bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental warming disrupts reproduction and dung burial by a ball‐rolling dung beetle
Authors: Holley Jean M. , Andrew Nigel R.
Published: November 2018

1. Insects are sensitive to climate change. Consequently, insect‐mediated ecosystem functions and services may be altered by changing climates.

2. Dung beetles provide multiple services by burying manure. Using climate‐controlled chambers, the effects of warming on dung burial and reproduction by the dung beetle Sisyphus rubrus Paschalidis, 1974 were investigated. Sisyphus rubrus break up dung by forming and rolling away balls of manure for burial and egg deposition.

3. To simulate warming in the chambers, 0, 2 or 4 °C offsets were added to field‐recorded, diurnally fluctuating temperatures. We measured dung ball production and burial, egg laying, survival and residence times of beetles.

4. Temperature did not affect the size or number of dung balls produced; however warming reduced dung ball burial by S. rubrus. Because buried balls were more likely to contain eggs, warming could reduce egg laying via a reduction in ball burial. Warming reduced the humidity inside the chambers, and a positive relationship was found between the number of dung balls produced and humidity in two temperature treatments. Temperature did not affect survival, or whether or not a beetle left a chamber. Beetles that did leave the chambers took longer to do so in the warmest treatment.

5. This study demonstrates that climate warming could reduce reproduction and dung burial by S. rubrus, and is an important first step to understanding warming effects on burial services. Future studies should assess warming effects in field situations, both on individual dung beetle species and on aggregate dung burial services.
Bottom‐up and top‐down effects of browning and warming on shallow lake food webs
Authors: Vasconcelos Francisco Rivera , Diehl Sebastian , Rodríguez Patricia , Hedström Per , Karlsson Jan , Byström Pär
Published: November 2018

Productivity and trophic structure of aquatic ecosystems result from a complex interplay of bottom‐up and top‐down forces that operate across benthic and pelagic food web compartments. Projected global changes urge the question how this interplay will be affected by browning (increasing input of terrestrial dissolved organic matter), nutrient enrichment and warming. We explored this with a process‐based model of a shallow lake food web consisting of benthic and pelagic components (abiotic resources, primary producers, grazers, carnivores), and compared model expectations with the results of a browning and warming experiment in nutrient‐poor ponds harboring a boreal lake community. Under low nutrient conditions, the model makes three major predictions. (a) Browning reduces light and increases nutrient supply; this decreases benthic and increases pelagic production, gradually shifting productivity from the benthic to the pelagic habitat. (b) Because of active habitat choice, fish exert top‐down control on grazers and benefit primary producers primarily in the more productive of the two habitats. (c) Warming relaxes top‐down control of grazers by fish and decreases primary producer biomass, but effects of warming are generally small compared to effects of browning and nutrient supply. Experimental results were consistent with most model predictions for browning: light penetration, benthic algal production, and zoobenthos biomass decreased, and pelagic nutrients and pelagic algal production increased with browning. Also consistent with expectations, warming had negative effects on benthic and pelagic algal biomass and weak effects on algal production and zoobenthos and zooplankton biomass. Inconsistent with expectations, browning had no effect on zooplankton and warming effects on fish depended on browning. The model is applicable also to nutrient‐rich systems, and we propose that it is a useful tool for the exploration of the consequences of different climate change scenarios for productivity and food web dynamics in shallow lakes, the worldwide most common lake type.
Language and Ideology in the German Reception of Bruckner's Symphonies in the 1930s
Authors: Korstvedt Benjamin
Published: November 2018

In the 1930s, the symphonies of the Austrian composer Anton Bruckner (1824–1896) became the subject of intense discussion, often in ways that engaged with the most loaded issues in cultural politics of the time. Much of this discussion debated the effort to publish his symphonies in new, “unverfälscht” editions that removed the supposed taint of textual contamination from these works. While seemingly concerned with objective issues of musical scholarship, the rhetoric that supported this project was imbued to a remarkable extent with nationalist, anti‐Semitic, “völkisch,” and fascistic subtexts. This article explores the roles played by ideological language, notably what Victor Klemperer dubbed “the language of the Third Reich,” and ideological modes of thought, notably the system of values Claudia Koonz identified as “the Nazi conscience,” in shaping and deciding this debate. It will conclude by considering the lingering influence of this legacy on postwar Bruckner reception.
Emicizumab: Review of the literature and critical appraisal
Authors: Rodriguez‐Merchan E. Carlos , Valentino Leonard A.
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Emicizumab‐kywh (ACE910) is a recombinant, humanized, asymmetric bispecific antibody that functions to bring activated FIX (FIXa) and zymogen FX into an appropriate steric conformation to medicate the activation of FX to FXa thereby mimicking the cofactor function of FVIIIa.

Aim

The objective of this manuscript was to review the development and potential role for emicizumab in the treatment of patients with haemophilia A with and without inhibitors.

Methods

A Cochrane Library and PubMed (MEDLINE) search focusing on emicizumab in haemophilia was conducted.

