bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing Couple Conflict During Prenatal Counseling Sessions: An Investigation of Genetic Counselor Experiences and Perceptions
Authors: Schoeffel Kara , McCarthy Veach Patricia , Rubin Karol , LeRoy Bonnie
Published: March 2018

Research shows couple conflict occurring during prenatal genetic counseling sessions may be challenging for some genetic counselors. Yet, no study has explored couple conflict in depth. The current study investigated genetic counselors’ experiences and perceptions of the nature and context of couple conflict in prenatal sessions and counselor conflict management strategies. Sixteen prenatal genetic counselors recruited through the National Society of Genetic Counselors participated in semi‐structured phone interviews asking about how they recognize couple conflict; topics that trigger conflict and when it occurs; individual, cultural, and situational factors associated with conflict; conflict management strategies; and specific examples from their practice. Inductive and cross‐case comparison methods revealed a number of themes. Genetic counselors recognize couple conflict through non‐verbal and verbal cues, and conflict can occur at any time, particularly during decision‐making about testing and test results and during results review of an affected pregnancy. Factors associated with conflict include cultural customs, age, emotional state, religious beliefs, and being forced to attend counseling. Participants identified 23 conflict management strategies classified into five themes: facilitate decision‐making, encourage couple expression, act within one's scope of practice, provide psychosocial support, and support the identified patient. Counselors emphasized that their strategies are couple dependent. Patients may benefit from genetic counselors assessing couple conflict and intervening when it impedes genetic counseling goals. Clinical examples from this study may contribute to informing genetic counselor practice, program curricula, and continuing education workshops.
Non-Invasive Multimodality Imaging Directly Shows TRPM4 Inhibition Ameliorates Stroke Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Chen Bo , Ng Gandi , Gao Yahui , Low See Wee , Sandanaraj Edwin , Ramasamy Boominathan , Sekar Sakthivel , Bhakoo Kishore , Soong Tuck Wah , Nilius Bernd , Tang Carol , Robins Edward G. , Goggi Julian , Liao Ping
Published: March 2018

The transient receptor potential melastatin 4 (TRPM4) channel has been suggested to play a key role in the treatment of ischemic stroke. However, in vivo evaluation of TRPM4 channel, in particular by direct channel suppression, is lacking. In this study, we used multimodal imaging to assess edema formation and quantify the amount of metabolically functional brain salvaged after a rat model of stroke reperfusion. TRPM4 upregulation in endothelium emerges as early as 2 h post-stroke induction. Expression of TRPM4 channel was suppressed directly in vivo by treatment with siRNA; scrambled siRNA was used as a control. T2-weighted MRI suggests that TRPM4 inhibition successfully reduces edema by 30% and concomitantly salvages functionally active brain, measured by 18F-FDG-PET. These in vivo imaging results correlate well with post-mortem 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining which exhibits a 34.9% reduction in infarct volume after siRNA treatment. Furthermore, in a permanent stroke model, large areas of brain tissue displayed both edema and significant reductions in metabolic activity which was not shown in transient models with or without TRPM4 inhibition, indicating that tissue salvaged by TRPM4 inhibition during stroke reperfusion may survive. Evans Blue extravasation and hemoglobin quantification in the ipsilateral hemisphere were greatly reduced, suggesting that TRPM4 inhibition can improve BBB integrity after ischemic stroke reperfusion. Our results support the use of TRPM4 blocker for early stroke reperfusion.
A Second Look at the Process of Occupational Feminization and Pay Reduction in Occupations
Authors: Mandel Hadas
Published: March 2018

Using the IPUMS-USA data for the years 1960–2015, this study examines trends in the effect of occupational feminization on occupational pay in the U.S. labor market and explores some of the mechanisms underlying these trends. The findings show that the (negative) association between occupational feminization and occupational pay level has declined, becoming insignificent in 2015. This trend, however, is reversed after education is controlled for at the individual as well as the occupational level. The two opposite trends are discussed in light of the twofold effect of education: (1) the entry of women into occupations requiring high education, and (2) the growing returns to education and to occupations with higher educational requirements. These two processes have concealed the deterioration in occupational pay following feminization. The findings underscore the significance of structural forms of gender inequality in general, and occupational devaluation in particular.
Correction to: Perturbation Analysis of Indices of Lifespan Variability
Authors: van Raalte Alyson A. , Caswell Hal
Published: March 2018

We discovered an error in Eq. (12) (p. 1621).
Tort Law and Judicial Risk Regulation: Bipolar and Multipolar Risk Reasoning in Light of Tort Law’s Regulatory Effects
Authors: DE JONG Elbert R
Published: March 2018

