bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unfolding the anticorrosive characteristics of TiO2–WO3 mixed oxide reinforced polyaniline composite coated mild steel in alkaline environment
Authors: Krishnan Athira , Joseph Bency , Bhaskar Krishna M. , Suma M.S. , Shibli S.M.A.
Published: October 2018

Electrically conducting polymer incorporated coatings effectively replaced chromate coatings, once widely employed for corrosion deterrence but now strictly restricted due to the environmental hazards. Here polyaniline nanocomposite was prepared by in situ polymerization of aniline monomer in presence of TiO2–WO3 powder, blended with PVC matrix and coated over mild steel specimens to evaluate its anti‐corrosion property in alkaline environment. Structural parameters of the composites and coatings were obtained from XRD and SEM‐EDS studies. Electrochemical parameters that govern the inhibitive efficiency of pigmented steel coupons were explored by Tafel polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and open circuit potential measurements. The addition of (0.1 g) 1:1 TiO2–WO3 to PANI (polyaniline) improve the protective efficiency of PANI from 65% to 97.5%. PANI/TiO2–WO3 loaded specimen surface attained a state of passivity through uniform distribution of composite and characterized by the hydrophobic behavior that make it resistive to corrosive environment. Polarization studies identified the composite incorporated PANI as a mixed inhibitor. In order to extend the synthetic utility of prepared pigment, coated specimens are evaluated for their anticorrosive activity in acidic and mixed bacterial culture medium. The present work also included a detailed mechanism of passivation in view of the results of corrosion studies together with available literature studies. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2400–2409, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Chitosan/MWCNTs composite as bone substitute: Physical, mechanical, bioactivity, and biodegradation evaluation
Authors: Bakhtiari Sanaz Soleymani Eil , Karbasi Saeed , Tabrizi Sayed Ali Hassanzadeh , Ebrahimi‐Kahrizsangi Reza
Published: October 2018

In the present research, via the solvent casting method, Chitosan(CS)/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposite films were prepared through the use of four different percentages (1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 wt%) of CS as polymer matrix and two percentages (0.5 and 1 wt%) of MWCNTs as ceramic reinforcement. Based on the results of TGA, it was shown that the addition of MWCNTs augmented the thermal stability of CS film. The results of XRD showed that MWCNTs induced the crystallization of chitosan film and FTIR analysis demonstrated the formation of CS/MWCNTs composite film. According to the results of tensile tests, the highest strength belonged to 2.5 wt% CS/0.5 wt% MWCNTs nanocomposite film which was increased by 176% (from 18.26 to 50.46 MPa) in comparison to tensile strength of 2.5 wt% CS film and the Young's modulus of CS/MWCNTs film increased by 195% (from 406 to 1,197 MPa) in comparison to the Young's modulus of CS film. The best film with 2.5 wt% CS/0.5 wt % MWCNTs was selected as an optimum sample for other experiments. Contact angle analysis indicated that with the addition of MWCNTs, the contact angle of CS films decreased. The results of bioactivity test showed that adding 0.5 wt% MWCNTs to CS film improved the bioactivity of CS film. Based on the biodegradability evaluation, the addition of MWCNTs to CS film reduced the degradation rate of CS film. The research illustrated the potentials of CS/MWCNTs in bone substitute. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1622–E1632, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and characterization of chitosan based hydrogels chemical cross‐linked by oxidized cellulose nanowhiskers
Authors: Sheng Chao , Zhou Yiming , Lu Jiannan , Zhang Xinyu , Xue Guoxin
Published: October 2018

A novel hydrogel with superior mechanical properties were prepared using chitosan chemical cross‐linked with oxidized cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs). An increased cross‐linking degree (6–40%) between chitosan and oxidized CNWs was found with the increased oxidation level of CNWs. A series of experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of oxidation level of CNWs on hydrogel properties. The morphology results showed that the cross‐linking reaction increased the hydrogels network density and the porous structure showed more compact and regular. Besides, the change in the morphology properties has an influence on hydrogels swelling behavior, exhibiting relatively reduced water content, and swelling ratio. The rheological measurements exhibited 263% and 394% improvements in storage modulus and loss modulus, respectively, and the maximum compressive stress confirmed an increasement by about 509%, were observed from the hydrogels cross‐linked by oxidized CNWs, compared with noncross‐linked hydrogels. Moreover, the resistance toward thermal degradation of the chitosan hydrogels was also increased by chemical cross‐linking. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2432–2440, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Highly efficient and stable organic solar cell modules processed by blade coating with 5.6% module efficiency and active area of 216 cm2
Authors: Huang Kuan‐Min , Wong Ying Qian , Lin Man‐Chun , Chen Chao‐Hsuan , Liao Chung‐Hung , Chen Jen‐Yueh , Huang Yuan‐Han , Chang Yu‐Fan , Tsai Pei‐Ting , Chen Szu‐Han , Liao Ching‐Ting , Lee Yu‐Cih , Hong Ling , Chang Chih‐Yu , Meng Hsin‐Fei , Ge Ziyi , Zan Hsiao‐Wen , Horng Sheng‐Fu , Chao Yu‐Chiang , Wong Hin Yong
Published: October 2018

