bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of chemical dispersants used in broken ice conditions
Authors: Faksness Liv-Guri , Belore Randall C. , McCourt James , Johnsen Marius , Pettersen Thor-Arne , Daling Per S.
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT (no. 2017-095)

In 2012, the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers initiated “The Arctic Oil Spill Response Technology Joint Industry Program (JIP)” with nine companies funding projects in a wide range of technical areas. This paper summarizes results from the project “Dispersant Testing under Realistic Conditions”, a collaboration between SINTEF (Norway) and SL Ross (Canada). The objective of the research was to build on current knowledge to increase understanding of the effect of oil type, degree of weathering, and environmental conditions on dispersant effectiveness in ice-covered waters.

SINTEF and SL Ross performed approximately 70 tests using two identical recirculating flumes with variable parameters such as oil types, dispersant type, mixing energy, ice coverage, and water salinity. The oils were weathered in the flumes for 6 or 18 hours under simulated winds, waves, and cold temperatures to represent weathering that might occur at sea prior to dispersant application. The dispersed oil was exposed to various mixing energies, starting with low energy waves, followed by somewhat higher energy waves, and finally by applying propeller wash. Four crude oils were studied and the dispersant efficiency of three commercial oil spill dispersants were evaluated for the tested oils. Other test parameters were ice coverage (50% and 80%) and water salinity (35, 15, and 5 ppt).

Dispersant effectiveness as a function of the different test variables were estimated using results from the flume-based experiments. As expected, shorter weathering times resulted in an increase in dispersant efficiency. The dispersant effectiveness varied with both oil type and dispersant type applied, and the effectiveness increased when higher mixing energy conditions were used. Varying the ice cover did not influence the results significantly, but water salinity did, with the lowest dispersant efficiencies found at 5 ppt salinity.

The conclusions are based on the findings from testing performed under the controlled conditions and may not be directly transferable to all conditions that could be encountered in the Arctic. However, this study shows that dispersants can be considered as a response option for spills in ice, but effectiveness needs to be validated in the field during an actual event.
Managing human risk during an oiled wildlife response
Authors: Short Michael
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT 2017-066

Human risks during an oiled wildlife response (OWR) can be divided principally amongst physical, chemical and biological hazards. This paper identifies the risks associated with these hazards to oiled wildlife responders, other responders and the general public. Hazards and risks are managed by specific risk management procedures. These commonly include identifying individual steps in the activity, identifying associated hazards and risks, quantifying the risks and then applying treatments and controls to eliminate or reduce risk exposure to an acceptable level. For treatments and controls to manage risks effectively these are applied as a part of pre-incident contingency planning, during incidents and post incidents. Treatments and controls identified in the paper include responder training, registration of personnel, incident planning, use of safety data sheet recommendations, personal protection equipment, minimising exposure times, applying call in procedures and communication systems, making available emergency supportive equipment, providing food and fluids, vaccinations for responders, applying dangerous wildlife risk reduction practices, safe manual handling and transportation practices, safe motor driving and vessel handling practices, fatigue management practices, working in pairs as a minimum requirement, safety precautions when working near water and at industrial sites, equipment maintenance and safe use, safe practices around sharps, compliant waste disposal practices, reporting mechanisms for near misses and injuries and the systems to prevent their re-occurrence. Mental health hazards during incidents and post incident phases are also a key feature to manage and are often overlooked. Risks associated with mental health include stress and trauma. Supportive treatments and controls include response planning, professional counselling and medical support. The information to develop this paper was taken from a range of international responses.
Ongoing Research on Herding Agents for In Situ Burning in Arctic Waters: Studies on Fate and Effects
Authors: Fritt-Rasmussen Janne , Gustavson Kim , Wegeberg Susse , Møller Eva Friis , Nørregaard Rasmus Dyrmose , Lassen Pia , Buist Ian , Cooper David , Trudel Ken , Alva Wilson Ulises Rojas , Jomaas Grunde
Published: December 2017

Research on the fate and effects of herding agents used to contain and thicken oil slicks for in situ burning in Arctic waters continues under the auspices of the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers Arctic Oil Spill Response Technology – Joint Industry Program (JIP). In 2014/2015 laboratory studies were conducted on the fate and effects of herders. The purpose of the studies was to improve the knowledge base used to evaluate the environmental risk of using herders in connection with in situ burning for oil spill response in Arctic seas. Two herding agents were studied (OP 40 and ThickSlick 6535).

Laboratory-scale herding and burning experiments were carried out for investigating the physical fate of the two herders during combustion of Alaska North Slope and Grane crude oils (fresh and emulsified). The results showed that after burning, the herder was mainly found on the water surface, and only small concentrations of herders were found in the water column (0.2–22.8 mg/L).

The inherent properties of herders in relation to toxicity and bioaccumulation on the high Arctic copepods (Calanus hyperboreus), as well as the biodegradability of herders were studied under arctic conditions. The results indicated that a distinct mortality was seen at the highest test concentrations of the herders. However, the concentration of herders required to produce acute toxicity in the laboratory was approximately three orders of magnitude higher than the concentrations measured in the water column when herders were used to conduct an in situ burn in the laboratory. OP-40 might bio-accumulate whereas TS6535 might not. TS6535 was mostly degraded within 7 days, whereas the degradation of OP-40 was insignificant over 28 days.

