bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cortisol profiles differentiated in adolescents and young adult males with fragile X syndrome versus autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Matherly Sara M. , Klusek Jessica , Thurman Angela J. , McDuffie Andrea , Abbeduto Leonard , Roberts Jane E.
Published: November 2017

Background

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) and non‐syndromic autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are distinct disorders with overlapping behavioral features. Both disorders are also highly associated with anxiety with abnormal physiological regulation implied mechanistically. Some reports suggest atypical hypothalamus‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis function, indexed via aberrant cortisol reactivity, in both FXS and non‐syndromic ASD. However, no study has compared cortisol reactivity across these two disorders, or its relationship to ASD symptom severity.

Methods

Cortisol reactivity (prior to and following a day of assessments) was measured in 54 adolescent/young adult males with FXS contrasted to 15 males with non‐syndromic ASD who had low cognitive abilities.

Results

Greater ASD symptom severity was related to increased cortisol reactivity and higher levels at the end of the day, but only in the non‐syndromic ASD group. Elevated anxiety was associated with increased HPA activation in the group with FXS alone.

Conclusions

Taken together, findings suggest a unique neuroendocrine profile that distinguishes adolescent/young adult males with FXS from those with non‐syndromic ASD. Severity of ASD symptoms appears to be related to cortisol reactivity in the non‐syndromic ASD sample, but not in FXS; while anxiety symptoms are associated with HPA activation in the FXS sample, but not in ASD despite a high prevalence of ASD, anxiety and physiological dysregulation characteristic in both populations.
Early‐onset type 2 diabetes: Age gradient in clinical and behavioural risk factors in 5115 persons with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes—Results from the DD2 study
Authors: Bo A. , Thomsen R.W. , Nielsen J.S. , Nicolaisen S.K. , Beck‐Nielsen H. , Rungby J. , Sørensen H.T. , Hansen T.K. , Søndergaard J. , Friborg S. , Lauritzen T. , Maindal H.T.
Published: November 2017

Aim

To examine the association between early onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and clinical and behavioural risk factors for later complications of diabetes.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study of 5115 persons with incident type 2 DM enrolled during 2010‐2015 in the Danish Centre for Strategic Research in Type 2 Diabetes‐cohort. We compared risk factors at time of diagnosis among those diagnosed at ≤45 years (early onset) with diagnosis age 46 to 55, 56 to 65 (average onset = reference), 66 to 75, and >75 years (late onset). Prevalence ratios (PRs) were computed by using Poisson regression.

Results

Poor glucose control, ie, HbA1c ≥ 75 mmol/mol (≥9.0%) in the early‐, average‐, and late‐onset groups was observed in 12%, 7%, and 1%, respectively (PR 1.70 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.27, 2.28] and PR 0.17 [95% CI 0.06, 0.45]). A similar age gradient was observed for severe obesity (body mass index > 40 kg/m2: 19% vs. 8% vs. 2%; PR 2.41 [95% CI 1.83, 3.18] and 0.21 (95% CI 0.08, 0.57]), dyslipidemia (90% vs. 79% vs. 68%; PR 1.14 [95% CI 1.10, 1.19] and 0.86 [95% CI 0.79, 0.93]), and low‐grade inflammation (C‐reactive protein > 3.0 mg/L: 53% vs. 38% vs. 26%; PR 1.41 [95% CI 1.12, 1.78] and 0.68 [95% CI 0.42, 1.11]). Daily smoking was more frequent and meeting physical activity recommendations less likely in persons with early‐onset type 2 DM.

Conclusions

We found a clear age gradient, with increasing prevalence of clinical and behavioural risk factors the younger the onset age of type 2 DM. Younger persons with early‐onset type 2 DM need clinical awareness and support.
Vitamin D ratio and glycaemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review
Authors: Santos Ramara Kadija Fonseca , Brandão‐Lima Paula Nascimento , Tete Raissa Maria Dumas Delatore , Freire Analícia Rocha Santos , Pires Liliane Viana
Published: November 2017

Several studies have suggested a favorable role for vitamin D in glycaemic metabolism and its potential as adjuvant treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This review discusses the role of vitamin D in the glycaemic control of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and evaluates the effect of vitamin D supplementation on glycaemic markers in this population. Literature searches were performed in the BIREME, LILACS, and PubMed databases using the Medical Subject Headings and words related to vitamin D, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and glycaemic control. Interventional and observational studies were considered eligible. The evaluation of the included studies was independently performed by 2 evaluators at all stages of selection, data extraction, and bias risk assessment. The primary outcome was the relationship between vitamin D levels and glucose metabolism markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus individuals. The secondary outcome was the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the glycaemic control markers in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The inverse relationship between vitamin D and variables of glucose metabolism was verified. Interventional studies revealed that vitamin D supplementation did not alter glycaemic control markers in most studies. Few studies have shown positive effects with a significant reduction in the percentage of glycated haemoglobin, insulin, and glucose concentrations, and changes in homeostatic model assessment–insulin resistance and beta cell, and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index. Therefore, despite the association of vitamin D with glucose metabolism, there is insufficient evidence of the beneficial effects of its supplementation on the metabolic control of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Exercise performance, haemodynamics, and respiratory pattern do not identify heart failure patients who end exercise with dyspnoea from those with fatigue
Authors: Morosin Marco , Farina Stefania , Vignati Carlo , Spadafora Emanuele , Sciomer Susanna , Salvioni Elisabetta , Sinagra Gianfranco , Agostoni Piergiuseppe
Published: November 2017

Aims

The two main symptoms referred by chronic heart failure (HF) patients as the causes of exercise termination during maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) are muscular fatigue and dyspnoea. So far, a physiological explanation why some HF patients end exercise because of dyspnoea and others because of fatigue is not available. We assessed whether patients referring dyspnoea or muscular fatigue may be distinguished by different ventilator or haemodynamic behaviours during exercise.

