bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of 2‐Dimensional Shear Wave Elastographic Measurements Using ElastQ Imaging and SuperSonic Shear Imaging: Phantom Study and Clinical Pilot Study
Authors: Hwang Jisun , Yoon Hee Mang , Jung Ah Young , Lee Jin Seong , Cho Young Ah
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To compare the feasibility and clinical applicability of ElastQ imaging (Philips Healthcare, Best, the Netherlands) with that of SuperSonic shear imaging (SSI; SuperSonic Imagine, Aix‐en‐Provence, France) using an elastographic phantom and a pilot study of patients.

Methods

Two‐dimensional shear wave elastography measurement was performed by ElastQ imaging and SSI by 2 radiologists. An elastographic phantom with 5 target elasticities at 2 acquisition depths was used. The coefficients of variation and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were evaluated for repeatability and interobserver agreement, respectively. The mean elasticities of the systems at each target were compared. The proportions of measurements that were out of the range of expected values and measurement errors were calculated to determine accuracy. Liver stiffness (LS) was measured by both systems in 27 children and young adult patients with various liver diseases.

Results

Both systems provided high repeatability in elasticity measurements of phantom targets (coefficients of variation, 0.69%–15.82%), and there was excellent interobserver agreement (ICC, 0.992). Most (90%) mean elasticities of targets were significantly different between the techniques (P ≤ .002) and acquisition depths (P ≤ .004). ElastQ imaging had significantly lower proportions of out‐of‐range measurements and measurement errors (P ≤ .003) than SSI. In patients with liver disease, LS measurements of the systems were strongly correlated (ρ = 0.955; P < .001) and had excellent agreement (ICC, 0.951; P < .001).

Conclusions

ElastQ imaging had comparably good results in terms of repeatability, interobserver agreement, and accuracy in the phantom model compared with SSI. The pilot patient study showed strong correlations in LS values between the systems.
Dual Cross‐linked Vinyl Vitrimer with Efficient Self‐Catalysis Achieving Triple‐Shape‐Memory Properties
Authors: Niu Xiling , Wang Fenfen , Kui Xing , Zhang Rongchun , Wang Xiaoliang , Li Xiaohui , Chen Tiehong , Sun Pingchuan , Shi An‐Chang
Published: August 2019

As an emerging class of dynamic cross‐linked network, vitrimers have attracted much attention due to the combination of mechanical advantages of thermosets and recyclability of thermoplastics at an elevated temperature. In particular, most vitrimers with multi‐shape memory properties usually involve more than one thermal transition or molecular switch, which might pose a challenge for facile sample fabrication and potentially limits their applications. In pursuit of a more universal and simple route, utilizing commercially available and inexpensive reagents to prepare shape‐memory vitrimers with dual cross‐linked network from vinyl monomer‐derived prepolymers is reported here. Copolymerization of desired vinyl monomers gives prepolymers containing carboxyl and zinc carboxylate groups, which are later converted into vitrimers in a single step by post‐curing with diglycidylether of bisphenol A. The Zn2+ ions can not only act as physical crosslinking points through ionic coordination interactions, thus providing the triple‐shape‐memory properties, but also play the role of catalyst to activate transesterification in the dynamic covalent network. This new self‐catalyzed vitrimer has excellent transesterification efficiency, triple‐shape‐memory properties, and can be sufficiently healed and reprocessed at an elevated temperature. The proposed molecular design of self‐catalyzed materials opens a new avenue toward commercially relevant fabrication of high‐performance vitrimers with multiple shape‐memory properties.
Production of single cell protein from manure as animal feed by using photosynthetic bacteria
Authors: Patthawaro Sirada , Saejung Chewapat
Published: August 2019

To reduce the cost of protein feedstock for animal feed, the use of single cell protein (SCP) produced from waste of animal agriculture is an interesting choice. This study reveals that chicken manure was the best substrate for SCP production by submerged fermentation using photosynthetic bacteria compared to swine, cow, and buffalo manure. Regression analysis showed that the productions were found to be significantly influenced by chicken manure content, inoculum size, and cultivation time. Response surface methodology based on central composite design generated the optimal condition (15% chicken manure, 30% inoculum size and cultivation time for 14 days) at which biomass, protein, and carotenoid productions were increased by 92.3%, 21.6%, and 18.2%, respectively. The percentage of error between the predicted and actual values for biomass, protein, and carotenoid productions were 1.56%, 2.64%, and 2.09%, respectively, which indicates the precision of the model. To verify the quality of SCP, the bacterium was cultured in a photobioreactor to investigate amino acid composition, protein, and nucleic acid contents. The SCP yielded 62.7% protein with essential amino acids including lysine, methionine, threonine, phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, histidine, and low nucleic acid content of 4.52%. This study suggests an alternative SCP production for animal feed as well as the strategy for animal waste management.
The semi‐analytical method for time‐dependent wave problems with uncertainties
Authors: Bartual Maria Consuelo Casabán , López Juan Carlos Cortés , Sánchez Lucas Jódar
Published: August 2019

