesis of stem cells. Stem Cells  2019;37:395–406
Identification of optimal assisted aspiration conditions of oocytes for use in porcine in vitro maturation: A re‐evaluation of the relationship between the cumulus oocyte complex and oocyte quality
Authors: Silvestri Giuseppe , Rathje Claudia C. , Harvey Simon C. , Gould Rebecca L. , Walling Grant A. , Ellis Peter J.I. , Harvey Katie E. , Griffin Darren K.
Published: November 2018

The quality of porcine oocytes for use in IVF is commonly graded according to the number of layers of cumulus cells (CCs) surrounding the oocyte; together these form the cumulus oocyte complex (COC). At least three compact layers of CCs is regarded as important for efficient IVP. To test this, oocytes were scored according to cumulus investment, with grade A representing COCs with three or more cumulus layers including granulosa cell‐cumulus oocyte complexes, grade B those with an intact corona radiata surrounded by another layer of cumulus cells and grades C and D representing COCs with lower CC investment. These oocytes were then monitored for in vitro maturation (IVM), as assessed by tubulin immunostaining for meiotic progression, the development of a cortical granule ring, and by glutathione levels. Results indicate that grading correlates closely with nuclear maturation and cytoplasmic maturation, suggesting that grading oocytes by cumulus investment is a reliable method to predict IVM success. Importantly, Grade A and B oocytes showed no significant differences in any measure and hence using a cut‐off of two or more CC layers may be optimal. We also determined the effect of assisted aspiration for oocyte retrieval, comparing the effect of needle size and applied pressure on the retrieval rate. These data indicated that both variables affected oocyte recovery rates and the quality of recovered oocytes. In combination, these experiments indicate that grade A and B oocytes have a similar developmental potential and that the recovery of oocytes of these grades is maximised by use of an 18‐gauge needle and 50 mmHg aspiration pressure.
Laparoscopically assisted treatment of imperforate hymen in a patient with ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt for congenital hydrocephalous: A case report
Authors: Sorrentino Felice , Angioni Stefano , Pontis Alessandro , Greco Francesca , Scutiero Gennaro , Nappi Luigi
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

We report a case of laparoscopically assisted treatment of imperforate hymen in a patient with ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt for congenital hydrocephalous.

Presentation of case:

The patient presented primary amenorrhea and cyclical abdominal pain. At clinical examination a painful mass in the abdomen and normal secondary sex characteristics were observed. Perineal examination showed a bulging hymen and transabdominal ultrasonography and CT scan revealed a dense mass in the pelvis and abdomen. We diagnosed an imperforate hymen with haematocolpos and haematometra. The surgical procedure was performed under laparoscopic guidance in order to check the pelvic anatomy inside, to exclude the presence of adhesions and endometriotic lesions and to evaluate the ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt.

Discussion:

Imperforate hymen (IH) is the most common obstructive congenital anomaly of female genital tract. It is potentially accompanied by other female reproductive tract anomalies, suggesting a multifactorial genetic etiology. It usually presents during puberty, causing accumulation of menstrual products in the vagina (haematocolpos) or in the uterus (haematometra). Generally, the treatment consists in hymenotomy or hymenectomy, that allows the accumulated blood to be drained away. Laparoscopically assisted treatment of imperforate hymen is not routinely performed but it can be considered in particular clinical conditions. It is a viable procedure very useful to exclude female reproductive anomalies, the presence of pelvic pathology (adhesions and endometriosis) and to evaluate the ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt and its possible complications (abdominal pseudocyst).

Conclusion:

This is the first case of laparoscopically assisted treatment of imperforate hymen in a patient with ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt for congenital hydrocephalous. Laparoscopic guidance has to be considered to exclude other female reproductive anomalies, pelvic pathology and abdominal complications (shunt dysfunction and abdominal pseudocyst).

Highlights:
Anti-impact tension control strategy for the space-tethered combination after target capture
Authors: Wang B. , Guo J. F. , Yi L. , Zhou W. H.
Published: November 2018

An electromechanical coupling model is established for the space-tethered combination (STC) under microgravity environment after target capture by the tethered robot system (TRS). A linearized dynamic model of the STC is put forward with its controllability and observability as a control system analyzed. A double closed-loop tension control strategy is proposed to mitigate the impact and suing longitudinal vibration caused by the velocity difference between the platform and target. Experiment setup is built on a ground-based flotation platform to investigate the impact of the STC. Results of simulation and experimental validation show that the proposed tension control strategy is responsive and rapid in tension tracking and effectively prevent impact.
Relative Impermeability of the Wall of Separation: Marriage Equality in the Philippines
Authors: PANGALANGAN Raphael Lorenzo Aguiling
Published: November 2018