Although judicial decisions in tort law primarily determine the (correlative) responsibilities and liabilities of the proceeding parties, they also have regulatory effects on non-litigants. In this contribution, these regulatory consequences of tort law will be analysed in light of a court’s quest when it decides a tort claim involving (uncertain) risks. It will be argued that decisions in tort law about uncertain risks involve the possible occurrence of a false positive (eg accepting liability for a non-existing risk) and a false negative (eg denying liability for a real risk). False positives and false negatives have adverse consequences for the parties to the proceedings but, bearing in mind the regulatory effects of tort adjudication, potentially also for non-litigants. While courts might want to avoid both, scientific uncertainties and complexities make it difficult for them to assess to what extent there is a chance of either a false positive or a false negative occurring. Therefore, they necessarily need to determine which party bears the risk of the involved errors. In addition, the question arises whether courts should also take the potential regulatory consequences of their rulings into account and, if yes, how? To that purpose, they can employ a bipolar reasoning style and a multipolar reasoning style. Although tort law is about determining the applicable rights and obligations between the plaintiff and defendant (bipolar reasoning), in light of the regulatory implications of tort law and developments in several tort systems, the relevance of considerations transcending this bipolar relationship (multipolar reasoning) is increasing. However, the possibilities for courts to engage in multipolar reasoning are restrained by the bipolar nature of tort law which gives rise to information and specialism deficits. This will be illustrated by referring to issues in relation to setting the standard of care and examining causation.
Effects of the finite particle size in turbulent wall-bounded flows of dense suspensions
Authors: Costa Pedro , Picano Francesco , Brandt Luca , Breugem Wim-Paul
Published: March 2018

We use interface-resolved numerical simulations to study finite-size effects in turbulent channel flow of neutrally buoyant spheres. Two cases with particle sizes differing by a factor of two, at the same solid volume fraction of 20 % and bulk Reynolds number are considered. These are complemented with two reference single-phase flows: the unladen case, and the flow of a Newtonian fluid with the effective suspension viscosity of the same mixture in the laminar regime. As recently highlighted in Costa et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 117, 2016, 134501), a particle–wall layer is responsible for deviations of the mesoscale-averaged statistics from what is observed in the continuum limit where the suspension is modelled as a Newtonian fluid with (higher) effective viscosity. Here we investigate in detail the fluid and particle dynamics inside this layer and in the bulk. In the particle–wall layer, the near-wall inhomogeneity has an influence on the suspension microstructure over a distance proportional to the particle size. In this layer, particles have a significant (apparent) slip velocity that is reflected in the distribution of wall shear stresses. This is characterized by extreme events (both much higher and much lower than the mean). Based on these observations we provide a scaling for the particle-to-fluid apparent slip velocity as a function of the flow parameters. We also extend the scaling laws in Costa et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 117, 2016, 134501) to second-order Eulerian statistics in the homogeneous suspension region away from the wall. The results show that finite-size effects in the bulk of the channel become important for larger particles, while negligible for lower-order statistics and smaller particles. Finally, we study the particle dynamics along the wall-normal direction. Our results suggest that single-point dispersion is dominated by particle–turbulence (and not particle–particle) interactions, while differences in two-point dispersion and collisional dynamics are consistent with a picture of shear-driven interactions.
Middle Devonian parathuramminid and earlandiid foraminifers from shallow marine carbonates of the Carnic Alps (Austria)
Authors: Vachard Daniel , Krainer Karl , Mörtl Alexander
Published: March 2018

The Devonian of the Carnic Alps (Austria) is developed in different facies. The shallow marine facies is up to 1200 m thick. The Feldkogel Limestone of the Polinik Formation, >330 m thick, was dated as Eifelian–Late Devonian. The Feldkogel Limestone at Mount Polinik is developed in a peritidal facies composed of subtidal, intertidal, and supratidal deposits. Subtidal sediments are represented by dark grayAmphiporalimestone and intertidal deposits by laminated and partly bioturbated grainstone and packstone, ostracode wackestone to packstone, and locally intercalated intraclast breccias documenting tidal channel fills. Laminated microbial mats (stromatolites) formed in a supratidal depositional environment. Grainstone and packstone contain abundant unilocular parathuramminid foraminifers. This latter group encompasses a diversified assemblage of ivanovellids, parathuramminids, uralinellids, and irregularinoids; some earlandiids are also present. They are dated herein as late Eifelian–early Givetian. These foraminifers provide a more precise systematics of these taxa, which often have not been studied for more than half a century. The taxonomic problems of their assignment to foraminifers, pseudo-foraminifers, calcitarcha, thaumatoporellaceans, volvocaleans, or other algae are also discussed. Several taxa are emendated: Parathuramminida, Parathuramminoidea, Irregularinoidea, Eovolutinidae, Ivanovellidae, Parathuramminidae, Uralinellidae,Ivanovella,Elenella,Neoarchaesphaera,Parathurammina,Bykovaella,Uralinella, andParacaligella. The new taxa are:Ivanovella reitlingeraen. sp.,Elenella polinikensisn. sp.,Uralinella sabirovin. sp., andRadiosphaerella poyarkovin. sp.
Visual infrapolitics: gender performance in the Italian entertainment industry, between secret visuality and postfeminist resistance
Authors: Martinez Tagliavia Francesca
Published: March 2018