This paper provides a constructive procedure for the computation of approximate solutions of random time‐dependent hyperbolic mean square partial differential problems. Based on the theoretical representation of the solution as an infinite random improper integral, obtained via the random Fourier transform method, a double approximation process is implemented. Firstly, a random Gauss‐Hermite quadrature is applied, and then, the evaluations at the nodes of the integrand are approximated by using a random Störmer numerical method. Numerical results are illustrated with examples.
Bounds for Csiszár divergence and hybrid Zipf‐Mandelbrot entropy
Authors: Adil Khan Muhammad , Pečarić Ðilda , Pečarić Josip
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this paper is to give a series of inequalities of the Jensen type and their applications for Csiszár divergence. By using these results, we give many estimations for hybrid Zipf‐Mandelbrot entropy.
Improving the image quality of 3D FLAIR with a spiral MRI technique
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Pipe James G. , Ooi Melvyn B. , Kuwabara Michael , Karis John P.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) nulls the CSF signal and is widely used in neuro MRI exams. A 3D scan can provide high SNR, contiguous coverage, and reduced sensitivity to through‐plane CSF flow. In this work, a 3D spiral FLAIR technique is proposed to improve the image quality of conventional 3D Cartesian FLAIR.

Methods

The 3D spiral FLAIR sequence incorporated a spiral‐in/out readout to preserve higher scan efficiency and eliminate off resonance‐induced artifacts observed with a commonly implemented spiral‐out readout, a compensation approach to minimize phase errors due to the concomitant fields accompanying the spiral gradient, and an adapted variable flip angle scheme to preserve scan efficiency and maintain a long and stable echo train. 3D Cartesian and spiral FLAIR (~6 min each) were acquired on a 3 Tesla scanner from 6 subjects (age range: 31‐64 years; mean: 39.5). Two neuroradiologists rated the images in a blinded fashion on a 5‐point scale. The noise performance was assessed quantitatively.

Results

Compared to 3D Cartesian FLAIR, 3D spiral FLAIR exhibits greater reduction of artifacts from CSF, especially anterior to the brain stem (rated better in 4 cases), artifacts attributed to blood/flow in the deep brain (better or much better in all 6 cases), and superior overall image quality (much better in 5 cases) despite residual susceptibility artifacts near the nasal cavity. Quantitative assessment demonstrates ~1.5× higher average SNR than Cartesian data.

Conclusion

3D spiral FLAIR achieves higher SNR, reduced CSF, and blood/flow artifacts, providing an alternative to 3D Cartesian FLAIR for neurological exams.
Symptom‐based latent classes of persons with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Han Claire J. , Pike Ken , Jarrett Monica E. , Heitkemper Margaret M.
Published: August 2019

A large amount of interindividual variability exists in symptom experiences of persons with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Thus, consideration of multiple symptoms to identify distinct symptom subgroups may be useful in directing personalized health strategies for symptom management. We aimed to identify latent classes (i.e., subgroups) of persons with IBS who share similar patterns of symptoms using symptom‐related variables (six groups of daily diary symptoms, cognitive beliefs about IBS, and IBS quality of life [QOL]); and to examine how subgroups differed in patient characteristics. Data were derived from a baseline assessment of men and women enrolled in two cognitively‐focused intervention trials (N = 332). Using latent class analysis, four latent classes were identified: Class 1 (low symptoms and good QOL, n = 153), Class 2 (low symptoms and moderate QOL, n = 106), Class 3 (high symptoms with diarrhea and poor QOL, n = 38), and Class 4 (high symptoms with low diarrhea and moderate QOL, n = 35). Diarrhea, being female, less formal education, unemployment, and previous history of major depressive disorder were associated with membership in Class 3. Using these distinct symptom profiles, the next step is to explore underlying mechanisms accounting for symptom burden with the goal of designing tailored interventions to reduce that burden.
Observer‐based actuator fault estimation and proportional derivative fault tolerant control for continuous‐time singular systems
Authors: Mu Yunfei , Zhang Huaguang , Su Hanguang , Zhang Kun
Published: August 2019

This paper focuses on designing fault estimation (FE) and fault tolerant control (FTC) schemes for continuous‐time singular systems affected by actuator fault. A novel observer called the extended proportional integral observer (PIO) is designed so that the estimations of system state and actuator fault can be obtained simultaneously. In contrast with the traditional PIO, better estimation performance can be obtained by using the designed observer. Furthermore, with the obtained FE information, a novel proportional derivative–type FTC scheme is given by means of the separation property and the free‐weighting matrix technique, which ensures that the closed‐loop system is normal and stable. All the feasible conditions are formulated in linear matrix inequality (LMI) frameworks. Finally, two examples are simulated to prove the superiority and practicability of the presented scheme.
Genomic characterisation of breast fibroepithelial lesions in an international cohort
Authors: Md Nasir Nur Diyana , Ng Cedric Chuan Young , Rajasegaran Vikneswari , Wong Suet Far , Liu Wei , Ng Gwendolene Xin Pei , Lee Jing Yi , Guan Peiyong , Lim Jing Quan , Thike Aye Aye , Koh Valerie Cui Yun , Loke Benjamin Nathanael , Chang Kenneth Tou En , Gudi Mihir Ananta , Lian Derrick Wen Quan , Madhukumar Preetha , Tan Benita Kiat Tee , Tan Veronique Kiak Mien , Wong Chow Yin , Yong Wei Sean , Ho Gay Hui , Ong Kong Wee ,   International Fibroepithelial Consortium, Tan Patrick , Teh Bin Tean , Tan Puay Hoon
Published: August 2019