The Philippine doctrine on the separation of church and state, while rooted in American constitutional tradition, continues to show vestiges of Spanish colonial rule. The Philippines adopted the union of church and state for three and a half centuries as a Spanish colony, but became a secular state after it was ceded to the United States of America in 1898. The wall of separation has since been maintained in all subsequent Philippine constitutions, only to be compromised in statutes and daily life. That conflict is most evident in marriage, a legal institution openly shaped by canon law. Falcis v Civil Registrar-General, the marriage equality petition pending before the Philippine Supreme Court, seeks to end that practice. But note the irony: while the US Supreme Court in Obergefell v Hodges secularizes marriage and disconnects it from religion, Falcis takes an opposing route in anchoring marriage equality on religious freedom. This article looks at the prospect of that gambit. By contrasting the legal and theological contexts from which Obergefell and Falcis stem, the article shows how the demands of same-sex union and church-state separation are tightly intertwined.
Selegiline in Patients With Disorder of Consciousness: An Open Pilot Study
Authors: Masotta Orsola , Trojano Luigi , Loreto Vincenzo , Moretta Pasquale , Estraneo Anna
Published: November 2018

This open study investigated the clinical effects of 10-week selegiline administration in six patients in vegetative state and in four patients in a minimally conscious state, at least 6 months after onset. Clinical outcome was assessed by Coma Recovery Scale-Revised once a week during selegiline administration and 1 month later. Three patients stopped treatment because of possible side effects. After treatment and at 1 month of follow-up, four patients showed improvements in clinical diagnosis, and three patients showed an increase in arousal level only. Selegiline might represent a relatively safe option to enhance arousal and promote recovery in brain-injured patients with disorders of consciousness.
Concussion, Cagney, Captains of the Clouds
Authors: Weaver Donald F.
Published: November 2018

The case of James Cagney adds interesting details to the history of concussion. It is underappreciated that a movie-star of Cagney’s stature incurred multiple concussions over many years. Moreover, the fact that he sustained one of these concussions in Canada while filming Captains of the Clouds, a major Hollywood film, is essentially unknown, and was seldom discussed by Cagney despite his willingness to discuss his many other concussions. The scene showing this concussion was left in the final released version of the movie, making it one of the earliest filmed concussions and the first concussion ever filmed in Technicolor.
An Evaluation of the Family Informal Caregiver Stroke Self-Management Program
Authors: Mores Gail , Whiteman Rhonda McNicoll , Ploeg Jenny , Knobl Patricia , Cahn Miriam , Klaponski Laura , Lindley Ann , Fisher Kathy
Published: November 2018

Background:Caregivers are often unprepared and overwhelmed with the responsibilities of providing care to stroke survivors, which can lead to negative physical and psychological effects.Purpose:To evaluate the impact of the Family Informal Caregiver Stroke Self-Management (FICSS) program on burden and life changes resulting from providing care among family caregivers of stroke survivors.Methods:A prospective pre-test and post-test design using quantitative and qualitative data was used to evaluate the program with a convenience sample of 42 caregivers. The four-module facilitated program consisted of small group-guided discussion. Quantitative evaluations were completed at baseline, 2 weeks and 6 months (post-intervention), and qualitative data were collected at 2 weeks and 6 months. Life changes and burden were measured using the Bakas Caregiving Outcome Scale (BCOS) and the Oberst Caregiving Burden Scale (OCBS), respectively.Results:The BCOS scores increased consistently over time, showing significant differences at 6 months compared with 2 weeks (mean difference: 5.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.30-10.28,p=0.04) and baseline (mean difference: 7.58, 95% CI: 2.92-12.23,p=0.001). The OCBS time scores decreased consistently over time, showing a significant difference at 6 months compared with baseline (mean difference: −5.20, 95% CI: −0.96 to −9.44,p=0.02). The OCBS difficulty scores fluctuated over time, resulting in no overall difference from baseline to 6 months. Qualitative themes were consistent with the positive quantitative findings.Conclusion:Study results suggest that the FICSS program may result in reduced caregiver burden and improved life changes resulting from providing care.
Leading by leaving: Exploring the relationship between supervisory control, job crafting, self-competence and performance
Authors: Berdicchia Domenico , Masino Giovanni
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether different supervisory styles are relevant in facilitating or inhibiting job crafting, and whether job crafting plays a significant role in promoting self-competence and work performance. Data were gathered from 162 employees in a large manufacturing company. We found a positive relationship between promotive control and job crafting, and a negative relationship between restrictive control and job crafting. Some job crafting behaviors positively affect both self-competence and performance, while others have a negative effect. Our results suggest that organizations interested in promoting job crafting should encourage a promotive style of leadership.
Leader Effects and Gender Differences in Sequential Restaurant Ordering Environments
Authors: Schamel Guenter , Santos-Arteaga Francisco Javier
Published: November 2018

