bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cost‐effective crosslinked β‐cyclodextrin polymer for the rapid and efficient removal of micropollutants from wastewater
Authors: Yang ChangAn , Huang He , Ji Tuo , Zhang KeSheng , Yuan LeQun , Zhou CongShan , Tang KeWen , Yi JianMin , Chen XiaoBo
Published: January 2019

Water pollution problems pose a serious threat to the health of humans and other living organisms due to the increasing global contamination of various water resources by organic micropollutants, such as plastic components, dyes and pesticide intermediates. It has been a challenging problem to remove these organic micropollutants, despite various attempts. Here, we report a novel, cost‐effective and water‐insoluble crosslinked β‐cyclodextrin polymer for the efficient removal of various organic micropollutants from wastewaters with excellent adsorption capacity, large removal rate, robust performance and reusability. This polymer can remove 93% of bisphenol A within 1 min with an equilibrium uptake of 38 mg g−1 and a maximum adsorption capacity at equilibrium of 139 mg g−1. This is the fastest removal performance that has been reported so far, showing a bright future towards practical applications. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of Rabbit Oviductal Fluid Proteins Involved in Pre‐Fertilization Processes by Quantitative Proteomics
Authors: Yu Hans , Hackenbroch Lena , Meyer Florian R. L. , Reiser Judith , Razzazi‐Fazeli Ebrahim , Nöbauer Katharina , Besenfelder Urban , Vogl Claus , Brem Gottfried , Mayrhofer Corina
Published: January 2019

Oviductal fluid (ODF) proteins modulate and support reproductive processes in the oviduct. In the present study, proteins involved in the biological events that precede fertilization have been identified in the rabbit ODF proteome, isolated from the ampulla and isthmus of the oviduct at different time points within 8 h after intrauterine insemination. A workflow is used that integrates lectin affinity capture with stable‐isotope dimethyl labeling prior to nanoLC‐MS/MS analysis. In total, over 400 ODF proteins, including 214 lectin enriched glycoproteins, are identified and quantified. Selected data are validated by Western blot analysis. Spatiotemporal alterations in the abundance of ODF proteins in response to insemination are detected by global analysis. A subset of 63 potentially biologically relevant ODF proteins is identified, including extracellular matrix components, chaperones, oxidoreductases, and immunity proteins. Functional enrichment analysis reveals an altered peptidase regulator activity upon insemination. In addition to protein identification and abundance changes, N‐glycopeptide analysis further identifies 281 glycosites on 199 proteins. Taken together, these results show, for the first time, the evolving oviductal milieu early upon insemination. The identified proteins are likely those that modulate in vitro processes, including spermatozoa function.
Biocontrol of rats in an urban environment in Southeast Asia using Sarcocystis singaporensis
Authors: Jäkel Thomas , Promkerd Prasartthong , Sitthirath Rasmy , Guedant Pierre , Khoprasert Yuvaluk
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Upon request of the local administration a control campaign targeting commensal rats (Rattus rattus, R. exulans) was conducted in 30 sub‐districts (villages) of the World Heritage town Luang Prabang, Northern Laos, using rat bait containing lethal quantities of the parasitic protist Sarcocystis singaporensis. The associated investigations assessed the short‐term control efficacy, willingness of residents to co‐operate (community approach), and temporal and spatial changes of the urban rat population in response to treatment.

RESULTS

Biological rodent control significantly reduced rodent activity (percentage of positive tracking patches) in the town, from a mean of 25.3% (±12.8% SD) before (January–February) down to 8.0% (±4.4%) after (June) treatment. Reduction of rodent activity relative to three untreated villages was 83%. Similarly, residents observed significantly fewer rats on their properties after the campaign (mean percentage of households (HHs) per village with sightings), whereby reduction of sightings amounted to 57%. There was significant correlation between residents' observation rates and rodent activity. Among 94 rats trapped before and after treatment each, proportions of adult R. exulans and juvenile R. rattus were higher after rodent control, suggesting that a considerable part of the adult house rat population had been removed. Furthermore, a 5% post‐campaign incidence of infection suggested that few rats had survived bait uptake.

CONCLUSION

S. singaporensis may be used successfully as tactical biocontrol agent for culling of rats in urban environments. We propose additional components of a long‐term rodent management strategy for the town, without which the impact of culling campaigns would be limited. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Crystal Structure and Thermal Expansion Coefficient of Cordierite Honeycomb Ceramics
Authors: Son Min‐A , Chae Ki‐Woong , Kim Jeong Seog , Kim Shin‐Han
Published: January 2019