Fibroepithelial lesions (FELs) are a heterogeneous group of tumours comprising fibroadenomas (FAs) and phyllodes tumours (PTs). Here we used a 16‐gene panel that was previously discovered to be implicated in pathogenesis and progression, to characterise a large international cohort of FELs via targeted sequencing. The study comprised 303 (38%) FAs and 493 (62%) PTs which were contributed by the International Fibroepithelial Consortium. There were 659 (83%) Asian and 109 (14%) non‐Asian FELs, while the ethnicity of the rest was unknown. Genetic aberrations were significantly associated with increasing grade of PTs, and were detected more in PTs than FAs for MED12, TERT promoter, RARA, FLNA, SETD2, TP53, RB1, EGFR, and IGF1R. Most borderline and malignant PTs possessed ≥ 2 mutations, while there were more cases of FAs with ≤ 1 mutation compared to PTs. FELs with MED12 mutations had significantly higher rates of TERT promoter, RARA, SETD2, EGFR, ERBB4, MAP3K1, and IGF1R aberrations. However, FELs with wild‐type MED12 were more likely to express TP53 and PIK3CA mutations. There were no significant differences observed between the mutational profiles of recurrent FAs, FAs with a history of subsequent ipsilateral recurrence or contralateral occurrence, and FAs without a history of subsequent events. We identified recurrent mutations which were more frequent in PTs than FAs, with borderline and malignant PTs harbouring cancer driver gene and multiple mutations. This study affirms the role of a set of genes in FELs, including its potential utility in classification based on mutational profiles. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preoperative computed tomography scanning for abdominal neuroblastomas is superior to magnetic resonance imaging for safe surgical planning
Authors: Burnand Katherine , Barone Giuseppe , McHugh Kieran , Cross Kate
Published: August 2019

Background

Cross‐sectional imaging is required to assess disease prior to surgery for neuroblastoma (NBL), and both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scan are considered acceptable. We had concerns that MRI was underestimating disease extent, so from early 2016 we have systematically used MRI and CT before all abdominal NBL resections. The aim of this retrospective study was to establish which imaging modality is more accurate in determining disease extent, particularly after chemotherapy.

Methods

Abdominal MRI and CT scans for all children with abdominal NBL referred for surgery from January 2016 to February 2018 were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the extent of disease and the presence of imaging‐defined risk factors (IDRFs).

Results

Thirty‐one patients were eligible for consideration of surgery post disease reassessment with MRI/MIBG. Twenty‐four of 31 children were included. CT was performed a median of 15 (range, 1–47) days after MRI. MRI underestimated IDRFs compared with CT in 13 of 24 patients (54%). Seventeen of 24 patients underwent surgery, and operative findings had 100% correlation with CT imaging. Notably, there were fundamental changes in management post CT in 6 of 24 patients (25%). CT did not underestimate disease compared with MRI in any patient.

Conclusion

MRI underestimated the extent of the disease in half of our patients considered for NBL resection. This may be due in part to tumor fibrosis, calcification, and chemotherapy. Preoperative CT scan is the best imaging modality to identify all IDRFs after chemotherapy to ensure safe surgery.
A meta‐analysis of the relationship between empathy and executive function
Authors: Yan Zhiqiang , Hong Skylar , Liu Fuli , Su Yanjie
Published: August 2019

The current meta‐analysis was designed to determine the relationship between executive function (EF) and empathy, as well as to identify any moderators. A search of Chinese and English databases yielded 18 studies and 67 effect sizes involving a total of 6006 participants. Results with the random effects model showed that EF was significantly positively correlated with empathy (r = .14, p < .001). Subgroup analysis showed that EF was more strongly related to cognitive empathy (r = .20, p < .001) than to affective empathy (r = .09, p = .03). Looking at the two dimensions of empathy, we further found that cognitive empathy is closely related to subcomponents of EF, including inhibitory control (r = .23, p < .001), working memory (r = .20, p < .001), and cognitive flexibility (r = .15, p = .036), while only affective empathy was closely related to inhibitory control (r = .12, p < .001). Results suggested that future research should consider that the relationship between empathy and EF varies depending on the division of specific subcomponents. This finding may help in explaining possible mechanisms of how EF affects empathy.
Home videos of cystic fibrosis patients using tobramycin inhalation powder: Relation of flow and cough
Authors: Meerburg Jennifer J. , Albasri Mehdi , van der Wiel Els C. , Andrinopoulou Eleni‐Rosalina , van der Eerden Menno M. , Majoor Christof J. , Arets Hubertus G.M. , Heijerman Harry G.M. , Tiddens Harm A.W.M.
Published: August 2019

Background

Many cystic fibrosis (CF) patients chronically infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa are on maintenance tobramycin inhalation therapy. Cough is reported as a side effect of tobramycin inhalation powder (TIP) in 48% of the patients. Objectives of this study were to investigate the association between the inspiratory flow of TIP and cough and to study the inhalation technique. We hypothesized that cough is related to a fast inhalation.