We empirically examine the strategic importance of the choices of the first person ordering, that is, the leader, for the decisions made and money spent by other commensals at a restaurant table. Our aim is to study the similarity of orders—in terms of dishes, drinks, and prices—among the table leader and the other commensals. The empirical results reveal that table leaders, both male and female, exert a considerable influence on the choices made by other diners. We analyze the differences arising when males and females act as table leaders. (JEL Classifications: D12, D91)
Kato–Katz thick smears as a DNA source of soil-transmitted helminths
Authors: Monteiro K.J.L. , Calegar D.A. ,   Amazonas Research Group, Carvalho-Costa F.A. , Jaeger L.H.
Published: November 2018

Despite the reduction in the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiases in many regions of the world, morbidity rates remain high in some rural regions. The Kato–Katz technique is a simple, inexpensive and field-applicable tool commonly used for the diagnosis and worm-burden characterization of these infections. Molecular studies have revolutionized our understanding of the epidemiology and evolutionary genetics of parasites. In this study we recovered helminthic DNA from Kato–Katz slides (n = 93) prepared in 2011 in the Brazilian Amazon. We achieved DNA recovery by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 84% of cases for Ascaris sp. and 75% of cases for hookworms. The sequencing confirmed the specific species of the amplicons. The slides stored for a few years could be analysed using this methodology, allowing access to DNA from a large collection of samples. We must consider the Kato–Katz thick smears as a source of helminth DNA. This can significantly reduce logistical difficulties in the field in terms of obtaining, preserving, transporting and initial processing of samples.
Density jump as a function of magnetic field strength for parallel collisionless shocks in pair plasmas
Authors: Bret Antoine , Narayan Ramesh
Published: November 2018

Collisionless shocks follow the Rankine–Hugoniot jump conditions to a good approximation. However, for a shock propagating parallel to a magnetic field, magnetohydrodynamics states that the shock properties are independent of the field strength, whereas recent particle-in-cell simulations reveal a significant departure from magnetohydrodynamics behaviour for such shocks in the collisionless regime. This departure is found to be caused by a field-driven anisotropy in the downstream pressure, but the functional dependence of this anisotropy on the field strength is yet to be determined. Here, we present a non-relativistic model of the plasma evolution through the shock front, allowing for a derivation of the downstream anisotropy in terms of the field strength. Our scenario assumes double adiabatic evolution of a pair plasma through the shock front. As a result, the perpendicular temperature is conserved. If the resulting downstream is firehose stable, then the plasma remains in this state. If unstable, it migrates towards the firehose stability threshold. In both cases, the conservation equations, together with the relevant hypothesis made on the temperature, allows a full determination of the downstream anisotropy in terms of the field strength.
Is the seasonal change of sexual differences in shell use by the hermit crabPagurus minutusconsidered to be driven by growth or reproduction?
Authors: Yasuda Chiaki I. , Takiya Yuki , Otoda Masaya , Nakano Reiko , Koga Tsunenori
Published: November 2018

Sexual differences in behaviours are often affected by the difference in individual interests between the sexes: growth in males and egg production in females. Some hermit crabs show sexual differences in shell use patterns during the reproductive season. In the non-reproductive season, however, when both sexes are focused on increasing growth, this sexual difference is expected to be reduced. In this study, we compared the pattern of shell use in the hermit crabPagurus minutusbetween seasons, while focusing on the effects of shell shape on growth or egg production. As we predicted, sexual differences in shell use inP. minutusshowed seasonal change. In the non-reproductive season, both sexes appeared to use shells well suited for growth. In the reproductive season, sexual differences became more evident, especially in larger solitary crabs and guarding pairs; males monopolized round-type shells such as those ofUmbonium moniliferum, whereas more than 80% of females relied on high-spiredBatillaria-type shells such as those ofBatillaria zonalis. A lack of advantage for egg number in females usingBatillaria-type shells suggests that female shell use is explained by factors other than maximizing clutch size. Both sexes can moult during the reproductive season, and larger body size is advantageous for reproduction. Given thatBatillaria-type shells resulted in a lower growth increment and males have an advantage in shell fights in congeneric crabs, our findings suggest the importance of intersexual competition for shells and female compromise in determining the seasonal change of shell use patterns inP. minutus.
Entrepreneurs of Themselves: How Poor Women Enact Asset-Building Discourse
Authors: FELDMAN GUY , SCHRAM SANFORD F.
Published: November 2018