Cordierite honeycomb ceramics are sintered under a range of sintering atmosphere and temperature conditions. The linear thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) is measured along the extrusion direction. The samples sintered in an enclosed crucible have a much lower CTE than those sintered in open air. The CTE decreases with increasing sintering temperature up to 1450 °C. The polymorphic phases, texture, amorphous phase, impurity crystals, and porosity are analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, HR‐TEM, porosimeter, and Rietveld refinement method. The sintered samples consist of two polymorphic phases: indialite (hexagonal symmetry) and cordierite (orthorhombic symmetry). Both the volume % of the cordierite phase and the crystal texture increase with increasing sintering temperature. The orthorhombic distortion of cordierite from the hexagonal lattice (indialite) increases with increasing sintering temperature. The characteristic six‐membered ring of the (Si,Al)‐O4 tetrahedra in the cordierite structure shows substantial changes in the bond length due to Al‐Si ordering. Amorphous phase and impurity crystal phases such as silimanite and spinel remain at temperatures as high as 1450 °C. The effect of the polymorphic phases, the degree of texture, amorphous phase, impurity crystal phases, and the orthorhombic distortion is discussed in relation to the CTE characteristics of honeycomb.
Berberine and barberry (Berberis vulgaris): A clinical review
Authors: Imenshahidi Mohsen , Hosseinzadeh Hossein
Published: January 2019

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) has different medicinal applications in folk medicine of Iran. Berberine, an alkaloid constituent of this plant, is present in the roots, rhizomes, stem, and bark of B. vulgaris and many other plants. There have been many clinical trials conducted that suggested a wide range of therapeutic applications. Here, we investigated the clinical uses of berberine and B. vulgaris in the treatment of different diseases in humans. An extensive search in electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Sciences and Science Direct) was used to identify the clinical trials on B. vulgaris and berberine. Lipid‐lowering and insulin‐resistance improving actions are the most studied properties of berberine in numerous randomized clinical trials. There are also clinical trials regarding cardiovascular, anticancer, gastrointestinal, CNS, endocrine, and so on. Berberine has very low toxicity in usual doses and reveals clinical benefits without major side effects. Only mild gastrointestinal reactions may occur in some patients. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary concerning the clinical trials conducted on berberine to improve the clinical application of this nutraceutical in different diseases. In this review article, we used 77 clinical studies on human subjects.
Synergistic anti‐inflammatory effects of quercetin and catechin via inhibiting activation of TLR4–MyD88‐mediated NF‐κB and MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Li Ting , Li Feng , Liu Xinying , Liu Jianhua , Li Dapeng
Published: January 2019

The synergistic anti‐inflammatory effect of quercetin and catechin was investigated using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Results showed that the combined treatment of quercetin with catechin synergistically attenuated LPS‐stimulated increase of some proinflammatory molecules, including nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin‐1β, nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase‐2. Moreover, it exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) stronger inhibitory effect on nuclear translocation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) by suppressing the phosphorylation of NF‐κB p65 and p50 submits and on the phosphorylation of ETS domain‐containing protein and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase than any of quercetin or catechin alone. Besides, the cotreatment of quercetin with catechin significantly (p < 0.05) restored the impaired expression of toll‐like receptor 4, myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88, and some downstream effectors (IRAK1, TRAF6, and TAK1). These results suggest that quercetin and catechin possessed synergistic anti‐inflammatory effects, which may be attributed to their roles in suppressing the activation of TLR4–MyD88‐mediated NF‐κB and mitogen‐activated protein kinases signaling pathways.
SIRT1/AMPK and Akt/eNOS signaling pathways are involved in endothelial protection of total aralosides of Aralia elata (Miq) Seem against high‐fat diet‐induced atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice
Authors: Luo Yun , Lu Shan , Ai Qidi , Zhou Ping , Qin Meng , Sun Guibo , Sun Xiaobo
Published: January 2019

Total aralosides of Aralia elata (Miq) Seem (TASAESs) possess multiple pharmacological activity, such as anti‐inflammation, antioxidation, and antiapoptosis. However, there is no literature reporting the antiatherosclerotic effect and mechanism of TASAES so far. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiatherosclerotic effects in high‐fat diet‐induced ApoE−/− mice and potential mechanism of TASAES in ox‐LDL‐injured endothelial cells. In vivo assay, our data demonstrated that TASAES significantly reduced the atherosclerotic plaque size and caspase‐3 expression level in aortic valve. In vitro, we found that TASAES could increase endothelial cell viability, attenuated mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, and endothelial cells apoptosis. In addition, we found that TASAES could activate SIRT1/AMPK and Akt/eNOS signaling pathways. Importantly, EX527, SIRT1 siRNA, and LY294002, Akt siRNA, remarkably abolished the antiapoptotic effects of TASAES. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that SIRT1/AMPK and Akt/eNOS signaling pathways are involved in endothelial protection of TASAES against atherosclerotic mice, suggesting that TASAES is a candidate drug for atherosclerosis treatment.
Integral sliding mode fault‐tolerant control allocation for a class of affine nonlinear system
Authors: Chen L. , Edwards C. , Alwi H.
Published: January 2019

This paper develops novel fault‐tolerant integral sliding mode control allocation schemes for a class of an overactuated affine nonlinear system. The proposed schemes rely on an existing baseline controller, and the objective is to retain the nominal (fault‐free) closed‐loop performance in the face of actuator faults/failures by effectively utilizing actuator redundancy. The online control allocation reroutes the control effort to healthy actuators using the knowledge of actuator effectiveness level estimates. One of the proposed schemes is tested in simulation using a well‐known high‐fidelity model of a large civil transport aircraft (B747) from the literature. Good simulation results show the efficacy of the scheme.
Indigenous peoples' livelihood practices in south‐eastern Bangladesh and the question of sustainability
Authors: Barau Aliyu Akilu , Afrad Md. Safiul Islam , Rahman Md. Sadekur , Rahman Md. Abiar
Published: January 2019