Materials and Methods

In this prospective observational study, CF patients ≥ 6 years old on TIP maintenance therapy from four Dutch CF centers were visited twice at home. Video recordings were obtained and peak inspiratory flow (PIF) was recorded while patients inhaled TIP. Between the two home visits, the patients made three additional videos. CF questionnaire‐revised, spirometry data, and computed tomography scan were collected. Two observers scored the videos for PIF, cough, and mistakes in inhalation technique. The associations between PIF and cough were analyzed using a logistic mixed‐effects model accounting for FEV1% predicted and capsule number.

Results

Twenty patients were included, median age 22 (18–28) years. No significant associations were found between PIF and cough. The risk of cough was highest after inhalation of the first capsule when compared to the second, third, and fourth capsule (P ≤ .015). Fourteen patients (70%) coughed at least once during TIP inhalation. A breath‐hold of less than 5 seconds after inhalation and no deep expiration before inhalation were the most commonly observed mistakes.

Conclusion

PIF is not related to cough in CF patients using TIP.
Association of air humidity with incidence of exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction in children
Authors: Tikkakoski Anna P. , Tikkakoski Antti , Kivistö Juho E. , Huhtala Heini , Sipilä Kalle , Karjalainen Jussi , Kähönen Mika , Lehtimäki Lauri
Published: August 2019

Background

The effects of humidity and temperature on results of free running test in children are not known.

Objective

Assess the relation of outdoor air temperature, relative humidity (RH), and absolute humidity (AH) to airway obstruction in children after free running exercise test.

Methods

We analyzed all exercise challenge tests with impulse oscillometry in children between January 2012 and April 2015 in the Tampere University Hospital. The associations of AH, RH, and temperature of outdoor air with change in airway resistance were studied using regression analysis and by comparing the frequency of exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (increase ≥40% in resistance at 5 Hz) at different levels of temperature and humidity.

Results

Overall, 868 children with reliable results were included (mean age: 5.4 years; range: 3.0‐14.1). In regression analysis, the relative change in resistance at 5 Hz after exercise was related to temperature (regression coefficient = −0.223, P = .020) and AH (regression coefficient = −0.893, P = .002), but not to RH. If absolute air humidity was <5 g/m3, exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) occurred in 17.6% of study subjects and at AH levels ≥10 g/m3, it occurred in 5.9% of study subjects (P = .008). In multiple regression analysis comparing the effects of temperature and humidity and adjusting for covariates, only AH was independently associated with change in airway resistance (P = .009).

Conclusion

High AH of air is associated with lower incidence of EIB after outdoor exercise test in children. A negative test result at AH ≥10 g/m3 should be interpreted with caution.
Mitochondrial genes associated with pyrethroid resistance revealed by mitochondrial genome and transcriptome analyses in the malaria vector Anopheles sinensis (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Ding Yi‐Ran , Yan Zhen‐Tian , Si Feng‐Ling , Li Xu‐Dong , Mao Qi‐Meng , Asghar Sana , Chen Bin
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Insecticides are still the main method of mosquito control, but mosquito resistance presents a large obstacle. The function of mitochondrial genes in the evolution of insecticide resistance is still poorly understood. Pyrethroid is the most commonly used insecticide, and Anopheles sinensis is an important malaria vector in China and Southeast Asia. In this study, we investigated the mitochondrial genes associated with pyrethroid resistance through their genetic and expression variation based on analyses of transcriptomes and 36 individuals with resequencing in three geographical populations in China.

RESULTS

The nucleotide diversity (Pi) in 18 resistant individuals was much lower than that in 18 susceptible individuals, which suggests that some sites experienced purifying selection subject to pyrethroid stress. Ka/Ks and amino acid analyses showed that ND4 experienced positive selection and had 23 amino acid mutations due to pyrethroid stress. These mutations might change the ND4 structure and function and thus alter the efficiency of the respiratory chain. ND5 was significantly upregulated, and ATP8 was significantly downregulated in these three pyrethroid resistant populations, which suggests that these two genes function in the production and maintenance of pyrethroid resistance. There are differences in mitochondrial genes involved in pyrethroid resistance among these three populations.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to reveal the association of mitochondrial genes in the evolution of insecticide resistance through amino acid mutation and expression patterns and can help us further understand insecticide resistance mechanisms. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
The Effects of Aluminum Gettering and Thermal Treatments on the Light‐Emitting Properties of Dislocation Structures in Self‐Implanted Silicon Subjected to Boron Ion Doping
Authors: Tereshchenko Alexey , Korolev Dmitry , Khorosheva Maria , Mikhaylov Alexey , Belov Alexey , Nikolskaya Alena , Tetelbaum David
Published: August 2019