Methods and results

We analysed exercise data of 170 consecutive HF patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction in stable clinical condition. All patients underwent maximal CPET and a second maximal CPET with measurement of cardiac output by inert gas rebreathing at peak exercise. Thirty‐eight (age 65.0 ± 11.1 years) and 132 (65.1 ± 11.4 years) patients terminated CPET because of dyspnoea and fatigue, respectively. Haemodynamic and cardiorespiratory parameters were the same in fatigue and dyspnoea patients. VO2 was 10.4 ± 3.2 and 10.5 ± 3.3 mL/min/kg at the anaerobic threshold and 15.5 ± 4.8 and 15.4 ± 4.3 at peak, in fatigue and dyspnoea patients, respectively. In fatigue and dyspnoea patients, peak heart rate was 110 ± 22 and 114 ± 22 beats/min, and VE/VCO2 and VO2/work relationship slopes were 31.2 ± 6.8 and 30.6 ± 8.2 and 10.6 ± 4.2 and 11.4 ± 5.5 L/min/W, respectively. Peak cardiac output was 6.68 ± 2.51 and 6.21 ± 2.55 L/min (P = NS for all).

Conclusions

In chronic HF patients in stable clinical condition, fatigue and dyspnoea as reasons of exercise termination do not highlight different ventilatory or haemodynamic patterns during effort.
Fine Control of the Metal Environment within Dysprosium‐Based Mononuclear Single‐Molecule Magnets
Authors: Guettas Djamila , Montigaud Vincent , Garcia Guglielmo Fernandez , Larini Paolo , Cador Olivier , Le Guennic Boris , Pilet Guillaume
Published: November 2017

A new family of three DyIII mononuclear complexes and one DyIII chain system based on the same ligand [1,3‐di(pyridin‐4‐yl)propane‐1,3‐dione] has been isolated as single crystals. By varying the synthesis conditions, it has been possible to finely control the number of ligands coordinated to the central lanthanide atom (from 1 to 3) and then the total charge of the complex unit (from +2 to neutral), as well as the local geometry around the DyIII ion (from D4d to D2d). The magnetic properties of the four complexes have been studied and rationalized by ab initio calculations to illustrate the correlation between the metal‐ion environment, due to the number of coordinated ligands, and their SMM behaviours.
Ultrasonic and thermal pretreatment of apple pomace to improve biochemical methane potential
Authors: Tulun Şevket , Bilgin Melayib
Published: November 2017

This study evaluates the effects of ultrasonic and thermal pretreatment on apple pomace solubilization and on the performance of the subsequent mesophilic anaerobic digestion. Ultrasonic frequency (35 and 53 kHz) and thermal methods are studied for pretreatment strategies. For each pretreatment method, four different temperatures are selected such as 25, 40, 50, and 60°C, and operation times are selected as 5, 15, 30, and 45 minutes.

The highest increase in organic solubilization was observed at 60°C with 53 kHz in the 45 minutes. The highest biochemical methane productivity was achieved by the 53 kHz ultrasonic pretreatment at the 45 min. In addition to this, the solution with 1481.4 mL CH4/g‐VS was 1.74 times higher than the nonpretreatment condition 852.8 mL CH4/g‐VS.

The pretreatment tests showed that the increasing biochemical methane potential could be obtained by using the apple pomace. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1601–1605, 2018
Composite periodic foundation and its application for seismic isolation
Authors: Cheng Z.B. , Shi Z.F.
Published: November 2017

This paper proposes a novel multidimensional composite periodic foundation for seismic isolation. The composite periodic foundation achieves multidimensional attenuation by innovative arrangement of periodic structures and taking advantage of the directional attenuation zone of periodic structures. Directional attenuation zones of periodic structures are derived for the in‐plane wave, and the impact of geometrical parameters of the periodic structure on the characteristics of the directional attenuation zones is studied. The effectiveness of the proposed composite periodic foundation is demonstrated through application in seismic isolation for nuclear power plant structures. Harmonic analysis and time history analysis results show that the proposed composite periodic foundation with low‐frequency directional attenuation zones can effectively reduce vibrations of the upper structure in both horizontal and vertical directions.
Evaluation of the glycemic indices of three commonly eaten mixed meals in Okada, Edo State
Authors: Omage Kingsley , Omage Sylvia O.
Published: November 2017