Voices from different international angles have argued on the rights of the indigenous peoples, threats to their identity and livelihood, and their sustainability. In Bangladesh, however, despite the rich biological and cultural diversity, and environmental resources, the indigenous peoples' dominated south‐eastern (Chittagong Hill Tract [CHT]) part of the country has remained one of the most underprivileged, lacking in virtually all development indicators. Hence, this paper reviews the livelihood practices of the indigenous peoples in the CHT and their sustainability. The aim is to advance discussions for streamlining efforts towards sustainable livelihood development, especially in the CHT. The narrative review finds that the indigenous peoples have differed identities and engage largely in subsistence agriculture‐based livelihood practices with a little diversification, and efforts towards development of livelihood sustainability in the CHT have just begun to come to the front burner. In essence, sustainability of indigenous peoples' livelihood in the CHT is at risk and requires requisite actions.
A new approach for sizing trials with composite binary endpoints using anticipated marginal values and accounting for the correlation between components
Authors: Bofill Roig Marta , Gómez Melis Guadalupe
Published: January 2019

Composite binary endpoints are increasingly used as primary endpoints in clinical trials. When designing a trial, it is crucial to determine the appropriate sample size for testing the statistical differences between treatment groups for the primary endpoint. As shown in this work, when using a composite binary endpoint to size a trial, one needs to specify the event rates and the effect sizes of the composite components as well as the correlation between them. In practice, the marginal parameters of the components can be obtained from previous studies or pilot trials; however, the correlation is often not previously reported and thus usually unknown. We first show that the sample size for composite binary endpoints is strongly dependent on the correlation and, second, that slight deviations in the prior information on the marginal parameters may result in underpowered trials for achieving the study objectives at a pre‐specified significance level. We propose a general strategy for calculating the required sample size when the correlation is not specified and accounting for uncertainty in the marginal parameter values. We present the web platform CompARE to characterize composite endpoints and to calculate the sample size just as we propose in this paper. We evaluate the performance of the proposal with a simulation study and illustrate it by means of a real case study using CompARE.
Mesoporous Ce2Zr2O7/PbS Nanocomposite with an Excellent Supercapacitor Electrode Performance and Cyclic Stability
Authors: Bibi Nasreen , Xia Yongde , Ahmad Iqbal , Shabbir Saima , Ahmed Safeer , Zhu Yanqiu , Zhang Shaowei , Iqbal Azhar
Published: January 2019

It remains a challenge to fabricate a suitable electrode with high specific capacitance (Csp) and excellent cyclic stability that can enhance the electrochemical performance of the supercapacitor. In the present work, Ce2Zr2O7/PbS nanocomposite has been synthesized and its electrochemical properties has been evaluated for supercapacitor electrode application. The high BET surface area (46 m2/g) and small pore size (11.15 nm) enable better intercalation of electrolyte and confer better capacitive performance on the surface of the nanocomposite electrode. The nanocomposite electrode exhibits an excellent pseudocapacitive performance in 0.1 M KOH electrolyte having specific capacitance of 219 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g. Furthermore, it presents an excellent cycling stability and retains ∼100% Csp after 1000 cyclic voltammetry (CV) cycles. The better electrochemical performance and 100% retention of Csp up to 1000 cycles is attributed to the unique microstructure of nanocomposite i. e., due to the combination of the conductive nature of sulfide and stability of the oxide nanomaterials. These results suggest that Ce2Zr2O7/PbS nanocomposite can be an excellent candidate to be used as an electrode material in supercapacitor devices.
Hydrophilic Fluoro‐Functionalized Graphene Oxide / Polyvinylidene Fluoride Composite Films with High Dielectric Constant and Low Dielectric Loss
Authors: Li Yanan , Wang Bo , Zhang Bangwen , Ge Xin , Bulin Chaoke , Xing Ruiguang
Published: January 2019

A novel and facile method, to synthesize high‐quality fluoro‐functionalized graphene oxide (F‐GO) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composite (F‐GO/PVDF) films prepared by solution blending of F‐GO and PVDF in solution was proposed. The fabricated F‐GO/PVDF nanocomposites with different mass fractions exhibited high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss. Meanwhile, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and raman spectroscopy verified the functional groups in the F‐GO. The microstructure analysis using X‐ray diffraction and field‐emission scanning electronmicroscopy were performed to investigate the morphology of F‐GO and F‐GO/PVDF composite films. The thermal, hydrophilic and electrical characterization properties of F‐GO/PVDF composites were investigated by thermal gravimetric analysis, contact angle, and dielectric constant. These results indicate their potential applications for dielectric devices storage devices.
Hyperfast Water Transport through Biomimetic Nanochannels from Peptide‐Attached (pR)‐pillar[5]arene
Authors: Li Qing , Li Xuesong , Ning Lulu , Tan Choon‐Hong , Mu Yuguang , Wang Rong
Published: January 2019