Welfare policy discourse plays an important role in shaping how marginalised groups are identified and how poverty is addressed. Research on welfare policy discourse has mostly adopted a top-down perspective, examining how marginalised groups are constituted through interrelated discourses that are produced and enacted by powerful actors. However, little attention has been given to understanding how welfare policy discourse is used and enacted by marginalised groups themselves. This article focuses on asset-building discourse, a newly ascendant discourse which suggests that poverty can be alleviated through savings and building wealth. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 24 poor single mothers of colour participating in a matched savings programme, the article explores how poor women rely on asset-building discourse to make sense of their poverty challenges and how to overcome them. The study finds that the women express neoliberal ideals as they seek to portray themselves as committed to becoming self-sufficient, financially literate, disciplined savers and entrepreneurs. The findings indicate that the women feel empowered and see themselves as worthy citizens, irrespective of whether their economic situation has actually improved or whether they ultimately come to resist asset-building discourse's individualisation of their predicament.
An Electrophysiological Method for Examining Lumbosacral Root Compression
Authors: Eisen Andrew , Schomer Donald , Melmed Calvin
Published: November 2018

The propagation velocities and conduction times of nerve impulses responsible for muscle F-waves were measured in the proximal segments of 60 normal posterior tibial nerves and of 41 normal peroneal nerves. The results were compared with those of 25 patients having confirmed lumbosacral root compression due to disc degeneration. Using the peroneal nerve, 65 per cent of patients had a prolonged proximal conduction time; a similar abnormality was found in 56 per cent of patients when the posterior tibial nerve was studied. The yield of positive results rose to 85 per cent and 76 per cent respectively when the M- and F-latencies in given individuals were compared. It was also shown that in normal subjects the F-response has a longer latency, and slower conduction velocity than the H-reflex when both are obtained using the same stimulating and recording sites, in patients in whom the ankle jerks and H-reflexes are absent, the F-waves may still be recorded, indicating that the latter are mediated through motor fibers
Ribonuclease Activity of Human Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Rabin E. Z. , Weinberger V. , Tattrie B.
Published: November 2018

The ribonuclease activity of cerebrospinal fluid of 219 patients was studied. The normal level was 269 ±95 units/ml. Consistent elevations above 550 units/ml were found in. 1 Chronic cerebrovascular disease, 2 Spinal cord compression; 3. Tumors. The molecular weights of the ribonucleases in the cerebrospinal fluid are approximately 33,000; 21,000 and 15,000, the major species is the one with m w. 33,000.

Although the increase in the CSF ribonuclease activity is not disease specific, the measurement has provided corroborative help in cases when the CSF protein is normal.

The increase in CSF RNAase is not due to red or white blood cells and the immunologie data suggest that the CSF enzyme activity is derived from the blood stream Further studies are necessary to rule out a nerve cell origin of the CSF ribonuclease activity.
Adaptive Multi-beamforming for Space-based ADS-B
Authors: Yu Sunquan , Chen Lihu , Li Songting , Zhang Xiang
Published: November 2018

We investigate a strategy to address the problem of low aircraft detection probability of space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B). A nineteen-element hexagonal array and adaptive multi-beamforming method is proposed. This method aims to adjust the beam pattern dynamically to reduce signal collision and enlarge coverage. With the focus on the mission requirement of global aircraft detection by 2020, the appropriate gain and direction of beams are studied and designed in detail. Theoretical analysis and simulations show that this adaptive multi-beam antenna can greatly improve flight detection probability at an average reporting interval from 10 seconds to 5 seconds when compared with the traditional fixed multi-beam antenna. The results of this work show that the design of a 19-element antenna along with the adaptive multi-beamforming method can be considered as a building block of future space-based ADS-B.
The Failure of Feminism? Rape Law Reform in the Republic of Ireland, 1980–2017
Authors: Molloy Ciara
Published: November 2018

Based on Carol Smart's observation that rape law reform as lobbied for by the feminist movement during the 1970s and 1980s failed to achieve any meaningful change, this article seeks to examine the nature and implications of rape law reform in the Republic of Ireland from the 1980s to the present day. During the 1980s the conceptualization of rape changed from a proprietorial crime to a violation of individual bodily integrity due to feminist lobbying efforts and the emergence of a victim-centered approach in the criminal justice system. Though this changing conceptualisation has led to significant attitudinal change, particularly surrounding the issues of acquaintance and marital rape, procedural change has failed to secure higher conviction rates. In particular, this article demonstrates that the legal reforms achieved in the 1980s potentially resulted in a 2% decrease in rape conviction rates by 2007. When compared to England/Wales, conviction rates as distinctive from prosecution rates in Ireland remain chronically low. This indicates that any legal reforms must take account of the institutional bias ingrained the Irish criminal justice system against female rape complainants, which has continuing relevance for Irish legislation pertaining to sexual violence such as the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act, 2017. Overall this article suggests that rape is an exceptional crime and needs to be reassessed as such.
Diarrhoea, enteric pathogen detection and nutritional indicators among controls in the Global Enteric Multicenter Study, Kenya site: an opportunity to understand reference populations in case–control studies of diarrhoea
Authors: Berendes D. M. , O'Reilly C. E. , Kim S. , Omore R. , Ochieng J. B. , Ayers T. , Fagerli K. , Farag T. H. , Nasrin D. , Panchalingam S. , Nataro J. P. , Kotloff K. L. , Levine M. M. , Oundo J. , Laserson K. , Breiman R. F. , Mintz E. D.
Published: November 2018