People do not generally eat single or individual meals; rather they eat mixed meals, consisting of two or more individual meals. These mixed meals usually have glycemic indices which differ from that of the individual food type. This study was aimed at evaluating the glycemic indices of three commonly consumed mixed meals eaten in Okada; rice and beans (test food 1), rice and plantain (test food 2), beans and plantain (test food 3). Two hundred and forty healthy subjects aged between 18 and 30 participated in this study. They were randomized into three groups of eighty persons each, and fed with the standard food (50 g glucose) on day one and one of the test foods on day two, after an overnight fast. Blood samples were taken at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after the food had been eaten. The results showed that the Glycemic Index (GI) values for the test foods were high: 86.60 (test food 1), 89.74 (test food 2), 86.93(test food 3). The incremental increase in blood glucose was monitored and calculated for each food and when compared with that of the standard food (glucose), there was significant differences (p < .036) for test food 1 and (p < .068) for test food 3; both at 30 min. At 120 min, no significant differences in blood glucose levels were observed (p > .05). The results from this study indicated that the GI of the mixed meals was affected by the constituent nutrient and the response is also affected by the proportion of each nutrient. Our findings show that the selected test foods (mixed meals) consumed in Okada have high GI values.
Coping with multilingualism: Internationalization and the evolution of language strategy
Authors: Welch Denice E. , Welch Lawrence S.
Published: November 2017

Research Summary: In this article, we explore the interaction between internationalization and language strategy. We identify a range of language coping mechanisms that internationalizing firms use in response to the multilingualism they encounter. Learning outcomes and strategy implications of each of these mechanisms are identified. We then build a conceptual model to depict how, over time, interaction and influence between internationalization and language strategy become a two‐way, co‐evolutionary process. A key aspect is the role of management in shifting the firm from a reactive to a more proactive stance on language strategy. A case study is used to contextualize and illustrate the co‐evolutionary process over the long term. Case data demonstrate the constant adoption and adaptation of coping mechanisms that feed into language strategy as internationalization unfolds.

Managerial Summary: This article links the internationalization process of firms with the exposure to multilingualism and the development of language strategy. We outline how internationalizing firms may utilize a range of language coping mechanisms—such as the adoption of a common corporate language—to handle multilingualism. These feed into the development of language strategy. The case of Fazer, the Finnish bakery, confectionary, and catering firm, provides an illustration of how language strategy co‐evolves over time as internationalization proceeds—in Fazer's case, many decades. Fazer's experience also demonstrates the importance of management and changes in top management in ensuring a more proactive language strategy is adopted and enforced. Adequate allocation of resources and a link to performance management were found to be critical in supporting strategic implementation.
Less means more: The magnitude of synaptic plasticity along the hippocampal dorso‐ventral axis is inversely related to the expression levels of plasticity‐related neurotransmitter receptors
Authors: Dubovyk Valentyna , Manahan‐Vaughan Denise
Published: November 2017

The dorsoventral axis of the hippocampus exhibits functional differentiations with regard to (spatial Vs emotional) learning and information retention (rapid encoding Vs long‐term storage), as well as its sensitivity to neuromodulation and information received from extrahippocampal structures. The mechanisms that underlie these differentiations remain unclear. Here, we explored neurotransmitter receptor expression along the dorsoventral hippocampal axis and compared hippocampal synaptic plasticity in the CA1 region of the dorsal (DH), intermediate (IH) and ventral hippocampi (VH). We observed a very distinct gradient of expression of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor GluN2B subunit in the Stratum radiatum (DH< IH< VH). A similar distribution gradient (DH< IH< VH) was evident in the hippocampus for GluN1, the metabotropic glutamate receptors mGlu1 and mGlu2/3, GABAB and the dopamine‐D1 receptor. GABAA exhibited the opposite expression relationship (DH > IH > VH). Neurotransmitter release probability was lowest in DH. Surprisingly, identical afferent stimulation conditions resulted in hippocampal synaptic plasticity that was the most robust in the DH, compared with IH and VH. These data suggest that differences in hippocampal information processing and synaptic plasticity along the dorsoventral axis may relate to specific differences in the expression of plasticity‐related neurotransmitter receptors. This gradient may support the fine‐tuning and specificity of hippocampal synaptic encoding.
Goal orientation, critical reflection, and unlearning: An individual‐level study
Authors: Matsuo Makoto
Published: November 2017

Although individual unlearning is significant for personal growth and development, few studies have investigated this process quantitatively. The main goal of this study was to examine the antecedents of individual unlearning in terms of goal orientations and reflective activities using survey data from 271 employees of Japanese organizations (including municipal government employees, human resource development [HRD] trainers from a consulting firm, and hospital nurses). The results indicated that learning goal orientation had an indirect effect on unlearning through reflection and critical reflection as well as through critical reflection only. Performance goal orientation also had an indirect effect on unlearning through reflection and, subsequently, through critical reflection. The findings suggest that critical reflection plays a key role in linking goal orientations with individual unlearning. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Efficient quantification of water content in edible oils by headspace gas chromatography with vapour phase calibration
Authors: Xie Wei‐Qi , Gong Yi‐Xian , Yu Kong‐Xian
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

An automated and accurate headspace gas chromatographic (HS‐GC) technique was investigated for rapidly quantifying water content in edible oils. In this method, multiple headspace extraction (MHE) procedures were used to analyse the integrated water content from the edible oil sample. A simple vapour phase calibration technique with an external vapour standard was used to calibrate both the water content in the gas phase and the total weight of water in edible oil sample. After that the water in edible oils can be quantified.

RESULTS

The data showed that the relative standard deviation of the present HS‐GC method in the precision test was less than 1.13%, the relative differences between the new method and a reference method (i.e. the oven‐drying method) were no more than 1.62%.