The effect of aluminum gettering (AlG) procedures and thermal treatments on the temperature dependence of the photoluminescence of dislocation structures in silicon formed by Si+ ion implantation and modified by boron ion doping with various doses is investigated. It is shown that the temperature dependence of the D1 line intensity of dislocation‐related luminescence undergoes radical changes as a result of both AlG and thermal treatments at identical regimes. After AlG, the shape of the temperature dependence of the D1 line intensity does not depend on the dose of implanted boron, and a continuous strong increase in the luminescence intensity from 6 to 90–100 K is observed, forming a maximum on the temperature dependence curve. In the case of identical heat treatments of samples (without deposition of the Al film), the correlation is found between the position of the high‐temperature luminescence maximum and the concentration of the implanted boron, namely, its shift to higher temperatures with increasing boron content. A possible mechanism of the observed anomalous behavior of luminescence is discussed.
The cannabidiol craze and the opioid crisis
Authors: Price Lawrence H.
Published: August 2019

Our primary focus in the Update has always been on providing information to our readers that will be useful to them as practicing clinicians. As a result, we don't often cover findings from the psychopharmacology laboratory. It's not that such studies are not interesting (I have spent much of my career doing them). It's just that they usually don't translate into something that will make a difference in the clinic.
Do schools matter? An exploration of the determinants of lower secondary school subject choices under the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence
Authors: Shapira Marina , Priestley Mark
Published: August 2019

This paper explores school level determinants of curriculum narrowing in the senior phase of secondary education, under the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence (CfE). It presents findings from an analysis of longitudinal administrative education data (2011–2017), and Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) data on subject enrolments for Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework National 5 level qualifications, undertaken by 14–15‐year‐old students in year 4 of secondary education (S4) in Scotland. The data are aggregated at the level of schools and linked with Scottish School Census data that provide information about school characteristics (in terms of their size, number of qualified teachers, socio‐economic composition, etc.) and school area characteristics. We used descriptive methods of statistical data analysis and multilevel regression modelling, in order to explore the variations between schools in: (a) number of subject choices; and (b) configuration of subject enrolment and to identify factors responsible for these variations. Our findings show that the senior phase curriculum is becoming narrower. There is trend since 2013, the year when new qualifications under CfE were introduced, for fewer subjects to be taken in school year S4 for level 5 National Qualifications. Yet, the size of this reduction has not been uniform, but has varied between schools of different characteristics, between areas with different level of deprivation and between local authorities across Scotland. The findings show that theSEScomposition of school intake has a strong association with the number and configuration of subject entries. A larger reduction in the number of subject entries for National 5 level qualifications took place in schools in more deprived areas, as well as in schools with a larger number of students from disadvantaged socio‐economic backgrounds, schools where the proportion of pupils with additional learning support needs was higher, and schools with poorer staff–student ratios. We also found that the number of subject entries was smaller in schools where the overall number of subjects offered for National 5 level qualifications was smaller. Furthermore, we found that schools in areas of higher deprivation and schools with larger numbers of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds had smaller proportions of young people enrolled in Sciences and Modern Languages, and a larger proportion of pupils enrolled in Vocational subjects.
Magnetospheric Radio and Plasma Wave Research: 1987–1990
Authors: KURTH W. S.
Published: August 2019

The Voyager 2 mission has provided the opportunity to explore the radio and plasma wave environments of Uranus and Neptune, nearly completing the exploratory phase of plasma processes in the solar system's planetary magnetospheres. At the same time increasingly sophisticated observations and theoretical techniques such as numerical simulations have allowed significant progress in our understanding of wave phenomena in the terrestrial magnetosphere. This report summarizes radio and plasma wave research in planetary magnetospheres during the interval 1987–1990.
Trace Elements in Estuarine and Coastal Waters ‐ U.S. Studies from 1986–1990
Authors: CUTTER GREGORY A.
Published: August 2019

The use of specialized analytical techniques, field studies, controlled laboratory experiments, and geochemical modeling have allowed U.S. investigators to expand our understanding of trace element cycling in coastal waters and estuaries. Considerable emphasis has been placed on quantifying the flux of trace elements within and through the coastal zone. In addition, substantial progress has been made in identifying the chemical speciation of many trace elements, providing a linkage between the geochemical and biochemical behavior of these elements. Another significant advance has been the use of trace elements as tracers of geochemical processes and water masses in the coastal environment.
The Magnetospheres of the Outer Planets
Authors: McNUTT RALPH L.
Published: August 2019

The past four years have witnessed the culmination of the initial reconnaissance of the giant outer planets and their magnetospheres. This includes more mature modeling of dynamics of and processes in the magnetospheres of Jupiter and Saturn, the first detailed reports on the fields and particles environment of Uranus, and the initial reports concerning the magnetosphere of Neptune, first sampled directly by Voyager 2 in August, 1989. Of the major bodies of the outer solar system, only the asteroids and the Pluto/Charon system remain unvisited, although some attention was focused on the latter during this quadrennium. We review work on and our understanding of the magnetospheres of all of the outer planets during the previous four years.
Preparation of Granular Carbon‐Based Solid Acid Catalyst from White Poplar and the Catalytic Activities in Esterification
Authors: Lu Hemiao , Tang Wei , Ji Jie , Liang Xuezheng , Ji Genzhong
Published: August 2019