In this study, an efficient and stable large‐area blade‐coated organic solar cell (OSC) module with an active area of 216 cm2 (16 elementary cells connected in series) is demonstrated by combining appropriate thermal annealing treatment with the use of 4,4′‐(((methyl(4‐sulphonatobutyl)ammonio)bis(propane‐3,1‐diyl))bis(dimethyl‐ammoniumdiyl))bis‐(butane‐1‐sulfonate) (MSAPBS) as the cathode interfacial layer. For the opaque device using poly[4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b;4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl‐alt‐(4‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐3‐fluorothieno[3,4‐b]thiophene‐)‐2‐carboxylate‐2‐6‐diyl)] (PBDTTT‐EFT (PTB7‐Th)):[6,6]‐phenyl C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) blend film as the active layer, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.6% is achieved under AM 1.5G solar light illumination. Very encouragingly, our strategy can be applicable for semitransparent OSCs, and a remarkable PCE up to 4.5% is observed. To the best of our knowledge, the PCE of 5.6% for opaque device and 4.5% for semitransparent device represent the highest PCE ever reported for OSCs with the active area exceeding 100 cm2. The devices also show an impressive stability under outdoor environment, where the efficiency decay is less than 30% for 60 days. Our findings can pave the way toward the development of organic solar cell modules with high performance and long‐term stability.
Validation of the Hypomanic Personality Scale (HPS) in Iranian adolescents
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Ali , Monazzami Marzieh
Published: October 2018

Background

The main purpose of the current study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Hypomanic Personality Scale (HPS) in Iranian adolescents.

Methods

A number of 805 high school and freshman students answered the HPS, the Hypomania scale of the MMPI‐2, the Borderline Traits Questionnaire (STB) and the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire‐Brief. Data were analysed using explanatory factor analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient as well as independent t‐test.

Results

Principal component analysis led to the extraction of two factors namely mood volatility/excitement and social vitality. Convergent validity coefficients were equal to 0.71, 0.57 and 0.74 for the total scale, mood volatility/excitement and social vitality subscales respectively. Test–retest reliability of the total scale and its subscales were equal to 0.61, 0.67 and 0.57 respectively. Internal consistency and the split‐half reliability of the total scale and the two subscales showed the same coefficients. The results showed that the female group gained higher scores on the total scale and the social vitality subscale.

Discussion

The results supported the multi‐dimensional structure and psychometric properties of the HPS among Iranian adolescents.

Conclusions

The findings of this study confirm the use of HPS as a valid scale in investigating hypomanic characteristics, particularly among Iranian adolescents. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and Evaluation of Effective Combustion Catalysts Based on Cu(I)/Pb(II) or Cu(II)/Bi(II) Nanocomposites Carried by Graphene Oxide (GO)
Authors: An Ting , Zhao Feng‐Qi , Yan Qi‐Long , Yang Yan‐Jing , Luo Yun‐Jun , Yi Jian‐Hua , Hong Wei‐Liang
Published: October 2018

In this work, the preparation and combustion catalysis effects of Cu2O−PbO/GO and CuO−Bi2O3/GO nanocomposites were systematically investigated. It was shown that the burning rate of the DB propellants can be significantly enhanced by both the nanocomposite catalysts, with reduced pressure exponent. In particular, the Cu2O−PbO/GO induced a burn rate enhancement for DB propellant in pressure range of 2–14 MPa, with the maximum catalytic efficiency of 3.87 at 2 MPa. More interestingly, it resulted in “mesa” burning of DB propellant in the pressure range of 12–20 MPa (n=‐0.05). The CuO−Bi2O3/GO have the same effect with a burning rate increasing from 2.15 to 8.57 mm s−1 at 2 MPa. Similarly, for the RDX‐CMDB propellant, the GO‐based composites of Cu2O−PbO/GO and CuO−Bi2O3/GO showed evident catalytic activities. Plateau combustion was achieved in their presence, which is of great importance for practical applications. The catalysis effects of the two composites are closely related to the high dispersion of metal oxide particles and GO with excellent thermal conductivity.
Long‐range relativistic heavy atom effect on 1H NMR chemical shifts of selenium‐ and tellurium‐containing compounds
Authors: Rusakov Yuriy Yu. , Rusakova Irina L.
Published: October 2018

Previously unknown manifestation of heavy atom effect on the NMR chemical shifts of β‐ and γ‐protons initiated by the relativistic effects of the tellurium and selenium atoms has been investigated in the representative series of selenium‐ and tellurium‐containing compounds. To approve the four‐component density functional approach to be the appropriate tool for the investigation of the heavy atom on light atom effect (HALA), the benchmark calculations of the proton chemical shifts have been performed at the CCSD level using comprehensively chosen locally dense basis set with taking into account solvent, vibrational, and relativistic corrections. A good agreement with the experimental data was achieved. The magnitudes of the relativistic HALA corrections to β‐ and γ‐proton chemical shifts were found to vary in a wide range, namely from −3.08 ppm for the γ‐proton of methyltelluraldehyde to 14.51 ppm for β‐proton in benzotelluraldehyde.
Robotic versus laparoscopic sphincter‐preserving total mesorectal excision: A propensity case‐matched analysis
Authors: Sugoor Pavan , Verma Kamlesh , Chaturvedi Aditi , Kannan Sadhana , Desouza Ashwin , Ostwal Vikas , Engineer Reena , Saklani Avanish
Published: October 2018

Background

Robotic total mesorectal excision (R‐TME) is expected to have advantages over laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (L‐TME). The aim is to compare the short‐term outcomes between initial cases of L‐TME and RTME.

Materials and methods

Among a total of 168 patients assigned to receive either R‐TME (n = 84) or L‐TME (n = 84), short term outcomes were compared between the groups by 1:1 propensity score matching of eight variables.