CONCLUSION

The present HS‐GC method is automated, accurate, efficient, and can be a reliable tool for quantifying water content in edible oil related products and research. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Disinfection by‐products in baby lettuce irrigated with electrolysed water
Authors: López‐Gálvez Francisco , Andújar Silvia , Marín Alicia , Tudela Juan A , Allende Ana , Gil María I
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Irrigation water disinfection reduces the microbial load but it might lead to the formation and accumulation of disinfection by‐products (DBPs) in the crop. If DBPs are present in the irrigation water, they can accumulate in the crop, particularly after the regrowth, and be affected by the postharvest handling such as washing and storage. To evaluate the potential accumulation of DBPs, baby lettuce was grown using irrigation water treated with electrolysed water (EW) in a commercial greenhouse over three consecutive harvests and regrowths. The impact of postharvest practices such as washing and storage on DBP content was also assessed.

RESULTS

Use of EW caused the accumulation of chlorates in irrigation water (0.02–0.14 mg L−1), and in the fresh produce (0.05–0.10 mg kg−1). On the other hand, the disinfection treatment had minor impact regarding the presence of trihalomethanes (THMs) in water (0.3–8.7 μg L−1 max), and in baby lettuce (0.3–2.9 μg kg−1 max).

CONCLUSIONS

Disinfection of irrigation water with EW caused the accumulation of chlorates in the crop reaching levels higher than the current maximum residual limit established in the EU legislation for leafy greens. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrasound in Total Hip Replacement: Value of Anterior Acetabular Cup Visibility and Contact With the Iliopsoas Tendon
Authors: Guillin Raphaël , Bertaud Valérie , Garetier Marc , Fantino Olivier , Polard Jean‐Louis , Lambotte Jean‐Christophe
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To assess visibility of the acetabular cup in total hip replacement and to determine the value of direct and indirect signs of iliopsoas impingement syndrome with ultrasound.

Methods

Ultrasound examinations were performed by a single operator in 17 patients with iliopsoas impingement syndrome and 48 control patients. Cup visibility, contact between the cup and psoas tendon, and the presence of indirect signs of iliopsoas impingement syndrome were investigated in all patients. When the acetabular cup was visible, its size and position in relation to the psoas tendon were recorded.

Results

Anterior cup visibility (P = .03), contact with the psoas tendon (P < .001), psoas tendinopathy (P = .02), and iliopsoas bursitis (P < .001) were significantly associated with iliopsoas impingement syndrome, the latter reported with specificity of 100%. In the sagittal plane at the level of the psoas tendon, a maximum sagittal length of greater than 5 mm and a posteroanterior cup shift of 3 mm or greater yielded respective sensitivities of 82% and 59% and specificities of 81% and 100%.

Conclusions

When iliopsoas impingement syndrome is clinically suspected, the presence of iliopsoas bursitis or a posteroanterior cup shift of greater than 3 mm under the psoas tendon serve to confirm the diagnosis. In the absence of these conditions, a therapeutic test may be necessary because of the incomplete, albeit high, specificity of other signs.
One‐year follow‐up of a TRASER clinical trial for the treatment of nasal telangiectasias
Authors: Geddes‐Bruce Elizabeth , Hamill Selina S. , Zachary Christopher B. , Friedman Paul M.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the long‐term efficacy of treating nasal telangiectasias with the TRASER device.

Methods

Subjects from the TRASER efficacy analysis clinical trial were invited for a 1‐year follow‐up. Standardized photographs were taken to compare to baseline. The same clinical trial evaluator graded the subjects’ current vessel clearance using the 5‐point telangiectasia scale. The data was compiled and analyzed.

Results

Of the subjects with available follow‐up data, 44% maintained “complete vessel clearance,” 44% dropped down one grade to “almost complete vessel clearance,” and 11% dropped down to “moderately clear vessel clearance.” All showed clinically significant improvement in nasal telangiectasias from baseline.

Conclusions

The TRASER effectively treats nasal telangiectasias with minimal to mild recurrence at 1‐year follow‐up. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:61–63, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Decoupling of the quasistatic system of thermoelasticity with Riemann problems on the bounded simply connected domain
Authors: Lin Juan , Xu Yongzhi , Li Heng
Published: November 2017

Under the displacement and stress satisfying Riemann boundary value condition, the decoupled quasistatic linear thermoelasticity system is discussed on bounded simply connected domain. The quasistatic equilibrium equation is solved by using Riemann boundary value problem theory. Also decoupled temperature equation is studied by applying the contractive mapping principle. Finally, existence and analyticity of the solution are proved.
Multiplicative controllability of heat equations with the homogeneous Neumann boundary condition
Authors: Qingzhe Wu , Peidong Lei
Published: November 2017

We prove the controllability of the constant target to heat equations with the homogenous Neumann boundary condition via multiplicative controls. Our results show that the temperature of the surrounding medium plays a crucial role in the controllability of the heat transfer system.
A separable quadratic surrogate total variation minimization algorithm for accelerating accurate CT reconstruction from few‐views and limited‐angle data
Authors: Hou Xiaowen , Teng Yueyang , Kang Yan , Qi Shouliang
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Total variation minimization (TVM) is a popular and useful method for accurate CT reconstruction from few‐views and limited‐angle data. However, the optimization procedure of previous TVM‐based algorithms is very time‐consuming. The purpose of this paper was to accelerate the high image quality CT reconstruction from few‐views and limited‐angle data.