Since herders are mainly considered as a surface active chemical compound, the potential impacts of herders on Arctic seabird feathers (from legally hunted Thick-Billed Murre and Common Eider) were investigated. Different dosages of herders were tested; high dosages that might be present just after the application of the herder and low dosages (approximately monolayers) likely to occur for a significant time and distance from the operations. Low dosages corresponding to approximately monolayers of OP-40 and TS6535 did not cause feathers to sink; however they did absorb more water than the controls. The high dosages caused measured damages to the feather microstructure.

Finally, laboratory burning experiments were carried out to determine if there was a difference in the composition of smoke plumes from mechanically contained burns versus herded oil burns. Herder was not measured in the smoke plumes, and there were no other noticeable differences in combustion between the two methods of containment (herder vs. metal ring).
TROPICS FIELD STUDY (PANAMA), 32-YEAR SITE VISIT: OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS FOR NEAR SHORE DISPERSANT USE NEBA AND TRADEOFFS
Authors: Renegar D. Abigail , Schuler Paul , Turner Nicholas , Dodge Richard , Riegl Bernhard , Knap Anthony , Bera Gopal , Jézéquel Ronan , Benggio Bradford
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT (#2017-141)

The Tropical Oil Pollution Investigations in Coastal Systems (TROPICS) experiment initiated in 1984 on the Caribbean coast of Panama has become one of the most comprehensive field experiments examining effects of oil exposure to a combination of tropical marine reef, seagrass, and mangrove communities. The experimental dosage was chosen to simulate a severe but realistic spill scenario so that results could be useful in decisions about the extent to which dispersants reduced or exacerbated the effects of an oil spill on tropical environments of mangroves, seagrasses, and corals. Research has been conducted in the area prior to and 30+ years following exposure to evaluate long term effects. In July 2016, an international research team revisited the TROPICS field sites. In previous data collection visits, visual observations and core samples of the mangrove substrate at the non-treated (Oil only) site revealed the presence of oil. This “trapped” oil also apparently resulted in lower recovery rates for mangroves in that site. Of particular interest in the 2016 revisit was to determine the presence/non-presence of oil in core samples via new petroleum biomarker triple quadrupole mass spectrometry technology. Additionally, data collection and observations of the extent, diversity, and health of the shallow coral reefs, seagrass, and mangroves were conducted at the three sites. The focus was on the initial disruption and recovery of the study ecosystem over 32 years from the original dosing with crude oil or dispersed crude oil. Analysis qualitatively compared the 2016 results to 1984 pre-spill and post-spill conditions of each site. This paper discusses the results of the 2016 TROPICS study site revisit and conclusions for oil spill preparedness and response, particularly as it applies to the trade-offs for the use of dispersants in near shore tropical marine ecosystems.
Water-column Measurements and Observations from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Natural Resource Damage Assessment
Authors: Payne James R. , Driskell William B.
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT NO. 2017-167

As part of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) effort following the Deepwater Horizon (MC252) blowout and oil spill in 2010, over 5,300 water samples were forensically evaluated both as evidence of exposure and to validate oil fate and transport modelling. In addition to whole water-sample grabs, particulate-oil and dissolved-phase samples from the subsurface release were separated (filtered) in the field to provide detailed information on the partitioning behavior of oil droplets in a deepwater plume (1,000–1,400m) extending to the southwest (SW) of the wellhead. Offshore, the subsurface plume was visually observed and photographed using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and tracked in conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD), dissolved oxygen (DO), and fluorometry profiles. The farthest reach of the plume was 412 km (250 mi) SW of the wellhead as confirmed by multiple lines of evidence (i.e., depth, fluorometry spikes, DO sags, and dispersant indicators) and out to 267 km as weathered, phase-discriminated, confirmed hydrocarbon profiles. With increasing time and distance from the wellhead, the plume’s polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) signal became diluted and eventually no longer detectible using selected-ion-monitoring (SIM) gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), although the plume was still discernible in the corroborating data. We hypothesize that microbial degradation at depth converted the PAH and aliphatics into oxygenated and polar products not detectible using SIM GC/MS methods.

Near-surface oil samples showed evidence of substantial dissolution weathering as the oil droplets rose through the water column, and further evaporative losses of lower-molecular-weight n-alkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons occurred after the oil reached the surface. Surface oil also showed evidence of photo-oxidation of alkylated chrysenes and triaromatic steranes. Typical of surface oil dynamics, increases in dissolved and particulate-oil fractions were observed in the shallow sub-surface as a result of both dispersant effects and wave reentrainment of surface films. Dispersant treatment effects, both as surface applications and injected at the wellhead, showed uniquely enhanced-dissolution weathering patterns in PAH profiles with limited or delayed microbial degradation of saturated hydrocarbons (SHC) close to the wellhead. From an oil-fate-and-transport standpoint, these data document that the dispersant applications at depth were functionally effective in breaking up the oil droplets and thereby preventing some portion of the oil from reaching the surface.
DERELICT AND ABANDONED VESSELS: A UNIQUE STATE APPROACH TO PREVENTION AND REMOVAL
Authors: Cook Stephen (Craig)
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT # 2017-408