Results

The inter‐sphincteric resection rate (42.9% vs. 25%; P = 0.006) and operative time (372.4 ± 102.8 vs. 301 ± 53.6, P = 0.000) were significantly greater in R‐TME. The conversion rate, blood loss, and length of hospital stay were similar. The anastomotic leak rate and major surgical complications rates were significantly higher in L‐TME (9.5% vs. 1.2%; P = 0.016) and (13.1% vs. 4.8%; P = 0.034) respectively.

Conclusion

The oncologic quality and short‐term outcomes in the two groups were comparable; however, anastomotic leak rates and major complications were significantly lower in R‐TME. For experienced laparoscopic surgeons, robotic sphincter‐saving TME is associated with lower morbidity when compared with laparoscopic approach.
Nitrogen and Sulfur Co–Doped Porous Carbon Derived from Sophora Flower as an Efficient Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalyst for Zinc‐Air Battery
Authors: Li Xiangji , Xu Hong
Published: October 2018

Exploiting efficient and low‐price electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is very important to the practical application of high‐performance zinc‐air battery. In this paper, nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) co‐doped porous carbon ORR catalysts derived from abundantly available and environmental waste sophora flowers (N, S‐ASFC, abbreviation of “activated sophora flowers carbon”) have been successfully prepared by a two‐step heat treatment process (a synchronous carbonization and activation process followed by a doping process). Compared to pristine ASFC and single N‐doped ASFC, the series of N, S‐ASFC catalysts present superior electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Meanwhile, the ORR catalytic activities of N, S‐ASFC catalysts can be rationally modulated by simply adjusting the reaction temperature of doping process. The optimized N, S‐ASFC‐800 catalyst exhibits excellent activity and stability to ORR in alkaline system, which is approaching to the commercial Pt/C catalyst (20%). More importantly, the good performance and high stability of the real zinc−air battery using N, S‐ASFC‐800 as cathode further demonstrate this catalyst is a favorable and promising candidate to replace noble metal‐based ORR catalysts for the practical application in zinc‐air batteries.
A Facile Preparation of Hydroxycinnamyl Alcohols withSimultaneous Protection of Phenol Groups as Carbonate
Authors: Panzella Lucia , DellaGreca Marina , Longobardo Luigi
Published: October 2018

A novel procedure for reduction and simultaneous protection of phenol groups of hydroxycinnamic acids to the related alcohols has been developed. During the formation of mixed anhydrides from the acids and an alkyl chloroformate, the phenol was protected as carbonate, and the mixed anhydrides were reduced with an aqueous solution of sodium borohydride. Free phenols were obtained by deprotection under mild conditions with 30% aq. NH4OH in methanol. O‐protected phenolic alcohols can be converted by standard methods into orthogonal protected derivatives. This rapid and efficient synthetic method offers a simple and high‐yield preparation of these important fine chemicals, overcoming the tedious and costly procedures associate with the use of strong reducing agents such as LiAlH4 and DIBAL−H.
Irreversible One‐Way [2+2] Photocycloaddition in Bis‐Styrylbenzo[f]quinoline Dyad: Photoactive and Photoinert Excimers in the Same System
Authors: Budyka Mikhail F. , Gavrishova Tatiana N. , Potashova Natalia I. , Li Vitalii M.
Published: October 2018

Competitive photoprocesses were found in a novel biphotochromic dyad with 3‐styrylbenzo[f]quinoline (SBQ) photochromes ‐ fluorescence and unexpectedly irreversible [2+2] photocycloaddition (PCA) resulting in formation of a cyclobutane derivative with two benzo[f]quinoline (BQ) substituents. No SBQ trans‐cis photoisomerization was observed. Quantum‐chemical DFT calculations predict π‐stacking of the SBQ units in the dyad that hinders trans‐cis photoisomerization but favors a photoactive excimer formation with following PCA. Calculations predict also π‐stacking of the BQ units in the cyclobutane that explains experimentally observed exciton absorption and excimer emission of the latter. The unique property of the cyclobutane excimer is its photoinertness: cyclobutane does not undergo photocycloreversion with ring opening. The photoinert excimer is observed for the first time. Possible reasons of difference between chemical properties of photoactive and photoinert excimers are discussed.
Stable Voltage Cutoff Cycle Cathode with Tunable and Ordered Porous Structure for Li‐O2 Batteries
Authors: Zheng Mingbo , Jiang Jie , Lin Zixia , He Ping , Shi Yi , Zhou Haoshen
Published: October 2018

Ordered porous RuO2 materials with various pore structure parameters are prepared via a hard‐template method and are used as the carbon‐free cathodes for Li‐O2 batteries under the voltage cutoff cycle mode. The influences of pore structure parameters of porous RuO2 on electrochemical performance are systematically studied. Results indicate that specific surface area and pore size determine the specific capacity and round‐trip efficiency of Li‐O2 batteries. Too small pores cause pore blockage and hinder the diffusion pathways of Li+ and O2, thereby causing small specific capacity and high overpotentials. Too large pores weaken the mechanical property of porous RuO2, thereby causing the rapid decrease in capacity during electrochemical reaction. The Li‐O2 battery based on the RuO2 cathode with an average pore size of 16 nm (RuO2‐16) exhibits a high round‐trip efficiency of ≈75.6% and an excellent cycling stability of up to 70 cycles at 100 mA g−1 with a voltage window of 2.5–4.0 V. The superior performance of RuO2‐16 can be attributed to its optimal pore structure parameters. Furthermore, the in situ differential electrochemical mass spectrometry test demonstrates that RuO2 can effectively reduce parasitic reactions compared with carbon materials.
A porting method for coordinated multiplatform evolution
Authors: Stehle Tilmann , Riebisch Matthias
Published: October 2018