Results

In total, 37 citations were retrieved and serve as the database for the literature reviewed herein. Once‐weekly subcutaneous injection of emicizumab at three dose levels has been shown to be effective as prophylaxis to prevent bleeding in a majority haemophilia A patients with inhibitors to FVIII. Likewise, prevention of bleeding was also observed in more than two thirds of patients without inhibitors to FVIII. One antidrug antibody to emicizumab has been reported in over 600 treated patients, two have developed thromboembolic events and three thrombotic microangiopathy. These thrombotic complications have occurred in conjunction with FVIII‐bypassing agents, and none have been observed following recommendations from the manufacturer regarding concomitant use of bypassing agents. The median annual treated bleeding rates were decreased in patients with as well as those without an inhibitor to FVIII.

Conclusion

The principal advantage of emicizumab is subcutaneous administration and effectiveness irrespective of the presence of inhibitors. Emicizumab could conceivably represent a new epoch in the treatment of people with haemophilia A.
Implementing and Rethinking the European Union's Asylum Legislation: The Asylum Procedures Directive
Authors: Schittenhelm Karin
Published: November 2018

The Asylum Procedures Directive, which was put in place in the context of the Common European Asylum System, is expected to both harmonise the asylum procedures in the European Union and to safeguard applicants’ rights. This article explores various steps in the implementation of the directive, starting with transnational negotiations which aim to influence domestic asylum policies. Focusing on asylum systems in Germany and Sweden, the article shows that the way decision makers implement the directive is shaped by diverging domestic asylum policies. The risk of failing common standards, however, is not only a matter of implementation, but inherent in the directive's design. Furthermore, harmonisation does not necessarily improve compliance with the principles of international refugee law. Safeguarding protection seekers’ rights requires rethinking both asylum legislation and the role of the actors who intervene in its implementation.
Ambient pressure synthesis of La2LiHO3 as a solid electrolyte for a hydrogen electrochemical cell
Authors: Matsui Naoki , Kobayashi Genki , Suzuki Kota , Watanabe Akihiro , Kubota Akiko , Iwasaki Yuki , Yonemura Masao , Hirayama Masaaki , Kanno Ryoji
Published: November 2018

The capability of La2LiHO3 as a H− conductive solid electrolyte has recently been demonstrated, which has suggested the possibility of developing electrochemical devices based on H− conduction. However, the performance of La2LiHO3 as a solid electrolyte has not yet been fully clarified. In this study, we prepared La2LiHO3 sintered pellets by a conventional solid‐state reaction with LiH flux under ambient pressure and characterized the crystal structure and thermal stability (to moisture, ambient air, and oxygen) by neutron and X‐ray diffraction measurements. The produced sintered pellets exhibited an activation energy of 69.2 kJ/mol, which is consistent with the value of the sample synthesized by the high‐pressure method. The gas‐sealing properties of the sintered La2LiHO3 pellets as the H− conductive solid electrolyte were confirmed by measuring the electromotive force using a hydrogen concentration cell.
MANAGERIAL LEARNING THROUGH CUSTOMER–SUPPLIER LINKS
Authors: Fuller Kathleen P. , Yildiz Serhat
Published: November 2018

We provide empirical evidence that supplier firms’ managers learn new information from their customers’ stock prices when they make investment, long‐term financing, short‐term financing, and dividend decisions. Our findings provide novel empirical evidence that the stock market has real effects on the economy through customer–supplier links. Our results indicate that managerial learning is not confined to peers’ or firms’ own stock prices but is a more comprehensive process that includes cross‐industry learning. Furthermore, managerial learning is not limited to investment decisions but is also present in long‐term financing, short‐term financing, and dividend decisions.
Structure of the external auditory meatus of the Bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) and its relation to their seasonal migration
Authors: Rehorek Susan J. , Stimmelmayr Rafael , George John C. , Suydam Robert , McBurney Denise M. , Thewissen J. G. M.
Published: November 2018

The external auditory meatus (EAM) in many species of mysticete whales is filled with a waxy ear plug. Though this lamellated structure is often used to age a whale, its formation and development remain undescribed. It is thought that growth layer groups (GLGs) are laid down annually, thereby increasing the size of this structure. Since some mysticete whales are migratory and many undergo molting, we hypothesized that the cyclical production of these GLGs may be related to these processes. The epithelia of both EAM and glove finger (a part of the tympanic membrane protruding into the EAM) of one juvenile and multiple adult bowhead whales from both fall (October: non‐molting) and spring (May: molting) seasons were dissected and examined anatomically and histologically. These tissue samples were compared with the adult oral epithelia at the same time periods. These epithelia shared a similar basic broad structure, though there were differences in thickness and presence of intraepithelial structures. All epithelia in the October specimens were rich in both glycogen and lipid. The parakeratinized epithelium of the oral cavity in the juvenile and some May specimens shed via the production of several superficial epithelial fissures. Other adult May specimens exhibited deep epithelial fissures, reminiscent of pressure ulcers, which would cause the detachment of the entire epithelium from the dermis. We propose that sloughed epithelial lining is the source of the GLGs in the ear plug. Correlating a potential molting sequence with these observations explained the presence of epidermal glycogen, deep epidermal fissures and dermal glycolipid, and to some extent calls into question the origin and structure of the ear plug itself. Further morphological characterization of ear plugs in bowheads is needed to better understand cell origin and ear plug formation.
Life‐story work in long‐term care facilities for older people: An integrative review
Authors: Doran Caroline , Noonan Maria , Doody Owen
Published: November 2018

Aim

To systematically review the literature regarding the experience of older people, families and staff using life‐story work in residential care facilities for older people.