Synthetic water channels offer great promise to replace natural aquaporins (AQPs) for making new‐generation biomimetic membranes for water treatment. However, the water permeability of the current synthetic water channels is still far below that of AQPs. Here, peptide‐attached (pR)‐pillar[5]arene (pR‐PH) channels are reported to mimic the high permeability of AQPs. It is demonstrated that the pR‐PH channels with an open pore can transport water smoothly and efficiently. The pR‐PH channels are competitive with AQPs in terms of water permeability and are much superior to diastereomer peptide‐attached (pS)‐pillar[5]arene (pS‐PH) and other reported synthetic water channels. The exceptional water‐transport properties of the pR‐PH channels are further demonstrated in a composite polymeric membrane that incorporates the nanochannels into the top selective layer. This membrane gives a significantly improved water flux while retaining high salt rejection. The results establish a tangible foundation for developing highly efficient artificial water channel‐based biomimetic membrane for water purification applications.
Dual‐Function Light‐Trapping: Selective Plating Mask of SiOx/SiNx Stacks for Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Yu Jian , Zhang Liping , Chen Tao , Bian Jiantao , Shi Jianhua , Meng Fanying , Huang Yuelong , Liu Zhengxin
Published: January 2019

Reducing the production cost of highly efficient silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells is essential for their large‐scale commercialization. Replacing screen printed silver contacts with plated copper is an effective way. However, one needs to deal with the process compatibility without sacrificing the cell performance. In this work, a layer stack of silicon oxide and silicon nitride (SiOx/SiNx) is proposed, serving dual functions of light‐trapping and selective copper plating mask. The SiOx/SiNx stack is prepared by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) on a tungsten doped indium oxide (IWO) layer. Optimized SiOx/SiNx/IWO stacks in SHJ solar cells with silver contacts result in excellent anti‐reflection properties and improved external quantum efficiency. A short circuit current density gain of 1.16 mA cm−2 is achieved without the loss in fill factor. This SiOx/SiNx stack is tested as in‐situ deposited selective plating mask for a front‐side copper plating process. An in‐house made light induced plating tool is utilized. A screen printed silver finger is applied as a seed layer for copper plating. The bulk resistivity of Cu/Ag finger reduces to 4.1 E‐6 Ω · cm, which is lower than that of low temperature silver paste (around 6 E‐6 Ω · cm) before copper is plated on it. The dual functions of SiOx/SiNx stack and the process are proven, indicating a good potential for further improving photoelectric properties of SHJ solar cells after well optimization.
Reaction of Al‐Killed Manganese Steel with Ladle Slag
Authors: Deng Zhiyin , Kong Lingzhong , Liang Dong , Zhu Miaoyong
Published: January 2019

Some laboratory experiments are carried out to investigate the reaction between manganese steel and ladle slag. It is found that as expected when the slag basicity [R = w(CaO)/w(SiO2)] is sufficiently low, for example, R < 4, the dissolved Al in conventional Al‐killed steel could reduce the SiO2 component of the slag. In the case of manganese steel grades [w(Mn): 6–20%, w(Al): 0.025%], the reduction of SiO2 by dissolved Mn becomes much more profound compared with that by dissolved Al, resulting in the increase of MnO in slag. When the Mn content is high enough, for example, w(Mn) = 20%, the reaction between the MgO in slag and the dissolved Mn in steel is also very evident. High slag basicity can restrain the reduction of SiO2 by dissolved Mn, but the reaction between MgO and Mn can still take place to generate MnO in slag. High‐basicity refining slag (R > 4) is recommended for manganese steel grades.
Melatonin Enhances Proliferation and Modulates Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells Via Autophagy in Hyperglycemia
Authors: Li Haoyuan , Zhang Yanmin , Liu Shangming , Li Fengpeng , Wang Benlin , Wang Jianjie , Cao Lanfang , Xia Tongliang , Yao Qingyu , Chen Haijun , Zhang Yulin , Zhu Xiaodong , Li Yang , Li Gang , Wang Jian , Li Xingang , Ni Shilei
Published: January 2019

Dysfunction of neural stem cells (NSCs) has been linked to fetal neuropathy, one of the most devastating complications of gestational diabetes. Several studies have demonstrated that melatonin (Mel) exerted neuroprotective actions in various stresses. However, the role of autophagy and the involvement of Mel in NSCs in hyperglycemia (HG) have not yet been fully established. Here, we found that HG increased autophagy and autophagic flux of NSCs as evidenced by increasing LC3B II/I ratio, Beclin-1 expression, and autophagosomes. Moreover, Mel enhanced NSCs proliferation and self-renewal in HG with decreasing autophagy and activated mTOR signaling. Consistently, inhibition of autophagy by 3-Methyladenine (3-Ma) could assist Mel effects above, and induction of autophagy by Rapamycin (Rapa) could diminish Mel effects. Remarkably, HG induced premature differentiation of NSCs into neurons (Map2 positive cells) and astrocytes (GFAP positive cells). Furthermore, Mel diminished HG-induced premature differentiation and assisted NSCs in HG differentiation as that in normal condition. Coincidentally, inhibiting of NSCs autophagy by 3-Ma assisted Mel to modulate differentiation. However, increasing NSCs autophagy by Rapa disturbed the Mel effects and retarded NSCs differentiation. These findings suggested that Mel supplementation could contribute to mimicking normal NSCs proliferation and differentiation in fetal central nervous system by inhibiting autophagy in the context of gestational diabetes. Stem Cells  2019;37:504–515
Mechanical and durability properties of self‐compacting mortars containing binary and ternary mixes of fly ash and silica fume
Authors: Benli Ahmet
Published: January 2019