Method

A new optimization algorithm based on the optimization transfer principle is proposed. The proposed algorithm uses TVM as the regularization term of the cost function that ensures the quality of the CT image reconstructed from few‐views and limited‐angle data. Additionally, half of the square of the difference between the original projection and the forward projection is used as the fidelity term. We then proved that the regularization term, i.e., 2‐norm TV, is a convex function. Based on the convexity of the regularization and fidelity terms, a separable quadratic surrogate (SQS) function was proposed to substitute the regularization and fidelity terms. The solution of the cost function can be obtained by minimizing the SQS function and building the next SQS function at the minimum point.

Results

Both numerical simulations and simulations using real experimental data showed that the proposed algorithm reconstruct high‐quality CT image from few‐views and limited‐angle data. The differences between the image reconstructed by the proposed algorithm and the images reconstructed by the previous algorithms are very small. However, the proposed algorithm required less than 1/10 time of the computational time of the previous algorithms. The image quality is not assessed in a rigorous way.

Conclusion

The proposed algorithm can greatly accelerate the accurate CT reconstruction from few‐views and limited‐angle data relative to previous algorithms.
Toward Scintillator High‐Gain Avalanche Rushing Photoconductor Active Matrix Flat Panel Imager (SHARP‐AMFPI): Initial fabrication and characterization
Authors: Scheuermann James R. , Howansky Adrian , Hansroul Marc , Léveillé Sébastien , Tanioka Kenkichi , Zhao Wei
Published: November 2017

Purpose

We present the first prototype Scintillator High‐Gain Avalanche Rushing Photoconductor Active Matrix Flat Panel Imager (SHARP‐AMFPI). This detector includes a layer of avalanche amorphous Selenium (a‐Se) (HARP) as the photoconductor in an indirect detector to amplify the signal and reduce the effects of electronic noise to obtain quantum noise‐limited images for low‐dose applications. It is the first time avalanche a‐Se has been used in a solid‐state imaging device and poses as a possible solution to eliminate the effects of electronic noise, which is crucial for low‐dose imaging performance of AMFPI.

Methods

We successfully deposited a solid‐state HARP structure onto a 24 × 30 cm2 array of thin‐film transistors (TFT array) with a pixel pitch of 85 μm. The HARP layer consists of 16 μm of a‐Se with a hole‐blocking and electron‐blocking layer to prevent charge injection from the high‐voltage bias and pixel electrodes, respectively. An electric field (ESe) up to 105 V μm−1 was applied across the a‐Se layer without breakdown. A 150 μm thick‐structured CsI:Tl scintillator was used to form SHARP‐AMFPI. The x‐ray imaging performance is characterized using a 30 kVp Mo/Mo beam. We evaluate the spatial resolution, noise power, and detective quantum efficiency at zero frequency of the system with and without avalanche gain. The results are analyzed using cascaded linear system model (CLSM).

Results

An avalanche gain of 76 ± 5 was measured at ESe = 105 V μm−1. We demonstrate that avalanche gain can amplify the signal to overcome electronic noise. As avalanche gain is increased, image quality improves for a constant (0.76 mR) exposure until electronic noise is overcome. Our system is currently limited by poor optical transparency of our high‐voltage electrode and long integrating time which results in dark current noise. These two effects cause high‐spatial frequency noise to dominate imaging performance.

Conclusions

We demonstrate the feasibility of a solid‐state HARP x‐ray imager and have fabricated the largest active area HARP sensor to date. Procedures to reduce secondary quantum and dark noise are outlined. Future work will improve optical coupling and charge transport which will allow for frequency DQE and temporal metrics to be obtained.
Approximate inversion method for time‐fractional subdiffusion equations
Authors: Lu Xin , Pang Hong‐Kui , Sun Hai‐Wei , Vong Seak‐Weng
Published: November 2017

The finite‐difference method applied to the time‐fractional subdiffusion equation usually leads to a large‐scale linear system with a block lower triangular Toeplitz coefficient matrix. The approximate inversion method is employed to solve this system. A sufficient condition is proved to guarantee the high accuracy of the approximate inversion method for solving the block lower triangular Toeplitz systems, which are easy to verify in practice and have a wide range of applications. The applications of this sufficient condition to several existing finite‐difference schemes are investigated. Numerical experiments are presented to verify the validity of theoretical results.
Efficiency Improvement of Deep‐Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diodes with Gradient Electron Blocking Layers
Authors: So Byeongchan , Kim Jinwan , Shin Eunyoung , Kwak Taemyung , Kim Taeyoung , Nam Okhyun
Published: November 2017

In this paper, a gradient electron blocking layer (GEBL) is introduced to improve efficiency of deep‐ultraviolet light‐emitting diodes (DUV‐LEDs). Various structures of DUV‐LEDs are simulated to determine the energy band diagram variation and carrier injection mechanism resulting from the insertion of the GEBL. The simulation results show the improved electron and hole transport behavior in AlGaN multi quantum wells (MQWs). Especially, the injection efficiency of holes is improved with the increasing number of GEBL steps, which lead to the enhancement of internal quantum efficiency (IQE). The DUV‐LED structures with GEBL are grown in a high‐temperature metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition (HT‐MOCVD) system. Electroluminescence (EL) spectra show that the emission intensity at a wavelength of 280 nm from a DUV‐LED with a 12‐steps EBL is about 2.3 times that from a DUV‐LED with a single EBL.
Planning of sequential binomial tests for various risk ratios
Authors: Michlin Yefim Haim , Shaham Ofer
Published: November 2017

The Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT) is widely used in the field of reliability and quality control. This paper is a continuation and a significant extension of the authors' earlier paper; it is dedicated to various risk ratios (α/β) and will lead to the increased use of the Sequential Probability Ratio Test for practical and research needs. The sample number (SN) until the test stops is a random value, and its distribution tails can be extremely long relative to the average SN (ASN). This is not suitable for practical use; therefore, truncation is required, usually by a pair of lines whose intersection, denoted as the Truncation Apex (TA), determines the maximum SN (maxSN). The optimality of the test is determined by the minimality of the SN (by means of maxSN and ASN) for a given Operating Characteristic. Presented are formulas and an algorithm for the TA and other parameters of the optimal test stopping boundaries for various α/β. This methodology also shortens the test planning process. Displacement of the TA from the optimal location results in a significant increase in ASN.