Given the challenges in accurately identifying unexposed controls in case–control studies of diarrhoea, we examined diarrhoea incidence, subclinical enteric infections and growth stunting within a reference population in the Global Enteric Multicenter Study, Kenya site. Within ‘control’ children (0–59 months old without diarrhoea in the 7 days before enrolment,n= 2384), we examined surveys at enrolment and 60-day follow-up, stool at enrolment and a 14-day post-enrolment memory aid for diarrhoea incidence. At enrolment, 19% of controls had ⩾1 enteric pathogen associated with moderate-to-severe diarrhoea (‘MSD pathogens’) in stool; following enrolment, many reported diarrhoea (27% in 7 days, 39% in 14 days). Controls with and without reported diarrhoea had similar carriage of MSD pathogens at enrolment; however, controls reporting diarrhoea were more likely to report visiting a health facility for diarrhoea (27%vs.7%) or fever (23%vs.16%) at follow-up than controls without diarrhoea. Odds of stunting differed by both MSD and ‘any’ (including non-MSD pathogens) enteric pathogen carriage, but not diarrhoea, suggesting control classification may warrant modification when assessing long-term outcomes. High diarrhoea incidence following enrolment and prevalent carriage of enteric pathogens have implications for sequelae associated with subclinical enteric infections and for design and interpretation of case–control studies examining diarrhoea.
Management of Painful Physical Symptoms Associated With Depression and Mood Disorders
Authors: Wise Thomas N. , Arnold Lesley M. , Maletic Vladimir , Ginsberg David L.
Published: November 2018

Depression is a common, recurring illness that continues to be underdiagnosed and undertreated in both psychiatric and primary care settings. It is increasingly being recognized that painful physical symptoms, which commonly exist comorbid with depressive disorders, play a role in complicating diagnosis of depression. Patients tend to discuss physical pain with primary care physicians and emotional pain with psychiatrists, often oblivious to the fact that both may be aspects of one disorder. Those who present with somatic complaints are three times less likely to be accurately diagnosed than patients with psychosocial complaints. However, thorough evaluation of mood and anxiety disorders in primary care is sparse due to the limited time primary care physicians can spend with each patient. Better recognition and treatment of both physical and emotional symptoms associated with mood disorders may increase a patient's chance of achieving remission, which is the optimum therapeutic goal.

Abnormalities of serotonin and noradrenaline are strongly associated with depression and are thought to play a role in pain perception. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which is increased with antidepressant treatment, appears to influence regulation of mood and perception of pain. Clinical evidence indicates that dual-acting agents may have an advantage in modulating pain over those agents that increase either serotonin or noradrenaline alone. The novel dual-acting agents, such as venlafaxine and duloxetine, are better tolerated than tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. These agents have demonstrated efficacy in depression and in diabetic neuropathic pain independently. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, all inferences to studies of pain in this monograph refer to neuropathic pain in nondepressed patients.
SOCIAL DISTANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Varvarigos Dimitrios , Xin Guangyi
Published: November 2018

We show that path dependency in economic development can emerge in a model where social distance affects capital accumulation. This effect works through the impact of social interactions on individuals’ incentives to invest. Social distance evolves intergenerationally, as the process of social interactions with people from different backgrounds generates familiarity and experiences that are bequeathed to the next generation, thus shaping their perceptions and opinions about “outsiders.” A key result is the possibility of alienation among people who belong to different groups, if social distance is above a threshold. The initial conditions with respect to social distance and the capital stock can both be critical in determining the economy’s long-term prospects.
Age, Sex, and Genetic and Environmental Effects on Unintentional Injuries in Young and Adult Twins
Authors: Salminen Simo , Vuoksimaa Eero , Rose Richard J. , Kaprio Jaakko
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of genetic and environment influences and sex on injury involvement using two sets of Finnish twin data. The younger participants were 955 twins born between 1983 and 1987, aged 20 to 24 years. The older participants were 12,428 twins born between 1930 and 1957, aged 33 to 60 years. Within-twin correlations in monozygotic and dizygotic twins suggested that genetic effects play no role in injury involvement among young twins, but do have some effect at older ages. The results indicated that environmental factors have greater importance in injury involvement than genetic factors in the younger twin data set (FT12), whereas in a middle-aged (33–60 years) twin data set, genetic effects explained about quarter of the variance in injury involvement. Sex was a strong contributing factor, with males being generally more prone to injuries than females.
Universal Units Reflect Their Earthly Origins
Authors: Van Camp Michel , Richard Philippe , de Viron Olivier
Published: November 2018

