bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Global Scenario on the Dynamics of Excited State Proton Transfer of Pyranine in the Mixed Micellar Assemblies: Role of Water Accessibility in the Probe Location+
Authors: Das Ishita , Halder Mintu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractExcited state proton transfer (ESPT) dynamics of pyranine (HPTS) is explored in mixed micellar aggregate of pluronic F127 micelles and Na‐dodecyl sulfate (SDS) employing steady state and time resolved fluorescence. HPTS shows two proton transfer (PT) time constants in both F127 and F127‐SDS micelles. The slow ∼1.05 ns component in F127 micelles is attributed to PT occurring in the corona phase; whereas, the bulk water‐like variant (∼160 ps) arises from the probe in water exposed micellar periphery. Addition of SDS upto some low concentration in F127 produces mixed micelles due to SDS‐monomer incorporation. The slower ESPT time constant becomes ∼670 ps in the mixed micellar system (∼1.5 times faster than in neat), whereas, the faster one gets ∼140 ps. It is known that association of SDS in F127 micelles enhances water penetration in the corona region, thus this increased hydration speeds up the ESPT. The chosen photoacid, in principle, can anticipate changes in the microenvironment of the mixed micelles via modulation of its ESPT. In spite of similar hydration enhancements in both cationic and anionic mixed micelles, it is observed that the modification pattern of the ESPT in mixed anionic is opposite to that of mixed cationic. A rationale of such contrasting ESPT responses in these differently charged composites is presented. In addition to copolymeric micelles, some mixed systems formed with other nonionic‐ionic combinations are also explored to cast a more generalized picture
Calcium(II) Catalyzed Cycloisomerization of cis‐6‐Hydroxy/(Acyloxy)hex‐2‐en‐4‐ynals to 2‐Acyl‐ and 2‐(Acyloxyalkenyl)furans
Authors: Gandhi Soniya , Baire Beeraiah 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA cycloisomerization reaction of cis‐6‐hydroxy and cis‐6‐acyloxyhex‐2‐en‐4‐ynals to 2‐acylfurans and 2‐(1‐acyloxyalkenyl)furans under calcium(II) catalysis is reported. This strategy allows for the efficient synthesis of 3,4‐fused bicyclic 2‐acylfurans, multi‐substituted 2‐acylfurans and structurally novel 2‐(acyloxyalkenyl)furan derivatives which are substructures of many bioactive natural products. Very broad and divergent substrate scope with respect to propargylic alcohols and linkers has been achieved. The transformation fulfils some of the green chemistry principles in terms of a) use of non‐toxic, biodegradable calcium, b) 100% atom economy, and c) catalytic process and mild reaction conditions (RT).
Guiding the behavior of sociotechnical systems: The role of agent‐based modeling
Authors: Heydari Babak , Pennock Michael J. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPerformance and success for many sociotechnical systems depend on the way the social and the technical parts interact and coevolve with each other. Such dynamic interactions are increasingly becoming an essential part of design and governance of many emerging systems such as sharing economy platforms and critical infrastructures. This paper makes a case for an agent‐based approach to support the design and governance of sociotechnical systems and asserts that agent‐based modeling (ABM) and simulation, with certain suggested revisions, can be a powerful methodology in this domain. This paper addresses three goals: The first is to make a case for using ABM in the analysis, design, and governance of sociotechnical systems due to systemic trends that increase the relevance of ABM. The second goal is to point to a crucial difference between the application of ABM to natural, social, and physical systems, where most of the ABM literature resides and its application to sociotechnical systems. As a part of this goal, we will focus on using ABM as a design tool to guide the behavior of sociotechnical systems at higher levels of abstraction by changing parameters at lower levels. The third goal is to provide a perspective on the often controversial topic of model validation for ABM and discuss various levels of expectations and flavors of validation for ABM. To this end, and building on the framework proposed under the second goal, we present a process that we call quasi‐validation as a suggested high‐level framework to gain confidence in using agent‐based models for intervention‐based scenario studies. Finally, we discuss a set of future research directions in ABM for design and governance of sociotechnical systems.