This article discusses postfeminist practices of resistance within contemporary visuality. Drawing on concepts used in visual and cultural studies, it describes and interprets the gender performance through which Giulia, avelina,challenges her own sexual and economic domination in her everyday affective labour and work. For this purpose, I report Giulia’s account of herself, resulting from a series of interviews conducted in 2014 and 2015. In the first part of the article, I will describe Giulia’s gendered etiquette, i.e. a complex of corporeal and behavioural prescriptions. Next, I will describe a set of acts of resistance performed by Giulia in her everyday social interactions in order to protect herself, to speak out and to build alliances against the violence implied by the stigma attached to thevelina’s gender/class norm. Finally, I will apply the concept of visual infrapolitics to the open field of visual practices through which a female worker of the entertainment industry criticises the gender-based violence implied by her labour form and by the stigma attached to her gender etiquette. I argue that such a wide field of practices pertains to a postfeminist sensibility and materialises the possibility for collective acts of resistance.
Prevalence, intensity and spatial co-distribution of schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminths infections in Ogun state, Nigeria
Authors: Oluwole Akinola S. , Adeniran Adebiyi A. , Mogaji Hammed O. , Olabinke Dorcas B. , Abe Eniola M. , Bankole Samuel O. , Sam-Wobo Sammy O. , Ekpo Uwem F.
Published: March 2018

A cross-sectional survey was carried out in primary schools to determine prevalence, intensity and spatial co-distribution of Schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminths (STH) infections in Ogun State, Nigeria. A total of 2148 pupils from 42 schools were examined forSchistosomaand STH infections from urine and fresh fecal samples respectively. Ethyl ether concentration method prepared in sodium acetate – acetic acid – formalin ether was used to concentrate parasites’ ova before microscopic examination. The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis and STH infections were 4.0% (95% CI = 3.21–4.92) and 34.64% (95% CI = 32.62–36.69) respectively.Schistosoma haematobiumandAscaris lumbricoideswere the most prevalent across the study area among theSchistosomaand STH species respectively. Overall, intensity of infection was higher in males than in females for allSchistosomaand STH infections, but with no significant difference (P > 0.05), except forTrichuris trichiura(χ2 = 6.490,P < 0.05). Infection intensity was significantly inversely correlated (χ2 = 12.953,P < 0.05) with an increase in age group. Co-distribution ofSchistosomaand STH infections occurred in 15 (35.7%) out of 42 schools, and only 30 children (1.4%) had co-infection ofSchistosomaand STH. This study provides information on the prevalence and spatial risk of schistosomiasis and STH in Ogun State. This will serve as decision-support tool for Ogun State programme managers to help facilitate integration of schistosomiasis and STH control.
Bias in Perceptions of Public Opinion among Political Elites
Authors: BROOCKMAN DAVID E. , SKOVRON CHRISTOPHER
Published: March 2018

The conservative asymmetry of elite polarization represents a significant puzzle. We argue that politicians can maintain systematic misperceptions of constituency opinion that may contribute to breakdowns in dyadic representation. We demonstrate this argument with original surveys of 3,765 politicians’ perceptions of constituency opinion on nine issues. In 2012 and 2014, state legislative politicians from both parties dramatically overestimated their constituents’ support for conservative policies on these issues, a pattern consistent across methods, districts, and states. Republicans drive much of this overestimation. Exploiting responses from politicians in the same district, we confirm these partisan differences within individual districts. Further evidence suggests that this overestimation may arise due to biases in who contacts politicians, as in recent years Republican citizens have been especially likely to contact legislators, especially fellow Republicans. Our findings suggest that a novel force can operate in elections and in legislatures: Politicians can systematically misperceive what their constituents want.
Cyprian's Early Career in the Church of Carthage
Authors: GASSMAN MATTIAS
Published: March 2018

Cyprian's baptism is usually placed in 245–6, two to four years before he became bishop. The early treatise Ad Donatum is thus taken as a witness to the neophyte's spiritual ‘transition’. This article challenges this common biographical narrative. A date just before Cyprian's ordination in 248/9 fits the evidence better than 246. As comparison with Ad Quirinum suggests, the winsome portrait of Cyprian the true convert that Ad Donatum paints might have done more than exhort neophytes to zealous spirituality: it may also have been meant to silence the presbyters whom Pontius’ Vita and Cyprian himself portray as critics of his ordination.
QUANTIFICATIONAL CUES MODULATE THE PROCESSING OF ENGLISH SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT BY NATIVE CHINESE SPEAKERS
Authors: Armstrong Andrew , Bulkes Nyssa , Tanner Darren
Published: March 2018

Numerous studies have demonstrated that native Mandarin speakers have pervasive difficulties processing L2 English agreement morphology. However, less is known about the lexical and morphological cues that may modulate Mandarin speakers’ sensitivity to English number agreement. To investigate this, we examined subject-verb agreement processing in English by L1 Mandarin participants using event-related brain potentials (ERPs) and focused on the use of quantificational cues to noun number and their interaction with agreement morphology on the verb. Previous work in English monolinguals has shown that agreement violations elicited larger P600s when preceded by a plurally quantified subject noun phrase (NP) compared to an unquantified NP. In the present study, Mandarin speakers were tested on the same quantified and unquantified sentences (e.g.,Most/The cookiestaste/*tastes…) as in the prior work. Like the L1 English speakers, ERPs time-locked to the verb showed a reliable P600 in response to agreement violations. However, the P600 in Mandarin speakers was larger for ungrammatical verbs withunquantified subjects, a contrast with English monolinguals. First, these results demonstrate that L2 agreement violations can elicit qualitatively similar neural responses in L1 Mandarin speakers as in English monolinguals (P600 effects), a finding that is to our knowledge novel. Second, quantification modulated the P600 in the L2 speakers in a qualitatively different way than in natives. Overall, these findings suggest stronger reliance on lexical versus morphological cues to number in Mandarin speakers, and that this impacts anticipation of subsequent grammatical features.
Maternal depression in the intergenerational transmission of childhood maltreatment and its sequelae: Testing postpartum effects in a longitudinal birth cohort
Authors: Choi Karmel W. , Houts Renate , Arseneault Louise , Pariante Carmine , Sikkema Kathleen J. , Moffitt Terrie E.
Published: March 2018

