bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered functional connectivity strength and its correlations with cognitive function in subjects with ultra‐high risk for psychosis at rest
Authors: Li Ran‐Ran , Lyu Hai‐Long , Liu Feng , Lian Nan , Wu Ren‐Rong , Zhao Jing‐Ping , Guo Wen‐Bin 
Published: April 2018

SummaryAimsEvidence of altered structural and functional connectivity in the frontal‐occipital network is associated with cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia. However, the altered patterns of functional connectivity strength (FCS) in individuals with ultra‐high risk (UHR) for psychosis remain unknown. In this study, whole‐brain FCS was assessed to examine the altered patterns of FCS in UHR subjects.MethodsA total of 34 UHR subjects and 37 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were enrolled to undergo resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging. The imaging data were analyzed using the graph theory method.ResultsCompared with healthy controls, UHR subjects showed significantly decreased FCS in the left middle frontal gyrus and significantly increased FCS in the left calcarine cortex. The FCS values in the left middle frontal gyrus were positively correlated to the scores of the Brief Assessments of Cognitionin Schizophrenia Symbol Coding Test (r = 0.366, P = 0.033) in the UHR subjects. A negative correlation was found between the FCS values in the left calcarine cortex and the scores of the Stroop color‐naming test (r = −0.475, P = 0.016) in the UHR subjects. A combination of the FCS values in the 2 brain areas showed an accuracy of 87.32%, a sensitivity of 73.53%, and a specificity of 100% for distinguishing UHR subjects from healthy controls.ConclusionsSignificantly altered FCS in the frontal‐occipital network is observed in the UHR subjects. Furthermore, decreased FCS in the left middle frontal gyrus and increased FCS in the left calcarine have significant correlations with the cognitive measures of the UHR subjects and thus improve our understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of schizophrenia. Moreover, a combination of the FCS values in the 2 brain areas can serve as a potential image marker to distinguish UHR subjects from healthy controls.
Iran's Shortsighted Policies in Iraq: Between Inflaming and Containing of Radical Sunni Islam: 2003–2015
Authors: Cohen Ronen A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe main goal of the 2003 war with Iraq of the coalition forces led by the United States was to topple Saddam Hussein's regime and establish a new political system that would adopt democratic practices. Iran, a country that deemed Saddam's regime to be a threat, considered this war to be very helpful in many ways — first because it put an end to Clinton's “dual containment” approach and would thus help Iran to become a regional superpower at Iraq's expense. Second, a war with Iraq could put an end to the decades of oppression of the Shi'a community in Iraq.This article argues that Iran's involvement in Iraq's internal affairs created chaos in Iraq and contributed to the sectarian conflict against Sunni terror groups, notably the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), also known by the Arabic name Daesh, a terror group with the most extreme form of Sunni Radical Islam ever known. The sectarian conflict that resulted from the above is now taking place between the Sunnis and the Shi'a of both Persian and Arab backgrounds and this clash could not have become as radical as it is without Iran's aggressive foreign policy. It should, however, be noted that Iran is not the sole player in the country and therefore its part in inflaming sectarian conflicts should be viewed through a realistic prism that allows other forces — domestic and foreign — to be seen as having influenced the events for their benefit.