On Friday, the kilogram will join its fellow metric units with a definition based on fundamental physical constants, but these units maintain links to their roots in the geosciences.
Time and Temperature Dependent Creep in Tournemire Shale
Authors: Geng Zhi , Bonnelye Audrey , Chen Mian , Jin Yan , Dick Pierre , David Christian , Fang Xin , Schubnel Alexandre
Published: November 2018

We conducted a series of triaxial creep experiments on shale specimens coming from Tournemire, France, using the stress‐stepping method up to failure, at a confining pressure of 80 MPa, on two orientations (parallel and perpendicular to bedding), and at temperatures of 26 and 75 °C. In these week‐long experiments, stress, strains, and P wave ultrasonic velocities were recorded (quasi‐) continuously. The strength at creep failure of Tournemire shale was ~70% higher than the peak strength measured during constant strain rate (~10−7/s) experiments, and failure was reached at larger strains. An overall transition from P wave velocity increase at moderate differential stress to P wave velocity decrease closer to brittle failure was also observed. At a smaller timescale, P wave velocities initially decreased and then increased gradually during each step of creep deformation. The magnitude of these variations showed important (i) stress, (ii) orientation, and (iii) temperature dependences: larger increase was observed for P wave propagating along the main compressive stress orientation, larger decrease for P wave propagating perpendicular to it, and a changing behavior enhanced at a higher temperature. Scanning electron microscopy performed postmortem revealed evidence of time‐dependent pressure solution, localized compaction, crack growth, and sealing/healing. Our data reveal that shale deformation is highly stress sensitive only in a narrow stress domain where stress corrosion cracking‐induced brittle dilatant creep deformation is dominant. At stresses below, pressure solution compaction creep dominates the deformation and shales compact, consolidate, and heal. This has important implications for the mechanics of shallow fault zones and accretionary prisms.
Impact of the Surface Stress on the Volume and Freshwater Transport Through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago From a High‐Resolution Numerical Simulation
Authors: Grivault Nathan , Hu Xianmin , Myers Paul G.
Published: November 2018

We use a numerical model forced with high temporal and spatial resolution atmospheric forcing to evaluate the volume and freshwater transport through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (CAA). On average, the simulated inflow through the Queen Elizabeth Islands represents 40% of the transport entering the CAA through M'Clure Strait. The transport through Admunsden Gulf represents less than 10% of the total inflow. The impact of sea ice and winds on the volume and freshwater transports into and through this region is also investigated. At Nares Strait and West Lancaster Sound, the transport is overestimated due to too‐mobile sea ice but different physical processes related to surface stress. The ice is driving larger ocean flow in the first case, while causing less flow reduction in the second case. While the transport through the Queen Elizabeth Islands responds to the changes in surface stress over the Beaufort Gyre and northern Baffin Bay, local surface stress opposed to the mean flow over the straits tends to reduce the throughflow transport. In Parry Channel and the southern CAA, the surface stress tends to enhance the transport and have a greater impact locally. Finally, the surface stress related to sea ice motion can significantly change the transport in the CAA during the winter months.
Revised diagnostic criteria for plasma cell leukemia: results of a Mayo Clinic study with comparison of outcomes to multiple myeloma
Authors: Ravi Praful , Kumar Shaji K. , Roeker Lindsey , Gonsalves Wilson , Buadi Francis , Lacy Martha Q. , Go Ronald S. , Dispenzieri Angela , Kapoor Prashant , Lust John A. , Dingli David , Lin Yi , Russell Stephen J. , Leung Nelson , Gertz Morie A. , Kyle Robert A. , Bergsagel P. Leif , Rajkumar S. Vincent
Published: November 2018

The current definition of plasma cell leukemia (PCL)— ≥ 20% circulating plasma cells (CPCs) on peripheral smear and plasma cell count ≥ 2 × 109/L—may be too stringent. We reviewed outcomes of 176 multiple myeloma (MM) patients diagnosed between 1971 and 2016, and who had CPCs detectable at diagnosis, to determine whether a lower threshold could be used to diagnose PCL. Median overall survival (mOS) was 1.1 years (95% CI 0.8–1.4) and was similar between patients with < 5% (n = 54, mOS = 1.4 years [0.7–2.0]), 5–19% (n = 63, mOS = 1.1 years [0.7–1.4]), and ≥ 20% CPCs (n = 59, mOS = 1.1 years [0.7–1.5], p = 0.349). As survival was similar between those with 5–19% and ≥ 20% CPCs, we stratified patients by < 5% (mOS = 1.4 years [0.7–2.0]) and ≥ 5% CPCs (mOS = 1.1 years [0.8–1.4], p = 0.154). Outcomes of those with ≥ 5% CPCs were much poorer when compared with a cohort of MM patients diagnosed between 1971 and 2016, who did not have CPCs at diagnosis (n = 9724, mOS = 4.4 yrs [4.3–4.5], p < 0.001); survival was also lower in patients diagnosed after 2001 with ≥ 5% CPCs (n = 62, mOS = 1.4 years [0.8–2.5]) compared with patients with standard risk (n = 1326, mOS = 7.5 years [7.0–8.7]) and high-risk MM (n = 381, mOS = 4.3 years [3.5–4.9], p < 0.001). We therefore propose that the definition of PCL be revised to patients with ≥ 5% CPCs on peripheral blood smear, who otherwise meet diagnostic criteria for MM.
A new role of anterograde motor Kif5b in facilitating large clathrin-coated vesicle mediated endocytosis via regulating clathrin uncoating
Authors: Ni Yan-Xiang , Zhou Nan , Xue Wen-Qian , Rong Li , Yung Wing-Ho , Lin Rao-Zhou , Kao Richard Yi-Tsun , Duan Zhi-Gang , Sun Hai-Tao , Gong Hua-Rui , Tang Xu-Ming , Liu Meng-Fei , Zhang Wen , Qi Shuang , Chung Sookja , Song You-Qiang , Huang Jian-Dong
Published: November 2018