Mothers who have experienced childhood maltreatment are more likely to have children also exposed to maltreatment, a phenomenon known as intergenerational transmission. Factors in the perinatal period may contribute uniquely to this transmission, but timing effects have not been ascertained. Using structural equation modeling with 1,016 mothers and their 2,032 children in the Environmental Risk Longitudinal Twin Study, we tested the mediating role of postpartum depression between maternal childhood maltreatment and a cascade of negative child outcomes, specifically child exposure to maltreatment, internalizing symptoms, and externalizing symptoms: (a) adjusting for later maternal depression, (b) comparing across sex differences, and (c) examining the relative role of maltreatment subtypes. Mothers who had been maltreated as children, especially those who had experienced emotional or sexual abuse, were at increased risk for postpartum depression. In turn, postpartum depression predicted children’s exposure to maltreatment, followed by emotional and behavioral problems. Indirect effects from maternal childhood maltreatment to child outcomes were robust across child sex and supported significant mediation through postpartum depression; however, this appeared to be carried by mothers’ depression beyond the postpartum period. Identifying and treating postpartum depression, and preventing its recurrence, may help interrupt the intergenerational transmission of maltreatment and its sequelae.
The predictors of foreign-accentedness in the home language of Polish–English bilingual children
Authors: WREMBEL MAGDALENA , MARECKA MARTA , SZEWCZYK JAKUB , OTWINOWSKA AGNIESZKA
Published: March 2018

We investigated the speech patterns and accentedness of Polish–English bilingual children raised in Great Britain to verify whether their L1 Polish would be perceived as different from that of monolinguals matched for age and socioeconomic status. To this end, Polish-language speech samples of 32 bilinguals and 10 monolinguals (a 3:1 ratio, MAge = 5.79) were phonetically analysed by trained phoneticians and rated by 55 Polish raters, who assessed the degree of native accent, intelligibility, acceptability and perceived age. The results show significant differences in the phonetic performance of bilingual and monolingual children – both in terms of atypical speech patterns uncovered in the phonetic analysis and in terms of the holistic accentedness ratings. We also explored the socio-linguistic predictors of accent ratings in bilingual speech and found that the amount of L1 Polish input was the main predictor of accentedness in children's L1 Polish speech, while L2 English input was marginally significant. (149)
Gain enhancement of UWB antenna using partially reflective surface
Authors: Prajapati Pravin R. , Khant Shailesh B.
Published: March 2018

This paper proposes, a high gain, Fabry Perot cavity antenna with coplanar waveguide (CPW) fed ultra wide band (UWB) radiating element. The proposed antenna has flat edge arrow shape-based radiating element, which act as a main radiating element and responsible for UWB radiation. This UWB microstrip antenna is parasitically coupled with an array of square parasitic patches (PPs), which act as partially reflective surface. The square patches are fabricated at the bottom of inexpensive FR4 substrate and suspended in the air with the help of dielectric rods at 1.5λ0 height. High gain is obtained by resonating PPs at near close frequencies of 3.8–8.8 GHz UWB, where partially reflective surface gives almost positive reflection phase gradients. Two laboratory prototypes of antenna, one with and another without partially reflective surface are fabricated and tested. Details of the proposed antenna design and role of partially reflective surface in gain enhancement of planar CPW fed UWB antenna are described, and typical experimental results are presented and discussed.
Non-ideal theory of constitutional adjudication
Authors: MANN RONI
Published: March 2018

When a constitutional court faces opposition from other branches of government or significant segments of the public, should it always hold fast to what it considers constitutionally right, even where this would potentially harm its status and perceived legitimacy? Or are constitutional compromises sometimes justified? Such ‘institutionally hard’ cases – those characterised by a sharp tension between constitutional principle and institutional prudence – pose a true dilemma for constitutionalism. This article advances a realistic, yet principled, liberal-constitutional approach to this dilemma, put forth in the vein of Rawlsian non-ideal theory. It addresses a troubling gap between, on the one hand, theidealisingdiscourse of constitutional theory – which overlooks or downplays the actual social and political pressures that courts must confront – and, on the other, a growing political science literature which, in the name of ‘realism’, views judges solely as strategic actors, leaving no role for principled reasoning. What has stepped into the gap in normative theory is a vague notion of ‘judicial statesmanship’, which praises or criticises judges post hoc, on an intuitive basis, without any tangible prescriptive bite. Developing evaluative and prescriptive guidelines for institutionally-hard cases, a non-ideal theory of constitutional adjudication should construct principles thatbothreinforce the commitment to ideal constitutional principle,andproperly situate constitutional courts within the real – contingent and often very non-ideal – social and political contexts in which they operate.
Politics and constitutional jurisgenesis: A cautionary note on political constitutionalism
Authors: KUO MING-SUNG
Published: March 2018