Background

Life‐story work has been promoted as an approach to enhance care provided and involves collecting memories and moments that are important to the person assisting them to regain their sense of self.

Design

An integrative review utilising the PRISMA reporting guidelines where seven databases, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsychInfo, PsychARTICLES, and Cochrane, were searched within the timeframe; 1 January 2006 to 14 March 2016. Data were reviewed using Whittemore and Knalf's (Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2005, 52:546) methodological approach for integrative reviews. Analysis was conducted utilising Braun and Clarke's (Qualitative Research in Psychology, 2006, 3:77) six phases to identify, analyse and record themes within the data.

Results

Thirteen articles were reviewed, and the review found that life‐story work has been introduced using a range of different approaches, with no common approach. Thematic analysis identified two: maintaining identity and building and maintaining relationships.

Conclusion

The review extends the current evidence on the experience of using life‐story work in long‐term aged care facilities for older people. Life‐story work has the potential to enhance person‐centred care in long‐term care. However, improving the process of implementation of life‐story work will require education, time and resources and a commitment from service providers and managers.

Relevance to clinical practice

Staff who undertake life‐story work with residents need to be equipped with the skills to recognise and manage the challenges and issues that may potentially arise. Further research into the successful implementation of life‐story work and how it can be resourced is required.
Prevalence of human papillomavirus in oral rinse samples from healthy individuals in northern Thailand
Authors: Bumrungthai Sureewan , Ekalaksananan Tipaya , Duangchai Darin , Lanpol Pornsiri , Panya Papichaya , Kattiwong Fernladda , Acharya Sulav , Pientong Chamsai
Published: November 2018

Background

The incidence of oral cancers associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) has been increasing in recent years. Therefore, it is necessary to elucidate HPV prevalence in oral cells and exposure to risk factors in various age groups.

Methods

Oral rinse samples from healthy individuals in northern Thailand were investigated for HPV prevalence and genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction (GP5+/6+ primers) and DNA sequencing of the PCR products.

Results

Samples were collected from 594 participants between 4 and 60 years of age. HPV was detected in 3.7% of samples. The prevalence of HPV‐positive cases was 8.6% in the 31‐50 age group. HPV prevalence increased with age and was the highest (9.2%) in the 41‐50 age group, but decreased (to 3%) in the 51‐60 age group. Risk factors significantly associated with HPV‐positive cases included alcohol consumption, coffee drinking, sexual activity, and having children. HPV 16 and 18 were common genotypes, especially in the 31‐50 age group, and were associated with having sexual activity (odds ratio 19.0 [95% CI: 2.5‐142.5]). At follow‐up of some individuals in the 4‐10 age group, a 9‐year‐old child was found to be positive for HPV18.

Conclusions

These results suggest that HPV can be acquired at a young age and the prevalence peaks in the middle age class among healthy individuals in northern Thailand, especially in the 31‐50 age group.
The beta‐binomial: A preliminary comparison of smaller samples having many replications versus larger samples having fewer replications
Authors: Cubero‐Castillo Elba , Ramirez‐Gutierrez Mabel , Araya‐Quesada Yorleny , O'Mahony Michael
Published: November 2018

The experiment investigated whether a body of difference test data, arranged into small consumer samples with many replications, would elicit more or less overdispersion than an equal number of tests from same body of data, rearranged into a series of larger consumer samples, with fewer replications. Four separate experiments were performed, each with a separate set of 200 consumers. In two of the experiments, consumers used 2‐AFC tests while in the remaining two, consumers used triangle tests. Data were then assigned to samples of different size ranging from 100 to 28. The number of replicate tests assigned for each sample size was arranged so that the total number of tests performed was always close to 200. For the two experiments involving 2‐AFC tests, smaller physical differences were assessed in one experiment and larger physical differences in the other. Same was true for the two experiments using triangle tests. For the two experiments where smaller physical differences were assessed, overdispersion tended to increase as sample sizes became larger. For the two experiments where larger physical differences were assessed, overdispersion tended to decrease as sample sizes became larger. These apparently contradictory results were explained by the sensitivity variation hypothesis.