In this paper, the results of experimental work on the strength and durability performances of self‐compacting mortars (SCMs) manufactured from silica fume (SF) and fly ash (FA) were presented. The cement was partially replaced with 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% of FA and 5, 10, and 15% of SF as binary mixes. Also, ternary mixtures were prepared by the incorporation of FA and SF at different replacement dosages by weight. In total, 14 different combinations of mixes were studied at the ages of 7, 28, and 180 days. Prismatic samples of size 40 × 40 × 160 mm3 were produced and exposed to water curing to observe mechanical behavior of SCMs. The mechanical properties of SCMs were examined by the tests of compressive strength and flexural strength. Sorptivity, porosity, water absorption, and density were also measured. To evaluate fresh properties of SCMs, mini slump flow diameter and mini V‐funnel flow time tests were conducted. The results of the study reveal that increase in the dosage of FA increases SCMs flow but also reduce segregation resistance. The enhancement in flexural strength is the best in the binary mixes of SF10 and in binary mixes of FA. Ten percent replacement of FA shows the best flexural strength performance with a value of 10.21 MPa at the age of 180 days. Compressive and flexural strengths of mortars containing SF and FA reached up to about 86.14 and 10.50 MPa, respectively.
Optimum design for unbonded posttensioned precast split shear wall system using genetic algorithm
Authors: Chen Yue , Li Qingqian , Zhang Zhenya , Cai Kejian , Zhou Ming , Sheng Tao , Wu Hao
Published: January 2019

Precast concrete structures are increasingly being adopted by building designers in regions of high seismicity. An unbonded posttensioned (PT) precast split shear wall system (UPPSSW) was proposed by the Precast Seismic Structural Systems (PRESSS). The UPPSSW system is composed of two or more single precast concrete wall panels that are connected together with energy‐dissipating shear connectors and anchored to the foundation with unbonded PT tendons located at the panel center. In this paper, an optimum design program has been developed for designing this system. The objective of the optimum process is to find the optimum combination between PT tendons and shear connectors while keeping the moment capacity of the wall equal to the applied design moment and achieving zero residual drift simultaneously. In addition, MATLAB was employed to explore an optimization program using genetic algorithm. Compared with the existing design methods for the system, the optimum design program proposed in this research is accurate, efficient, and direct. Moreover, it can yield the optimum design automatically and quickly. As a result, the existing lengthy and manual design process of trial and error for the system can be avoided.
To do it now or later: The cognitive mechanisms and neural substrates underlying procrastination
Authors: Zhang Shunmin , Liu Peiwei , Feng Tingyong
Published: January 2019

Procrastination, the voluntary and irrational delay of an intended course of action, has troubled individuals and society extensively. Various studies have been conducted to explain why people procrastinate and to explore the neural substrates of procrastination. First, research has identified many contributing factors to procrastination. Specifically, task aversiveness, future incentives, and time delay of these incentives have been confirmed as three prominent task characteristics that affect procrastination. On the other hand, self‐control and impulsivity have been identified as two most predictive traits of procrastination. After identifying contributing factors, two important theories proposed to explain procrastination by integrating these factors are reviewed. Specifically, an emotion‐regulation perspective regards procrastination as a form of self‐regulation failure that reflects giving priority to short‐term mood repair over achieving long‐term goals. However, temporal motivation theory explains why people's motivation to act increases when time approaches a deadline with time discounting effect. To further specify the cognitive mechanism underlying procrastination, this study proposes a novel theoretical model which clarifies how the motivation to act and the motivation to avoid vary differently when delaying a task, explaining why people decide not to act now but are willing to act in the future. Of note, few recent studies have investigated neural correlates of procrastination. Specifically, it was revealed that individual differences in procrastination are correlated with structural abnormalities and altered spontaneous metabolism in the parahippocampal cortex and the prefrontal cortex, which might contribute to procrastination through episodic future thinking or memory and emotion regulation, respectively.

This article is categorized under:

Economics > Individual Decision Making

Psychology > Theory and Methods

Psychology > Emotion and Motivation

Psychology > Reasoning and Decision Making
Fighting Back: Institutional Strategies to Combat the Opioid Epidemic: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lovecchio Francis , Premkumar Ajay , Stepan Jeffrey G. , Albert Todd J.
Published: January 2019

Background

Current research on opioid use within orthopedic surgery has focused on efforts to identify patients at risk for chronic opioid use. Studies addressing prevention of opioid misuse related to orthopedic care are lacking. Evidence-based interventions to reduce the reliance on opioids for post-operative pain relief will be a key component of any comprehensive institutional opioid policy.

Questions/Purposes

The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate institutional strategies that reduce opioid administration or consumption after orthopedic surgery.

Methods

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist, a search was conducted of the PubMed database for English-language articles that analyzed interventions by physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, or other hospital staff to reduce post-operative opioid use or narcotic prescription amounts after surgery. Studies that contained objective outcome measures (i.e., no expert opinion articles) were selected. Investigations on the effect of pharmacologic adjuvants, cryotherapy, or regional nerve blockades on opioid use were excluded.