Patient Frailty Should Be Used to Individualize Treatment Decisions in Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Seib Carolyn D. , Chomsky‐Higgins Kathryn , Gosnell Jessica E. , Shen Wen T. , Suh Insoo , Duh Quan‐Yang , Finlayson Emily 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundPrimary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disorder that predominantly affects patients >60 and is increasing in prevalence. Identifying risk factors for poor outcomes after parathyroidectomy in older adults will help tailor operative decision making. The impact of frailty on surgical outcomes in parathyroidectomy has not been established.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of patients ≥40 years who underwent parathyroidectomy in the 2005–2010 ACS NSQIP. Frailty was assessed using the modified frailty index (mFI). Multivariable regression was used to determine the association of frailty with 30‐day complications, length of stay (LOS), and reoperation.ResultsWe identified 13,123 patients ≥40 who underwent parathyroidectomy for PHPT. The majority of patients were not frail, with 80% with a low NSQIP mFI score (0–1 frailty traits), 19% with an intermediate mFI score (2–3), and 0.9% with a high mFI score (≥4). Overall 30‐day complications were rare, occurring in 141 (1.1%) patients. Increasing frailty was associated with an increased risk of complications with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of 1.76 (95% CI 1.20–2.59; p = 0.004) for intermediate and 8.43 (95% CI 4.33–16.41; p < 0.001) for high mFI score. Patient age was independently associated with an increased risk of complications only when ≥75, as was African‐American race. Anesthesia with local, monitored anesthesia care, or regional block was the only factor associated with decreased odds of complications. A high NSQIP mFI was also associated with a significant 4.77‐day adjusted increase in LOS (95% CI 4.28–5.25; p < 0.001) and increased odds of reoperation (OR 4.20, 95% CI 1.64–10.74; p = 0.003).ConclusionPatient frailty is associated with increased complications, reoperation and prolonged LOS in patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for PHPT. The risks of surgical management should be weighed against potential benefits in frail patients with PHPT to individualize treatment decisions in this vulnerable population.
Access to Orthopaedic Surgical Care in Northern Tanzania: A Modelling Study
Authors: Premkumar Ajay , Ying Xiaohan , Mack Hardaker W. , Massawe Honest H. , Mshahaba David J. , Mandari Faiton , Pallangyo Anthony , Temu Rogers , Masenga Gileard , Spiegel David A. , Sheth Neil P. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe global burden of musculoskeletal disease and resulting disability is enormous and is expected to increase over the next few decades. In the world’s poorest regions, the paucity of information defining and quantifying the current state of access to orthopaedic surgical care is a major problem in developing effective solutions. This study estimates the number of individuals in Northern Tanzania without adequate access to orthopaedic surgical services.MethodsA chance tree was created to model the probability of access to orthopaedic surgical services in the Northern Tanzanian regions of Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Tanga, Singida, and Manyara, with respect to four dimensions: timeliness, surgical capacity, safety, and affordability. Timeliness was estimated by the proportion of people living within a 4‐h driving distance from a hospital with an orthopaedic surgeon, capacity by comparing number of surgeries performed to the number of surgeries indicated, safety by applying WHO Emergency and Essential Surgical Care infrastructure and equipment checklists, and affordability by approximating the proportion of the population protected from catastrophic out‐of‐pocket healthcare expenditure. We accounted for uncertainty in our model with one‐way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Data sources included the Tanzanian National Bureau of Statistics and Ministry of Finance, World Bank, World Health Organization, New Zealand Ministry of Health, Google Corporation, NASA population estimator, and 2015 hospital records from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Machame Hospital, Nkoroanga Hospital, Mt. Meru Hospital, and Arusha Lutheran Medical Center.ResultsUnder the most conservative assumptions, more than 90% of the Northern Tanzanian population does not have access to orthopaedic surgical services.ConclusionThere is a near absence of access to orthopaedic surgical care in Northern Tanzania. These findings utilize more precise country and region‐specific data and are consistent with prior published global trends regarding surgical access in Sub‐Saharan Africa. As the global health community must develop innovative solutions to address the rising burden of musculoskeletal disease and support the advancement of universal health coverage, increasing access to orthopaedic surgical services will play a central role in improving health care in the world’s developing regions.