Incremental value of left atrial mechanical dispersion over CHA2DS2‐VASc score in predicting risk of thrombus formation
Authors: Kupczynska Karolina , Michalski Blazej W. , Miskowiec Dawid , Kasprzak Jaroslaw D. , Szymczyk Ewa , Wejner−Mik Paulina , Lipiec Piotr 
Published: April 2018

PurposeTo assess the potential ability of two‐dimensional speckle tracking analysis (STE) during atrial fibrillation (AF) to identify patients with LA appendage thrombi (LAAT).MethodsThis study involved 93 patients with AF (39% female, 67.1 ± 9.5 years) who were referred for a clinical indication for transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). TEE revealed LAAT in 39 (42%) patients. We analyzed standard parameters of the left ventricle (LV) and LA in transthoracic echocardiography. Using STE, we assessed LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS), and intra‐atrial asynchrony. The PALS was calculated using the global strain curve (GPALS) and as the mean of peaks derived from segmental strain curves (MPALS).ResultsPatients were comparable with regard to the clinical data. A subgroup with LAAT had lower LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and a lower absolute value of the LVGLS, as well as greater impairment in the LA standard parameters, PALS, and asynchrony. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the LVEF of 30% (P < .001), the LVGLS of −7% (P < .0001), the GPALS of 11% (P < .005), and the LA asynchrony of 22% (P < .01) were the optimal cutoff values for distinguishing both subgroups. LA asynchrony, LVEF, and LVGLS were independently associated with the presence of LAAT in multivariate analyses, and PALS had additional significance over the CHA2DS2‐VASc score.ConclusionsLeft ventricular systolic dysfunction characterized by both LVEF and LVGLS is an independent factor for LAAT. LA asynchrony provides additional diagnostic value for discriminating between patients with and without LAAT.
Analysing political deception: The virtues of Bernard Williams' anti‐tyranny argument
Authors: Cross Ben 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAccording to Bernard Williams' “anti‐tyranny argument,” it is important for citizens to have access to true information about the exercise of political power in order to check the tendency of governments and politicians to become tyrannous. Although Williams thinks the argument is one of the better arguments for the importance of truthfulness in politics, he acknowledges 2 limitations. First, it appears to offer little more than the truism that tyranny is a bad thing—a truism that will be accepted by all but tyrants themselves. Second, it may not offer any reasons for the importance of true information about forms of political power, which do not seem tyrannous. I argue that kind of political analysis required to apply the anti‐tyranny argument enables it to overcome both limitations. In so doing, I show that it has a clear advantage over rival arguments for the importance of truthfulness in politics.
Study of mode I crack dynamic propagation behaviour and rock dynamic fracture toughness by using SCT specimens
Authors: Dong Y.Q. , Zhu Z.M. , Zhou L. , Ying P. , Wang M. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractTo study crack dynamic propagation behaviour and rock dynamic fracture toughness, a single cleavage triangle (SCT) specimen was proposed in this paper. By using these specimens and a drop‐weight test system, impact experiments were conducted, and the crack propagation velocity and the fracture time were measured by using crack propagation gauges. To examine the effectiveness of the SCT specimen and to predict the test results, finite difference numerical models were established by using AUTODYN code, and the simulation results showed that the crack propagation path agrees with the test results, and crack arrest phenomena could happen. Meanwhile, by using these numerical models, the crack dynamic propagation mechanism was investigated. Finite element code ABAQUS was applied in the calculation of crack dynamic stress intensity factors (SIFs) based on specimen dimension and the loading curves measured, and the curves of crack dynamic SIFs versus time were obtained. The fracture toughness (including initiation toughness and propagation toughness) was determined according to the fracture time and crack speeds measured by crack propagation gauges. The results show that the SCT specimen is applicable to the study of crack dynamic propagation behaviour and fracture toughness, and in the process of crack propagation, the propagation toughness decreases with crack propagation velocity, and the crack arrest phenomena could happen. The critical SIF of an arrest crack (or arrest toughness) was higher than the crack propagation toughness but was lower than the initiation toughness.
Thallium Mass Fraction and Stable Isotope Ratios of Sixteen Geological Reference Materials
Authors: Brett Alex , Prytulak Julie , Hammond Samantha J. , Rehkämper Mark 
Published: April 2018

Thallium stable isotope ratio and mass fraction measurements were performed on sixteen geological reference materials spanning three orders of magnitude in thallium mass fraction, including both whole rock and partially separated mineral powders. For stable isotope ratio measurements, a minimum of three independent digestions of each reference material was obtained. High‐precision trace element measurements (including Tl) were also performed for the majority of these RMs. The range of Tl mass fractions represented is 10 ng g−1 to 16 μg g−1, and Tl stable isotope ratios (reported for historical reasons as ε205Tl relative to NIST SRM 997) span the range −4 to +2. With the exception – attributed to between‐bottle heterogeneity – of G‐2, the majority of data are in good agreement with published or certified values, where available. The precision of mean of independent measurement results between independent dissolutions suggests that, for the majority of materials analysed, a minimum digested mass of 100 mg is recommended to mitigate the impact of small‐scale powder heterogeneity. Of the sixteen materials analysed, we therefore recommend for use as Tl reference materials the USGS materials BCR‐2, COQ‐1, GSP‐2 and STM‐1; CRPG materials AL‐I, AN‐G, FK‐N, ISH‐G, MDO‐G, Mica‐Fe, Mica‐Mg and UB‐N; NIST SRM 607 and OREAS14P.