This article aims to provide an alternative account of political constitutionalism by situating it in a broader process of constitutional politics than the traditional court vs parliament debate has suggested. Drawing upon Robert Cover’s distinction between the jurispathic and the jurisgenerative constitution, I argue that parliamentary decision-making is not necessarily more congenial to a jurisgenerative constitutional order than judicial review as political constitutionalists contend. I trace the jurispathic character of current scholarship on political constitutionalism to the presupposition of institutional sovereignty in a narrow understanding of constitutional politics, which its defenders share in common with the supporters of judicial supremacy. To move towards a robust version of non-court-centred jurisgenerative constitutionalism, which I call constitutional jurisgenesis, we need to rethink the place of politics in a constitutional order. From Cover’s idea of constitutionalnomosI take two further lessons for this new understanding of constitutional politics. First, constitutional theory should reconsider the role of institutional sovereignty in the relationship between law and politics in constitutional orders. Second, to engage the people in constitutional politics, we need to shift attention from the popular sovereignty-centred debate to constitutional narratives, which are oriented towardsnomos-building.
The SF–8 Spanish Version for Health-Related Quality of Life Assessment: Psychometric Study with IRT and CFA Models
Authors: Tomás José M. , Galiana Laura , Fernández Irene
Published: March 2018

The aim of current research is to analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the SF–8, overcoming previous shortcomings. A double line of analyses was used: competitivestructural equations modelsto establish factorial validity, andItem Response theoryto analyze item psychometric characteristics and information. 593 people aged 60 years or older, attending long life learning programs at the University were surveyed. Their age ranged from 60 to 92 years old. 67.6% were women. The survey included scales on personality dimensions, attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors related to aging. Competitive confirmatory models pointed out two-factors (physical and mental health) as the best representation of the data: χ2(13) = 72.37 (p< .01); CFI = .99; TLI = .98; RMSEA = .08 (.06, .10). Item 5 was removed because of unreliability and cross-loading. Graded response models showed appropriate fit for two-parameter logistic model both the physical and the mental dimensions. Item Information Curves and Test Information Functions pointed out that the SF–8 was more informative for low levels of health. The Spanish SF–8 has adequate psychometric properties, being better represented by two dimensions, once Item 5 is removed. Gathering evidence on patient-reported outcome measures is of crucial importance, as this type of measurement instruments are increasingly used in clinical arena.
Introducing the New Editorial Team at the Journal of Experimental Political Science
Authors: Arceneaux Kevin , Wilson Rick , Boudreau Cheryl , Bush Sarah , Jerit Jennifer , Sinclair Betsy , Settle Jaime , Woon Jonathan , Zechmeister Elizabeth
Published: March 2018

We are excited and honored to be the editorial team for JEPS. We are indebted to Eric Dickson for his efforts as the journal's previous editor. He set a high bar for JEPS as an outlet for high quality experimental research. Lucky for us, the healthy state of experimental research means that we will continue to have a deep pool of well-crafted and important work. We also thank Nick Haas, who deftly guided us through the transition as Editorial Assistant. Without his help, it would have been a near impossible task to get up to speed.
Next-Generation Climate Models Could Learn, Improve on the Fly
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: March 2018

Scientists propose development of new models that use machine learning techniques to reduce uncertainties in climate predictions.
New Model Simulates Faults and Folds Shaping Each Other
Authors: Branscombe Alexandra
Published: March 2018

A new model simulates how faulting and folding deep in Earth’s crust shape the way rocks fold and cause earthquakes.
Photochemically deoxygenating solvents for triplet–triplet annihilation photon upconversion operating in air
Authors: Wan Shigang , Lin Jinxiong , Su Huimin , Dai Junfeng , Lu Wei
Published: March 2018

The solvent is the solution: sulfoxides and cyclic ureas are self-deoxygenating solvents in which efficient TTA-UC can operate in air, as predicted by photo-activated phosphorescence.
Modulating the physical properties of solid forms of urea using co-crystallization technology
Authors: Sandhu Bhupinder , Sinha Abhijeet S. , Desper John , Aakeröy Christer B.
Published: March 2018

The solid-form landscape of urea was explored using full interaction maps (FIMs) and data from the CSD to develop optimum protocols for synthesizing co-crystals of urea.
Aerial dioxygen activation vs. thiol–ene click reaction within a system
Authors: Choudhuri Khokan , Mandal Arkalekha , Mal Prasenjit
Published: March 2018

By choosing appropriate reaction systems using solvents with additives or solvent free neat conditions, any one of the Markovnikov or anti-Markovnikov selective thiol–ene click (TEC) reactions and the synthesis of β-hydroxysulfides via aerial dioxygen activation could be achieved exclusively in excellent yields.
On-surface synthesis of a 2D boroxine framework: a route to a novel 2D material?
Authors: Stredansky Matus , Sala Alessandro , Fontanot Tommaso , Costantini Roberto , Africh Cristina , Comelli Giovanni , Floreano Luca , Morgante Alberto , Cossaro Albano
Published: March 2018

The synthesis of a 2D boroxine covalent framework is described, which exhibits promising morphological and electronic properties.
Improving the productivity of monodisperse polyhedral cages by the rational design of kinetic self-assembly pathways
Authors: Zeng Xiangze , Li Zhan-Wei , Zheng Xiaoyan , Zhu Lizhe , Sun Zhao-Yan , Lu Zhong-Yuan , Huang Xuhui
Published: March 2018