Three granular carbon‐based solid acids were prepared from white poplar and used for the esterification of oleic acid and methanol. The granular carbon‐based catalysts were characterized by elemental analysis (EA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and specific surface area test (BET) etc. The catalysts demonstrated high activities for the esterification of oleic acid with the conversion up to 98%. The prepared catalysts can be easily recovered and reused in the application process. The effects of carbonization temperature and reaction conditions on the catalytic activities were investigated. The results showed that the catalyst prepared by method‐2 owned excellent stability with the recycled esterification conversion of 90% after five runs.
Patterning of Nanoparticle‐Based Aerogels and Xerogels by Inkjet Printing
Authors: Lübkemann Franziska , Miethe Jan Frederick , Steinbach Frank , Rusch Pascal , Schlosser Anja , Zámbó Dániel , Heinemeyer Thea , Natke Dominik , Zok Dorian , Dorfs Dirk , Bigall Nadja C.
Published: August 2019

Nanoparticle‐based voluminous 3D networks with low densities are a unique class of materials and are commonly known as aerogels. Due to the high surface‐to‐volume ratio, aerogels and xerogels might be suitable materials for applications in different fields, e.g. photocatalysis, catalysis, or sensing. One major difficulty in the handling of nanoparticle‐based aerogels and xerogels is the defined patterning of these structures on different substrates and surfaces. The automated manufacturing of nanoparticle‐based aerogel‐ or xerogel‐coated electrodes can easily be realized via inkjet printing. The main focus of this work is the implementation of the standard nanoparticle‐based gelation process in a commercial inkjet printing system. By simultaneously printing semiconductor nanoparticles and a destabilization agent, a 3D network on a conducting and transparent surface is obtained. First spectro‐electrochemical measurements are recorded to investigate the charge–carrier mobility within these 3D semiconductor‐based xerogel networks.
Modulatory effects of Saussurea lappa root aqueous extract against ethephon‐induced kidney toxicity in male rats
Authors: Tousson Ehab , El‐Atrsh Afaf , Mansour Merfaat , Abdallah Assem
Published: August 2019

Ethephon (2‐chloroethyl phosphonic acid) is a plant growth promoter used to control the plant growth process by liberating ethylene and stimulating the production of endogenous ethylene. Medicinal plants are sources of novel drug discovery targets. Costus (Saussurea lappa) has been used as traditional Chinese medicine. The current study was conducted to examine the possible modifying effects of costus (S. lappa) root aqueous extract against kidney toxicity induced by ethephon in male rats. A total of 50 adult male rats were divided into five groups (first, control; second, costus; third, ethephon; fourth, posttreated ethephon with costus; fifth, ethephon self‐healing). There is a significant increase in the serum levels of urea, creatinine, potassium ions, chloride ions, kidney injury, DNA damage, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expressions in treated rats with ethephon when compared to the control group. In contrast, the treated rats with ethephon revealed a significant decrease in the levels of sodium ions and an insignificant decrease in the calcium ions. Saussurea lappa extract modified these alterations when compared to the control group. As a result, costus root extract significantly reduced rat kidney toxicity after ethephon administration. We recommend costus to be included in diet for its valuable effects, and also producers and consumers should become more aware about the toxic effects of ethephon.
Politics and the plastic crisis: A review throughout the plastic life cycle
Authors: Nielsen Tobias D. , Hasselbalch Jacob , Holmberg Karl , Stripple Johannes
Published: August 2019

This article surveys the politics of plastics through a reading and analysis of more than 180 scientific articles in the fields of environmental science and environmental studies. Despite the many benefits of plastics, the global plastic system is increasingly being recognized as the source of severe environmental problems. Rather than orient the investigation around specific venues, levels, or architectures of governance, our survey first follows plastic through its life cycle, and then considers the major categories of plastic objects addressed in the current literature, and the different approaches taken to each category. The politics of plastics is a growing field of inquiry, with the most rapid expansion in the areas of marine pollution and microplastics. Our consideration of plastic flows reveals increasing politicization towards the latter end of the life cycle, that is, plastic as waste and pollution. Turning to plastic objects, we observe different forms of mobilization, and varying connections between flows and objects, which allow for multiple interpretations of what is at stake. In the closing section, we consider two recent trends in the plastic governance discussion that take a more holistic view of the plastic crisis: attempts to construct (a) a circular plastics economy and (b) global plastics conventions or treaties. We end the paper by highlighting the need for studies to further investigate the norms and practices that maintain the role of plastics in society, as well as the political and economic arrangements that secure its overabundance and low price.

