bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Charter's Influence on Legislation: Political Strategizing about Risk
Authors: Hiebert Janet L.
Published: November 2018

Commentators and critics often invoke the metaphor “Charter proofing” to emphasize how much the Charter and judicial review have influenced legislation. This metaphor implies that proposed legislation is evaluated carefully for its consistency with Charter rulings as a condition of passage because decision makers believe legislation should respect judicial interpretations of constitutional norms and/or because they engage in risk-averse behaviour out of self-interest to minimize the likelihood that legislation could subsequently be challenged and declared unconstitutional. However, it is not clear that the federal government is as worried about having legislation declared invalid as many assume. If this is so, federal government responses to the Charter raise an interesting puzzle. The government has both the resources and the institutional capacity to anticipate judicial concerns and integrate judicial norms into legislation to minimize the likelihood of having legislation declared unconstitutional. So why does it not act in a more risk-averse manner at the outset, in order to protect legislation from the possibility of judicial invalidation? This address offers a five-part explanation to this puzzle that emphasizes the significance of political strategizing about risk.
Gradient Estimates for Spacelike Mean Curvature Flow with Boundary Conditions
Authors: Lambert Ben
Published: November 2018

We prove a gradient estimate for graphical spacelike mean curvature flow with a general Neumann boundary condition in dimensionn = 2. This then implies that the mean curvature flow exists for all time and converges to a translating solution.
P.Oxy.viii.1079 (18): Closing on a ‘Curious’ Codex?
Authors: Malik Peter
Published: November 2018

Codex was by far the most widely attested book form among early Christian literary papyri. Nevertheless, the papyrological record does include several notable exceptions, two of which contain parts of the book of Revelation (18and98). Recently, the former's status as a roll has been disputed by Brent Nongbri, who suggested that, instead,18is more likely to be a miscellaneous codex. This article provides a fresh look at the extant evidence and critically reviews Nongbri's case. In closing, brief reflections on the manuscript's social setting are offered.
Sin and Evil in the Letter of James in Light of Qumran Discoveries
Authors: Wold Benjamin
Published: November 2018

The human capacity to sin and the location of evil are considered in James in light of ongoing research within the field of Qumran studies. This essay consists of two main parts. First, the association of ‘desire’ in Jas 1.14–15 with the Jewish concept ofyēṣeris revisited by drawing upon occurrences ofyēṣerfrom Cave 4 that had previously not been included in the assessment of James. Parallels from, especially, 4QInstruction provide new data suggesting that sapiential tradition may also reflect the apocalyptic view that human evil is provoked by spiritual beings, vis-à-vis an evilyēṣer, which opens up a more nuanced understanding of the self and how ‘desire’ may operate in Jas 1.14–15. Second, after arguing that the human capacity to sin cannot be relegated merely to a negative anthropology, the larger issue of evil beings (i.e. devil, demons) within James’ cosmology is considered. In conclusion, James’ sapiential discourse is seen to be located within a cosmological framework which includes active evil agents who lead human beings astray and cause suffering and death. Human responses to evil in James include petitioning God and asking for wisdom from above.
Hepatozoon milleri sp. nov. (Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae) in Akodon montensis (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) from southeastern Brazil
Authors: de Castro Demoner Larissa , Lucas da Silva Maria Regina , Magro Natalia Mizuhira , O'Dwyer Lucia Helena
Published: November 2018

Members of the genus Hepatozoon (Miller, 1908) are blood parasites found in a wide range of host species, including wild rodents; however, information about the life cycle, distribution and Hepatozoon species diversity infecting these mammals are lacking. We studied the parasite stages and DNA sequences of Hepatozoon sp. of 11 naturally infected Akodon montensis. Thin blood smears, tissue samples and whole blood were obtained for morphology, morphometry and molecular analyses. Seven of the 11 rodents had gamonts on the blood smears. Biological and morphological features of the parasite such as tissue tropism, gamonts and meronts size and morphology, as well as the DNA sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis, indicated that the Hepatozoon sp. detected in this study is distinct from those species previously reported in small rodents. Herein, we propose a new species, named Hepatozoon milleri sp. nov. This is the first description of a new Hepatozoon species from wild small rodents in Brazil, based on morphological and molecular characteristics.
INTERREGIONAL FLOWS OF CAPITAL AND INFORMATION IN SPAIN: A CASE STUDY OF THE THERESIAN CARMELITE ORDER
Authors: Milhaud Cyril
Published: November 2018

Recently, new research has challenged the traditional narrative; Spain did not suffer from a ruler that threatened his subjects’ property with excessive taxes and forced loans. Instead, Spanish economic development was held back by decentralised and non-predatory governance, unable to solve the coordination problems blocking the way to more integrated markets. Through the analysis of the governance and loan portfolios of an ecclesiastical order, this paper examines the extent to which mortgage credit markets were fragmented in early modern Spain. This order not only collected resources that it subsequently lent but also pooled them. Indeed, it developed into a nationally integrated organisation able to offer everything from small loans to farmers to substantial amounts to the king and the Madrid elite.
The variety of women's experiences as servants in England (1548–1649): evidence from church court depositions
Authors: Mansell Charmian
Published: November 2018