By constructing kinetic network models from extensive coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, we elucidated the formation mechanism of the dodecahedral cage and further improved the productivity of the dodecahedral cage through the rational design of the patch arrangement of patchy particles.
Is RuAs2 a candidate for high temperature thermoelectric applications?
Authors: Fischer Karl F. F. , Jørgensen Lasse R. , Reardon Hazel , Zhang Jiawei , Iversen Bo B.
Published: March 2018

Ruthenium arsenide is a very stable mineral inspired thermoelectric material with an attractive band structure but modest intrinsic performance.
Coordinatively unsaturated nickel–nitrogen sites towards selective and high-rate CO2electroreduction
Authors: Yan Chengcheng , Li Haobo , Ye Yifan , Wu Haihua , Cai Fan , Si Rui , Xiao Jianping , Miao Shu , Xie Songhai , Yang Fan , Li Yanshuo , Wang Guoxiong , Bao Xinhe
Published: March 2018

Coordinatively unsaturated Ni–N active sites facilitate CO2electroreduction and inhibit the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction, demonstrating selective and high-rate CO2electroreduction.
A disposable on-chip microvalve and pump for programmable microfluidics
Authors: Im Sung B. , Uddin M. Jalal , Jin Gyeong J. , Shim Joon S.
Published: March 2018

The design and development of PDMS microvalves and -pump to actuate multiple reagents in a sequential manner to process multi-step ELISA procedures.
Stretchable V2O5/PEDOT supercapacitors: a modular fabrication process and charging with triboelectric nanogenerators
Authors: Qi Ruijie , Nie Jinhui , Liu Mingyang , Xia Mengyang , Lu Xianmao
Published: March 2018

A modular fabrication process was developed for stretchable V2O5/PEDOT supercapacitors that can be charged by triboelectric nanogenerators.
Hydrogen production from methanol aqueous solution by ZnO/Zn(OH)2 macrostructure photocatalysts
Authors: Wu Yilun , Zeng Shan , Dong Yanhui , Fu Yunhao , Sun Hang , Yin Shengyan , Guo Xingyuan , Qin Weiping
Published: March 2018

ZnO/Zn(OH)2 macrostructure photocatalysts prepared using a one-step hydrothermal method demonstrated highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production.
N,N-Dimethylformamide-stabilized palladium nanoclusters as a catalyst for Larock indole synthesis
Authors: Onishi Kaito , Oikawa Kei , Yano Hiroki , Suzuki Takeyuki , Obora Yasushi
Published: March 2018

Pd NCs serve recyclable and highly active catalyst to indole synthesis.
Experimental and theoretical evidence of a supercritical-like transition in an organic semiconductor presenting colossal uniaxial negative thermal expansion
Authors: van der Lee Arie , Roche Gilles H. , Wantz Guillaume , Moreau Joël J. E. , Dautel Olivier J. , Filhol Jean-Sébastien
Published: March 2018

A dense high-mobility organic semiconductor presents anomalously high negative and positive uniaxial thermal expansion across an isosymmetric phase transition.
Student's Say: ‘What If My Clients End Up With a Chinese Accent?'
Authors: Kwok King
Published: March 2018

A graduate student who is an English-language learner devises strategies to meet the challenges of providing speech-language treatment.
Optimisation design of systematic LT codes over AWGN multiple access channel
Authors: Deng Dachun , Xu Dazhuan , Xu Shengkai
Published: March 2018

Systematic Luby transform (SLT) codes over the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) multiple access channels (MACs) are analysed in this study. The authors introduce a novel optimisation model extending from the point‐to‐point AWGN channels to design the degree distributions over the AWGN MACs, which dramatically improve the bit‐error‐rate (BER) performance of SLT codes. First, they extend the Gaussian approximation analysis of SLT codes to the AWGN MACs to analyse the asymptotic BER performance where the symmetric condition of log‐likelihood ratio message can no longer be assumed. Second, based on the asymptotic BER analysis over the AWGN MACs, they extend the existing optimisation model from the point‐to‐point AWGN channels to the AWGN MACs. Simulation results show that the degree distributions obtained in this study outperform other common degree distributions (optimised for single‐user AWGN channels) over the two‐user AWGN MACs.
M‐LionWhale: multi‐objective optimisation model for secure routing in mobile ad‐hoc network
Authors: Chintalapalli Ram Mohan , Ananthula Venugopal Reddy
Published: March 2018

Mobile ad‐hoc network (MANET) is an emerging technology that comes under the category of wireless network. Even though the network assumes that all its mobile nodes are trusted, it is impossible in the real world as few nodes may be malicious. Therefore, it is essential to put forward a mechanism that can provide security by selecting an optimal route for data forwarding. In this study, a goal programming model is designed using a hybrid optimisation algorithm, called M‐LionWhale, for secure routing. M‐LionWhale is an optimisation algorithm that incorporates lion algorithm (LA) into whale optimisation algorithm (WOA) for the optimal selection of the path in MANET. The multi‐objective optimisation model considers several quality of service (QoS) parameters, namely energy, distance, link lifetime, delay, and trust. With the estimated multi‐objective parameters, a fitness function is developed for the best selection of routes. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated using three metrics, such as packet delivery ratio (PDR), throughput, and energy and is compared with that of existing trust‐based QoS routing model, LA, and WOA. The proposed M‐LionWhale algorithm could attain the maximum performance with 24.1313% residual energy, throughput of 0.2966 kbps, and PDR of 0.3051 at maximum simulation time.
Method to reduce the signal‐to‐noise ratio required for modulation recognition based on logarithmic properties
Authors: Xing Zhe , Gao Yong
Published: March 2018