The Texas General Land Office (TGLO) has developed an innovative and cost effective approach to dispose of abandoned vessels along the Texas coast. For years, unscrupulous vessel owners have removed serial numbers and registration information from primarily fiberglass boats and cast them adrift in remote or isolated areas along the Texas coast. Weather incidents have also contributed to hundreds of abandoned vessels in or near Texas waters. These vessels, which often still have fuel and lubricants on board, present a threat to the environment, navigation and public safety. Unfortunately, budget constraints, jurisdictional boundaries, and regulations prevent the local, state and federal agencies that have an interest in removing these vessels from taking action. The TGLO strategy is designed to help rid coastal areas of abandoned vessels before they enter coastal water. The Vessel Turn-In Program, known as VTIP, promotes partnerships by pooling the unique funding, capital and human resources of government entities and stakeholders to form a cost effective approach to eliminating abandoned vessels and the pollution they create.
Assessment of oil weathering and impact in mangrove ecosystem: PRISME Experiment.
Authors: Jézéquel Ronan , Duboscq Karine , Sylvi Léa , Michaud Emma , Ferriz Lise Millera , Roic Enora , Duran Robert , Cravo-laureau Cristiana , Michotey Valérie , Bonin Patricia , Gilbert Franck , Tedetti Marc , Militon Cécile , Cuny Philippe
Published: December 2017

Abstract 2017-410

Mangroves are among the most sensitive marine ecosystems to oil pollution due both to the sensitivity of mangroves species and to the high persistence of hydrocarbons in these environments. Despite their ecological and socio-economic value, the potential effects of an oil spill on French Guiana mangroves remain so far unknown. Yet, there is an increasing transboundary risk of oil spill due to Brazilian offshore oil exploitation (in mid-April 2013, there were 122 offshore drilling rigs in Brazil, including 29 under construction – Brazilian Amapá region located in the French Guiana border area is thought to become an important world oil production area in the coming years).

The aim of the PRISME project was to assess the natural degradation of oil in mangrove sediment as well as its impact on benthic communities (micro, meio and macrobenthos): a one-month in situ experiment was conducted in the young French Guianese mangrove (around 3 years old) at the mouth of the Sinnamary estuary. The experimental units consisted in eight plastic cores (Ø : 10 cm ; height: 30 cm) manually introduced within sediments. A thin layer of oiled sediment (2 cm, 20 000 ppm) was applied on four cores while the remaining four cores were considered as control (no oil addition). Three cores were additionally sampled at the beginning of the experiment as initial control sediments. After one month in situ, the eight cores were collected and sliced on site into different sedimentary layers aliquots for later analyses (hydrocarbons, bacterial, meio, macrofauna fauna diversity, bioturbation, biogeochemical parameters). Samples were sent to the different laboratories involved in this multidisciplinary project.

Results and knowledge gained from this experimental work were used to develop an approach for assessing coastal vulnerability for oil spills preparedness in mangroves.
Development of Oil Spill Response Decision Support Tool for Aerial Spraying of Dispersants
Authors: Dillon-Gibbons Craig , Galtry Cameron , Boustead Nicholas , D’Arcy-Evans Nicholas , Kurts Phillip , Jal Eric , Kilner Andrew , Washington Daniel
Published: December 2017

2017-280 Abstract

This paper describes the development of a Decision Support Tool (DST) for response planning associated with aerial operations for offshore oil spills. The research program was formulated to include characterization of dispersant spray drift through numerical modeling to generate a database of drift response for a range of airframes and environmental conditions. The drift of aerial dispersants is dependent on a number of different influences including airframe shape and aerodynamics, environmental effects, flight conditions and aerial dispersant make up. As with agricultural spraying, oil spill response spraying has the potential of spray drift to impact upon ecologically sensitive regions and/or areas occupied by people or marine mammals surfacing in the spill area. The development of the DST included an evaluation of existing regulatory models, investigating their application to the offshore environment. It was found that, due to inherent limitations and simplifications, particularly for the larger airframes considered, the existing models were under conservative in comparison with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models in the near field wake regions for offshore spraying purposes. To address these issues, a combination of scaling factors and the use of inviscid vortex transport and particle dispersion models were adopted for inclusion in the DST. It is envisaged that, once validated further, the DST will become an invaluable tool for Oil Spill Response Operators (OSROs) and decision planners in both the operational mode of providing information to aid in establishing setback distances and in the planning mode to assist with the identification of windows of opportunity conducive to spraying operations.
Using Stable Isotopes in Water Vapor to Diagnose Relationships Between Lower‐Tropospheric Stability, Mixing, and Low‐Cloud Cover Near the Island of Hawaii
Authors: Galewsky Joseph
Published: December 2017