Practical applications

Beta‐binomial statistics are used for significance testing for difference tests, when the experimenter combines the number of subjects with the number of replicate tastings, to increase test power. This is to circumvent the problems of overdispersion, the extra variance involved when this combination is made. Nearly all the work on overdispersion is theoretical. Very little experimental work has been published. From prior experimentation, the sensitivity variation hypothesis was developed, which indicates that overdispersion simply depends on the performance of the particular consumers in the sample and is not governed by the type of test used. This experiment successfully applied the sensitivity variation hypothesis to a set of seemingly contradictory results, regarding the overdispersion elicited in a series of four experiments. It provides further much needed experimental insight, into the effects of sample size and numbers of replications as well as the sources of overdispersion per se.
Chemically‐modified tetracycline normalizes collagen metabolism in diabetic rats: a dose‐response study
Authors: Yu Z. , Ramamurthy N. S. , Leung M. , Chang K. M. , McNamara T. F. , Golub L. M.
Published: November 2018

An earlier study indicated that a chemically‐modified non‐antimicrobial tetracycline (4‐de‐dimethylaminotetracycline; CMT‐1) can inhibit excess collagenase activity in the connective tissues of diabetic rats, however, the optimum oral dose and resulting serum concentration were not determined. In the current study, adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats (body weight approx. 350 g) were made diabetic by streptozotocin injection and administered by oral gavage either 0, 1, 2, 5, or 10 mg CMT‐1 per day. After 3 weeks of drug therapy, the rats were killed and gingiva, skin, and serum collected. The tissues were 1) extracted, partially purified and analyzed for collagenase activity using [3H‐methyl] collagen as substrate and SDS‐PAGE/fluorography; 2) extracted in neutral salt and dilute acid solutions (4°C) to assess collagen solubility; and 3) analyzed for hydroxyproline to determine tissue (skin) collagen mass. Serum was analyzed for glucose and CMT‐1 concentration, the latter by HPLC. Inducing diabetes dramatically increased both gingival and skin collagenase activity and reduced skin collagen mass by 69.8%. Increasing the oral dose of CMT‐1 progressively increased the serum concentration of the drug from 0.6–6.5 μg/ml and progressively decreased the excessive collagenase activity in gingiva and skin (p<0.01 vs untreated diabetics). Although skin collagen mass tended to be increased at all oral doses of CMT‐1, only the 5 mg dose effect was statistically significant (p<0.01). The diabetes‐induced reduction in collagen solubility, a classic abnormality (reflecting excessive collagen crosslinking) of this disease, was also normalized by CMT‐1 therapy. CMT‐1 treatment normalized altered collagen metabolism during experimental diabetes; the optimal oral dose and serum concentration of this non‐antimicrobial tetracycline were found to be 5 mg per rat (or approximately 15 mg/kg) per day and 3.9 μg/ml, respectively.
Response to Economic Shock: The Impact of Recession on Rural–Urban Suicides in the United States
Authors: Carriere Danielle E. , Marshall Maria I. , Binkley James K.
Published: November 2018

Objective

This study examines the effect of economic recession on the suicide differential between rural and urban counties.

Methods

A negative binomial regression model and county mortality data are used to estimate the effect of recession and rurality on county‐level suicides from 2002–2016.

Results

After accounting for differences in population, urban counties have more female suicides than rural counties, but urban counties experience smaller increases in female suicide numbers during periods of recession than rural counties. Long‐term factors such as high chronic poverty or unemployment have a greater impact on male suicide rates, while short‐term economic crises have a larger impact on female suicides. Higher percentages of children in the county have an increasing effect on male suicides, but a decreasing effect on female suicides. Finally, farm‐dependent counties have fewer suicides than non‐farm‐dependent counties. This holds true for both males and females.

Conclusions

Periods of recession impact suicide numbers; however, this effect is most noticeable for females, with rural counties having larger increases in female suicide numbers than their urban counterparts during recession years.
The impact of currently licensed therapies on viral and immune responses in chronic hepatitis B: Considerations for future novel therapeutics
Authors: Gill Upkar S. , Kennedy Patrick T. F.
Published: November 2018

Despite the availability of a preventative vaccine, chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a global healthcare challenge with the risk of disease progression due to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although current treatment strategies, interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogues have contributed to reducing morbidity and mortality related to CHB, these therapies are limited in providing functional cure. The treatment paradigm in CHB is rapidly evolving with a number of new agents in the developmental pipeline. However, until novel agents with functional cure capability are available in the clinical setting, there is a pressing need to optimize currently licensed therapies. Here, we discuss current agents used alone and/or in combination strategies along with the impact of these therapies on viral and immune responses. Novel treatment strategies are outlined, and the potential role of current therapies in the employment of pipeline agents is discussed.
High seroprevalence of anti‐Hepatitis E antibodies in Austrian patients with autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Eder Michael , Strassl Robert , Beinhardt Sandra , Stättermayer Albert Friedrich , Kozbial Karin , Lagler Heimo , Holzmann Heidemarie , Trauner Michael , Hofer Harald
Published: November 2018

Background & Aims

Increasing numbers of autochthonous hepatitis E virus infections have been reported in Europe. Chronic infections have been shown in immune‐compromised patients after solid organ transplantation. Hepatitis E virus might be a possible trigger for autoimmune hepatitis and might cause disease flares or relapses in the further course of disease. Aim of this study was to investigate the presence of hepatitis E virus antibodies and hepatitis E virus RNA, and to analyse their impact on immunosuppressive treatment in patients with autoimmune hepatitis.