Results

The initial search yielded 6598 titles, of which 13 full-text articles were ultimately selected for inclusion in this systematic review. The review identified two major categories of interventions—patient-focused and provider-focused (e.g., physicians, nurses, physical therapists, pharmacists). Formal patient education programs were most effective in reducing opioid use. On the provider side, prescribing guidelines appear to decrease the overall number of pills prescribed, often without changes in patient satisfaction or requests for refills.

Conclusions

Researchers are just beginning to establish the most effective ways for institutions to reduce opioid use and promote responsible post-operative prescribing. Institutional prescribing guidelines, standardized bedside pain-management programs, and formal patient education curriculums are all evidence-based interventions that can achieve these goals. The available research also supports an interprofessional approach in any institutional opioid-reduction strategy.
Evaluation of Aloe vera genotypes against leaf rot disease under field condition
Authors: Kumar Susheel , Pande S. K. , Singh S. K. , Yadav Jay Kumar , Saini Rajesh
Published: January 2019

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a perennial, succulent plant belongs to the family Liliaceae. Aloe vera leaf rot is one of the major limiting factors in Aloe vera production, which decreases leaf, gel quantity and quality significantly. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the genotypes of Aloe vera against leaf rot disease Out of 26 genotypes, none of genotypes was found the free from disease, three genotypes viz, IC-111280, IC-112531 and IC-112513 were highly resistant, four genotypes viz., IC-111279,IC-112518, IC-285626 and IC-283655 were resistant, nine genotypes viz, IC-310618, IC-471886, IC-310904, IC-112569, IC-112519, IC-112532, IC-310611, IC-310617 and IC-310596 were moderately resistant and rest of the genotype were moderately susceptible to highly susceptible against the disease.
The Empire of International Law?
Authors: Alter Karen J.
Published: January 2019

This review essay examines three intellectual histories focused on fundamental transformations of international law in the early twentieth century. Juan Pablo Scarfi's Hidden History of International Law in the Americas is most interested in debates about a Pan-American international law, meaning the idea that international law might work differently in different regions, which was debated but eventually gave way to the change that Arnulf Becker Lorca, a Lecturer in Public International Law at Georgetown Law, discusses. Becker Lorca's Mestizo International Law is most interested in how the conception that international law applied only to civilized nations transformed into the modern conception that presumes sovereign equality. The Internationalists, by Oona Hathaway and Scott Shapiro, respectively the Gerard C. and Bernice Latrobe Smith Professor of International Law and the Charles F. Southmayd Professor of Law and Professor of Philosophy at Yale Law School, and seeks to understand how the normal (and legal) recourse to force in international relations was replaced by an international law that bans the use of force, except in self-defense. Ideas regarding these issues started to evolve in the late 1800s, but the transformative debates occurred at roughly the same time because the Hague Peace Conferences and the League of Nations allowed contestations over old versus updated understandings of international law to flourish.
The electrostatically forced Faraday instability: theory and experiments
Authors: Ward Kevin , Matsumoto Satoshi , Narayanan Ranga
Published: January 2019

The onset of interfacial instability in two-fluid systems using a viscous, leaky dielectric model is studied. The instability arises as a result of resonance between the parametric frequency of an imposed electric field and the system’s natural frequency. In addition to a rigorous model that uses Floquet instability analysis, where both viscous and charge effects are considered, this study also provides convincing validating experiments. In other results, it is shown that (a) the imposition of a periodic electrostatic potential acts to counter gravity and this countering effect becomes more effective if a DC voltage is also added, (b) a critical DC voltage exists at which the interface becomes unstable such that no parametric frequency is required to completely destabilize the interface and (c) the leaky dielectric model approaches a model for a perfect dielectric/perfect conductor pair as the conductivity ratio becomes large. It is also shown via experiments that parametric resonant instability using electrostatic forcing may be reliably used to estimate interfacial tension to sufficient accuracy.
Elastohydrodynamics of a pre-stretched finite elastic sheet lubricated by a thin viscous film with application to microfluidic soft actuators
Authors: Boyko Evgeniy , Eshel Ran , Gommed Khaled , Gat Amir D. , Bercovici Moran
Published: January 2019

The interaction of a thin viscous film with an elastic sheet results in coupling of pressure and deformation, which can be utilized as an actuation mechanism for surface deformations in a wide range of applications, including microfluidics, optics and soft robotics. Implementation of such configurations inherently takes place over finite domains and often requires some pre-stretching of the sheet. Under the assumptions of strong pre-stretching and small deformations of the lubricated elastic sheet, we use the linearized Reynolds and Föppl–von Kármán equations to derive closed-form analytical solutions describing the deformation in a finite domain due to external forces, accounting for both bending and tension effects. We provide a closed-form solution for the case of a square-shaped actuation region and present the effect of pre-stretching on the dynamics of the deformation. We further present the dependence of the deformation magnitude and time scale on the spatial wavenumber, as well as the transition between stretching- and bending-dominant regimes. We also demonstrate the effect of spatial discretization of the forcing (representing practical actuation elements) on the achievable resolution of the deformation. Extending the problem to an axisymmetric domain, we investigate the effects arising from nonlinearity of the Reynolds and Föppl–von Kármán equations and present the deformation behaviour as it becomes comparable to the initial film thickness and dependent on the induced tension. These results set the theoretical foundation for implementation of microfluidic soft actuators based on elastohydrodynanmics.
Biting mechanics determines craniofacial morphology among extant diprotodont herbivores: dietary predictions for the giant extinct short-faced kangaroo, Simosthenurus occidentalis
Authors: Mitchell D. Rex , Wroe Stephen
Published: January 2019