This article demonstrates, using evidence from church court depositions, that women's experience of service in early modern England was more varied than scholarship suggests. Moving beyond its conception as a life-cycle annual occupation, the article situates service within individual life-stories. It argues firstly, that service extended across the whole of women's working lives and secondly, that employment arrangements took a wide range of forms. Service for women is shown to have been flexible, varied and contingent, employing a diversity of individuals under a variety of different employment agreements.
Exploring Park–People Conflicts in Colombia through a Social Lens
Authors: De Pourcq Kobe , Thomas Evert , Elias Marlene , Van Damme Patrick
Published: November 2018

Natural resource-related conflicts between local communities and nation states can be extremely destructive. Worldwide, interest is growing in gaining a better understanding of why and how these conflicts originate, particularly in protected areas inhabited by local communities. The literature on local attitudes towards and perceptions of park conservation and park–people conflicts is quite extensive. Studies have examined the socioeconomic and geographical determinants of attitudes to protected areas. However, the role of such determinants in the experience of park–people conflicts has received considerably less attention. Drawing on 601 interviews with people living in or near 15 Colombian national protected areas (NPAs), we examine the socioeconomic and geographical variables that are most influential in people’s experience of conflict related to restricted access to natural resources. We find that the experience of this type of conflict is largely explained by the NPA where a person resides, pursuit of productive activities within the NPA, previous employment in NPA administration, gender and ethnicity. We recommend implementing socially inclusive conservation strategies for conflict prevention and resolution in Colombia’s NPAs, whereby both women and men from different ethnic groups are engaged in design and implementation.
From bureaucracy to management: The International Criminal Court’s internal progress narrative
Authors: Clements Richard
Published: November 2018

Within international institutions such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), lawyers increasingly encounter managerial practices which are designed to improve organizational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Charting this trend, scholars have analyzed these practices with a view to make them more legitimate. However, this scholarly focus overlooks the role of managerial practices in legitimizing and thus sustaining the institutions in which they are embedded. In this article, I ask how managerial practices operate to boost the ICC’s reputation among its global audience. I find the answer in the Court’s use of the juxtaposed images of bureaucracy and management, with all their negative and positive associations. The Court uses these images to narrate a story of its own internal evolution from inefficient bureaucracy to efficient and well-managed organization. This hidden narrative of institutional progress functions rhetorically to frame, focus and distract the attention of the Court’s global constituencies.
The prevalence and audience reach of food and beverage advertising on Chilean television according to marketing tactics and nutritional quality of products
Authors: Correa Teresa , Reyes Marcela , Smith Taillie Lindsey P , Dillman Carpentier Francesca R
Published: November 2018

Objective

In the light of Chile’s comprehensive new restriction on unhealthy food marketing, we analyse food advertising on Chilean television prior to the first and final phases of implementation of the restriction.

Design

Content analysis of marketing strategies of 6976 advertisements, based on products’ nutritional quality. Statistical analysis of total and child audience reached using television ratings data.

Setting

Advertising from television aired between 06.00 and 00.00 hours during two random composite weeks across April–May 2016 from the four broadcast and four cable channels with the largest youth audiences.

Results

Food ads represented 16 % of all advertising; 34 % of food ads featured a product high in energy, saturated fats, sugars and/or salt (HEFSS), as defined by the initial regulation. HEFSS ads were seen by more children and contained more child-directed marketing strategies than ads without HEFSS foods. If HEFSS advertising was restricted only in programmes where 20 % are children aged 4–12 years, 31 % of children’s and 8 % of the general audience’s HEFSS advertising exposure would be reduced. The newest 06.00–22.00 hours restriction captures 80 % of all audience exposure.

Conclusions

HEFSS advertising was seen by a large proportion of children before Chile’s regulation. Chile’s first implementation based on audience composition should reduce a third of this exposure and its second restriction across the television day should eliminate most of the exposure. The current study is a crucial first step in evaluating how Chile’s regulation efforts will impact children’s diets and obesity prevalence.
Traditional v. modern dietary patterns among a population in western Austria: associations with body composition and nutrient profile
Authors: Egg Sabrina , Erler Judith , Perktold Bernhard , Hasenegger Verena , Rust Petra , Ramoner Reinhold , König Jürgen , Purtscher Anna Elisabeth
Published: November 2018

Objective

The present study aimed to identify dietary patterns, compare dietary patterns regarding nutrient profile and investigate the association between dietary patterns and body composition in a population in western Austria.

Design

In a cross-sectional study, eating habits, anthropometric measurements and body composition were assessed. Food intake was collected by two non-consecutive 24 h recalls. Factor analysis (principal component analysis) with complementary cluster analysis was applied to identify dietary patterns. Associations of dietary patterns with body composition and nutrient profile were examined by the t test, one-way ANOVA and ANCOVA with Bonferroni’s correction. The χ2 test was used for categorical variables.

Setting

Tyrol, western Austria, 2014–2015.

Participants

Adults (n 463) aged 18–64 years.

Results

Three dietary patterns were derived, labelled as the ‘health-conscious’, the ‘western’ and the ‘traditional’ dietary pattern. After adjustment for confounding variables, individuals following the traditional and western patterns were more likely to be overweight/obese (P <0·001) and to have a higher body fat percentage (P <0·05). Individuals following the traditional dietary pattern consumed significantly more SFA and less PUFA and dietary fibre (P <0·001) than those in the other groups.