Methods

Sera from 92 autoimmune hepatitis patients (73/79.3% female, age: 42.2 ± 16.3 years [mean ± SD]) were tested. Patients were scored according to the simplified and revised scoring systems of the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group. The prevalence of anti‐ hepatitis E virus antibodies (Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprises Co., Ltd, Beijing, China) and hepatitis E virus RNA was determined.

Results

19/20.7% autoimmune hepatitis patients tested positive for hepatitis E virus‐IgG, which was higher than in previous reports of healthy Austrian individuals (12.4%, P = 0.031); hepatitis E virus RNA was not detectable in any patient. Anti‐hepatitis E virus positive patients were older (49.5 ± 9.5 vs 40.4 ± 17.2 years [mean ± SD], P = 0.033) but did not differ in laboratory findings at diagnosis (AST: 14.6 [1.3‐70.6] vs 9.5 [0.7‐62.7] × ULN [median/range]; P = 0.387, alanine aminotransferase: 18.3 [1.6‐62.7] vs. 12.9 [0.8‐62.6] × ULN; P = 0.511; IgG: 1.4 [1.0‐2.5] vs 1.3 [0.6‐3.8] g/dL × ULN; P = 0.278) nor in alanine aminotransferase levels after six months (0.7 [0.5‐2.4] vs 1.0 U/L × ULN [0.1‐22.4]; P = 0.077).

Conclusions

No chronic hepatitis E virus infection was observed in our cohort of autoimmune hepatitis patients. Anti‐ hepatitis E virus‐IgG positive patients were older and the seroprevalence was nearly twice as high as reported previously in healthy Austrian individuals, suggesting that hepatitis E virus‐infection might act as trigger for the development of autoimmune hepatitis.
Mutational load, inbreeding depression and heterosis in subdivided populations
Authors: Charlesworth Brian
Published: November 2018

This paper examines the extent to which empirical estimates of inbreeding depression and interpopulation heterosis in subdivided populations, as well as the effects of local population size on mean fitness, can be explained in terms of current estimates of mutation rates, and the distribution of selection coefficients against deleterious mutations provided by population genomics data. Using population genetics models, numerical predictions of the genetic load, inbreeding depression and heterosis were obtained for a broad range of selection coefficients and mutation rates. The models allowed for the possibility of very high mutation rates per nucleotide site, as is sometimes observed for epiallelic mutations in plants. There was fairly good quantitative agreement between the theoretical predictions and empirical estimates of heterosis and the effects of population size on genetic load, on the assumption that the deleterious mutation rate per individual per generation is approximately one, but there was less good agreement for inbreeding depression. Weak selection, of the order of magnitude suggested by population genomic data, is required to explain the observed patterns. Possible caveats concerning the applicability of the models are discussed.
Evaluating perceptions of risk in mosquito experts and identifying undocumented pathways for the introduction of invasive mosquito species into Europe
Authors: Ibañez‐Justicia A. , Poortvliet P. M. , Koenraadt C. J. M.
Published: November 2018

In several reported cases of the entry of invasive mosquito species (IMSs) into Europe, the introduction was associated with a specific pathway of introduction or dispersal. The identification of potential pathways for the introduction of IMSs and evaluations of the importance of the different pathways are key to designing proper surveillance strategies to promptly detect and control introductions in non‐infested areas. The main goals of the present study were to identify other, previously undocumented, pathways of introduction into Europe, and to identify mosquito experts' perceptions regarding control measures against IMS introductions via different documented pathways. At the European Mosquito Control Association (EMCA) conference in Montenegro in March 2017, a questionnaire was distributed among meeting participants to collect expert data. Results showed that ground transportation (by cars, trucks, etc.), passive natural dispersal and the shipping of used tyres are perceived as the most likely pathways. Introduction via aircraft did not appear to be well known and was not perceived as probable. This study shows that there were no pathways unknown to European experts that could lead to cryptic introductions into the experts' countries. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated that the perceived efficacy of surveillance and control is key to overcoming the constraints experienced and to supporting the implementation of actions against introductions.
A new species of Crepidium (Orchidaceae, Malaxidinae) from Borneo
Authors: Margońska Hanna B.
Published: November 2018

Crepidium grochockianum sp. nov. (Orchidaceae) from Borneo is here proposed, described and illustrated. This novelity is a large plant compared to other members of the genus, with large and broad leaves. Its flowers are similar to those of C. junghuhnii, but the mid‐lobe is ovate in outline (when the lip is spread and mature), with distinct, oblique folds which cover the lip central cavity. Crepidium grochockianum is proposed to belong in C. sect. Hololobus subsect. Prasinae and was first collected in 1932 from three sites in the surroundings of Mt Kinabalu.
Corydalis huangshanensis (Fumariaceae), a new species from Anhui, China
Authors: Cheng Ming‐En , Peng Hua‐Sheng , Wang De‐Qun , Huang Lu‐Qi
Published: November 2018

Corydalis huangshanensis L.Q.Huang & H.S.Peng, a new species from Anhui, China, is described and illustrated. It is similar to C. decumbens but is easily distinguished by its more robust erect habit, rounded ultimate leaflets and horned tubers. Phylogenetic analysis of combined chloroplast sequences confirm that the new species is distinct from morphologically similar species.
Cissampelopsis quinquesquamata (Asteraceae–Senecioneae), a new species from western Myanmar and northeastern India
Authors: Li Hui‐Min , Ren Chen
Published: November 2018