Large herbivores can act as keystone species that strongly influence their communities. During the Pliocene and Pleistocene, Australia was dominated by a number of large to gigantic marsupial herbivore taxa. Many of these have been understudied quantitatively with regard to their ecology; and identifying the diet of these species will improve our understanding of not only their ecologies, but also of past environments. Recent research has found that cranial morphology among kangaroos and wallabies corresponds with foraging behaviors and mechanical properties of preferred plant tissues. Here we apply shape analysis and computational biomechanics to test the hypothesis: that feeding ecology is associated with craniofacial morphology across a taxonomically broad sample of diprotodont herbivores. Based on our results we predict the diet of an extinct short-faced kangaroo, Simosthenurus occidentalis. We find that biting behaviors are reflected in craniofacial morphology, but that these are more a reflection of the hardest bites required for their lifestyle, rather than diet composition alone. A combination of a very short face, robust musculoskeletal features, and dental arrangements predict that S. occidentalis was a browser, capable of consuming particularly resistant, bulky plant matter. These features were largely conserved among other short-faced kangaroos and may have offset the unpredictable availability of quality forage during the climatically variable Pleistocene epoch, contributing to their prolific diversification during this time.
TRADING SECRETS: CONSTRUCTIONS AND CONTEXTS OF TWO MIDDLE EASTERN JEWISH GUARDS IN THE EARLY PETAH TIKVA AGRICULTURAL COLONY
Authors: Halperin Liora R.
Published: January 2019

Two Arabic-speaking Jewish guards worked in the European Jewish agricultural colony of Petah Tikva soon after its founding, northeast of Jaffa, in 1878: Daud abu Yusuf from Baghdad and Yaʿqub bin Maymun Zirmati, a Maghribi Jew from Jaffa. The two men, who worked as traders among Bedouin but were recruited for a short time by the colony, offer a rare glimpse of contacts between Ashkenazi and Middle Eastern Jews in rural Jewish colonies established in the last quarter of the 19th century, colonies that are often regarded as detached from their local and Ottoman landscape. The article first argues that Zionist sources constructed these two men as bridges to the East in their roles as teachers of Arabic and perceived sources of legitimization for the European Jewish settlement project. It then reads beyond the sparse details offered in Ashkenazi Zionist sources to resituate these men in their broad imperial and regional context and argue that, contrary to the local Zionist accounts, the colony was in fact likely to have been marginal to these men's commercial and personal lives.
The Other Door: Spain and the Guatemalan Counter-Revolution, 1944–54
Authors: Weld Kirsten
Published: January 2019

This article reveals the influence of the Spanish Civil War (1936–9) on both the reformers of Guatemala's ‘Revolutionary Spring’ (1944–54) and the reactionaries who overthrew Jacobo Arbenz in 1954. It shows how officials in the Arévalo and Arbenz administrations looked to the defeated Second Spanish Republic as a moral and political example, while local opponents of those administrations treated Spain's Nationalist insurgency and Francisco Franco's dictatorship as models for how to exterminate communism. In so doing, the article argues for the importance of multi-sited transnational Cold War histories that complement existing studies of US intervention.
In vitroscreening of 51 birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatusL.; Fabaceae) strains for anti-parasitic effects againstHaemonchus contortus
Authors: Barone Carly D. , Zajac Anne M. , Ferguson Sarah M. , Brown Rebecca N. , Reed Jess D. , Krueger Christian G. , Petersson Katherine H.
Published: January 2019

Secondary plant compounds have shown bioactivity against multi-drug resistantHaemonchus contortusin small ruminants. This study screened 51 strains of birdsfoot trefoil (BFT,Lotus corniculatus) crude aqueous extracts (BFT-AqE) for anti-parasitic activityin vitroagainst egg hatching, and of those 51 strains, 13 were selected for further testing of motility of first (L1) and third stage (L3) larvae, and exsheathment of L3. Proanthocyanidin content ranged between 1.4 and 63.8 mg PAC g−1powder across the 51 BFT strains. When tested against egg hatching, 21 of the 51 aqueous extracts had an EC50of 1–2 mg powder mL−1, 70% of the strains were >90% efficacious at 6 mg powder mL−1and 11 of the strains were 100% efficacious at 3 mg powder mL−1BFT-AqE. Across the 13 strains tested against L3, efficacy ranged from 0 to 75% exsheathment inhibition, and 17 to 92% L3 motility inhibition at a concentration of 25 mg powder mL−1BFT-AqE. There was no correlation between the PAC content of BFT powders and the anti-parasitic activity of aqueous extracts, therefore other secondary compounds may have contributed to the observed anti-parasitic effects. Further testing of BFT using bioactivity-driven fractionation and screening of BFT populations for the identified anti-parasitic compounds is needed.
From Rights to Activation: The Evolution of the Idea of Basic Income in the Finnish Political Debate, 1980–2016
Authors: PERKIÖ JOHANNA
Published: January 2019