Cross‐platform development nowadays is a key issue in software engineering, since software developers have to target multiple platforms in order to reach a larger number of users. Often, software is developed initially for one platform before being extended to multiplatform development. However, most of the existing technical support and methods for cross‐platform development are applicable only to projects that develop a software product from scratch. They do not address the frequent situation that an existing mature software shall be ported rather than being reimplemented for an additional platform. In this article, we present a flexible transformation method from single to multiplatform development that systematically leverages existing and novel tools. For facilitating coordinated evolution of the original and the target platform code, we establish traceability across the two versions and develop a common architecture across both the original and target platform implementations. As an economic advantage, the method allows to keep the original mature application and reduces maintenance redundancies compared with reimplementation. As a validation, the approach has been applied to port two mobile apps and a Java library to new platforms resulting in high portions of commonly used convertible code, structural equivalences across the original and target platform implementation and traceability between them.
Electrochemically Exfoliated Phosphorene–Graphene Hybrid for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Shuai Honglei , Ge Peng , Hong Wanwan , Li Sijie , Hu Jiugang , Hou Hongshuai , Zou Guoqiang , Ji Xiaobo
Published: October 2018

Black phosphorus, an attractive anode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), has aroused grand attention because of its high theoretical capacity. Nevertheless, its practical exploration is limited by large volume swelling, followed by rapid capacity decaying. Herein, both large‐area few‐layer phosphorene and low‐defect graphene are obtained by electrochemical exfoliation. The sandwich‐structured phosphorene–graphene hybrid with the simultaneous introduction of PC and POC bonds through chemical activation is employed to heighten the performance of SIBs, leading to a high specific capacity of 2311 mA h g−1 (based on the mass of phosphorene) at 0.1 A g−1 with a capacity retention of 83.9% after 100 loops, which can be ascribed to the flexible space of graphene layers that alleviates the volumetric expansion of phosphorene. Moreover, the stable chemical bonds as the bridge for electrons transferring can immobilize phosphorene and protect phosphorene from cracking during the sodiation/desodiation process. Expectedly, the anode exhibits excellent cycle performance of 200 loops with retained capacities of 1582.6 and 1120.6 mA h g−1 at 1 and 5 A g−1, respectively. Therefore, this electrochemical approach provides a guide for the preparation of other sandwiched 2D materials, which can be applied in high‐performance energy‐storage devices.
Shaking table tests on braced reinforced concrete frame structure across the earth fissure under earthquake
Authors: Xiong Zhongming , Chen Xuan , Wang Yongwei , Zhang Chao , Zhuge Yan
Published: October 2018

A series of shaking table tests on a scaled model were conducted to investigate the effect of steel braces on reinforced concrete frame structure across earth fissure under earthquake. In the test, a 1/15 scaled model structure taking into account soil–structure interaction was designed on the basis of similarity theorem. Seismic response data, including acceleration responses, displacement responses, shear force distributions, and strain amplitudes of column reinforcement were obtained and analyzed by comparing the results of unbraced and braced structure. Results show that with the peak ground acceleration of input motions increased, maximum of inter‐story drifts, shear forces, and strain amplitudes increased, whereas the acceleration amplification factors decreased. Steel braces could obviously reduce the seismic response of the structure, indicating that this retrofit method is an effective control measure for structures across the earth fissure under earthquake. These results are significant for studying the effect of earth fissure on seismic responses of structures.
Bootstrapping two-loop Feynman integrals for planar $$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$ sYM
Authors: Henn Johannes , Herrmann Enrico , Parra-Martinez Julio
Published: October 2018

Abstract

We derive analytic results for the symbol of certain two-loop Feynman integrals relevant for seven- and eight-point two-loop scattering amplitudes in planar$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$N=4super-Yang-Mills theory. We use a bootstrap inspired strategy, combined with a set of second-order partial differential equations that provide powerful constraints on the symbol ansatz. When the complete symbol alphabet is not available, we adopt a hybrid approach. Instead of the full function, we bootstrap a certain discontinuity for which the alphabet is known. Then we write a one-fold dispersion integral to recover the complete result. At six and seven points, we find that the individual Feynman integrals live in the same space of functions as the amplitude, which is described by the 9- and 42-letter cluster alphabets respectively. Starting at eight points however, the symbol alphabet of the MHV amplitude is insufficient for individual integrals. In particular, some of the integrals require algebraic letters involving four-mass box square-root singularities. We point out that these algebraic letters are relevant at the amplitude level directly starting with N2MHV amplitudes even at one loop.
Altered bile acid profile associates with cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease—An emerging role for gut microbiome
Authors: MahmoudianDehkordi Siamak , Arnold Matthias , Nho Kwangsik , Ahmad Shahzad , Jia Wei , Xie Guoxiang , Louie Gregory , Kueider‐Paisley Alexandra , Moseley M. Arthur , Thompson J. Will , St John Williams Lisa , Tenenbaum Jessica D. , Blach Colette , Baillie Rebecca , Han Xianlin , Bhattacharyya Sudeepa , Toledo Jon B. , Schafferer Simon , Klein Sebastian , Koal Therese , Risacher Shannon L. , Allan Kling Mitchel , Motsinger‐Reif Alison , Rotroff Daniel M. , Jack John , Hankemeier Thomas , Bennett David A. , De Jager Philip L. , Trojanowski John Q. , Shaw Leslie M. , Weiner Michael W. , Doraiswamy P. Murali , van Duijn Cornelia M. , Saykin Andrew J. , Kastenmüller Gabi , Kaddurah‐Daouk Rima ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative and the Alzheimer Disease Metabolomics Consortium
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Increasing evidence suggests a role for the gut microbiome in central nervous system disorders and a specific role for the gut‐brain axis in neurodegeneration. Bile acids (BAs), products of cholesterol metabolism and clearance, are produced in the liver and are further metabolized by gut bacteria. They have major regulatory and signaling functions and seem dysregulated in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