Conclusions

Individuals who mostly eat in a traditional way should be encouraged to increase their consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy fats. It is important to know local eating habits not only for planning individual nutritional therapy, but also for well-directed public health actions.
Retrospective dosimetric evaluation of VMAT plans for prostate cancer treatment
Authors: Darko Johnson , Osei Ernest , Fleck Andre , Rachakonda Ramana
Published: November 2018

Background

Radiation therapy (RT) remains a common and effective treatment modality for patients with locally advanced prostate cancer. Technological advancements over the past decade have resulted in the introduction of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning and delivery techniques that maximise the dose of radiation delivered to the prostate while sparing organs at risk (OAR). A more recent and evolving IMRT technique, called volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT), involves a continuous irradiation at a constant or variable dose rate when the gantry rotates around the prostate using one or more arcs.

Materials and methods

This paper reports on a dosimetric evaluation of our implementation of VMAT technique for prostate cancer treatment. A retrospective analysis of VMAT plans was performed for 300 prostate cancer patients treated during the period of January 2013 to December 2014. Two prescription cohorts of patients treated to a dose of 78 Gy in 39 fractions as the primary radiation therapy treatment (XRT) and 66 Gy in 33 fractions as a post-op or salvage XRT were considered.

Results

The mean and maximal doses, dose inhomogeneities and conformity indexes for the planning target volumes were evaluated for each prescription cohort of patients. Similarly, the doses to OAR such as rectum, bladder and femoral heads were also assessed for various dose levels.

Conclusion

This study shows that highly conformal radiation dose distribution for the treatment of prostate cancer is achievable with the VMAT technique. It provides evidence to support the adoption of such conformal technology in many disease sites such as the prostate. We believe that our experience reported here could help form the foundation for individual institutions to evaluate and develop the most suitable planning criteria tailored to their own needs and priority. This endeavour hopefully will provide further improvement in the planning process and, therefore, help achieve an effective and efficient delivery of radiotherapy for prostate cancer.
Recital I (for Cathy):A Drama ‘Through the Voice’
Authors: PLACANICA FRANCESCA
Published: November 2018

Work on this article began as a contribution to a wider discussion of twentieth-century music theatre, and in particular a genre in the category of twentieth-century musical monodramas – one-act staged monologues with, or in music for, one performer.1My current research focuses on the genesis and performance tradition of works composed for solo female singer, and raises questions about the creative agency of the performer in the making of such works, reflecting on matters such as subjectivity, voice, and identity.2If this outlook may slightly drift from a conventional narrative springing from the composer's voice, a critical investigation of the collaborative process foregrounding the genealogy of some of these works is compelling, especially since every composer who embarked on this ‘genre’, or compositionaltopos, inflected it in idiosyncratic ways. In works such asErwartung,La Voix humaine,The Testament of Eve,Neither, andLa machine de l’être, the performative voice of the female soloist to whom the work was tailored became a generative element capable of shaping the formal, musical, and dramaturgical material.3Examination of selected case studies, focusing especially on the creative and performative processes surrounding these works, triggers an array of questions about gender politics. More importantly, transversal insight into the making of these works and their performativity reveals the interconnected nature of the two phases of creation and performance. In musical monodrama, more than in larger forms of music theatre, the two processes interweave and depend on each other; reconstructing the performative genealogy of the ‘work’ reveals an intrinsic impasse in the very notion of the musical ‘text’ associated exclusively with the compiled score and its literary sources.
Long-term effects of biochar on rice production and stabilisation of cadmium and arsenic levels in contaminated paddy soils
Authors: CHEN Peng , WANG Hong-Yan , ZHENG Rui-Lun , ZHANG Bo , SUN Guo-Xin
Published: November 2018

Heavy metal contamination in the paddy soils of China is a serious concern because of its health risk through transfer in food chains. A field experiment was conducted in 2014–2015 to investigate the long-term effects of different biochar amendments on cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) immobilisation in a contaminated paddy field in southern China. Two types of biochar, a rice-straw-derived biochar (RB) and a coconut-by-product-derived biochar (CB), were amended separately to determine their impacts on rice yield and their efficacy in reducing Cd and As in rice. The two-year field experiment showed that biochar amendments significantly improved the rice yields and that CB is superior to RB, especially in the first growth season. Using a large amount of biochar amendment (22.5tha–1) significantly increased soil pH and total organic carbon, and concomitantly decreased the Cd content in rice grains over the four growth seasons, regardless of biochar type and application rate. Arsenic levels in rice were similar to the control, and results from this study suggest that there was a sustainable effect of biochar on Cd sequestration in soil and reduction of Cd accumulation in rice for at least two years. Biochar amendment in soil could be considered as a sustainable, reliable and cost-effective option to remediate heavy metal contamination in paddy fields for long periods.
Great Plains Yucca (Yucca glauca) Control on Shortgrass Rangelands
Authors: Fick Walter H. , Harmoney Keith
Published: November 2018