The study was implemented in the Israeli standard SI‐61123. Revision of IEC 61123 and IEC 61124 (for exponential distributed data), by this study, has been accepted to the work plan of TC‐56 of IEC. The proposed methodology can be the basis for the improvement of additional standards, for example, in ISO 8422:2006.
Extracellular matrix remodeling in 3D: implications in tissue homeostasis and disease progression
Authors: Ford Andrew J. , Rajagopalan Padmavathy
Published: November 2017

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a critical role in regulating cell behavior during tissue homeostasis and in disease progression. Through a combination of adhesion, contraction, alignment of ECM proteins and subsequent degradation, cells change the chemical, mechanical, and physical properties of their surrounding matrix. Other contributing factors to matrix remodeling are thede novosynthesis of ECM proteins, post‐translational modifications and receptor‐mediated internalization. In this review, we highlight how each of these processes contributes to the maintenance of homeostasis and in disease conditions such as cancer and liver fibrosis.

This article is categorized under:

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanotechnology in Tissue Repair and Replacement
Reactivity of [Ni(cod)2][Al(ORF)4] towards Small Molecules and Elements
Authors: Schwab Miriam M. , Himmel Daniel , Kacprzak Sylwia , Radtke Valentin , Kratzert Daniel , Yassine Zeinab , Weis Philippe , Weber Stefan , Krossing Ingo
Published: November 2017

To provide a better understanding of the recently published pure metalorganic NiI species, [Ni(cod)2][Al(ORF)4] (1) [cod = 1,5‐cyclooctadiene, RF = C(CF3)3], further characterizations were performed and analyzed. Thus, the solvation of 1 in THF was examined by EPR, surprisingly disclosing the initiation of a disproportionation reaction to [NiII(THF)6][Al(ORF)4]2 (3) and Ni0. Further studies concerning the ability of 1 to activate small molecules exhibit the formation of a remarkable [Ni3S2(cod)3]2+ cluster (5) in an oxidation reaction with S8, while EPR measurements of the resulting product in a reaction with oxygen indicate a possible coordination of O2. Single crystal X‐ray structures as well as spectroscopic analyses of 3 and 5 are described.
Charmed baryon weak decays with SU(3) flavor symmetry
Authors: Geng C. Q. , Hsiao Y. K. , Liu Chia-Wei , Tsai Tien-Hsueh
Published: November 2017

Abstract

We study the semileptonic and non-leptonic charmed baryon decays with SU(3) flavor symmetry, where the charmed baryons can be B

c
 = (Ξ

c

0
, Ξ

c

+
, Λ

c

+
), B

c

′
 = (Σ

c

(++,+,0)
, Ξ

c

′ (+,0)
, Ω

c

0
), B

cc
 = (Ξ

cc

+ +
, Ξ

cc

+
, Ω

c

+
) or B

cc
 = Ω

ccc

+ +
. With B

n

(′)
denoted as the baryon octet (decuplet), we find that the B

c
 → B

n

′
ℓ
+
ν

ℓ
decays are forbidden, while the Ω

c

0
 → Ω−
ℓ
+
ν

ℓ
, Ω

cc

+
 → Ω

c

0
ℓ
+
ν

ℓ
, and Ω

ccc

+ +
 → Ω

cc

+
ℓ
+
ν

ℓ
decays are the only existing Cabibbo- allowed modes for B

c

′
 → B

n

′
ℓ
+
ν

ℓ
, B

cc
 → B

c

′
ℓ
+
ν

ℓ
, and B

ccc
 → B

cc

(′)
ℓ
+
ν

ℓ
, respectively. We predict the rarely studied B

c
 → B

n

(′)
M decays, such as

$$ \mathrm{\mathcal{B}}\left({\Xi}_c^0\to {\Lambda}^0{\overline{K}}^0,{\Xi}_c^{+}\to {\Xi}^0{\pi}^{+}\right)=\left(8.3\pm 0.9,\ 8.0\pm 4.1\right)\times {10}^{-3}\kern0.5em \mathrm{and}\kern0.5em \mathrm{\mathcal{B}}\left({\Lambda}_c^{+}\to {\Delta}^{++}{\pi}^{-},{\Xi}_c^0\to {\Omega}^{-}{K}^{+}\right)=\left(5.5\pm 1.3,\kern0.5em 4.8\pm 0.5\right)\times {10}^{-3} $$