Cissampelopsis quinquesquamata (Asteraceae–Senecioneae), a new species from western Myanmar and northeastern India is described and illustrated. It differs from all Cissampelopsis species except C. ansteadii in having involucres of 5 (vs 8 or 13) phyllaries and 5 (vs 8–28) florets. From C. ansteadii, it is distinguished by having glabrous or subglabrous leaves (vs densely white‐arachnoid‐tomentose beneath). Based on having discoid capitula, it is placed in C. sect. Cissampelopsis.
The early composition and evolution of the turtle shell (Reptilia, Testudinata)
Authors: Szczygielski Tomasz , Sulej Tomasz
Published: November 2018

The shell of the oldest true turtle (Testudinata) branch (Proterochersidae) from the Late Triassic (Norian) of Poland and Germany was built in its anterior and posterior part from an osteodermal mosaic which developed several million years after the plastron, neurals and costal bones. We provide the most detailed description of the shell composition in proterochersids to date, together with a review of the shell composition in other Triassic pantestudinates. A scenario of early evolution of the turtle shell is proposed based on new data, and the possible adaptive meaning of the observed evolutionary changes is discussed. These observations are consistent with the trend of shell simplification previously reported in turtles. Several aspects of proterochersid shell anatomy are intermediate betweenOdontochelys semitestaceaand more derived turtles, supporting their stem phylogenetic position. Three additional ossifications were sutured to xiphiplastra and pelvis inProterochersisspp. and at least in some individuals the nuchal bone was paired. The peripherals, suprapygals, and pygal bone are most likely to be of osteodermal origin and homologous to the proterochersid shell mosaic.
Seed banking of terrestrial orchids: evaluation of seed quality in Anacamptis following 4‐year dry storage
Authors: Magrini S. , De Vitis M. , Torelli D. , Santi L. , Zucconi L.
Published: November 2018

Good‐quality dry seeds of some orchids have the potential to survive for decades under conventional seed bank conditions, but further research is needed to fill existing gaps in knowledge regarding seed behaviour under long‐term dry storage. The objectives of this study were to evaluate germination ability on two asymbiotic culture media with different nitrogen source; to assess seed desiccation tolerance needed for the storage at sub‐zero temperatures; and to study the effects of dry storage at low temperature.

Asymbiotic seed germination tests of four Anacamptis species were carried out to evaluate the effects of different culture media, dehydration and dry storage on germination ability. Viability of 4‐year‐stored seeds was assessed by means of the tetrazolium test.

Generalised linear model (GLM) analysis detected significant effects (P < 0.01) of the species, medium and storage time on total germination, while dehydration did not significantly affect it. Except for A. palustris, germination percentage was minimum after 1‐month storage and increased with longer storage periods. Tetrazolium viability tests detected high percentages of viable seed (>90%) following 4‐year storage in three out of four species.

Seeds of the four Anacamptis species proved to be desiccation tolerant and have orthodox storage behaviour. The consequence of these findings is of interest to practical conservation approaches for orchids in seed‐banking. The results highlight the importance of multiple assessments of seed quality, both viability and germination, to understand seed storage behaviour.
Demulsification of Liquid Membrane Emulsion using High Voltage Glass Coated Electrode in Batch System
Authors: Othman N. , Ahmad A. , Piramali M. A.
Published: November 2018

Demulsification is one of the key processes in emulsion liquid membrane application. This study involved the effect of electrical field on demulsification of water in oil using batch high voltage demulsifier system. This technique widely used because of its advantages of easy manipulation of applied field direction and strength, offers cost–effective separation and minimal environmental impact combined with mechanical simplicity. Influence of various values of frequency (400–1500 Hz) and voltage was studied experimentally using Alternate Current (AC) High Voltage Demulsifier with insulated electrode. The emulsion consists of kerosene as organic phase, sulfuric acid as internal phase and span 80 (3 and 5 w/v %) as a surfactant. The effect of emulsion preparation such as homogenizer speed, internal phase and surfactant concentrations on the stability of water–in–oil emulsion was also investigated. The results showed that the attractive forces between the water droplets under an electrical field increase by raising the applied electrical field strength. Meanwhile, the time required for the emulsion to separate and coalescence under electrical field increased when the stability of emulsion increased.
Membrane Processes in Waste Treatment for Chemical and Nuclear Industries: Recent Advances
Authors: Pabby A. K. , Sastre A. M.
Published: November 2018