Kif5b-driven anterograde transport and clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) are responsible for opposite intracellular trafficking, contributing to plasma membrane homeostasis. However, whether and how the two trafficking processes coordinate remain unclear. Here, we show that Kif5b directly interacts with clathrin heavy chain (CHC) at a region close to that for uncoating catalyst (Hsc70) and preferentially localizes on relatively large clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs). Uncoating in vitro is decreased for CCVs from the cortex of kif5b conditional knockout (mutant) mouse and facilitated by adding Kif5b fragments containing CHC-binding site, while cell peripheral distribution of CHC or Hsc70 keeps unaffected by Kif5b depletion. Furthermore, cellular entry of vesicular stomatitis virus that internalizes into large CCV is inhibited by Kif5b depletion or introducing a dominant-negative Kif5b fragment. These findings showed a new role of Kif5b in regulating large CCV-mediated CME via affecting CCV uncoating, indicating Kif5b as a molecular knot connecting anterograde transport to CME.
Deep Feature Learning for Sudden Cardiac Arrest Detection in Automated External Defibrillators
Authors: Nguyen Minh Tuan , Nguyen Binh Van , Kim Kiseon
Published: November 2018

Ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia (VF/VT), known as shockable (SH) rhythms, are the mainly cause of sudden cardiac arrests (SCA), which is cured efficiently by the automated external defibrillator (AED). The performance of the shock advice algorithm (SAA) applied in the AED has been improved by using machine learning technique and variously conventional features, recently. In this paper, we propose a novel algorithm with relatively high performance for the SCA detection on electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. The algorithm consists of a convolutional neural network as a feature extractor (CNNE) and a Boosting (BS) classifier. A grid search with nested 5-folds cross validation (CV) is used to select the CNNE trained with preprocessed ECG, SH, and NSH signals using the modified variational mode decomposition technique. The deep feature vector learned by this CNNE is extracted at the first fully connected layer and then fed into BS classifier to validate its performance using 5-folds CV procedure. The secondary learning of the BS classifier and the use of three input channels for the CNNE improve certainly the detection performance of the proposed SAA with the validated accuracy of 99.26%, sensitivity of 97.07%, and specificity of 99.44%.
Grazers extend blue carbon transfer by slowing sinking speeds of kelp detritus
Authors: Wernberg Thomas , Filbee-Dexter Karen
Published: November 2018

Marine plant communities such as kelp forests produce significant amounts of detritus, most of which is exported to areas where it can constitute an important trophic subsidy or potentially be sequestered in marine sediments. Knowing the vertical transport speed of detrital particles is critical to understanding the potential magnitude and spatial extent of these linkages. We measured sinking speeds for Laminaria hyperborea detritus ranging from whole plants to small fragments and sea urchin faecal pellets, capturing the entire range of particulate organic matter produced by kelp forests. Under typical current conditions, we determined that this organic material can be transported 10 s of m to 10 s of km. We show how the conversion of kelp fragments to sea urchin faeces, one of the most pervasive processes in kelp forests globally, increases the dispersal potential of detritus by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude. Kelp detritus sinking speeds were also faster than equivalent phytoplankton, highlighting its potential for rapid delivery of carbon to deep areas. Our findings support arguments for a significant contribution from kelp forests to subsidizing deep sea communities and the global carbon sink.
Design and modeling of pulsed-laser three-dimensional imaging system inspired by compound and human hybrid eye
Authors: Cheng Yang , Cao Jie , Zhang Fanghua , Hao Qun
Published: November 2018