Introduction to hepatitis C virus infection: Overview and history of hepatitis C virus therapies
Authors: Puchades Renau Lorena , Berenguer Marina 
Published: April 2018

AbstractChronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an infection that affects over 71 million people worldwide that primarily leads to significant morbidity and mortality through its predisposition to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. In addition, extrahepatic manifestations, such as mixed cryoglobulinaemia‐associated vasculitis including renal disease, or type II diabetes are frequently encountered in chronically infected individuals. HCV treatment aims to permanently eradicate the virus in order to prevent both liver and extra‐hepatic manifestations. Over two decades after the HCV discovery, treatments have evolved from nonspecific immune modulating therapies based on interferon to specific drug combinations, targeting viral proteins. In the present review, we give an overview of HCV infection with a special emphasis on the history of the treatment of viral hepatitis C and the substantial improvement in efficacy and tolerability profile with the recent development of new direct‐acting antiviral therapies.
Optimization of the method of the content‐containing interaction evaluation for cosmetic products by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Charron C. , De Vaugelade S. , Richard F. , Largitte A. , Pirnay S. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn July 2013, the European Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 came into effect in order to secure cosmetic products. The content‐containing interaction between the packaging and the product must be considered for the safety assessment. Indeed, some compounds are able to migrate from the packaging to the product and may be harmful to the consumer health. This is why a first test was established by EXPERTOX laboratory in 2012 to deal with this new regulation. A new analytical method was developed and validated for the quantification of 23 substances able to migrate from the packaging to the product. It was applied on a plastic packaging with the five simulants of migration. To evaluate the content‐containing interaction, a gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry method was developed and validated. Liquid–liquid extraction was used to extract contaminants (thirteen phthalates and ten substances of very high concern) from migration simulants. Calibration curves showed good linearity regression from 2 to 50 μg mL−1 for nineteen molecules and from 5 to 45 μg mL−1 for the others. The limits of quantification were respectively 2 and 5 μg mL−1. The accuracy, precision, repeatability of the analytical method and extraction yields were acceptable. No molecule was found in simulants of migration, so the potential contaminants present in the packaging did not migrate. A gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry method and liquid‐liquid extraction were validated for 23 molecules and can be used for the evaluation of the content‐containing interaction of cosmetic products. Both quantification and extraction procedures are more robust and faster than previous method.
Effect of sub‐freezing storage (−6, −9 and −12 °C) on quality and shelf life of beef
Authors: Qian Shuyi , Li Xia , Wang Hang , Sun Zhen , Zhang Chunhui , Guan Wenqiang , Blecker Christophe 
Published: April 2018

SummaryBased on the results of low field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) in our current study (the frozen state of −6, −9 and −12 °C were nearly the same with extremely low free water content), −6, −9 and −12 °C was designated as sub‐freezing temperatures. The effects of sub‐freezing storage compared with conventional chilling (4 °C), superchilling (−1 °C) and conventional freezing (−18 °C) on the quality and shelf life of beef were analysed. Results showed that the shelf life of beef is extended to 84 and 126 day at −6 °C and −9 °C, respectively. However, the TVB‐N values of the samples stored at −12 °C and −18 °C remained below 15 mg/100 g even on 168 day. Furthermore, shear force, colour, pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and sensory properties were also measured. Consequently, the sub‐freezing storage has significantly extended the shelf life of beef compared to chilling and superchilling (P < 0.05). Moreover, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was found between the indicators for quality and shelf life of samples stored at −12 and −18 °C throughout 168 days.