In situ measurements of water vapor isotopic composition from Mauna Loa, Hawaii, are merged with soundings from Hilo to show an inverse relationship between the estimated inversion strength (EIS) and isotopically derived measures of lower‐tropospheric mixing. Remote sensing estimates of cloud fraction, cloud liquid water path, and cloud top pressure were all found to be higher (lower) under low (high) EIS. Inverse modeling of the isotopic data corresponding to terciles of EIS conditions provide quantitative constraints on the last‐saturation temperatures and mixing fractions that govern the humidity above the trade inversion. The mixing fraction of water vapor transported from the boundary layer to Mauna Loa decreases with respect to EIS at a rate of about 3% K−1, corresponding to a mixing ratio decrease of 0.6 g kg−1 K−1. A last‐saturation temperature of 240 K can match all observations. This approach can be applied in other settings and may be used to test models of low‐cloud climate feedbacks.
Shear‐Rate‐Dependent Behavior of Clayey Bimaterial Interfaces at Landslide Stress Levels
Authors: Scaringi Gianvito , Hu Wei , Xu Qiang , Huang Runqiu
Published: December 2017

The behavior of reactivated and first‐failure landslides after large displacements is controlled by the available shear resistance in a shear zone and/or along slip surfaces, such as a soil‐bedrock interface. Among the factors influencing the resistance parameter, the dependence on the shear rate can trigger catastrophic evolution (rate‐weakening) or exert a slow‐down feedback (rate‐strengthening) upon stress perturbation. We present ring‐shear test results, performed under various normal stresses and shear rates, on clayey soils from a landslide shear zone, on its parent lithology and other lithologies, and on clay‐rock interface samples. We find that depending on the materials in contact, the normal stress, and the stress history, the shear‐rate‐dependent behaviors differ. We discuss possible models and underlying mechanisms for the time‐dependent behavior of landslides in clay soils.
The Evolution of Deep Ocean Chemistry and Respired Carbon in the Eastern Equatorial Pacific Over the Last Deglaciation
Authors: de la Fuente Maria , Calvo Eva , Skinner Luke , Pelejero Carles , Evans David , Müller Wolfgang , Povea Patricia , Cacho Isabel
Published: December 2017

It has been shown that the deep Eastern Equatorial Pacific (EEP) region was poorly ventilated during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) relative to Holocene values. This finding suggests a more efficient biological pump, which indirectly supports the idea of increased carbon storage in the deep ocean contributing to lower atmospheric CO2 during the last glacial. However, proxies related to respired carbon are needed in order to directly test this proposition. Here we present Cibicides wuellerstorfi B/Ca ratios from Ocean Drilling Program Site 1240 measured by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICPMS) as a proxy for deep water carbonate saturation state (Δ[CO32−], and therefore [CO32−]), along with δ13C measurements. In addition, the U/Ca ratio in foraminiferal coatings has been analyzed as an indicator of oxygenation changes. Our results show lower [CO32−], δ13C, and [O2] values during the LGM, which would be consistent with higher respired carbon levels in the deep EEP driven, at least in part, by reduced deep water ventilation. However, the difference between LGM and Holocene [CO32−] observed at our site is relatively small, in accordance with other records from across the Pacific, suggesting that a “counteracting” mechanism, such as seafloor carbonate dissolution, also played a role. If so, this mechanism would have increased average ocean alkalinity, allowing even more atmospheric CO2 to be “sequestered” by the ocean. Therefore, the deep Pacific Ocean very likely stored a significant amount of atmospheric CO2 during the LGM, specifically due to a more efficient biological carbon pump and also an increase in average ocean alkalinity.
Understanding the Effects of Dissolution on the Mg/Ca Paleothermometer in Planktic Foraminifera: Evidence From a Novel Individual Foraminifera Method
Authors: Rongstad Brigitta L. , Marchitto Thomas M. , Herguera Juan Carlos
Published: December 2017

It is well documented that partial dissolution of planktic foraminiferal tests results in a reduction of Mg/Ca ratios, and hence of inferred calcification temperatures; however, traditional analysis techniques have made it difficult to identify the exact mechanism through which Mg is lost. Three hypotheses have been proposed as models for Mg loss for a given extent of dissolution: (1) a percent loss of Mg in individuals, (2) a molar loss of Mg in individuals, and (3) a loss of the highest‐Mg (warmest) individuals from a population. It is vital to better constrain these models as they have very different implications for Mg/Ca paleotemperature dissolution corrections. Here we use a novel individual foraminifera Mg/Ca method to examine the effects of dissolution on the Mg/Ca paleothermometer in three species of planktic foraminifera, Globigerinoides ruber, Neogloboquadrina dutertrei, and Pulleniatina obliquiloculata, from a depth transect of core tops on the Ontong Java Plateau in the western equatorial Pacific. With the exception of the most heavily dissolved population of P. obliquiloculata, our data best support a percent Mg loss model as indicated by the preservation of inferred temperature distribution shapes among the sampled populations and the close fit of the simulated percent Mg loss model to the observed data. Coupled with estimates for foraminiferal dissolution, identification of the percent Mg loss model will allow for more accurate dissolution corrections in Mg/Ca paleothermometry work.
A Return to “The Clinic” for Community Psychology: Lessons from a Clinical Ethnography in Urban American Indian Behavioral Health
Authors: Hartmann William E. , St. Arnault Denise M. , Gone Joseph P.
Published: December 2017