First Rib Resection for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: The Robotic Approach
Authors: Kocher Gregor J. , Zehnder Adrian , Lutz Jon A. , Schmidli Juerg , Schmid Ralph A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectiveFirst rib resection is a well‐recognized treatment option for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). In case of a vascular insufficiency that can be provoked and/or progressive neurologic symptoms without response to conservative treatment, surgical decompression of the space between the clavicle and the first rib is indicated. The aim of this paper is to present our experience with a new minimally invasive robotic approach using the da Vinci Surgical System®.MethodsBetween January 2015 and October 2017, eight consecutive first rib resections in seven patients were performed at our institution. Four patients presented with neurologic (one bilateral), and three patients with vascular (venous) impairment. In all cases, a transthoracic robotic‐assisted approach was used. The first rib was removed using a 3‐port robotic approach with an additional 2‐cm axillary incision in the first six patients. The latest resection was performed through only three thoracic ports.ResultsMedian operative time was 108 min, and the median hospital stay was 2 days. Postoperative courses were uneventful in all patients. Clinical follow‐up examinations showed relief of symptoms in all nonspecific TOS patients, and duplex ultrasonography confirmed complete vein patency in the remaining patients 3 months after surgery.ConclusionsWhile there are limitations in conventional transaxillary, subclavicular and supraclavicular approaches in the first rib resection, the robotic method is not only less invasive but also allows better exposure and visualization of the first rib. Furthermore, the technique takes advantage of the benefits of the da Vinci Surgical System® in terms of 3D visualization and improved instrument maneuverability. Our early experience clearly demonstrates these advantages, which are also supported by the very good outcomes.
SOLVENCY REQUIREMENT IN A UNISEX MORTALITY MODEL
Authors: Chen An , Guillen Montserrat , Vigna Elena 
Published: April 2018

AbstractFollowing the EU Gender Directive, that obliges insurance companies to charge the same premium to policyholders of different genders, we address the issue of calculating solvency capital requirements (SCRs) for pure endowments and annuities issued to mixed portfolios. The main theoretical result is that, if the unisex fairness principle is adopted for the unisex premium, the SCR at issuing time of the mixed portfolio calculated with unisex survival probabilities is greater than the sum of the SCRs of the gender-based subportfolios. Numerical results show that for pure endowments the gap between the two is negligible, but for lifetime annuities the gap can be as high as 3–4%. We also analyze some conservative pricing procedures that deviate from the unisex fairness principle, and find that they lead to SCRs that are lower than the sum of the gender-based SCRs because the policyholders are overcharged at issuing time.
High pulse energy fiber/solid-slab hybrid picosecond pulse system for material processing on polycrystalline diamonds
Authors: Chen Wei , Liu Bowen , Song Youjian , Chai Lu , Cui Qianjin , Liu Qingjing , Wang Chingyue , Hu Minglie 
Published: April 2018

We demonstrate an all polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber mode-locked laser seeded, hybrid fiber/solid-slab picosecond pulse laser system which outputs $40~\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{J}$, 10 ps pulses at the central wavelength of 1064 nm. The beam quality factors $M^{2}$ in the unstable and stable directions are 1.35 and 1.31, respectively. $15~\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{J}$ picosecond pulses at the central wavelength of 355 nm are generated through third harmonic generation (THG) by using two $\text{LiB}_{3}\text{O}_{5}$ (LBO) crystals, in order to get better processing efficiency on polycrystalline diamonds. The high pulse energy and beam quality of these ultraviolet (UV) picosecond pulses are confirmed by latter experiments of material processing on polycrystalline diamonds. This scheme which combines the advantages of the all PM fiber mode-locked laser and the solid-slab amplifier enables compact, robust and chirped pulse amplification-free amplification with high power picosecond pulses.