Membrane technologies have seen a significant growth and increase in application in the last two decades. Membrane systems are now available in several different forms and sizes, each uniquely fitting a particular need and application. With the growing confidence to tailor–make membranes with desired characteristics, the applications can be extended to the separation / decontamination of a number of aqueous streams in chemical engineering or in the nuclear fuel cycle. The chemical and engineering communities are already paying significant attention to the quest for technologies that would lead us to the goal of technological sustainability. Amongst the various separation techniques, membrane based separation methods are getting increasingly popular due to factors such as high efficiency, and low in power consumption and easy scale–up due to a compact design etc. Also, in a modern approach, membrane contactors have proved to be an efficient contacting device, due to their high area per unit volume that results in high mass transfer rates. They are not only compact but also eliminate several of the problems faced in conventional processes such as ion exchange, solvent extraction, and precipitation.
Structure and Gas Transport Behavior of Polysulfone/ Polyacrylonitrile–carbon Molecular Sieve Mixed Matrix Membrane
Authors: Rafidah W. A.W. , Ismail A. F. , Matsuura T. , Hashemifard S. A. , Suhaimi A.
Published: November 2018

Mixed matrix membrane (MMM) comprising of polyacrylonitrile based carbon molecular sieve (PAN–CMS) and polysulfone (PSF) Udel® P–1700 were synthesized and characterized as an alternative material for gas separation. The structure and the gas transport behavior of this hybrid system was investigated by thorough analysis using thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), field emission scanning microscopy (FESEM) and single gas permeation test. The thermal analysis based on TGA and DSC results indicated that Tgs and Tds of PSF have been extended to higher temperatures. These findings suggest that PAN–CMS have improved the thermal property of PSF in the MMM system. FESEM micrographs revealed that the PSF/ PANCMS MMMs possess an acceptable PSF and PAN–CMS interfacial adhesion with the average interfacial gap size of less than 1ìm. The excellent gas separation capability of the PSF/ PAN–CMS MMM was proven as the hybrid film with 20 wt% PAN–CMS loading exhibited higher O2/N2 selectivity (5.80) than that of pure PSF film (5.45).
Fabrication and Characterization of Polysulfone-Zeolite ZSM-5 Mixed Matrix Membrane for Heavy Metal Ion Removal Application
Authors: Syed Ibrahim G. P. , M. Isloor Arun , Al Ahmed Amir , Lakshmi B.
Published: November 2018

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) of Polysulfone (PSf)-Zeolite ZSM-5 (ZZSM-5) were prepared by phase inversion method with a dose ranging from 1.0 to 4.0 Wt. % with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as the fore forming agent. The prepared mixed matrix membranes were scrutinized for their permeation, hydrophilicity and anti-fouling nature. Characterization of the membrane was carried out by Electrokinetic analyzer. The heavy metal ions rejection experiment has been carried out and the results manifested that, the PZM-4 membrane exhibits higher pure water flux of 348.88 L/m2 h, contact angle of 72.7o and the heavy meals rejection of Pb2+ (98.54%) and of Cd2+ (95.32%) ions. Taken as a whole, the modified PSf-ZZSM-5 ultrafiltration membranes are the attractive candidate for the water treatment.
Polyethersulfone/HFO Mixed Matrix Membrane for Enhanced Oily Wastewater Rejection
Authors: Ikhsan S. N. W. , Abdullah N. , Yusof N. , Aziz F. , Misdan N. , Hairom N. H. H.
Published: November 2018

The recent growth of oil and gas industry has led to the increase of oily wastewater release. Membrane technology has been in the spotlight in recent advancement to treat the oily wastewater. Fouling due to surfactant adsorption and/or oil droplets plugging the pore has become one of the major hindrances in most of the research on oily wastewater treatment. In this work, self-synthesized hydrous ferric dioxide nanoparticles (HFO NPs) via chemical precipitation method were incorporated in polyethersulfone (PES) to fabricate a novel nanocomposite mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for ultrafiltration (UF). The morphologies and physicochemical properties of prepared HFO NPs and MMMs were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscope (TEM), contact angle goniometer, before further subjected to water permeation test and oil rejection test. It was found that contact angle of membrane decreased remarkably with an increase in HFO nanoparticle loading from 70° to 38° at which proved its improved hydrophilicity which led to a significant rise in permeate flux, achieving 168.06 L/m2h bar in comparison to 63.67 L/m2h bar shown by the plain PES membrane. Total rejection of oil (100% rejection) demonstrated by the MMMs has confirmed the superior potential of PES/HFO UF membrane for total purification of oily wastewater especially to be reused in oilfield and refinery processes as well as to be released to the environment.
Mass Transfer and Fluid Hydrodynamics in Sealed End Hydrophobic Hollow Fiber Membrane Gas-liquid Contactors
Authors: Kartohardjono S. , Chen V.
Published: November 2018

Hollow fiber membrane modules have been extensively used as gas-liquid contactor devices to provide a high surface area within a small volume. Hollow fiber membrane contactors have been demonstrated in a wide range of application such as in gas stripping and gas absorption. In this study the performance of sealed end hydrophobic microporous hollow fiber membranes contactors were evaluated to remove dissolved oxygen from water via vacuum degassing process. Hollow fibers membranes used in the experiment were hydrophobic microporous polypropylene of 650 μm in outer diameter, 130 μm wall thickness and nominal pore size of 0.2 μm. Based on the experimentalresult the sealed end membrane contactor can remove oxygen from water as high as 3.4-gram oxygen per square meter of membrane area per hour. The oxygen flux decreases with increasing module-packing density for the same water velocity. The same effect also occurred for the mass transfer coefficient of the membrane contactors. The mass transfer coefficients were independent of fiber length within the range of study. Hydrodynamics analysis of the contactors showed that at the same Reynolds number pressure drops increase with increasing packing density due to an increase in friction between fibers and water.
Comparison of Performance of an Intermittent Aeration Membrane Bioreactor and a Conventional Activated–sludge System in the Treatment of Palm Oil Mill Effluent
Authors: Annop S. , Sridang P. , Chevakidagarn P. , Nopthavorn K.
Published: November 2018