Community psychology (CP) abandoned the clinic and disengaged from movements for community mental health (CMH) to escape clinical convention and pursue growing aspirations as an independent field of context‐oriented, community‐engaged, and values‐driven research and action. In doing so, however,CPpositioned itself on the sidelines of influential contemporary movements that promote potentially harmful, reductionist biomedical narratives in mental health. We advocate for a return to the clinic—the seat of institutional power in mental health—using critical clinic‐based inquiry to open sites for clinical‐community dialogue that can instigate transformative change locally and nationally. To inform such works within the collaborative and emancipatory traditions ofCP, we detail a recently completed clinical ethnography and offer “lessons learned” regarding challenges likely to re‐emerge in similar efforts. Conducted with an urban American Indian community behavioral health clinic, this ethnography examined how culture and culture concepts (e.g., cultural competence) shaped clinical practice with socio‐political implications for American Indian peoples and the pursuit of transformative change inCMH. Lessons learned identify exceptional clinicians versed in ecological thinking and contextualist discourses of human suffering as ideal partners for this work; encourage intense contextualization and constraining critique to areas of mutual interest; and support relational approaches to clinic collaborations.
Peptibodies: An elegant solution for a long‐standing problem
Authors: Cavaco Marco , Castanho Miguel A. R. B. , Neves Vera
Published: December 2017

Chimeric proteins composed of a biologically active peptide and a fragment crystallizable (Fc) domain of immunoglobulin G (IgG) are known as peptibodies. They present an extended half‐life due to neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) salvage pathway, a decreased renal clearance rate owing to its increased size (≈70 kDa) and, depending on the peptide used in the design of the peptibody, an active‐targeting moiety. Also, the peptides therapeutic activity is boosted by the number of peptides in the fusion protein (at least two peptides) and to some peptides’ alterations. Peptibodies are mainly obtained through recombinant DNA technology. However, to improve peptide properties, “unnatural” changes have been introduced to the original peptides’ sequence, for instance, the incorporation of D‐ or non‐natural amino acid residues or even cyclization thus, limiting the application of genetic engineering in the production of peptibodies, since these peptides must be obtained via chemical synthesis. This constrains prompted the development of new methods for conjugation of peptides to Fc domains. Another challenge, subject of intense research, relates to the large‐scale production of such peptibodies using these new techniques, which can be minimized by their proved value. To date, two peptibodies, romiplostim and dulaglutide, have been approved and stay as the standard of care in their areas of action. Furthermore, a considerable number of peptibodies are currently in preclinical and clinical development.
Stay true to institution's mission while addressing First Amendment issues
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2017

Many campuses have experienced debate and protests over speakers and their topics, and some protests have turned violent. Campus leaders try to simultaneously keep members of the community safe, support First Amendment rights, and uphold institutional values.
Prepare students before sending them to earthquake‐prone study abroad locations
Authors: Hutton Jim
Published: December 2017

Such popular study abroad locations as Italy, Japan, Indonesia, Nepal, and the Philippines are all located in areas highly prone to earthquakes. The potentially devastating nature of these disasters creates the need for campus professionals to prepare students and staff before traveling to earthquake‐prone areas.
Campus survey reports disparity in student concerns, actual incidence of crime
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: December 2017

In the past year, hate crimes on campus have risen, as have the number of violent deaths of students, so evaluating how safe students feel on campus has taken on more importance. A study undertaken by CollegeStats.org evaluates the safest campuses in the country, where on campus students feel most and least safe, and other topics of importance for campus safety officials to know.
Keep your eye on…
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2017

how family‐based CBT can work for pediatric OCD

how dysfunctional families benefit from family therapy for pediatric OCD

the need for difficult exposure tasks to improve anxiety symptoms
Methylphenidate for ASD: Cochrane looks at evidence of effectiveness and safety
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2017

Short‐term use of methylphenidate could improve hyperactivity, and possibly inattention, in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in children who are tolerant of the medication, according to a recent Cochrane Review. However, the researchers concluded there is no evidence to prove that methylphenidate for ASD in general is safe or effective.
Lloyd Johnston on MTF, survey he led for 42 years
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2017

Drug use comes in waves, because generations tend to forget — if they ever even really knew — what their parents did. This means that that no one substance can be targeted for prevention, says the researcher who may know more about American teenagers and drug use than anyone in the country. Lloyd Johnston, Ph.D., has been leading the Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), since it started 42 years ago. He is still involved in the survey, but has handed over the role of principal investigator to Richard Miech, Ph.D., research professor of youth and social issues at the University of Michigan. We talked to Johnston about the history and future of MTF, the questionnaire given to a representative sample of adolescent students every year.
Managed care and psychiatric treatment: Insurance companies, not patients or their doctors, are in charge
Authors: Tarnoff Gerald
Published: December 2017