ℬ

Ξ
c
0

→

Λ
0

K
¯

0

,

Ξ
c
+

→

Ξ
0

π
+

=

8.3
±
0.9
,

8.0
±
4.1

×

10

−
3

and

ℬ

Λ
c
+

→

Δ

+
+

π
−

,

Ξ
c
0

→

Ω
−

K
+

=

5.5
±
1.3
,

4.8
±
0.5

×

10

−
3

. For the observation, the doubly and triply charmed baryon decays of

$$ {\Omega}_{cc}^{+}\to {\Xi}_c^{+}{\overline{K}}^0,{\Xi}_{cc}^{++}\to \left({\Xi}_c^{+}{\pi}^{+},{\varSigma}_c^{++}{\overline{K}}^0\right),\kern0.5em \mathrm{and}\kern0.5em {\Omega}_{ccc}^{++}\to \left({\Xi}_{cc}^{++}{\overline{K}}^0,{\Omega}_{cc}^{+}{\pi}^{+},{\Xi}_c^{+}{D}^{+}\right) $$

Ω
cc
+

→

Ξ
c
+

K
¯

0

,

Ξ
cc

+
+

→

Ξ
c
+

π
+

,

Σ
c

+
+

K
¯

0

,

and

Ω

c
c
c

+
+

→

Ξ
cc

+
+

K
¯

0

,

Ω
cc
+

π
+

,

Ξ
c
+

D
+

are the favored Cabibbo-allowed decays, which are accessible to the BESIII and LHCb experiments.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept trial of creatine monohydrate as adjunctive treatment for bipolar depression
Authors: Toniolo Ricardo Alexandre , Silva Michelle , Fernandes Francy de Brito Ferreira , Amaral José Antonio de Mello Siqueira , Dias Rodrigo da Silva , Lafer Beny
Published: November 2017

Depressive episodes are a major cause of morbidity and dysfunction in individuals suffering from bipolar disorder. Currently available treatments for this condition have limited efficacy and new therapeutic options are needed. Extensive research in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder points to the existence of mitochondrial and bioenergetic dysfunction. We hypothesized that creatine monohydrate, a nutraceutical that works as a mitochondrial modulator, would be effective as an adjunctive therapy for bipolar depression. We conducted a double-blind trial in which 35 patients with bipolar disorder type I or II in a depressive episode by DSM-IV criteria and in use of regular medication for the treatment of this phase of the disease were randomly allocated into two adjunctive treatment groups for 6 weeks: creatine monohydrate 6 g daily (N = 17) or placebo (N = 18). Primary efficacy was assessed by the change in the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). We did not find a statistically significant difference in the comparison between groups for the change in score on the MADRS after 6 weeks in an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis (p = 0.560; Cohen’s d = 0.231). However, we found significant superiority of creatine add-on vs. placebo when we considered the remission criterion of a MADRS score ≤ 12 at week 6 analyzing the outcome of the 35 randomized patients on ITT (52.9% remission in the creatine group vs. 11.1% remission in the placebo group) and of the 23 completers (66.7% remission in the creatine group vs. 18.2% remission in the placebo group) (p = 0.012; OR = 9.0 and p = 0.036; OR = 9.0, respectively). Two patients who received creatine switched to hypomania/mania early in the trial. No clinically relevant physical side-effects were reported or observed. This proof-of-concept study, aiming to restore brain bioenergetics using an adjunctive mitochondrial modulator, is not conclusive on the efficacy of creatine add-on for bipolar depression, but suggests that this compound may have a role in the adjunctive treatment of this phase of the illness. Further investigation through randomized controlled trials with larger samples should be conducted to verify the efficacy of creatine supplementation for bipolar depression and also for subsyndromal depressive symptoms.
Empirical Regularities in Average Price Paid across Different Types of Households
Authors: Pare Vipul , Trinh Giang , Wright Malcolm
Published: November 2017

This research examines the relationship between the average price paid by a household for consumer packaged goods and different types of households. Using panel data that consists of approximately 17,000 households per year, we examine 24 consumer packaged goods categories across 6 years (2005–2010) to understand the way in which average purchasing price varies across five key household types or stages, and to highlight generalizability. We find systematic patterns with respect to average price paid as households pass through key household stages. The changes follow an S-shape pattern across multiple product categories. The average purchasing price declines as households move from the pre-family stage to the young family stage, increases at the older family and post-family stages, and then decreases slightly at the single elderly stage. Overall, the most significant change is from the pre-family stage to the young family stage, followed by the change from the older family stage to the post-family stage. The differences hold across multiple years. The effects, however, are larger for nonfood than for food categories. Our results suggest that in order to broaden the brand customer base, brand managers need to have a product portfolio that includes both low and high price variants as well as presence across different distribution channels to satisfy the need of different types of households.
Presentación de las tareas, satisfacción de las necesidades psicológicas básicas y bienestar en atletas universitarios
Authors: Garza-Adame Octavio , Tristán Jose L , Tomás Inés , Hernández-Mendo Antonio , López-Walle Jeanette M
Published: November 2017

Basado en la teoría de las necesidades psicológicas básicas, se puso a prueba un modelo en el cual la presentación de las tareas realizada por el entrenador predice la satisfacción de las necesidades psicológicas básicas y el bienestar psicológico en los atletas universitarios. La muestra estuvo compuesta por un total de 468 deportistas (302 hombres y 166 mujeres), con edades comprendidas entre los 17 y los 28 años (M = 19.2; DT = 1.89),que cumplimentaron los instrumentos que evaluaban las variables del estudio. Los resultados del análisis de ecuaciones estructurales informaron que la presentación de las tareas actuó como predictor positivo de la satisfacción de las 3 necesidades psicológicas (autonomía, competencia y relación) y que cada una de estas, a su vez, predijo positivamente la vitalidad subjetiva (indicador del bienestar). Los análisis de la mediación nos informaron que la satisfacción de las 3 necesidades psicológicas básicas mediaron totalmente entre la presentación de las tareas ofrecida por elentrenador y el bienestar psicológico de los atletas universitarios.
New developments of HIF injector
Authors: Lu Liang , Ma Wei , Li Chenxing , He Tao , Yang Lei , Sun Liepeng , Xu Xianbo , Wang Wenbing , Shi Longbo
Published: November 2017