The main objective was to compare the performances and the removal efficiencies of two biological treatment systems, a submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR) and a simultaneous activated sludge (AS), for treating Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME). Two lab scale units of SMBR and AS with a working volume of 24 L were operated under favorable biological conditions and minimized membrane fouling intensity. To achieve both carbonaceous and nitrogen removal, the cyclic air intermittent and dissolved oxygen control were performed into SMBR and AS with the influent flow rate about 16 L/d respectively. In terms of organic removal and membrane performance, the SMBR showed good removal efficiency to treat high strength wastewater with organic loading variation of POME. The average removal rates of TCOD, BOD, Turbidity, Color, Oil and Grease, NH3–N, TKN were 69±2, 76±2, 100±1, 37±21, 92±6, 67±4 and 75±10% respectively. Results pointed out the benefit of membranes retained totally the active compositions of biomass in each stage of development. The AS showed the limitation of sedimentation phase for sludge and oil separation. The characteristics of sludge in SMBR showed healthy floc formations and good settling after 240 h. The concentrations of COD and BOD in permeate were around 870±53 and 37±13 mg/L.
Preparation and Characterizations of Zeolite – Filled Natural Rubber/Poly(vinyl alcohol) Semi–IPN Membranes
Authors: Patthana J. , Poonsawat C. , Amnuaypanich S.
Published: November 2018

Semi–interpenetrating polymer network (semi–IPN) of natural rubber (NR) and crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was composited with zeolite 4A to form a mixed matrix (MM) membrane. PVA was crosslinked with sulfosuccinic acid (SSA) in the immediate presence of NR and zeolite. FT–IR spectroscopy confirmed the crosslinking of PVA in the MM membrane. Swelling measurements were carried out in both water and absolute ethanol. The degrees of swelling in both water and ethanol increased with increasing PVA content in the membranes, however they were found to decline upon increasing zeolite content more than 10 %w/w. The mechanical properties of the MM membranes were investigated by tensile testing. It was observed that the modulus increased with increasing zeolite content in membranes but the elongation at break was found to decrease. The thermal degradation of the MM membranes was studies using thermal gravimetry (TG). The MM membranes showed higher thermal stability compared with NR/PVA membrane due to the incorporation of zeolite. The dispersion of zeolite particles in the MM membrane was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis which showed a well dispersing of zeolite particles in the semi–IPN matrix. The sorption selectivities of MM membranes were enhanced with zeolite content especially, at low water concentration of ethanol–water mixtures. However the sorption selectivities of MM membranes decreased when water content in the liquid mixtures increased.
The Artificial Tree
Authors: Siegel R.P.
Published: November 2018

Inside Arizona State University in Tempe’s lab sit the parts for an artificial tree, capable of extracting carbon dioxide 1,000 times faster than a natural tree. The research team is methodically transforming the process into a machine through which carbon dioxide doesn’t get turned into fruit or roots or tree trunks, as it does with a natural tree, but simply gets collected by resin in a reversible chemical process. This article takes a closer look at the process.
Influence of Geometric Nonlinearities on the Asynchronous Modes of an Articulated Prestressed Slender Structure
Authors: Ribeiro Eduardo A. R. , Mazzilli Carlos E. N. , Lenci Stefano
Published: November 2018

Synchronous modal oscillations, characterized by unisonous motions for all physical coordinates, are well known. In turn, asynchronous oscillations lack a general definition to address all the associated features and implications. It might be thought, at first, that asynchronicity could be related to nonsimilar modes, which might be associated with phase differences between displacement and velocity fields. Due to such differences, the modes, although still periodic, might not be characterized by stationary waves so that physical coordinates might not attain their extreme values at the same instants of time, as in the case of synchronous modes. Yet, it seems that asynchronicity is more related to frequency rather than phase differences. A more promising line of thought associates asynchronous oscillations to different frequency contents over distinct parts of a system. That is the case when, in a vibration mode, part of the structure remains at rest, that is, with zero frequency, whereas other parts vibrate with non-null modal frequency. In such a scenario, localized oscillations would explain modal asynchronicity. When the system parameters are properly tuned, localization may appear even in very simple models, like Ziegler's columns, shear buildings, and slender structures. Now, the latter ones are recast, but finite rotations are assumed, in order to verify how nonlinearity affects existing linear asynchronous modes. For this purpose, the authors follow Shaw–Pierre's invariant manifold formulation. It is believed that full understanding of asynchronicity may apply to design of vibration controllers, microsensors, and energy-harvesting systems.