Great Plains yucca is a native species that competes with forage plants for space and water and at high densities may warrant control. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of seven herbicides applied in the spring or fall for Great Plains yucca control. Six foliar herbicides applied by ground application at 187 L ha−1 spray volume, one herbicide applied to individual plant whorls, and a nontreated check were established in June and September of 2009 and 2011. Percent mortality was determined 12 to 16 mo after herbicide application. Most herbicides gave similar control between the 2 yr, with triclopyr in diesel applied to individual plant whorls at 10 g L−1 providing the greatest control at 83%. Most herbicides applied in June near the blooming stage of Great Plains yucca were more effective than September treatments. June treatments providing the greatest reduction in yucca densities were metsulfuron + dicamba + 2,4-D amine + 2,4-D low volatile ester (LVE) at 21 + 113 + 325 + 431 g ae ha−1, metsulfuron + aminopyralid + triclopyr at 49 + 9 + 227 g ha−1, metsulfuron + chlorsulfuron + 2,4-D LVE at 34 + 11 + 431 g ha−1, and metsulfuron + aminopyralid + 2,4-D LVE at 49 + 9 + 431 g ha−1. A single application of a foliar herbicide provided a maximum of 72% mortality of Great Plains yucca, suggesting that repeat application may be necessary to achieve optimum control.
Looking for a Consensus in the Discussion About the Concept of	Validity
Authors: Camargo Sandra Liliana , Herrera Aura Nidia , Traynor Anne
Published: November 2018

Abstract. The purpose of this work is to identify issues regarding the concept of validity in educational and psychological testing on which there is, and is not, consensus among experts, using an online Delphi study. Although many theorists have expressed their views about the proper characterization of validity, it is important to systematically collect ideas about each aspect of validity. Study participants were recognized academic experts who have led the discussion on the concept of validity in publications and academic meetings in Europe and the United States during recent decades. The Delphi study’s results identify some aspects of the concept of validity, the Standards (2014) , and validation about which experts are at an impasse, and others about which consensus can be reached. Based on our findings, some recommendations to advance the conceptualization of validity are offered.
Deng and Maguire Receive 2018 Study of the Earth’s Deep Interior Award for Graduate Research
Authors:   AGU
Published: November 2018

Jie Deng and Ross Maguire will receive the 2018 Study of the Earth’s Deep Interior Award for Graduate Research at AGU’s Fall Meeting 2018, to be held 10–14 December in Washington, D. C. This award is given annually for advances that contribute to the understanding of the deep interior of the Earth or other planetary bodies using a broad range of observational, experimental, and/or theoretical approaches.
Ancient Romans Polluted Their Lakes Just Like We Do Today
Authors: Joel Lucas
Published: November 2018

Sediments from a lake in Switzerland reveal that ancient Romans triggered dead zones caused by the runoff of nutrients. Sound familiar?
Instantaneous Frequency Analysis on Nonlinear EMIC Emissions: Arase Observation
Authors: Shoji Masafumi , Miyoshi Yoshizumi , Omura Yoshiharu , Kistler Lynn M. , Kasaba Yasumasa , Matsuda Shoya , Kasahara Yoshiya , Matsuoka Ayako , Nomura Reiko , Ishisaka Keigo , Kumamoto Atsushi , Tsuchiya Fuminori , Yagitani Satoshi , Teramoto Mariko , Asamura Kazushi , Takashima Takeshi , Shinohara Iku
Published: November 2018

In the inner magnetosphere, the Arase spacecraft has observed electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) emissions with both rising and falling frequencies. The instantaneous frequency analyses on the electromagnetic fields of the EMIC rising tone emission have been performed by the Hilbert‐Huang transform. The time variation of the instantaneous frequency shows a good agreement with the nonlinear theory for the frequency evolutions. Rapid instantaneous frequency modulation is also found during the rising tone emission. We estimate the peak‐to‐peak time of the fluctuation in the frequency and find that the fluctuation is caused around a half of the particle trapping time. From the motion of the phase‐bunched particle around the resonant velocity, it is expected that the nonlinear resonant current, which induces the falling frequency is formed in half the trapping time.
Nonlinear Coupling Between Whistler‐Mode Chorus and Electron Cyclotron Harmonic Waves in the Magnetosphere
Authors: Gao Zhonglei , Su Zhenpeng , Xiao Fuliang , Summers Danny , Liu Nigang , Zheng Huinan , Wang Yuming , Wei Fengsi , Wang Shui
Published: November 2018

Electromagnetic whistler‐mode chorus and electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) waves can contribute significantly to auroral electron precipitation and radiation belt electron acceleration. In the past, linear and nonlinear wave‐particle interactions have been proposed to explain the occurrences of these magnetospheric waves. By analyzing Van Allen Probes data, we present here the first evidence for nonlinear coupling between chorus and ECH waves. The sum‐frequency and difference‐frequency interactions produced the ECH sidebands with discrete frequency sweeping structures exactly corresponding to the chorus rising tones. The newly generated weak sidebands did not satisfy the original electrostatic wave dispersion relation. After the generation of chorus and normal ECH waves by hot electron instabilities, the nonlinear wave‐wave interactions could additionally redistribute energy among the resonant waves, potentially affecting to some extent the magnetospheric electron dynamics.
Bounding the Moment Deficit Rate on Crustal Faults Using Geodetic Data: Application to Southern California
Authors: Maurer Jeremy , Johnson Kaj , Segall Paul
Published: November 2018