Serum levels of 15 primary and secondary BAs and their conjugated forms were measured in 1464 subjects including 370 cognitively normal older adults, 284 with early mild cognitive impairment, 505 with late mild cognitive impairment, and 305 AD cases enrolled in the AD Neuroimaging Initiative. We assessed associations of BA profiles including selected ratios with diagnosis, cognition, and AD‐related genetic variants, adjusting for confounders and multiple testing.

Results

In AD compared to cognitively normal older adults, we observed significantly lower serum concentrations of a primary BA (cholic acid [CA]) and increased levels of the bacterially produced, secondary BA, deoxycholic acid, and its glycine and taurine conjugated forms. An increased ratio of deoxycholic acid:CA, which reflects 7α‐dehydroxylation of CA by gut bacteria, strongly associated with cognitive decline, a finding replicated in serum and brain samples in the Rush Religious Orders and Memory and Aging Project. Several genetic variants in immune response–related genes implicated in AD showed associations with BA profiles.

Discussion

We report for the first time an association between altered BA profile, genetic variants implicated in AD, and cognitive changes in disease using a large multicenter study. These findings warrant further investigation of gut dysbiosis and possible role of gut‐liver‐brain axis in the pathogenesis of AD.
A Case Report on Intratendinous Ganglion Cyst of the Semimembranosus Tendon
Authors: Cho K.Y. , Au K.Y. , Tarn C.W. , Sung H.T. , Man K.Y. , Cheng H.M.
Published: October 2018

Ganglion cysts are benign cystic masses that occur in association with musculoskeletal structures. The aetiology of ganglion cysts is controversial; however, it is generally thought to result from myxoid degeneration of connective tissue associated with joint capsules or tendon sheaths, to which the lesions are usually attached. They may occur in any part of the extremities within muscles, menisci, tendons or bones. Hereby, we present a rare case of intra-tendinous location of a ganglion cyst of the semimembranosus tendon occurring within the tendon substance itself. To date, there have only few cases reports in the literature reviewing intra-tendinous ganglion cysts occurred in the lower limbs.
Dissolution-driven convection in a heterogeneous porous medium
Authors: Salibindla Ashwanth K. R. , Subedi Rabin , Shen Victor C. , Masuk Ashik U. M. , Ni Rui
Published: October 2018

Motivated by subsurface carbon sequestration, an experimental investigation of dissolution-driven Rayleigh–Darcy convection using two miscible fluids in a Hele-Shaw cell is conducted. A thin horizontal layer of circular impermeable discs is inserted to create an environment with heterogeneous and anisotropic permeability. The Sherwood number that measures the convective mass transfer rate between two fluids at the interface is linked to different parameters of the disc layer, including the disc size, spacing, layer permeability and its relative height with respect to the fluid interface. It is surprising that the convective mass transfer rate in our configuration is dominated by the disc spacing, but almost independent of either the disc size or the mean permeability of the layer. To explain this dependence, the convective mass transfer rate is decomposed into the number, velocity and density contrast of fingers travelling through the disc layer. Both the number and density contrast of fingers show dependences on the disc layer permeability, even though the product of them, the mass transfer rate, does not. In addition, the density contrast also shows a non-monotonic dependence on the disc spacing. The transition point is at a spacing that is close to the finger width. Based on this observation, a simple model based on mixing and scale competition is proposed, and it shows an excellent agreement with the experimental results.
Bulla Regia I: a new church and Christian cemetery
Authors: Chaouali Moheddine , Fenwick Corisande , Booms Dirk
Published: October 2018

This paper reports the preliminary results from two short seasons of fieldwork that the Tunisian–British Bulla Regia Archaeological Report was able to undertake in September 2016 and 2017. In 2016, the work focused on a geophysical survey of the western cemetery and revealed a complex landscape of funerary enclosures and mausolea outside the protected boundaries of the site, likely to be of Roman date. In 2017, photogrammetric techniques were used to record and plan a Late Antique church and cemetery that was discovered during a rescue excavation in 2010. The church consists of three naves and a series of funerary annexes, which contained burials covered by mosaic or stone epitaphs, including those marking the graves of two bishops and two priests. The church is surrounded by an extensive cemetery with a variety of different tomb types, such as mosaic caissons and simple stepped masonry tombs. The mosaics, inscriptions and finds (ceramics, glass, coins) support a fourth to sixth/seventh century date for the church and cemetery.
Marins et sainteté à Sfax d'après les données archéologiques : l'exemple de Sîdî al-Bahrî et de Sîdî ʿAmar Kammûn
Authors: Ammar Othman
Published: October 2018