Here, the authors present a novel, simple, and effective way of improving additive white Gaussian noise resistance and reducing the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) required for modulation recognition. Working on the theoretical basis that the ratio of two logarithmic functions with the same variable is a constant, the authors selected QPSK, 16QAM, and 64QAM for investigation. For each of these, the authors constructed distribution curves of higher‐order cumulants, using SNR as the variable, and examined how they might work as logarithmic curves. First, their logarithmic similarities were measured. Then their former features were divided by logarithmic functions to construct new features whose distribution curves were more parallel to the threshold line. Finally, an algorithm for classifying the selected modulation formats was designed whose computational complexity was then compared with that of adaptive‐threshold classification algorithm, and the recognition rate was assessed statistically. For the purposes of validation, the algorithm was tested experimentally using actual signals. The experiment confirmed that the new logarithmic features with fixed thresholds were able to maintain an efficient recognition rate of 80% when SNR was reduced from 11 to 6 dB, and suffered less computational complexity than traditional cumulants with adaptive thresholds which were achieved by support vector machine.
Moisture estimation for oil‐immersed bushing based on FDS method: field application
Authors: Wang Dongyang , Zhou Lijun , Liao Wei , Wang An , Xu Xiaowei , Guo Lei
Published: March 2018

Temperature has obvious effects on the tested results of frequency domain dielectric spectrum (FDS) method. To estimate the moisture content of field oil‐immersed bushing, the effects of temperature must be considered and eliminated. In this study, the frequency‐domain dielectric spectrum of 72.5 kV bushing samples with different moisture contents was tested at different temperatures. The law that temperature affects the results of FDS tests was analysed and concluded. Afterwards, a method to transfer the tested results to the reference temperature (15°C) was proposed. Finally, an estimation method of moisture content for field oil‐immersed bushing was proposed and testified. The following conclusions can be concluded: (i) the effects of temperature on the FDS results may be divided into two aspects, i.e. one is along the horizontal axis and the other is along the vertical axis and (ii) based on the proposed method, the temperature effects on the results of FDS tests can be eliminated, and the moisture content of field oil‐immersed bushing can be estimated effectively and feasibly.
Unified modelling and dynamical analysis of current‐mode controlled single‐inductor dual‐output switching converter with ramp compensation
Authors: Zhou Shuhan , Zhou Guohua , Zeng Shaohuan , Zhao Hongbo , Xu Shungang
Published: March 2018

Current‐mode controlled single‐inductor dual‐output (SIDO) switching converters have three borders in wide‐range parameter variations. Based on the slopes of inductor current during the power switches being turn‐on or turn‐off, a unified discrete‐mapping model of current‐mode controlled SIDO switching converters with ramp compensation is established in this study, which can be applied to three basic SIDO switching converters, i.e. buck type, boost type, and buck‐boost type. Only six parameters appear in this model after non‐dimensional analysis, from which the dynamical behaviours of SIDO switching converters in continuous conduction mode (CCM) and discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) can be effectively illustrated. The effect of ramp compensation is analysed in detail. By utilising the proposed unified model, two transition conditions and boundary equations of the converter are derived, where its operation state transits from stable period‐1 to instability and operation mode shifts from CCM to DCM. The operation region with varied circuit parameters can be estimated and divided by the parameter‐space map, which is significant for the design of circuit parameters and stability. Finally, taking a current‐mode controlled SIDO boost converter as an example, its experimental results are carried out to validate the theoretic analysis and the non‐dimensional unified model.
Fabrication of large‐scale Ag micro/nanostructures using electrochemical migration
Authors: Nakakura Teruki , Saka Masumi
Published: March 2018

Fabrication of Ag micro/nanostructures was studied because of their excellent chemical, electrical, and optical properties. Ag micro/nanostructures are usually produced via chemical methods, but these methods require the processing of waste liquid and multiple devices. The work proposes a fabrication method using electrochemical migration (ECM), which is a simple and environmentally friendly method because this method requires only metal electrodes, water, and a DC bias without chemical agents. A fabrication method for Ag micro/nanostructures using ECM with a large separation between the electrodes is demonstrated, and the deposition behaviour of Ag micro/nanostructures and the factors influencing the deposition are determined.
Backward SDEs and infinite horizon stochastic optimal control
Authors: Confortola Fulvia , Cosso Andrea , Fuhrman Marco
Published: March 2018

We study an optimal control problem on infinite horizon for a controlled stochastic differential equation driven by Brownian motion, with a discounted reward functional. The equation may have memory or delay effects in the coefficients, both with respect to state and control, and the noise can be degenerate. We prove that the value, i.e. the supremum of the reward functional over all admissible controls, can be represented by the solution of an associated backward stochastic differential equation (BSDE) driven by the Brownian motion and an auxiliary independent Poisson process and having a sign constraint on jumps.