Managed care, an attempt to control the cost of medical care, has had a significant impact on mental health treatment, presumably with financial and therapeutic benefits such as the prevention of excessive or unnecessary treatment. Yet the impact of managed care is not all positive. As a child and adolescent psychiatrist since 1986, participating in thousands of managed care reviews and hundreds of hours in reviews and insurance‐related meetings, I believe that managed care too often interferes with quality mental health care.
Exploration of Ag decoration and Bi doping on the photocatalytic activity α‐Fe2O3 under simulated solar light irradiation
Authors: Rajamohan Satheesh , Kumaravel Vignesh , Abdel‐Wahab Ahmed , Ayyadurai Suganthi , Muthuramalingam Rajarajan
Published: December 2017

In the present investigation, silver decorated and bismuth doped α‐Fe2O3 (Ag/Bi‐Fe2O3) was successfully synthesized using the co‐precipitation method. The size, shape, surface area, and magnetic properties were characterized by XRD, FE‐SEM, EDX, BET, VSM, and UV‐Vis‐DRS techniques. The synthesized nanoparticles were used as a photocatalyst for the degradation of rose bengal (RB) dye under simulated solar light irradiation. Ag/Bi‐Fe2O3 showed the better photocatalytic activity of 97.11 % within 135 min when compared to Bi‐Fe2O3 and Ag‐Fe2O3. The superior photo‐catalytic activity of Ag/Bi‐Fe2O3 was mainly ascribed to visible light absorption and the suppression of photo‐generated electron‐hole recombination. Ag/Bi‐Fe2O3 was found to be a stable photocatalyst during recycling experiments. Besides, the magnetic property of Ag/Bi‐Fe2O3 makes it an ideal candidate for separation and recovery during recycling.
Use of an intermediary as reasonable accommodation for medical education
Authors: Blacklock Barbara
Published: December 2017

As an increasing number of talented students with disabilities are being reasonably accommodated in postsecondary schools, more students with disabilities are admitted to medical school. This increase in inclusion supports one of the stated goals of the Association of American Medical Colleges to “expand the diversity of health care providers.”
Fe3O4@chitosan‐bound picolinaldehyde Cu complex as the magnetically reusable nanocatalyst for adjustable oxidation of sulfides
Authors: Fakhri Akram , Naghipour Ali
Published: December 2017

As ecological and environmental demands for sustainability are one of the most strategic landscapes in the green chemistry, recent chemical researches have been directed toward eco‐friendly catalysts. Further advancement in this area has presented magnetically recoverable nanocatalyst. Herein, Cu‐based nanocatalyst was synthesized via reaction of picolinaldehyde and amine group of immobilized chitosan on the magnetic nanosupport, and followed by metallation. The prepared nanocatalyst was characterized by a variety of techniques. FT‐IR analysis demonstrated the favored coating of chitosan‐based Cu complex over Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscope techniques confirmed nano‐sized of the catalyst. Fe3O4 nanoparticles and the nanocatalyst fit the X‐ray diffraction pattern of standard magnetite. High thermal stability of the nanocatalyst was determined by the TGA analysis. The inductively coupled plasma atomic emission analysis technique specified content of Cu was 0.62 mmol/g. Magnetic properties were analyzed by the vibrating sample magnetometer study. Regarding green chemistry goals, the applicability of this nanocatalyst was tested in the oxidation of sulfides derivatives. The nanocatalyst exhibited high catalytic activity and selectivity in the oxidation of sulfides to the corresponding sulfoxide (without over‐oxidation of sulfides to sulfones) under green conditions. Based on the magnetic properties (alluded to the Fe3O4 component), the nanocatalyst could be easily recovered from the reaction mixture using an external magnet, and reused up to four times without noticeable deterioration in its performance. Moreover, the other merits such as high yields, mild reaction condition, use of stable and green oxidant and eco‐friendly procedure made this nanocatalyst as a valuable catalyst in practical synthesis. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1626–1631, 2018
Correlation between the cell population in the automated hematology analyzer high‐fluorescence region and atypical lymphocyte flags
Authors: Xie Hongjie , Wu Yue , Cui Wei
Published: December 2017

Introduction

During routine blood measurements using an automated hematology analyzer, two easily confused types of suspect flags related to lymphocytes often appear: atypical and immature lymphocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of high fluorescence cell (HFC) parameter and lymphocyte flags determined from an automated hematology analyzer.

Methods

A total of 93 patients affected by various pathologic conditions (viral infection, immunological disease, oncological disease and tumor) were divided into an “atypical lymphocytes” group (“atypical” for short), an “immature lymphocytes/blasts” flag group (abnormal), a mixed‐flag group that includes “atypical lymphocytes” (mixed), and a non‐flag group (non‐flag).

Results

The numbers of HFCs in the atypical, abnormal, mixed, and non‐flag groups were 1.8% (0.9%‐5.5%), 0.7% (0.1%‐5.0%), 2.3% (1.2%‐5.0%), and 0.8% (0.7%‐1.2%), respectively. The HFCs of “atypical” appeared as a separate cluster with clear boundaries. The HFCs of “abnormal” as an unclear boundaries, and it was difficult to accurately distinguish between the HFCs from the immature lymphocytes and the normal lymphocytes. The lower limit of HFC when the atypical lymphocyte flag appeared was 0.04 × 109/L. The number of HFCs was similar to atypical lymphocytes detected by microscopy and CD19+CD20−CD27++ cells by flow cytometry at 78% and 76%, respectively. The number of HFCs detected in “atypical” and CD19+CD20−CD27++ cells showed good consistency (r = .715), whereas the consistency was poorest for “abnormal” (r = .176).