Case of complete response to neoadjuvant therapy using nivolumab in a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Ikarashi Daiki , Kato Yoichiro , Katagiri Hirokatsu , Takahara Takeshi , Uesugi Noriyuki , Shiomi Ei , Sugimura Jun , Nitta Hiroyuki , Sugai Tamotsu , Obara Wataru 
Published: April 2018

AbstractHere, we report a case of a 68‐year‐old woman with cT4N0M1 (liver invasion and multiple lung metastases) metastatic renal cell carcinoma. We could carry out less invasive nephrectomy with partial hepatectomy because nivolumab administration as second‐line therapy reduced the primary tumor remarkably. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of nivolumab before carrying out surgery, and histological findings showed a pathological complete response.
Histone deacetylase inhibitor treatment restores memory‐related gene expression and learning ability in neonicotinoid‐treated Apis mellifera
Authors: Hu Y.‐T. , Tang C.‐K. , Wu C.‐P. , Wu P.‐C. , Yang E.‐C. , Tai C.‐C. , Wu Y.‐L. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractApis mellifera plays crucial roles in maintaining the balance of global ecosystems and stability of agricultural systems by helping pollination of flowering plants, including many crops. In recent years, this balance has been disrupted greatly by some pesticides, which results in great losses of honeybees worldwide. Previous studies have found that pesticide‐caused memory loss might be one of the major reasons for colony loss. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) are chemical compounds that inhibit the activity of histone deacetylases and are known to cause hyperacetylation of histone cores and influence gene expression. In our study, the HDACi sodium butyrate was applied to honeybees as a dietary supplement. The effect of sodium butyrate on the expression profiles of memory‐related genes was analysed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The results revealed that this HDACi had up‐regulation effects on most of the memory‐related genes in bees, even in bees treated with imidacloprid. In addition, using the proboscis extension reflex to evaluate olfactory learning in bees, we found that this HDACi boosted the memory formation of bees after impairment owing to imidacloprid exposure. This study investigated the association between gene expression and memory formation from an epigenetic perspective. Additionally, we further demonstrate the possibility of enhancing bee learning using HDACis and provide initial data for future research.
The EU‐Turkey‐'deal': Legal Challenges and Pitfalls
Authors: Lehner Roman 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe EU‐Turkey “deal”, based on the Joint Action Plan (JAP) between the European Union (EU) and Turkey, raises fundamental questions on the range of European asylum law as well as on the scope of the safe third country concept, which has turned out to serve as a political master key to “solve” the problems of the so‐called “refugee crisis” in Europe. This article discusses the legal possibilities of the application of the concept as well as its limitations regarding the human rights orientation of European and international law, focusing on the evolvement and legal implementation of the “Merkel Plan”. The legal analysis also focusses on recent ideas to make new “deals” with third states such as Libya. It concludes with a critical but differentiated(?) acclaim of the controversial externalizing policy approach.
Vine Copulas for Imputation of Monotone Non‐response
Authors: Hasler Caren , Craiu Radu V. , Rivest Louis‐Paul 
Published: April 2018

SummaryMonotone patterns of non‐response may occur in longitudinal studies. When the measured variables are dependent, it is beneficial to use their joint statistical model to impute the missing values. We propose to use vine copulas to factorise the density of the observed variables into a cascade of bivariate copulas that yield a flexible model of their joint distribution. The structure of the vine depends on the non‐response pattern. We propose a method to select the model, to estimate the parameters of the bivariate copulas of the selected model and to impute using the constructed model. The imputed values are drawn from the conditional distribution of the missing values, given the observed data. We discuss the generalisation of our results to more global non‐response patterns.