A pulsed-laser three-dimensional imaging system inspired by compound and human hybrid eye is proposed. A diffractive optical element is used to enlarge field of view (FOV) of transmitting system and a receiving system consisting of a non-uniform microlens array, an aperture array, and an avalanche photodiode array is designed. The non-uniform microlens array is arranged on a curved surface to mimic large FOV feature of the compound eye. Meanwhile, the non-uniform microlens array is modeled to mimic space-variant resolution property of the human eye. On the basis of the proposed system, some simulation experiments are carried out. Results show that the entire FOV is up to 52°, and the resolution is 30 × 18. The proposed system has a high resolution in the center FOV and a low resolution in the peripheral FOV. The rotation and scaling invariances of the human eye are verified on the proposed system. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) increases with the increase in the number of rings and the maximum SNR locates at the outmost periphery area. This work is beneficial to the design of the pulsed laser three-dimensional imaging system with large FOV, high speed, and high resolution.
Exposure history, post-exposure prophylaxis use, and clinical characteristics of human rabies cases in China, 2006–2012
Authors: Guo Chun , Li Yu , Huai Yang , Rao Carol Y. , Lai Shengjie , Mu Di , Yin Wenwu , Yu Hongjie , Nie Shaofa
Published: November 2018

Rabies is still a public health threat in China. Evaluating the exposure history, clinical characteristics, and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) of the cases could help in identifying approaches to reducing the number of these preventable deaths. We analysed data collected from 10,971 case-investigations conducted in China from 2006 to 2012. Most cases (n = 7,947; 92.0%) were caused by animal bites; 5,800 (55.8%) and 2,974 (28.6%) exposures were from domestic and free-roaming dogs, respectively. Only 278 (4.8%) of these domestic dogs had previously received rabies vaccination. Among all cases, 5,927 (59.7%) cases had category III wounds, 1,187 (11.7%) cases initiated the rabies PEP vaccination and 234 (3.9%) cases with category III wounds received rabies immunoglobulin. In our adjusted logistic regression model, male cases (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09–1.44) and farmers (aOR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.10–1.77) and person older than 55 years (aOR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.01–2.17) were less likely than females and persons in other occupations or younger than 15 years to initiate PEP vaccination. The median incubation period was 66 days (interquartile range (IQR): 33–167 days). To reduce the number of human deaths due to rabies, rabies prevention campaigns targeting males and farmers and older people should be conducted. Increasing routine rabies vaccination among domestic dogs will be essential in the long term.
The expansion of later Acheulean hominins into the Arabian Peninsula
Authors: Scerri Eleanor M. L. , Shipton Ceri , Clark-Balzan Laine , Frouin Marine , Schwenninger Jean-Luc , Groucutt Huw S. , Breeze Paul S. , Parton Ash , Blinkhorn James , Drake Nick A. , Jennings Richard , Cuthbertson Patrick , Omari Abdulaziz Al , Alsharekh Abdullah M. , Petraglia Michael D.
Published: November 2018

The Acheulean is the longest lasting cultural–technological tradition in human evolutionary history. However, considerable gaps remain in understanding the chronology and geographical distribution of Acheulean hominins. We present the first chronometrically dated Acheulean site from the Arabian Peninsula, a vast and poorly known region that forms more than half of Southwest Asia. Results show that Acheulean hominin occupation expanded along hydrological networks into the heart of Arabia from Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 7 until at least ~190 ka ̶ the youngest documented Acheulean in Southwest Asia. The site of Saffaqah features Acheulean technology, characterized by large flakes, handaxes and cleavers, similar to Acheulean assemblages in Africa. These findings reveal a climatically-mediated later Acheulean expansion into a poorly known region, amplifying the documented diversity of Middle Pleistocene hominin behaviour across the Old World and elaborating the terminal archaic landscape encountered by our species as they dispersed out of Africa.
Hyperlipidemia, statin use and dengue severity
Authors: Chia Po Ying , Htun Htet Lin , Ling Wei Ping , Leo Yee Sin , Yeo Tsin Wen , Lye David Chien Boon
Published: November 2018

Multiple in vitro and mice model studies suggest statins may attenuate dengue severity. However, little is known about statin use and dengue severity in adult dengue patients with hyperlipidemia. We conducted a retrospective cohort study from 2004–2008 and 2012–2013 in Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore on adult dengue patients with hyperlipidemia, comparing those with and without statin usage at hospitalization in terms of primary outcome of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or shock syndrome (DSS), and severe dengue (SD). Of 13,975 subjects screened, 257 dengue patients were included; 191 (74.3%) were statin users and 66 (25.7%) were non-users. Compared with non-users, statin use was not associated with decreased risk of DHF/DSS (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 0.66, 95%confidence interval [CI]: 0.41–1.08, P = 0.10) and SD (aRR = 1.43, 95%CI: 0.84–2.43, P = 0.19). Therefore, statin usage had minimal effect on dengue severity in our study population in Singapore.