This article is categorized under:

Energy Policy and Planning > Economics and Policy

Fossil Fuels > Science and Materials

Fossil Fuels > Climate and Environment
The Lithium Salts of Bis(azolyl)borates as Strontium‐ and Chlorine‐free Red Pyrotechnic Colorants
Authors: Dufter Alicia M. W. , Klapötke Thomas M. , Rusan Magdalena , Stierstorfer Jörg
Published: August 2019

After concerns regarding the use of chlorinated material for pyrotechnic items had reinforced, the action of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on health concerns about strontium ushered in a new era in the production of red light. Lithium was shown to impart red color to a pyrotechnic flame, however only a very narrow selection of such formulations can be found in the literature. Dihydrobis(azolyl)borates are a well investigated, easily accessible class of materials which have been proven to be suitable as pyrotechnic coloring agents. With their high nitrogen contents such moieties should also meet the requirements of a low combustion temperature and a reducing flame atmosphere for a lithium‐based red‐burning composition. This work evaluates the capability of the lithium salts of dihydrobis(pyrazol‐1‐yl)borate, dihydrobis(1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)borate, and dihydrobis(tetrazol‐1‐yl)borate to serve as red color imparters. The latter compounds were characterized by multinuclear NMR experiments, IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and were investigated with respect to their thermal stabilities as well as sensitivities toward various ignition stimuli.
The Use of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) to Study Catalyst Deactivation of V2O5/γ‐Al2O3 as Compared to Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry
Authors: Keshavarz Mohammad Hossein , Belyani Sahar , Darbani Seyyed Mohammad Reza , Tehrani Masoud Kavosh
Published: August 2019

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) method is introduced as a novel approach in this work to study catalyst deactivation of V2O5/γ‐‐Al2O3 for gas‐phase dehydration of glycerol and producing acrolein. The LIBS results of V2O5/γ‐Al2O3 samples are compared with those data that are obtained by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP‐OES). Experimental data of LIBS data specify that line intensities of vanadium are decreased by deactivation of V2O5/γ‐Al2O3 catalyst. A comparison between the results of LIBS test as well as ICP‐OES analysis shows that the amount of vanadium is decreased in the catalyst. Moreover, coke formation changes the surface of the catalyst. The results of deactivation of V2O5/γ‐Al2O3 are also compared with Pd/C catalyst deactivation.
Developing Dark Pessimism Towards the Justificatory Role of Introspective Reports
Authors: Irvine Elizabeth
Published: August 2019

This paper argues for a position of ‘dark pessimism’ towards introspective reports playing a strong justificatory role in consciousness science, based on the application of frameworks and concepts of measurement. I first show that treating introspective reports as measurements fits well within current discussions of the reliability of introspection, and argue that introspective reports must satisfy at least a minimal definition of measurement in order to play a justificatory role in consciousness science. I then show how treating introspective reports as measurements makes it possible to identify the foundational methodological problems that underlie much of the current philosophical and scientific debate about the status of introspective evidence in studying consciousness. I argue that these problems prevent introspective reports from playing a strong justificatory role and resolving long-standing debates in consciousness science, both in contemporary work and in the future.
The repatriation of the Palaeoamericans: Kennewick Man/the Ancient One and the end of a non-Indian ancient North America
Authors: KAKALIOURAS ANN M.
Published: August 2019

This article considers the repatriation of some the most ancient human skeletal remains from the United States as two sorts of ending: their end as objects of scientific study, and their end as ancient non-American Indian settlers of North America. In the 1990s, some prominent physical anthropologists and archaeologists began replacing ‘Palaeoindian’ with the new category of ‘Palaeoamerican’ to characterize the western hemisphere's earliest inhabitants. Kennewick Man/the Ancient One, a nearly nine-thousand-year-old skeleton, convinced some anthropologists that contemporary Native American people (descendants of Palaeoindians) were not biologically related to the very first American colonists. The concept of the Palaeoamerican therefore denied Native American people their long-held status as the original inhabitants of the Americas. New genetic results, however, have contradicted the craniometric interpretations that led to these perceptions, placing the most ancient American skeletons firmly back in the American Indian family tree. This article describes the story of Kennewick Man/the Ancient One, the most famous ‘Palaeoamerican’; explores how repatriation has been a common end for many North American collections (Palaeoindians included); and enumerates what kind of ending repatriation may represent materially and ethically for anthropological science.
Improved scaling laws for the shock-induced dispersal of a dense particle curtain
Authors: DeMauro Edward P. , Wagner Justin L. , DeChant Lawrence J. , Beresh Steven J. , Turpin Aaron M.
Published: August 2019

Experiments were performed within Sandia National Labs’ Multiphase Shock Tube to measure and quantify the shock-induced dispersal of a shock/dense particle curtain interaction. Following interaction with a planar travelling shock wave, schlieren imaging at 75 kHz was used to track the upstream and downstream edges of the curtain. Data were obtained for two particle diameter ranges ($d_{p}=106{-}125$, $300{-}355~\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{m}$) across Mach numbers ranging from 1.24 to 2.02. Using these data, along with data compiled from the literature, the dispersion of a dense curtain was studied for multiple Mach numbers (1.2–2.6), particle sizes ($100{-}1000~\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{m}$) and volume fractions (9–32 %). Data were non-dimensionalized according to two different scaling methods found within the literature, with time scales defined based on either particle propagation time or pressure ratio across a reflected shock. The data show that spreading of the particle curtain is a function of the volume fraction, with the effectiveness of each time scale based on the proximity of a given curtain’s volume fraction to the dilute mixture regime. It is seen that volume fraction corrections applied to a traditional particle propagation time scale result in the best collapse of the data between the two time scales tested here. In addition, a constant-thickness regime has been identified, which has not been noted within previous literature.
Superharmonic instability of nonlinear travelling wave solutions in Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Sato Naoki , Yamada Michio
Published: August 2019