The evidence on the relationship of seamen at Sfax with holiness, absent or hardly mentioned in the written texts, is revealed through archaeological data and in particular by epigraphic inscriptions. The oratory of Sîdî al-Bahrî and the minaret of Sîdî ʿAmar Kammûn in the medina of Sfax illustrate this relationship and demonstrate religious honour and the spread of a marine piety, in particular by the gifts offered by the sailors for the building, enlarging, embellishing or restoring of these pious constructions. The maritime community's attachment to the saints can be explained only by its fear of the sea, where many dangers occur of a natural, climatic and conflictual nature, bad weather, storm, aggression, etc. The saints thus became the symbol of the invulnerability of this port city.
A ‘living’ necropolis: change and reuse in the cemeteries of Cyrene
Authors: Cherstich Luca , Menozzi Oliva , Antonelli Sonia , Cherstich Igor , Mancini Maria Cristina , Di Antonio Maria Giorgia , Sheriff Saad A. Abdalrahim , Abdel Hati S. Farag
Published: October 2018

The four cemeteries of Cyrene were a living archaeological landscape whose life continued far beyond antiquity. The habit of using monumental tombs was a long-lasting one in Cyrene, starting in the Archaic period and continuing until Roman times. The concept of ‘reuse’ is in itself a problematic one since, from a semantic point of view, it implies the presence of a clear-cut division between an original ‘phase of use’ and of a later ‘phase of reuse’. This approach could have sense when a clear hiatus is present, for example when speaking of modern reuse of ancient Greek tombs. However, the main problem is the use of the term ‘reuse’ when describing two ancient phases, such as a Hellenistic phase and a Roman phase of the same tomb, implying a clear hiatus between them even if one often lacks the elements for identifying the existence of such a hiatus. In particular, the Southern and Northern Necropolises have been analysed here to investigate this subject, basing the hypotheses on data coming from field research and previous studies. However, the topic of reuse for the tombs of Cyrene would need far more space than this paper, so this work should be considered an introduction to a matter that needs a far deeper and a far wider analysis. Given these limits, an ‘anthological’ approach is here proposed, with a sequence of various subjects connected to the ‘reuse’ topic and some new data coming from recent research (such as the surveys in the Northern and Southern Necropolises and the excavation of Tomb S1 by the Chieti University team, and of a tomb in the Northern Necropolis by a team of colleagues from the local Department of Antiquities).
Legume production at Cyrene in the Hellenistic period: epigraphic evidence
Authors: Haroun Abdelhamed Muna H.
Published: October 2018

Legumes seem to have been cultivated and to have formed an essential part of the human diet during the Greek and Roman periods. This paper examines the cultivation of pulses in Cyrenaica during the Hellenistic era. It considers the regional production capacity for legumes to meet local needs and argues the involvement of different kinds of pulses in interregional commerce alongside cereals and other dry grains. This study has been implemented via investigating Hellenistic epigraphic evidence from Cyrene. It has traced the cost of pulses mentioned in inscriptions of the fourth and third/second centuries BC and compared them with that of wheat and barley. Pulses and cereal costs indicated by Diocletian's ‘Edict on Maximum Prices of AD 301’ have also been investigated to assess the general trend of their prices over time. The examination demonstrates that varieties of pulses were produced in Cyrenaica during the Hellenistic era and were likely as significant as wheat and barley. It also indicates that they were probably traded from the region alongside other dry commodities.
‘The salvational currents of emigration’: Racial theories and social disputes in the Philippines at the end of the nineteenth century
Authors: Rodao Florentino
Published: October 2018

This article analyses the changing significance of racial theories in the writings of Spanish emigrants in the late nineteenth century Philippines. Works by Antonio Cañamaque, Pablo Feced (Quioquiap), and Antonio Barrantes show how racialised understandings of colonial society in the Philippines evolved, from an initial dismissal of hybridism and rejection of mestizos to assertions of the innate superiority of the ‘white race’ and advocation of a rigid separation between local communities. These developments are considered in the context of the rising popularity of biological determinism alongside an influx of Spanish emigrants into the Philippines. The Spanish settlers used biological determinism to proclaim their role as the sole purveyors of both ‘progress’ and of a kind of egalitarianism. This article describes these debates and arguments, analyses their inconsistencies, and addresses the Filipino elite's responses to the settlers’ racial theories. These responses are read not simply as part of the development of Filipino nationalism, but as reflective of rivalries within the Spanish colonial community in the Philippines, where the locally born found additional reasons to support anticolonialism.
Giardia duodenalisin the UK: current knowledge of risk factors and public health implications
Authors: Horton B. , Bridle H. , Alexander C. L. , Katzer F.
Published: October 2018

Giardia duodenalisis a ubiquitous flagellated protozoan parasite known to cause giardiasis throughout the world. Potential transmission vehicles for this zoonotic parasite are both water and food sources. As such consumption of water contaminated by feces, or food sources washed in contaminated water containing parasite cysts, may result in outbreaks. This creates local public health risks which can potentially cause widespread infection and long-term post-infection sequelae. This paper provides an up-to-date overview ofG. duodenalisassemblages, sub-assemblages, hosts and locations identified. It also summarizes knowledge of potential infection/transmission routes covering water, food, person-to-person infection and zoonotic transmission from livestock and companion animals. Public health implications focused within the UK, based on epidemiological data, are discussed and recommendations for essentialGiardiadevelopments are highlighted.
On a Problem of Danzer
Authors: MUSTAFA NABIL H. , RAY SAURABH
Published: October 2018

LetCbe a bounded convex object in ℝd, and letPbe a set ofnpoints lying outsideC. Further, letcp,cqbe two integers with 1 ⩽cq⩽cp⩽n- ⌊d/2⌋, such that everycp+ ⌊d/2⌋ points ofPcontain a subset of sizecq+ ⌊d/2⌋ whose convex hull is disjoint fromC. Then our main theorem states the existence of a partition ofPinto a small number of subsets, each of whose convex hulls are disjoint fromC. Our proof is constructive and implies that such a partition can be computed in polynomial time.