The interseismic moment deficit rate (MDR) constrains the potential for future moment release in earthquakes. Published estimates of the geodetic MDR in Southern California vary by a factor of 3 depending on the type of forward model, method of estimation, and data quality. It is our aim to determine to what degree these discrepancies may be explained by quantifying the uncertainty for a given class of forward models, accounting for data errors and limited model resolution. We apply a new method, the Constrained Optimization Bounding Estimator, to bound the MDR in Southern California using geodetic data and an elastic plate‐block model. Total MDR ranges from 1.3 to 2.0 × 1019 N m/yr, equivalent to one MW 8.17–8.31 over 160 years, higher than the observed seismic moment since 1850. This observation, together with published estimates of off‐fault moment rate, could imply that significant permanent (inelastic) deformation is taking place in Southern California or that future earthquakes will make up the difference. Uncertainty in MDR from Constrained Optimization Bounding Estimator using a single model is comparable to the range of published MDR estimates using elastic block models but about a factor of 8 smaller than the range of all published models. Thus, the choice of forward model dominates theuncertainty in MDR for Southern California. While additional data would be helpful for constraining the MDR, as much or more effort is needed to quantify the prediction errors associated with a given model and to develop observations that narrow the possible range of forward models under consideration.
Transient Hypoxia Extent Off Changjiang River Estuary due to Mobile Changjiang River Plume
Authors: Zhang Wenxia , Wu Hui , Zhu Zhuoyi
Published: November 2018

Observed oxygen concentrations collected at discrete locations during research cruises were conventionally used to estimate spatial extents of bottom low‐oxygen/hypoxia. Yet observed oxygen concentrations were often not quantitatively representative of spatial patterns in instantaneous oxygen concentrations in coastal oceans, especially when the bottom hypoxia was transient. Over the Changjiang River estuary and its adjacent sea, research cruises could easily be longer than the time scale of variability of bottom hypoxia extent. The Changjiang River plume is extremely mobile due to changes in wind magnitude and direction, and the redistribution of this freshwater cap strongly regulates vertical stratification on which bottom hypoxia formation depends. A high‐resolution ecosystem model was developed, which successfully reproduced observed temperature, salinity, and bottom oxygen concentration. This model suggested fast response of bottom oxygen to vertical stratification evolution (generally ∼6–50 hr) and a transient spatial extent of summer bottom hypoxia off the Changjiang River estuary. Comparisons between observed and modeled oxygen concentrations implied that the hypoxic area calculated from dissolved oxygen at discrete locations often had possible errors and the estimated magnitude of hypoxic area which depended on the chronological order of observations. Therefore, it is risky to estimate the spatial extent of hypoxic area based on observations exclusively, and the relevant quantification of annual hypoxia area trend is also questionable. Integration of quasi‐simultaneous observations is required to advance the understanding of oxygen dynamics, to minimize observational uncertainties. The development of skillful ecosystem models that profit from ample observations and have the power to reproduce dissolved oxygen is indispensable.
Observationally Weak TGFs in the RHESSI Data
Authors: Albrechtsen K. H. , Østgaard N. , Berge N. , Gjesteland T.
Published: November 2018

Terrestrial gamma ray flashes (TGFs) are sub‐millisecond bursts of high energetic gamma radiation associated with intracloud flashes in thunderstorms. In this paper we use the simultaneity of lightning detections by World Wide Lightning Location Network to find TGFs in the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) data that are too faint to be identified by standard search algorithms. A similar approach has been used in an earlier paper, but here we expand the data set to include all years of RHESSI + World Wide Lightning Location Network data and show that there is a population of observationally weak TGFs all the way down to 0.22 of the RHESSI detection threshold (three counts in the detector). One should note that the majority of these are “normal” TGFs that are produced further away from the subsatellite point (and experience a 1/r2 effect) or produced at higher latitudes with a lower tropoause and thus experience increased atmospheric attenuation. This supports the idea that the TGF production rate is higher than currently reported. We also show that compared to lightning flashes, TGFs are more partial to ocean and coastal regions than over land.
Obesity, altered oxidative stress, and clinical correlates in chronic schizophrenia patients
Authors: An Huimei , Du Xiangdong , Huang Xingbing , Qi Lingyan , Jia Qiufang , Yin Guangzhong , Xiao Chunling , Huang Xu-Feng , Ning Yuping , Cassidy Ryan M , Wang Li , Soares Jair C. , Zhang Xiang Yang
Published: November 2018