The ultra-high intensity heavy-ion beam is highly pursued for heavy-ion researches and applications. However, it is limited by heavy-ion production of ion source and space-charge-effect in the low energy region. The Heavy-ion Inertial Fusion (HIF) facilities were proposed in 1970s. The HIF injectors have large cavity number and long total length, e.g., there are 27 injectors in HIDIF and HIBLIC is 30 km in length, and the corresponding HIF facilities are too large and too expensive to be constructed. Recently, ion acceleration technologies have been developing rapidly, especially in the low energy region, where the acceleration of high intensity heavy-ions is realized. Meanwhile, superconducting (SC) acceleration matures and increases the acceleration gradient in medium and high energy regions. The length of HIF injectors can be shortened to a buildable length of 2.5 km. This paper will present a review of a renewed HIF injector, which adopts multi-beam linac-based cavities.
The Legal Education of the First Chinese American Admitted to the New York Bar in the Twentieth Century and his Crusade to End Discrimination Against Ethnic Chinese in America
Authors: Chen Li
Published: November 2017

This article attempts to reveal how a typical first generation Chinese American activist set out to go to law school to learn the skill set to help fight against racial prejudice directed at the Chinese in the early twentieth century. It examines how Hua Chuen Mei, a first-generation Chinese American lawyer was educated and trained in America; it primarily traces his undergraduate and law school education at Columbia and New York University Law School from 1910–1914 to show how he overcame the odds and excelled academically to complete his undergraduate and law degree programs with flying colors. It revisits his extracurricular activities to understand what motivated early Chinese immigrants like him to seek legal education, and what issues were uppermost in the mind of a typical Chinese American law student in that era.
Ship Crowding and Slave Mortality: Missing Observations or Incorrect Measurement?
Authors: Solar Peter M. , Duquette Nicolas J.
Published: November 2017

Inconsistent measurement of ship tonnage, the denominator in the usual measures of crowded conditions on slave vessels, may confound estimated associations between crowding and slave mortality on the Middle Passage. The tonnages reported inLloyd's Registersare shown to be consistent over time and are used to demonstrate that both the unstandardized and standardized tonnages in the Transatlantic Slave Trade Database are deeply flawed. Using corrected tonnages, we find that crowding increased mortality only on British slave ships and only before the passage of Dolben's Act in 1788.
Neoclassical, semi-collisional tearing mode theory in an axisymmetric torus
Authors: Connor J. W. , Hastie R. J. , Helander P.
Published: November 2017

A set of layer equations for determining the stability of semi-collisional tearing modes in an axisymmetric torus, incorporating neoclassical physics, in the small ion Larmor radius limit, is provided. These can be used as an inner layer module for inclusion in numerical codes that asymptotically match the layer to toroidal calculations of the tearing mode stability index, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E5}^{\prime }$. They are more complete than in earlier work and comprise equations for the perturbed electron density and temperature, the ion temperature, Ampère’s law and the vorticity equation, amounting to a twelvth-order set of radial differential equations. While the toroidal geometry is kept quite general when treating the classical and Pfirsch–Schlüter transport, parallel bootstrap current and semi-collisional physics, it is assumed that the fraction of trapped particles is small for the banana regime contribution. This is to justify the use of a model collision term when acting on the localised (in velocity space) solutions that remain after the Spitzer solutions have been exploited to account for the bulk of the passing distributions. In this respect, unlike standard neoclassical transport theory, the calculation involves the second Spitzer solution connected with a parallel temperature gradient, because this stability problem involves parallel temperature gradients that cannot occur in equilibrium toroidal transport theory. Furthermore, a calculation of the linearised neoclassical radial transport of toroidal momentum for general geometry is required to complete the vorticity equation. The solutions of the resulting set of equations do not match properly to the ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations at large distances from the layer, and a further, intermediate layer involving ion corrections to the electrical conductivity and ion parallel thermal transport is invoked to achieve this matching and allow one to correctly calculate the layer $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E5}^{\prime }$.
Correlatives in earlier English: Change and continuity in the expression of interclausal dependencies
Authors: Links Meta , van Kemenade Ans , Grondelaers Stefan
Published: November 2017

A construction very widely used in Old English and Old Germanic more broadly are correlatives introduced by an adverbial or conditional subclause, as inWhen you've done your homework, (then) you can come back(Old English: ‘…, then can you come back’). Correlatives originate from a paratactic clause structure, making use of resumptive adverbs such asthenbelonging to the Old Germanic series of demonstrative adverbs, whose syntactic niche was the clause-initial position, particularly in Verb Second main clauses. Paratactic structure in correlatives is diagnosed by the presence of a resumptive adverb. We show that the correlative use of resumptive adverbs is sensitive to both clause-internal and clause-external variables: mood, subclause-internal particles, negation, subject type, subclause weight, text type, translation. Correlatives decline from late Old English onward. Although it may seem tempting to attribute this to the loss of Verb Second in English, it resulted primarily from the loss of the original Germanic resumptive adverbs.