Forecasting Atmospheric Radiocarbon Decline to Pre-Bomb Values
Authors: Sierra Carlos A 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn this manuscript, I present an estimation of the rate of decline in atmospheric radiocarbon and the amplitude of its seasonal cycle for the past four decades for the northern and southern hemispheres, and forecast the time required to reach pre-1950 levels (i.e. Δ14C<0‰). Using a set of 30 different exponential smoothing state-space models, the time series were decomposed into their error, trend, and seasonal components, choosing the model that best represented the observed data. According to the best model, the rate of change in Δ14C has decreased considerably since the 1970s and reached values below −5‰ per year since 2005. Overall, the time-series showed larger rates of radiocarbon decline in the northern than in the southern hemisphere, and relatively stable seasonal cycles for both hemispheres. A forecast of the exponential smoothing models predicts that radiocarbon values will reach pre-1950 levels by 2021 in the northern hemisphere with 20% probability, and by around 2035 in the southern hemisphere. However, at regional levels radiocarbon concentrations have already reached pre-1950 levels in several industrialized regions and cities around the world as a consequence of fossil-fuel emissions.
Energy utilisation of broiler chickens in response to guanidinoacetic acid supplementation in diets with various energy contents
Authors: Ale Saheb Fosoul Sayed Sadra , Azarfar Arash , Gheisari Abbasali , Khosravinia Heshmatollah 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) on productive performance, intestinal morphometric features, blood parameters and energy utilisation in broiler chickens. A total of 390 male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were assigned to six dietary treatments based on a factorial arrangement (2×3) across 1–15 and 15–35-d periods. Experimental treatments consisted of two basal diets with standard (STD; starter: 12·56 MJ/kg and grower: 12·97 MJ/kg) and reduction (LME; starter: 11·93 MJ/kg and grower: 12·33 MJ/kg) of apparent metabolisable energy (AME) requirement of broiler chickens each supplemented with 0, 0·6 and 1·2 g/kg GAA. Supplemental 1·2 g/kg GAA decreased the negative effects of feed energy reduction on weight gain across starter, growing and the entire production phases (P<0·05). Energy retention as fat and total energy retention were increased when birds received LME diets supplemented with 1·2 g/kg GAA (P<0·05). Net energy for production (NEp) and total heat production increased in birds fed LME diets containing 1·2 g/kg GAA (P<0·05). A significant correlation was observed between dietary NEp and weight gain of broilers (r 0·493; P=0·0055), whereas this relationship was not seen with AME. Jejunal villus height and crypt depth were lower in birds fed LME diets (P<0·05). Serum concentration of creatinine increased in broilers fed LME diets either supplemented with 1·2 g/kg GAA or without GAA supplementation (P<0·05). Supplemental GAA improved performance of chickens fed LME diet possibly through enhanced dietary NEp. The NEp could be preferred over the AME to assess response of broiler chickens to dietary GAA supplementation.
Measuring disorganized speech in schizophrenia: automated analysis explains variance in cognitive deficits beyond clinician-rated scales
Authors: Minor K. S. , Willits J. A. , Marggraf M. P. , Jones M. N. , Lysaker P. H. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundConveying information cohesively is an essential element of communication that is disrupted in schizophrenia. These disruptions are typically expressed through disorganized symptoms, which have been linked to neurocognitive, social cognitive, and metacognitive deficits. Automated analysis can objectively assess disorganization within sentences, between sentences, and across paragraphs by comparing explicit communication to a large text corpus.MethodLittle work in schizophrenia has tested: (1) links between disorganized symptoms measured via automated analysis and neurocognition, social cognition, or metacognition; and (2) if automated analysis explains incremental variance in cognitive processes beyond clinician-rated scales. Disorganization was measured in schizophrenia (n = 81) with Coh-Metrix 3.0, an automated program that calculates basic and complex language indices. Trained staff also assessed neurocognition, social cognition, metacognition, and clinician-rated disorganization.ResultsFindings showed that all three cognitive processes were significantly associated with at least one automated index of disorganization. When automated analysis was compared with a clinician-rated scale, it accounted for significant variance in neurocognition and metacognition beyond the clinician-rated measure. When combined, these two methods explained 28–31% of the variance in neurocognition, social cognition, and metacognition.ConclusionsThis study illustrated how automated analysis can highlight the specific role of disorganization in neurocognition, social cognition, and metacognition. Generally, those with poor cognition also displayed more disorganization in their speech—making it difficult for listeners to process essential information needed to tie the speaker's ideas together. Our findings showcase how implementing a mixed-methods approach in schizophrenia can explain substantial variance in cognitive processes.