Antipsychotic pharmacotherapy is strongly obesogenic and is associated with increased oxidative stress in patients with schizophrenia. However, whether these changes reflect psychopathology, antipsychotic efficacy, or some other factor is not known. Our study aims to investigate the degree of oxidative stress in different BMI categories and to identify clinical symptomatology that may be paired with increased oxidative stress in a schizophrenia population. To this end, we performed a cross-sectional study and recruited 89 long-term inpatients with schizophrenia and collected the following variables: plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), routine biochemical analysis, and psychopathology through the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The results indicate that the levels of the lipid peroxidation product, MDA, were significantly higher in the high BMI group than the low (normal) BMI group. As expected, high BMI was associated with an atherogenic lipid profile; however, it was also associated with fewer psychopathological symptoms. Multiple regression analysis found that MDA levels, the PANSS general psychopathology subscore, and triglyceride levels (all p < 0.05) were independent contributors to the BMI in patients. These results suggested that oxidative stress may play an important role in antipsychotic-induced weight gain. Further investigations using the longitudinal design in first-episode schizophrenia patients are needed to explore the beneficial effect of antioxidants on the abnormal lipid metabolism mediated by antipsychotic treatment.
Experimentally investigating the origin of DNA/RNA on early Earth
Authors: Krishnamurthy Ramanarayanan
Published: November 2018

There are varied views about how the molecules of life may have appeared on early Earth. Nowhere is this divergence more acute than in the origins of DNA/RNA and has become a matter of constant deliberations.
Prebiotic nucleic acids need space to grow
Authors: Whitaker Daniel , Powner Matthew W.
Published: November 2018

What were the conditions on early Earth when nucleotides were formed, and what are the most plausible nucleoside candidates? Answering these questions will require mechanistic chemistry and planetary science to work together, enhancing not limiting each other’s scope of investigation.
Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Structural Composite Supercapacitor
Authors: Muralidharan Nitin , Teblum Eti , Westover Andrew S. , Schauben Deanna , Itzhak Anat , Muallem Merav , Nessim Gilbert D. , Pint Cary L.
Published: November 2018

Carbon nanotubes exhibit mechanical properties ideally suited for reinforced structural composites and surface area and conductivity attractive for electrochemical capacitors. Here we demonstrate the multifunctional synergy between these properties in a composite material exhibiting simultaneous mechanical and energy storage properties. This involves a reinforcing electrode developed using dense, aligned carbon nanotubes grown on stainless steel mesh that is layered in an ion conducting epoxy electrolyte matrix with Kevlar or fiberglass mats. The resulting energy storage composites exhibit elastic modulus over 5 GPa, mechanical strength greater than 85 MPa, and energy density up to 3 mWh/kg for the total combined system including electrodes, current collector, Kevlar or fiberglass, and electrolyte matrix. Furthermore, findings from in-situ mechano-electro-chemical tests indicate simultaneous mechanical and electrochemical functionality with invariant and stable supercapacitor performance maintained throughout the elastic regime.
Trait determinants of impulsive behavior: a comprehensive analysis of 188 rats
Authors: Soares Ana Rosa , Esteves Madalena , Moreira Pedro Silva , Cunha Ana Margarida , Guimarães Marco Rafael , Carvalho Miguel Murteira , Raposo-Lima Catarina , Morgado Pedro , Carvalho Ana Franky , Coimbra Bárbara , Melo António , Rodrigues Ana João , Salgado António José , Pêgo José Miguel , Cerqueira João José , Costa Patrício , Sousa Nuno , Almeida Armando , Leite-Almeida Hugo
Published: November 2018

Impulsivity is a naturally occurring behavior that, when accentuated, can be found in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders. The expression of trait impulsivity has been shown to change with a variety of factors, such as age and sex, but the existing literature does not reflect widespread consensus regarding the influence of modulating effects. We designed the present study to investigate, in a cohort of significant size (188 rats), the impact of four specific parameters, namely sex, age, strain and phase of estrous cycle, using the variable delay-to-signal (VDS) task. This cohort included (i) control animals from previous experiments; (ii) animals specifically raised for this study; and (iii) animals previously used for breeding purposes. Aging was associated with a general decrease in action impulsivity and an increase in delay tolerance. Females generally performed more impulsive actions than males but no differences were observed regarding delay intolerance. In terms of estrous cycle, no differences in impulsive behavior were observed and regarding strain, Wistar Han animals were, in general, more impulsive than Sprague-Dawley. In addition to further confirming, in a substantial study cohort, the decrease in impulsivity with age, we have demonstrated that both the strain and sex influences modulate different aspects of impulsive behavior manifestations.
HelixComplex snail mucus exhibits pro-survival, proliferative and pro-migration effects on mammalian fibroblasts
Authors: Trapella Claudio , Rizzo Roberta , Gallo Stefania , Alogna Andrea , Bortolotti Daria , Casciano Fabio , Zauli Giorgio , Secchiero Paola , Voltan Rebecca
Published: November 2018

Snail mucus is a mixture of active substances commonly thought to have healthy properties for the treatment of skin disorders. Although snail mucus is an ingredient of several cosmetic and para-pharmaceutic products, a comprehensive characterization of chemical composition and biological effects is still missing. Crude purified extracts from Helix aspersa muller mucus (HelixComplex) were prepared and, after chemical characterization, tested on in vitro experimental models. Differently from what expected, HelixComplex was characterized by the presence of small amounts of glycolic acid and allantoin. By using different in vitro assays on fibroblast cultures, we found that HelixComplex lacked of cytotoxicity, protected cells from apoptosis (p < 0.05) and, importantly, was able to significantly induce cell proliferation and migration through direct and indirect mechanisms. These effects were associated to morphological changes, cytoskeleton re-organization and release of cytokines. In conclusion, our findings suggest that snail mucus biological effects are attributable to cell proliferation and migration, and pave the way for further investigating snail mucus potential as therapeutic agent.
Hypertension and chronic kidney disease affect long-term outcomes in patients with stable coronary artery disease receiving percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Lin Mao-Jen , Yang Wen-Chieh , Chen Chun-Yu , Huang Chia-Chen , Chuang Hsun-Yang , Gao Feng-Xia , Wu Han-Ping
Published: November 2018