Low‐temperature sintering and thermal stability of Li2GeO3‐based microwave dielectric ceramics with low permittivity
Authors: Yin Changzhi , Xiang Huaicheng , Li Chunchun , Porwal Harshit , Fang Liang 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA low‐permittivity dielectric ceramic Li2GeO3 was prepared by the solid‐state reaction route. Single‐phase Li2GeO3 crystallized in an orthorhombic structure. Dense ceramics with high relative density and homogeneous microstructure were obtained as sintered at 1000‐1100°C. The optimum microwave dielectric properties were achieved in the sample sintered at 1080°C with a high relative density ~ 96%, a relative permittivity εr ~ 6.36, a quality factor Q × f ~ 29 000 GHz (at 14.5 GHz), and a temperature coefficient of resonance frequency τf ~ −72 ppm/°C. The sintering temperature of Li2GeO3 was successfully lowered via the appropriate addition of B2O3. Only 2 wt.% B2O3 addition contributed to a 21.2% decrease in sintering temperature to 850°C without deteriorating the dielectric properties. The temperature dependence of the resonance frequency was successfully suppressed by the addition of TiO2 to form Li2TiO3 with a positive τf value. These results demonstrate potential applications of Li2GeO3 in low‐temperature cofiring ceramics technology.
A multicohort, longitudinal study of cerebellar development in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Shaw Philip , Ishii‐Takahashi Ayaka , Park Min Tae , Devenyi Gabriel A. , Zibman Chava , Kasparek Steven , Sudre Gustavo , Mangalmurti Aman , Hoogman Martine , Tiemeier Henning , von Polier Georg , Shook Devon , Muetzel Ryan , Chakravarty M. Mallar , Konrad Kerstin , Durston Sarah , White Tonya 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundThe cerebellum supports many cognitive functions disrupted in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Prior neuroanatomic studies have been often limited by small sample sizes, inconsistent findings, and a reliance on cross‐sectional data, limiting inferences about cerebellar development. Here, we conduct a multicohort study using longitudinal data, to characterize cerebellar development.MethodsGrowth trajectories of the cerebellar vermis, hemispheres and white matter were estimated using piecewise linear regression from 1,656 youth; of whom 63% had longitudinal data, totaling 2,914 scans. Four cohorts participated, all contained childhood data (age 4–12 years); two had adolescent data (12–25 years). Growth parameters were combined using random‐effects meta‐analysis.ResultsDiagnostic differences in growth were confined to the corpus medullare (cerebellar white matter). Here, the ADHD group showed slower growth in early childhood compared to the typically developing group (left corpus medullare z = 2.49, p = .01; right z = 2.03, p = .04). This reversed in late childhood, with faster growth in ADHD in the left corpus medullare (z = 2.06, p = .04). Findings held when gender, intelligence, comorbidity, and psychostimulant medication were considered.DiscussionAcross four independent cohorts, containing predominately longitudinal data, we found diagnostic differences in the growth of cerebellar white matter. In ADHD, slower white matter growth in early childhood was followed by faster growth in late childhood. The findings are consistent with the concept of ADHD as a disorder of the brain's structural connections, formed partly by developing cortico‐cerebellar white matter tracts.
A Review and Typology of Circular Economy Business Model Patterns
Authors: Lüdeke‐Freund Florian , Gold Stefan , Bocken Nancy M. P. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThe circular economy (CE) requires companies to rethink their supply chains and business models. Several frameworks found in the academic and practitioner literature propose circular economy business models (CEBMs) to redefine how companies create value while adhering to CE principles. A review of these frameworks shows that some models are frequently discussed, some are framework specific, and some use a different wording to refer to similar CEBMs, pointing to the need to consolidate the current state of the art. We conduct a morphological analysis of 26 current CEBMs from the literature, which includes defining their major business model dimensions and identifying the specific characteristics of these dimensions. Based on this analysis, we identify a broad range of business model design options and propose six major CEBM patterns with the potential to support the closing of resource flows: repair and maintenance; reuse and redistribution; refurbishment and remanufacturing; recycling; cascading and repurposing; and organic feedstock business model patterns. We also discuss different design strategies to support the development of these CEBMs.