The problem of linear instability of a nonlinear travelling wave in a canonical Hamiltonian system with translational symmetry subject to superharmonic perturbations is discussed. It is shown that exchange of stability occurs when energy is stationary as a function of wave speed. This generalizes a result proved by Saffman (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 159, 1985, pp. 169–174) for travelling wave solutions exhibiting a wave profile with reflectional symmetry. The present argument remains true for any non-canonical Hamiltonian system that can be cast in Darboux form, i.e. a canonical Hamiltonian form on a submanifold defined by constraints, such as a two-dimensional surface wave on a constant shearing flow, revealing a general feature of Hamiltonian dynamics.
SEX, GENDER, AND ROMANTIC INTIMACY IN SERVICEMEN'S LETTERS DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR
Authors: TWELLS ALISON
Published: August 2019

This article explores sex and romance as under-examined aspects of wartime masculinities through a focus on letters from servicemen recipients of woollen ‘comforts’ to girls and women who knitted for them during the Second World War. It examines the tension between the cultural ideal of ‘temperate heroism’ that formed the hegemonic masculinity during the Second World War and evidence of predatory male sexuality and sexual violence, both in combat and on the home front. Servicemen's letters to anonymous knitters reveal many aspects of their emotional lives, including the widespread deployment of romance as a mechanism for maintaining morale. They also reveal that some men were able to manipulate their image as ‘heroes’ and make use of the comforts fund as a vehicle for engaging in sexually explicit correspondence and transgressive and deviant behaviours. A foregrounding of romance and sexuality suggests that we need to look again at arguments relating to the contiguity between military cultures and middle- and working-class civilian codes of respectable masculinity and male heterosexual expression. The article further engages with critiques in the history of masculinity of the neglect of working-class masculinities and the tendency to focus on cultural scripts about masculinity rather than what men actually did or felt.
The structure and migration patterns of the population of Uruguay through isonymy
Authors: Carrieri A. , Sans M. , Dipierri J. E. , Alfaro E. , Mamolini E. , Sandri M. , Rodríguez-Larralde A. , Scapoli C. , Barrai I.
Published: August 2019

Surname distribution can be a useful tool for studying the genetic structure of a human population. In South America, the Uruguay population has traditionally been considered to be of European ancestry, despite its trihybrid origin, as proved through genetics. The aim of this study was to investigate the structure of the Uruguayan population, resulting from population movements and surname drift in the country. The distribution of the surnames of 2,501,774 people on the electoral register was studied in the nineteen departments of Uruguay. Multivariate approaches were used to estimate isonymic parameters. Isolation by Distance was measured by correlating isonymic and geographic distances. In the study sample, the most frequent surnames were consistently Spanish, reflecting the fact that the first immigration waves occurred before Uruguayan independence. Only a few surnames of Native origin were recorded. The effective surname number (α) for the entire country was 302, and the average for departments was 235.8 ± 19. Inbreeding estimates were lower in the south-west of the country and in the densely populated Montevideo area. Isonymic distances between departments were significantly correlated with linear geographic distance (p < 0.001) indicating continuously increasing surname distances up to 400 km. Surnames form clusters related to geographic regions affected by different historical processes. The isonymic structure of Uruguay shows a radiation towards the east and north, with short-range migration playing a major role, while the contribution of drift, considering the small variance of α, appears to be minor.
Intestinal parasites at the Late Bronze Age settlement of Must Farm, in the fens of East Anglia, UK (9th century B.C.E.)
Authors: Ledger Marissa L. , Grimshaw Elisabeth , Fairey Madison , Whelton Helen L. , Bull Ian D. , Ballantyne Rachel , Knight Mark , Mitchell Piers D.
Published: August 2019

Little is known about the types of intestinal parasites that infected people living in prehistoric Britain. The Late Bronze Age archaeological site of Must Farm was a pile-dwelling settlement located in a wetland, consisting of stilted timber structures constructed over a slow-moving freshwater channel. At excavation, sediment samples were collected from occupation deposits around the timber structures. Fifteen coprolites were also hand-recovered from the occupation deposits; four were identified as human and seven as canine, using fecal lipid biomarkers. Digital light microscopy was used to identify preserved helminth eggs in the sediment and coprolites. Eggs of fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum and Diphyllobothrium dendriticum), Echinostoma sp., giant kidney worm (Dioctophyma renale), probable pig whipworm (Trichuris suis) and Capillaria sp. were found. This is the earliest evidence for fish tapeworm, Echinostoma worm, Capillaria worm and the giant kidney worm so far identified in Britain. It appears that the wetland environment of the settlement contributed to establishing parasite diversity and put the inhabitants at risk of infection by helminth species spread by eating raw fish, frogs or molluscs that flourish in freshwater aquatic environments, conversely the wetland may also have protected them from infection by certain geohelminths.