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is commonly used for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the effects of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension (HT) on long-term outcomes in patients with stable CAD receiving PCI are still unclear. A total of 1,676 patients treated with PCI were prospectively enrolled and divided into 4 groups according to the presence or absence of HT or CKD. General characteristics, clinical medications, risk factors, angiographic findings, and long-term outcomes were analyzed. Patients with CKD had the highest rate of all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality (both P < 0.01). Patients with CKD alone had the lowest event-free rate of all-cause and CV deaths (both P < 0.001). Based on Cox proportional hazard model, patients with CKD alone had the highest risk of all-cause death (HR:2.86, 95% CI:1.73–4.75) and CV death (HR: 3.57,95% CI:2.01–6.33); while patients with both CKD and HT had the highest risk of repeat PCI (HR: 1.42, 95% CI:1.09–1.85).We found that in stable CAD patients after undergoing PCI, those with CKD alone had the highest long-term mortality. Comorbid CKD appears to increase risk in patient with HT, whereas comorbid HT doesn’t seem to increase risk in patients with CKD.
In situ gelation of rhEGF-containing liquid crystalline precursor with good cargo stability and system mechanical properties: a novel delivery system for chronic wounds treatment
Authors: Zhou Chan , Huang Zhengwei , Huang Ying , Wang Bei , Yang Peipei , Fan Yanliang , Hou Ailin , Yang Beibei , Zhao Ziyu , Quan Guilan , Pan Xin , Wu Chuanbin
Published: November 2018

The objective of this study was to develop a novel delivery system for recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) for chronic wound treatment.
Engineering a stable future for DNA-origami as a biomaterial
Authors: Bila Hale , Kurisinkal Eva E. , Bastings Maartje M. C.
Published: November 2018

Reviewing the various methods and effectivity to stabilize DNA origami in biological environments.
Superior activity and selectivity of heterogenized cobalt catalysts for hydrogenation of nitroarenes
Authors: Li Wu , Artz Jens , Broicher Cornelia , Junge Kathrin , Hartmann Heinrich , Besmehn Astrid , Palkovits Regina , Beller Matthias
Published: November 2018

The development of improved catalysts based on Co nanoparticles supported on ordered mesoporous carbon CMK-3 for the highly selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes is described.
Slow spin crossover in bis-meridional Fe2+ complexes through spin-state auto-adaptive N6/N8 coordination
Authors: Petzold Holm , Hörner Gerald , Schnaubelt Linda , Rüffer Tobias
Published: November 2018

The X-factor: Exchange of pyridine (X = N) for phenyl (X = CH) substituents renders the coordination number of Fe2+ complexes spin-state dependent. Slow spin-state exchange emerges through kinetic and thermodynamic stabilization of the N6(+2) high-spin state.
Visualization of label-free titanium dioxide nanoparticle deposition on surfaces with nanoscale roughness
Authors: Kananizadeh Negin , Peev Darin , Delon Thompson , Schubert Eva , Bartelt-Hunt Shannon , Schubert Mathias , Zhang Jianming , Uhlmann Petra , Lederer Albena , Li Yusong
Published: November 2018

An innovative technique to quantify and visualize label-free titanium dioxide nanoparticles on model rough surfaces.
Permeability of the ellagitannin geraniin and its metabolites in a human colon adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cell culture model
Authors: Elendran Sumita , Muniyandy Saravanan , Lee Wang Wang , Palanisamy Uma D.
Published: November 2018

Geraniin and its metabolites, found in many edibles, were classified as per the BCS. This finding can be used to predict its'in vivooral absorption.
Nanoscale mapping of hydrogen evolution on metallic and semiconducting MoS2 nanosheets
Authors: Sun Tong , Zhang Hanyu , Wang Xiang , Liu Jun , Xiao Chuanxiao , Nanayakkara Sanjini U. , Blackburn Jeffrey L. , Mirkin Michael V. , Miller Elisa M.
Published: November 2018

We directly map the catalytic activity on metallic (1T) basal sites and semiconducting (2H) edge sites within 2D MoS2 nanosheets.
Chemical pre-reduction and electro-reduction guided preparation of a porous graphene bionanocomposite for indole-3-acetic acid detection
Authors: Su Zhaohong , Xu Xiaolin , Cheng Yongbing , Tan Yueming , Xiao Langtao , Tang Daili , Jiang Hongmei , Qin Xiaoli , Wang Huixian
Published: November 2018

A porous graphene (PG) bionanocomposite of PG, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and anti-indole-3-acetic acid (anti-IAA) antibody for sensitive and label-free amperometric immunoassay of IAA was reported.
Effect of different factors on the yield of epoxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane and evaluation of CO2 thickening
Authors: Wang Yanling , Li Qiang , Dong Weihong , Li Qingchao , Wang Fuling , Bai Hao , Zhang Ren , Owusu Augustus Boadi
Published: November 2018