In particular, our general theorem implies polynomial bounds for Hadwiger--Debrunner (p,q) numbers for balls in ℝd. For example, it follows from our theorem that whenp>q= (1+β)⋅d/2 for β > 0, then any set of balls satisfying the (p,q)-property can be hit byO((1+β)2d2p1+1/βlogp) points. This is the first improvement over a nearly 60 year-old exponential bound of roughlyO(2d).

Our results also complement the results obtained in a recent work of Keller, Smorodinsky and Tardos where, apart from improvements to the bound on HD(p,q) for convex sets in ℝdfor various ranges ofpandq, a polynomial bound is obtained for regions with low union complexity in the plane.
Malnutrition among older adults living in Portuguese nursing homes: the PEN-3S study
Authors: Madeira Teresa , Peixoto-Plácido Catarina , Sousa-Santos Nuno , Santos Osvaldo , Alarcão Violeta , Goulão Beatriz , Mendonça Nuno , Nicola Paulo Jorge , Yngve Agneta , Bye Asta , Bergland Astrid , Amaral Teresa F , Lopes Carla , Gorjão Clara João
Published: October 2018

Objective

To characterise the nutritional status and to identify malnutrition-associated variables of older adults living in Portuguese nursing homes.

Design

Cross-sectional study. Data on demographic and socio-economic characteristics, self-reported morbidity, eating-related problems, nutritional status, cognitive function, depression symptoms, loneliness feelings and functional status were collected by trained nutritionists through a computer-assisted face-to-face structured interview followed by standardised anthropometric measurements. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with being at risk of malnutrition/malnourished.

Setting

Portuguese nursing homes.

Subjects

Nationally representative sample of the Portuguese population aged 65 years or over living in nursing homes.

Results

A total of 1186 individuals (mean age 83·4 years; 72·8 % women) accepted to participate. According to the Mini Nutritional Assessment, 4·8 (95 % CI 3·2, 7·3) % were identified as malnourished and 38·7 (95 % CI 33·5, 44·2) % were at risk of malnutrition. These percentages increased with age and were significantly higher for women. Logistic regression showed (OR; 95 % CI) that older adults reporting no or little appetite (6·5; 2·7, 15·3), those revealing symptoms of depression (2·6; 1·6, 4·2) and those who were more dependent in their daily living activities (4·7; 2·0, 11·1) were also at higher odds of being malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.

Conclusions

Malnutrition and risk of malnutrition are prevalent among nursing home residents in Portugal. It is crucial to routinely screen for nutritional disorders, as well as risk factors such as symptoms of depression and lower functional status, to prevent and treat malnutrition.
Dietary inflammatory index and depression: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhou Yao , Chen Kang , Jing Yuntian , He Jiaan , Sun Hongxiao , Hu Xinhua
Published: October 2018

Objective

The purpose of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between the inflammatory potential of diet, determined by the dietary inflammatory index (DII®) score, and depression.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Setting

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE databases up to August 2018. All observational studies that examined the association of the DII score with depression/depressive symptoms were included.

Subjects

Four prospective cohorts and two cross-sectional studies enrolling a total of 49 584 subjects.

Results

Overall, individuals in the highest DII v. the lowest DII category had a 23 % higher risk of depression (risk ratio (RR)=1·23; 95 % CI 1·12, 1·35). When stratified by study design, the pooled RR was 1·25 (95 % CI 1·12, 1·40) for the prospective cohort studies and 1·16 (95 % CI 0·96, 1·41) for the cross-sectional studies. Gender-specific analysis showed that this association was observed in women (RR=1·25; 95 % CI 1·09, 1·42) but was not statistically significant in men (RR=1·15; 95 % CI 0·83, 1·59).

Conclusions

The meta-analysis suggests that pro-inflammatory diet estimated by a higher DII score is independently associated with an increased risk of depression, particularly in women. However, more well-designed studies are needed to evaluate whether an anti-inflammatory diet can reduce the risk of depression.
Stunting and its associated factors among 6–7-year-old children in southern Iran: a nested case–control study
Authors: Fatemi Mohammad Javad , Fararouei Mohammad , Moravej Hossein , Dianatinasab Mostafa
Published: October 2018

Objective

Height-for-age shorter than 3th percentile or 2sdbelow the median of the National Center for Health Statistics/WHO growth reference is known as stunting. The present study aimed to measure the association of several factors with stunting in a cohort born from 2009 to 2010 in Shiraz, Iran.

Design/Setting/Subjects

Nested case–control study conducted on pre-school children in 2016. Participants were 200 children suffering from stunting (case group) and 200 children with normal height (control group).