Conclusion

It demonstrates that HFCs reflects atypical lymphocytes better than immature lymphocytes/blasts.
Shock‐Tube Experiments and Kinetic Modeling of CH3NHCH3 Ignition at Elevated Pressures
Authors: Shi J. C. , Shang Y. L. , Ye W. , Zhang R. T. , Luo S. N.
Published: December 2017

Ignition delay times of CH3NHCH3/O2/Ar mixtures are measured with a shock tube in the temperature range of 1040–1604 K. Different pressures (4, 8, and 18 atm) and equivalence ratios (0.5, 1, and 2) are investigated. A recently developed CH3NHCH3 kinetic model is examined, and then modified by adding the hydrogen abstractions from CH3NHCH3 by HO2 and NO2. The rate constants of the hydrogen abstraction by HO2 are estimated by analogy to the CH3OH + HO2 system, and those of the hydrogen abstraction by NO2 by analogy to the CH3NH2 + HO2 system. The modified model is well validated against the present measurements. Based on this model, sensitivity analysis and reaction pathway analysis are performed to provide insight into the chemical kinetics of CH3NHCH3 ignition. CH3NHCH3 is mainly consumed by hydrogen abstractions at low temperatures, and its unimolecular decomposition becomes important at higher temperatures.
The effect of myofascial release and microwave diathermy combined with acupuncture versus acupuncture therapy in tension‐type headache patients: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial
Authors: Georgoudis George , Felah Bledjana , Nikolaidis Pantelis , Damigos Dimitrios
Published: December 2017

Background and purpose

Nonpharmacological therapies for tension‐type headache (TTH) and cervicogenic cephalalgia are often a treatment choice, despite the weak to moderate evidence. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of an acupuncture/stretching protocol versus acupuncture/stretching plus physiotherapy techniques, in patients with TTH cephalalgia.

Methods

A single‐blind, prospective, multicentre, randomized controlled trial was designed considering the pragmatic situation of administering such protocols and treating the 44 headache patients participating in this study. The patients were randomly assigned in 2 treatment groups (control group, n = 20, acupuncture/stretching; experimental group, n = 24, acupuncture/stretching plus physiotherapy) and completed 10 treatment sessions within 4 weeks with measurements taking place before treatment, after the fifth treatment and after the 10th treatment. The mechanical pressure pain threshold (PPT) was considered as the main outcome measure, using a mechanical algometer to measure 7 bilateral somatic points. Acupuncture in both groups included 17–20 acupuncture points, whereas stretching was initially taught and subsequently self‐administered (self‐stretches), following a standardized set of movements of the cervical spine. Physiotherapy consisted of microwave diathermy and myofascial release with hands‐on techniques.

Results/findings

An improvement was noted in both groups/treatments regarding the main outcome measure PPT, all the way from the first to fifth and the 10th treatment, at all measuring sites and at all measurements in both groups (p < .001). When comparing the 2 groups, differences were noted after the 10th treatment (p < .05).

Discussion

In conclusion, patients with TTH headache were benefited from acupuncture and stretching but further PPT improvements were evidenced when physiotherapy hands‐on techniques were added. In clinical terms, the combination of physiotherapy in the form of myofascial release and microwave diathermy with acupuncture and stretching in order to improve the analgesic effect (PPT) is strongly recommended.
Properties of Starch after Extrusion: A Review
Authors: Ye Jiangping , Hu Xiuting , Luo Shunjing , Liu Wei , Chen Jun , Zeng Zhiru , Liu Chengmei
Published: December 2017

Food extrusion has evolved over the past decades and is now a unique research area. Starch is a primary ingredient of raw materials that are widely used in food extrusion. Extrusion is a thermomechanical process that can break the bonds of starch, leading to starch gelatinization, melting, and degradation. This article reviews the effects of extrusion on structure (crystallinity, morphology, molecular weight) and physico‐chemical properties (expansion ratio, water absorption index, water soluble index, texture, pasting property, and digestion) of starch. In addition, some applications of extruded starches are described. This review is of significance as it provides an overview of the effects of extrusion on starch properties and indicates the potential of extrusion applications in the food industry.
Synthesis, Characterization, and the Antifungal Property of Aminoethyl Chitosan Quaternary Ammonium Salts
Authors: Wei Lijie , Zhang Jingjing , Luan Fang , Tan Wenqiang , Li Qing , Dong Fang , Guo Zhanyong
Published: December 2017