In the Markovian case when the coefficients depend only on the present values of the state and the control, we prove that the BSDE can be used to construct the solution, in the sense of viscosity theory, to the corresponding Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman partial differential equation of elliptic type on the whole space, so that it provides us with a Feynman-Kac representation in this fully nonlinear context.

The method of proof consists in showing that the value of the original problem is the same as the value of an auxiliary optimal control problem (called randomized), where the control process is replaced by a fixed pure jump process and maximization is taken over a class of absolutely continuous changes of measures which affect the stochastic intensity of the jump process but leave the law of the driving Brownian motion unchanged.
Use of Nonabsorbable Spiral Tacks for Mesh Reinforcement in Thoracoscopic Repair of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Poupalou Anna , Vrancken Celine , Vanderveken Erwin , Steyaert Henri
Published: March 2018

Thoracoscopic prosthetic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a well-established and safe technique in experienced hands but the patching procedure is technically demanding and time consuming. To address the challenges associated with this process (confined working space and restricted time), the aim of this article is to assess the potential improvements in feasibility, efficacy, and safety of patch fixation by using nonabsorbable helicoidal tacks in neonates and infants for the repair of large CDH by thoracoscopy. The new technique has all the advantages of minimal invasive surgery in very young children combined with the advantages of reduced operating time and increased simplicity, and may be a good option in cases of recurrence.
Genetic and Phenotypic Variability between Families with Hereditary Protein S Deficiency
Authors: Lane David , Zöller Bengt , Mille-Baker Blandine , Laffan Mike , Dahlbäck Björn , Simmonds Rachel , Rezende Suely
Published: March 2018

While many mutations thought to result in protein S (PS) deficiency are known, there have been few attempts to relate genotype expression with plasma phenotype. We have investigated the nature and consequence of PS gene (PROS1) mutations in 17 PS-deficient families who presented with mixed type I and type III phenotypes. Seven different mutations were found in nine families: delG-34 (STOP codon at –24), Val-24Glu, Arg49Cys, Asn217Ser, Gly295Val, +5 G to A intron j and His623Pro. PS wild type (PSWT) and the five missense mutants were transiently expressed in COS-1 cells. All mutants expressed lower (p<0.05) PS antigen compared to PSWT (100%). The mutants Val-24Glu, Gly295Val and His623Pro expressed very low/undetectable PS levels. The mutant Asn217Ser produced around 30% of PSWT, while the mutant Arg49Cys had the highest PS levels (around 50%). Metabolic labelling and pulse-chase experiments showed that all of the mutants had impaired secretion, but this was of variable severity. Also, enhanced intracellular degradation of unsecreted material was found for all mutants. There was a strong correspondence between plasma free PS levels in carriers of the mutations, secreted PS from transfected COS-1 cells and labelled PS from 24 h conditioned medium in pulse-chase experiment. We conclude that the magnitude of secretion defect depends on the nature of the PROS1 mutation and influences the level of free PS in plasma. It is likely that the severity of the secretion defect will determine the risk for venous thrombosis.
Novel Factor V C2-Domain Mutation (R2074H) in Two Families with Factor V Deficiency and Bleeding
Authors: Schrijver I. , Houissa-Kastally R. , Jones C. D. , Garcia K. C. , Zehnder J. L.
Published: March 2018

The molecular basis of Factor V deficiency has been defined in few patients only. We report a homozygous nucleotide change (G6395A) in two Tunisian probands with Factor V deficiency and bleeding episodes. This substitution results in the replacement of an arginine (R) by a histidine (H) in amino acid position 2074, located in the Factor V C2-domain. Mutations in this protein domain have not previously been described. Several lines of evidence support that this sequence variant is indeed disease causing: 1) Crystal structures of Factor V and molecular C2-domain modeling studies of H2074 suggest that the conserved R2074 is required for correct folding; 2) Structure-function studies of selective Factor V mutants (R2074A) demonstrate the importance of R2074 for structural stability of the Factor V C2-domain and for cofactor activity (1); 3) In Factor VIII, point mutations in codon 2209, which corresponds to position 2074 in Factor V, cause hemophilia A.
Inhibition of Thrombin Generation by the Oral Direct Thrombin Inhibitor Ximelagatran in Shed Blood from Healthy Male Subjects
Authors: Eriksson Ulf , Mattsson Christer , Wolzt Michael , Frison Lars , Fager Gunnar , Gustafsson David , Sarich Troy
Published: March 2018

Ximelagatran, an oral direct thrombin inhibitor, whose active form is melagatran, was studied using a model of thrombin generation in humans. Healthy male volunteers (18 per group) received ximelagatran (60 mg p.o.), dalteparin (120 IU/kg s.c.) or a control (water p.o.). Shed blood, collected after incision of the forearm with standardised bleeding time devices at pre-dose, and at 2, 4 and 10 h post-dosing, was analysed for markers of thrombin generation. Statistically significant reductions (p < 0.05) in levels of prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2) and thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) in shed blood were detected at 2 and 4 h post-dosing in both the ximelagatran and dalteparin groups. Shed blood F1+2 and TAT levels had returned to pre-dose levels at 10 h post-dosing. Using a shed blood model, we demonstrate that the reversible thrombin inhibitor melagatran and, therefore, oral administration of ximelagatran, inhibits thrombin generation in humans after acute activation of coagulation.