Results

Results of multivariable logistic regression analysis suggested a significant relationship (adjusted OR; 95 % CI) between stunting and mother’s occupation (employedv. housewife: 3·58; 1·73, 7·39) and chronic diseases (yesv. no: 2·93; 1·25, 6·88). In addition, significant associations were found between family income (<10 millionv. >30 million Rials: 5·63; 2·46, 12·87), diary consumption (very littlev. high: 5·93; 1·74, 20·18) and animal protein in diet (lowv. very high: 2·42; 1·13, 5·19) and stunting among children. Also, chance of stunting was inversely associated with birth interval (<2 yearsv. first child: 3·13; 1·45, 6·76) and duration of exclusive breast-feeding (18–24 monthsv. formula only or breast-feeding for <18 months: 0·53; 0·30, 0·92).

Conclusions

Mothers being housewife, possibly due to having more time to take care of their children, childhood diseases and consumption of dairy foods are strong and modifiable factors which can positively affect Iranian children’s stature. Higher family income is another important factor in stunting but under less parental control.
Probabilistic Evaluation of Fault Sources Based on Paleoseismic Evidence From Mass‐Transport Deposits: The Example of Aysén Fjord, Chile
Authors: Vanneste Kris , Wils Katleen , Van Daele Maarten
Published: October 2018

Contemporaneous mass‐transport deposits (MTDs) recorded in lake and fjord sediments provide evidence of past seismic shaking. However, because they are usually not connected to a fault rupture, assessment of the earthquake source remains difficult. Based on observed coseismic mass wasting and associated seismic shaking, previous studies assigned minimum intensities required to trigger them. Attempts to infer their earthquake source relied on methods developed to estimate the location and magnitude of historical earthquakes using intensity prediction equations, but considered these thresholds as actual intensities. Here we develop a probabilistic method to infer the most likely earthquake sources from the spatial distribution (or absence) of MTDs. This approach simultaneously allows the triggering intensity to exceed the assumed threshold and takes into account intensity prediction equation uncertainties, two shortcomings of existing methods. Additionally, we consider known active faults rather than a grid of possible epicenters. We apply this method to Aysén Fjord (southern Chile), which is intersected by the Liquiñe‐Ofqui Fault Zone. In 2007, an MW = 6.2 earthquake hit the fjord with intensities of VIII+, causing major landslides entering the fjord. Seismic‐reflection profiles show that its sedimentary fill contains nine prehistoric MTD levels. Following a sensitivity analysis, application of the method to the MTD record allows identifying the most likely fault sections and magnitude range for most events, confirming that they are mainly attributed to crustal earthquakes on the Liquiñe‐Ofqui Fault Zone. We conclude that the method has good potential to constrain the size and location of paleoearthquakes for which only shaking evidence is available.
Floor‐Fractured Craters on Ceres and Implications for Interior Processes
Authors: Buczkowski Debra L. , Sizemore Hanna G. , Bland Michael T. , Scully Jennifer E. C. , Quick Lynnae C. , Hughson Kynan H. G. , Park Ryan S. , Preusker Frank , Raymond Carol A. , Russell Christopher T.
Published: October 2018

Several of the impact craters on Ceres have sets of fractures on their floors. These fractures appear similar to those found within a class of lunar craters referred to as floor‐fractured craters (FFCs). We have cataloged the Ceres FFCs according to the classification scheme designed for the Moon. An analysis of the depth to diameter ratio for Ceres craters shows that, like lunar FFCs, the Ceres FFCs are anomalously shallow. Large (>50 km) Ceres FFCs are most consistent with Class 1 lunar FFCs, while smaller craters on Ceres are more consistent with Class 4 lunar FFCs. This suggests that Ceres FFCs may similarly be undergoing fracturing due to the intrusion of a low‐density material below the craters. While on the Moon (and Mars) the intrusive material is hypothesized to be silicate magma, cryomagmatic intrusions are more likely responsible for the formation of the Ceres FFCs. However, new models suggest that at least some of the FFC fractures may have formed due to the solid‐state flow of a low‐viscosity and low‐density material into the crater wall.
ISOLESC: A Coupled Isotope‐LSM‐LES‐Cloud Modeling System to Investigate the Water Budget in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer
Authors: Wei Zhongwang , Lee Xuhui , Patton Edward G.
Published: October 2018

Stable isotopes of water (H2O, HDO, and H218O) are tracers that provide powerful constraints on water transport processes in the atmosphere. This paper presents a description of an atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) simulation system called ISOLESC that couples water isotope fractionation processes with a land surface model, a large eddy simulation model, and a two‐moment cloud microphysics parameterization. Results from two model configurations—one with shallow precipitating cumulus and the other for a cloud‐free ABL—are presented to evaluate the model performance and determine its sensitivity to isotopic parameterizations. The coupled model successfully reproduces important ABL statistics (ABL height, cloud fraction, and cloud liquid water content), the expected effects of mixing and fractionation on the time evolution of ABL vapor isotopic composition, and observed diurnal variations of near‐surface water vapor isotopic composition. For the current configuration, nondiscriminating entrainment contributes 17% to the subdaily time variation of near‐surface vapor deuterium excess, while surface evapotranspiration contributes 83%. The isotopic compositions of water vapor and cloud water are insensitive to mesh resolution, but the profiles of cloud water specific humidity, rainwater specific humidity, and its isotopic ratios show moderate response to changes in grid size. Since ISOLESC resolves the energy containing scales of turbulent motions in the ABL and incorporates microphysical processes, it can be used for constraining ABL parameterizations. We find that a further improvement of raindrop reevaporation in the current cloud microphysical scheme is required in order to produce realistic near‐surface raindrop deuterium excess for the case simulated here. We suggest that ISOLESC provides a quantitative framework for utilizing vapor‐phase isotopic measurements to study local hydrological processes.