Frank Daniels' report on the wartime Japanese courses at SOAS
Authors: Kornicki Peter Francis 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis article consists mainly of an annotated transcription of a report on the wartime courses in Japanese at SOAS prepared by Frank Daniels in August 1945. An introduction is provided setting his report in context and providing some of the background relating to the attempts by SOAS, well before the outbreak of war with Japan, to persuade the government that training needed to begin without delay. These attempts were unsuccessful, but Frank Daniels and the teachers assembled to help him, including his Japanese wife and some Japanese released from internment in the UK, successfully developed a teaching programme that went on to train many individuals who were to become the first generation of university Japanologists in the UK.
A LOCAL GAUSSIAN BOOTSTRAP METHOD FOR REALIZED VOLATILITY AND REALIZED BETA
Authors: Hounyo Ulrich 
Published: April 2018

This article introduces a local Gaussian bootstrap method useful for the estimation of the asymptotic distribution of high-frequency data-based statistics such as functions of realized multivariate volatility measures as well as their asymptotic variances. The new approach consists of dividing the original data into nonoverlapping blocks ofMconsecutive returns sampled at frequencyh(whereh−1denotes the sample size) and then generating the bootstrap observations at each frequency within a block by drawing them randomly from a mean zero Gaussian distribution with a variance given by the realized variance computed over the corresponding block.Our main contributions are as follows. First, we show that the local Gaussian bootstrap is first-order consistent when used to estimate the distributions of realized volatility and realized betas under assumptions on the log-price process which follows a continuous Brownian semimartingale process. Second, we show that the local Gaussian bootstrap matches accurately the first four cumulants of realized volatility up too(h), implying that this method provides third-order refinements. This is in contrast with the wild bootstrap of Gonçalves and Meddahi (2009,Econometrica77(1), 283–306), which is only second-order correct. Third, we show that the local Gaussian bootstrap is able to provide second-order refinements for the realized beta, which is also an improvement of the existing bootstrap results in Dovonon, Gonçalves, and Meddahi (2013,Journal of Econometrics172, 49–65) (where the pairs bootstrap was shown not to be second-order correct under general stochastic volatility). In addition, we highlight the connection between the local Gaussian bootstrap and the local Gaussianity approximation of continuous semimartingales established by Mykland and Zhang (2009,Econometrica77, 1403–1455) and show the suitability of this bootstrap method to deal with the new class of estimators introduced in that article. Lastly, we provide Monte Carlo simulations and use empirical data to compare the finite sample accuracy of our new bootstrap confidence intervals for integrated volatility with the existing results.
Age-varying associations between coping and depressive symptoms throughout adolescence and emerging adulthood
Authors: Vannucci Anna , Flannery Kaitlin M. , McCauley Ohannessian Christine 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe objective of the current study was to apply the novel technique of time-varying effect modeling to examine age-varying associations between specific coping strategies and depressive symptoms across adolescence and emerging adulthood (ages 14–24). The participants were drawn from a community sample and followed across 4 years of high school and once 5 years postgraduation (N = 1,251, 53% female, 58% non-Hispanic White). Coping and depressive symptom questionnaires were administered across all data collection time points. Time-varying effect modeling used all available data (N = 5,651 measurement occasions) and adjusted for gender. Venting emotions and denial were associated with more depressive symptoms at a similar magnitude across adolescence and emerging adulthood. A positive association between problem solving oriented strategies (planning, active coping) and depressive symptoms was not observed until age 17.5, after which the magnitude of the association strengthened. More frequent instrumental and emotional support seeking were linked to fewer depressive symptoms between ages 18.8 and 23.6. More frequent use of humor was associated with greater depressive symptoms from ages 14.0 to 14.6, but with fewer depressive symptoms from ages 16.8 to 18.8. The findings illuminate when and how associations between specific coping strategies and depressive symptoms may emerge and change across developmental age, generating both theoretical and clinical implications.