We focused on optimizing synthetic parameters based on a Taguchi design to maximize polymer yield and evaluate the polymer-thickening ability in CO2.
2′-Deoxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)cytidine: estimation in human cancer cells with a simple chemosensor
Authors: Sarkar Himadri Sekhar , Kundu Shampa , Das Sujoy , Maiti Pulak Kumar , Mandal Sukhendu , Sahoo Prithidipa
Published: November 2018

A new chemosensor, CS-1, has been developed and characterized for the selective detection and quantification of 2′-deoxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)cytidine (5hmC) in human cancer cells.
Protein-induced fluorescence enhancement for a simple and universal detection of protein/small molecule interactions
Authors: Kim Hansol , Lee Chang Yeol , Song Jayeon , Yoon Junhyeok , Park Ki Soo , Park Hyun Gyu
Published: November 2018

We herein describe a novel and efficient method for the detection of protein/small molecule (SM) interactions, which relies on the protein-induced fluorescence enhancement (PIFE).
Thiahelicene-based inherently chiral films for enantioselective electroanalysis
Authors: Arnaboldi Serena , Cauteruccio Silvia , Grecchi Sara , Benincori Tiziana , Marcaccio Massimo , Biroli Alessio Orbelli , Longhi Giovanna , Licandro Emanuela , Mussini Patrizia Romana
Published: November 2018

Enantiopure inherently chiral films with helicoidal stereogenicity of outstanding enantiodiscrimination potentialities for chiral redox probes and as spin filters.
Metal–salen molecular cages as efficient and recyclable heterogeneous catalysts for cycloaddition of CO2 with epoxides under ambient conditions
Authors: Ng Chee Koon , Toh Ren Wei , Lin Ting Ting , Luo He-Kuan , Hor T. S. Andy , Wu Jie
Published: November 2018

Metal-salen molecular cages are efficient and recyclable heterogeneous catalysts for cycloaddition of CO2, achieving full conversion at ambient conditions.
Synthesis, structure, and electrochemical properties of O′3-type monoclinic NaNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhou Pengfei , Liu Xiaolan , Weng Junying , Wang Li , Wu Xiaozhong , Miao Zhichao , Zhao Jinping , Zhou Jin , Zhuo Shuping
Published: November 2018

A novel NaNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 material with a spherical architecture and layered monoclinic phase structure was prepared, which delivers remarkable capacity retention of 86.7% at 1C after 200 cycles.
Direct electrophoretic deposition of an ultra-strong separator on an anode in a surfactant-free colloidal system for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Han Yupei , Ye Luhan , Boateng Bismark , Sun Qingwei , Zhen Cheng , Chen Ning , Shi Xingyi , Dickerson James H. , Li Xin , He Weidong
Published: November 2018

A hierarchically laminated nanostructured PVdF–HFP membrane is deposited directly on a carbon anode through efficient, scalable electrophoretic deposition (EPD) in a surfactant-free colloidal system.
Two-dimensional Janus PtSSe for photocatalytic water splitting under the visible or infrared light
Authors: Peng Rui , Ma Yandong , Huang Baibiao , Dai Ying
Published: November 2018

2D PtSSe for photocatalytic water splitting under visible or infrared light.
Carbon-mediated synthesis of shape-controllable manganese phosphate as nanozymes for modulation of superoxide anions in HeLa cells
Authors: Cai Xuan , Wang Zhenxing , Zhang Huanhuan , Li Yufei , Chen Kaicha , Zhao Hongli , Lan Minbo
Published: November 2018

Here we present a facile method to fabricate shape-controllable transition metal phosphates by using hollow carbon structures as substrates for superoxide sensing.
Scattering suppression and cloak for electrically large objects using cylindrical metasurface based on monolayer and multilayer mantle cloak approach
Authors: Younesiraad Hemn , Bemani Mohammad , Nikmehr Saeid
Published: November 2018

The authors proposed analytical models applicable to monolayer and multilayer mantle cloaks for suppressing the scattering fields of electrically large conducting objects using printed ultrathin metasurfaces. To analyse the proposed structure, the two‐sided impedance surface method is used and the scattering cross section (SCS) is obtained using Mie theory. It is shown that using surface impedance expression obtained from the analytical model for monolayer mantle cloak they can design a proper unit cell of a metasurface to reduce significantly total scattering from the cylinder. The proposed mantle cloaks in this work are mainly designed to minimise simultaneously several scattering multi‐poles of a relatively large object around considerably broad bandwidth. Numerical results and full‐wave simulation show good cloaking performance in designed frequency. The simulated results using their analytical models as well as the full‐wave results show that the multilayer mantle cloak is an optimised candidate for cloaking of electrically large objects. The proposed multilayer mantle cloak confirms 3.6 dB SCS gain to cancel the scattering fields of a perfect electric conductor cylinder with a radius of 1.425λ0 at the designed frequency. Finally, they consider a cluster of closely spaced and overlapping three cloaked cylinders for suppression of electromagnetic fields.