Chemical modification of chitosan is one of effective methods to improve the biological activity of chitosan. In this paper, aminoethyl chitosan quaternary ammonium salts, including N‐trimetyl quaternary ammonium salt chitosan (TMC), 6‐O‐(aminoethyl)‐2‐trimethyl quaternary ammonium chitosan derivative (ONC), and 6‐N‐(aminoethyl)‐2‐trimethyl quaternary ammonium chitosan derivative (NNC), are successfully designed, synthesized, and characterized by FT‐IR, 1H NMR, and elemental analyses. Moreover, three kinds of antifungal activities, including B. cinerea Pers., Gibberella zea, and P. asparagi, are all tested by hyphal measurement in vitro. The results show that all chitosan derivatives have better antifungal activities than chitosan. And the antifungal activity decrease in the order: NNC>ONC >TMC>chitosan at 1.0 mg mL−1. Furthermore, the inhibitory indices of NNC and ONC against three kinds of phytopathogens are higher than 75% at 1.0 mg mL−1. Especially, the inhibitory index of NNC against B. cinerea Pers. attain even 90% at 1.0 mg mL−1. These data demonstrate that the aminated chitoan derivative could remarkably improve the antifungal activity of chitosan. On the one hand, the higher positive charge would interact with the anionic components to damage the cell wall. On the other hand, based on the “permeability” point, the aminoethyl as lipophilic group might pass the oil film into the cell.
Review most commonly used exception to written consent
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: December 2017

§99.31 Under what conditions is prior consent not required to disclose information?
Fascio‐Adipo‐Cutaneous Lateral Advancement Flap for Treatment of Pilonidal Sinus: A Modification of the Karydakis Operation—Cohort Study
Authors: Abo‐Ryia Mohammad Hamdy , Abd‐Allah Hamdy Sedky , Al‐Shareef Mahmoud Moustafa , Abdulrazek Mahmoud Mohammed
Published: December 2017

Background

Pilonidal sinus is a common chronic disease affecting young adults. Many surgical procedures have been developed for its treatment, but an optimal one has still not been achieved. This study presents a modification to the Karydakis operation.

Methods

A total of 265 patients with chronic pilonidal sinus between May 2008 and May 2015 were included in this study and submitted to fascio‐adipo‐cutaneous lateral advancement flap as 1‐day case surgery. Any Septic complication was treated firstly. Follow‐up examinations were conducted during the first three postoperative months at the outpatient clinic at regular intervals and thereafter by phone calls or direct examination to check for recurrences.

Results

Males constituted 93.6% with a mean age of 21.6 ± 7.7 year. The median disease duration was 15 months. Twenty‐eight patients had recurrent disease. The mean operative time was 41.4 ± 12.7 min. The mean time out of work was 11.6 ± 4.6 days. Complications occurred in 19 patients (7.1%) in the form of seroma in six patients (2.2%), superficial wound infection occurred in nine patients (3.3%), cuticular wound disruption occurred in four patients (1.5%). All patients completed 3‐months follow‐up, but 48 patients were lost at variable intervals with the remaining 217 patients completed follow‐up throughout the period of the study with a median follow‐up of 43 months. No reported recurrence and 96.7% of the patients were satisfied about their wound.

Conclusion

This modification is simple with low complication rate, no recurrence, and excellent patient satisfaction.
Correction to: Landslide susceptibility mapping of the Sera River Basin using logistic regression model
Authors: Raja Nussaïbah B. , Çiçek Ihsan , Türkoğlu Necla , Aydin Olgu , Kawasaki Akiyuki
Published: December 2017

The article “Landslide susceptibility mapping of the Sera River Basin using logistic regression model,” written by Nussaïbah B. Raja, Ihsan Çiçek, Necla Türkoğlu, Olgu Aydin, and Akiyuki Kawasaki, was originally published Online First without open access.
TSUNAGARI: a new interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary study toward conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services
Authors: Nakaoka Masahiro , Sudo Kenji , Namba Mizuho , Shibata Hideaki , Nakamura Futoshi , Ishikawa Satoshi , Makino Mitsutaku , Yamano Hiroya , Matsuzaki Shin‐ichiro S. , Yamakita Takehisa , Yu Xiubo , Hou Xiyong , Li Xiaowei , Brodie Jon , Kanemoto Keiichiro , Moran Dan , Verones Francesca
Published: December 2017

The expanding economical activities have accelerated losses of biodiversity and ecosystem services, which are especially pronounced in Asia. To find solutions to stop these losses, a group of scientists studying both ecological and social sciences has launched an interdisciplinary research network, entitled TSUNAGARI (Trans‐System, UNified Approach for Global and Regional Integration of social‐ecological study toward sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services). The project is based on two main perspectives: (1) integrating different disciplines of environmental research across multiple spatial scales, and (2) evaluating the importance of ecosystem connectivity between land and ocean for biodiversity and ecosystem services. The integrative studies have been started as follows: (1) integrating global‐scale analyses of biodiversity and economy by developing GIS‐based footprint analysis, (2) establishing the link between the studies of local good practices of ecosystem management and life cycle assessment on ecosystem good and services, (3) linking local‐scale ecosystem studies to decision making processes for sustainable society by multiple stakeholders, and (4) upscaling local analyses of ecosystem processes to broad‐scale analyses of ecosystem patterns. The proposed approaches are considered effective to solve problems that impede conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of multiple ecosystem services in various situations although we also find some gaps such as regional biases in biodiversity data and involvement of different types of stakeholders. By overcoming the major bottlenecks, we believe the new integrated approaches will promote conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity and ecosystem services research, and contribute to advance decision‐making processes from local communities to international levels.