The article contributes to the growing body of research on the politics of basic income by analysing the framing of the idea in the context of Finland, a country with a long history of debate and one of the forerunners in experimenting with this policy. Using a comprehensive dataset of political documents covering 36 years, the study shows how contextual factors and shifts in political climate shaped the framing of the idea. It also shows that the key frames describing basic income were widely shared among the politicians and parties discussing the policy. The study enriches our understanding of the politics of basic income by adding an ideational perspective that has for long been a missing element in this field of research.
BAYESIAN OCKHAM’S RAZOR AND NESTED MODELS
Authors: Autzen Bengt
Published: January 2019

While Bayesian methods are widely used in economics and finance, the foundations of this approach remain controversial. In the contemporary statistical literature Bayesian Ockham’s razor refers to the observation that the Bayesian approach to scientific inference will automatically assign greater likelihood to a simpler hypothesis if the data are compatible with both a simpler and a more complex hypothesis. In this paper I will discuss a problem that results when Bayesian Ockham’s razor is applied to nested economic models. I will argue that previous responses to the problem found in the philosophical literature are unsatisfactory and develop a novel reply to the problem.
Dimensions in programming multi-agent systems
Authors: Boissier Olivier , Bordini Rafael H. , Hübner Jomi F. , Ricci Alessandro
Published: January 2019

Research on Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) has led to the development of several models, languages, and technologies for programming not only agents, but also their interaction, the application environment where they are situated, as well as the organization in which they participate. Research on those topics moved from agent-oriented programming towards multi-agent-oriented programming (MAOP). A MAS program is then designed and developed using a structured set of concepts and associated first-class design and programming abstractions that go beyond the concepts normally associated with agents. They include those related to environment, interaction, and organization. JaCaMo is a platform for MAOP built on top of three seamlessly integrated dimensions (i.e. structured sets of concepts and associated execution platforms): for programming belief desire intention (BDI) agents, their artefact-based environments, and their normative organizations. The key purpose of our work on JaCaMo is to support programmers in exploring the synergy between these dimensions, providing a comprehensive programming model, as well as a corresponding platform for developing and running MAS. This paper provides a practical overview of MAOP using JaCaMo. We show how emphasizing one particular dimension leads to different solutions to the same problem, and discuss the issues of each of those solutions.
The fifth moment of Hecke L-functions in the weight aspect
Authors: KHAN RIZWANUR
Published: January 2019

We prove an upper bound for the fifth moment of Hecke L-functions associated to holomorphic Hecke cusp forms of full level and weight k in a dyadic interval K ≤ k ≤2K, as K → ∞. The bound is sharp on Selberg’s eigenvalue conjecture.
Self-selection and risk sharing in a modern world of life-long annuities
Authors: Gerrard R. , Hiabu M. , Kyriakou I. , Nielsen J. P.
Published: January 2019

Communicating a pension product well is as important as optimising the financial value. In a recent study, we showed that up to 80% of the value of a pension lump sum could be lost if customer communication failed. In this paper, we extend the simple customer interaction of the earlier contribution to the more challenging lifetime annuity case. Using a simple mobile phone device, the pension customer can select the life-long optimal investment strategy within minutes. The financial risk trade-off is presented as a trade-off between the pension paid and the number of years the life-long annuity is guaranteed. The pension payment decreases when investment security increases. The necessary underlying mathematical financial hedging theory is included in the study.
Moderately elevated preconception fasting plasma total homocysteine is a risk factor for psychological problems in childhood
Authors: Roigé-Castellví Joana , Murphy Michelle , Fernández-Ballart Joan , Canals Josefa
Published: January 2019

Objective

We investigated the effect of maternal preconception fasting plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) on psychological problems in children aged 6 years from normal pregnancies.

Design

A longitudinal study was carried out from preconception, throughout each trimester of pregnancy, until 6 years of age in the offspring. Fasting blood samples at 2–10 weeks preconception and non-fasting samples at birth were collected. Parents completed the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and teachers the Inattention-Overactivity with Aggression (IOWA) scale for the 6-year-old children.

Setting

Elevated tHcy during pregnancy has been associated with several adverse outcomes and with neurodevelopmental impairment in the offspring.

Participants

The initial sample consisted of 139 healthy non-pregnant women who were planning on becoming pregnant. Eighty-one mother–child dyads were followed from preconception until 6 years of age.

Results

After adjusting for covariables, multiple linear regression models showed that higher preconception tHcy was associated with higher scores in internalizing dimension (β=0·289;P=0.028), specifically in withdrawn behaviour (β=0·349;P=0·009), anxiety/depression (β=0·303;P=0·019) and social problems (β=0·372;P=0·009). Aggressive behaviour in the school setting was higher in children whose mothers had higher preconception tHcy (β=0·351;P=0·014).

Conclusions

Moderately elevated preconception tHcy may increase the risk of psychological problems in offspring during childhood. These findings add to the evidence that maternal nutritional status, even before being pregnant, can affect later offspring health and may be important to consider when developing future public health policy.