bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new tool for studying waterfowl immune and metabolic responses: Molecular level analysis using kinome profiling
Authors: Pagano Giovanni , Johnson Casey , Hahn D. Caldwell , Arsenault Ryan J.
Published: July 2018

Here, we describe the design of an Anas‐specific kinome peptide array that can be used to study the immunometabolic responses of mallard and American black duck to pathogens, contaminants, and environmental stress. The peptide arrays contain 2,642 unique phosphorylate‐able peptide sequences representing 1,900 proteins. These proteins cover a wide array of metabolic and immunological processes, and 758 Gene Ontology Biological processes are statistically significantly represented on the duck peptide array of those 164 contain the term “metabolic” and 25 “immune.” In addition, we conducted a comparison of mallard to American black duck at a genetic and proteomic level. Our results show a significant genomic and proteomic overlap between these two duck species, so that we have designed a cross‐reactive peptide array capable of studying both species. This is the first reported development of a wildlife species‐specific kinome peptide array.
Sharing the same slope: Behavioral responses of a threatened mesocarnivore to motorized and nonmotorized winter recreation
Authors: Olson Lucretia E. , Squires John R. , Roberts Elizabeth K. , Ivan Jacob S. , Hebblewhite Mark
Published: July 2018

Winter recreation is a widely popular activity and is expected to increase due to changes in recreation technology and human population growth. Wildlife are frequently negatively impacted by winter recreation, however, through displacement from habitat, alteration of activity patterns, or changes in movement behavior. We studied impacts of dispersed and developed winter recreation on Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) at their southwestern range periphery in Colorado,USA. We usedGPScollars to track movements of 18 adult lynx over 4 years, coupled withGPSdevices that logged 2,839 unique recreation tracks to provide a detailed spatial estimate of recreation intensity. We assessed changes in lynx spatial and temporal patterns in response to motorized and nonmotorized recreation, as well as differences in movement rate and path tortuosity. We found that lynx decreased their movement rate in areas with high‐intensity back‐country skiing and snowmobiling, and adjusted their temporal patterns so that they were more active at night in areas with high‐intensity recreation. We did not find consistent evidence of spatial avoidance of recreation: lynx exhibited some avoidance of areas with motorized recreation, but selected areas in close proximity to nonmotorized recreation trails. Lynx appeared to avoid high‐intensity developed ski resorts, however, especially when recreation was most intense. We conclude that lynx in our study areas did not exhibit strong negative responses to dispersed recreation, but instead altered their behavior and temporal patterns in a nuanced response to recreation, perhaps to decrease direct interactions with recreationists. However, based on observed avoidance of developed recreation, there may be a threshold of human disturbance above which lynx cannot coexist with winter recreation.
Coping with intrasexual behavioral differences: Capture–recapture abundance estimation of male cheetah
Authors: Edwards Sarah , Fischer Manuela , Wachter Bettina , Melzheimer Joerg
Published: July 2018

Population estimates are a fundamental requirement of ecology and conservation. While capture–recapture models are an established method for producing such estimates, their assumption of homogeneous capture probabilities is problematic given that heterogeneity in individual capture probability is inherent to most species. Such variation must be accounted for by abundance models; otherwise, biased estimates are risked.

Here, we investigate the performance of four types of heterogeneity models for estimating abundance of male cheetah Acinonyx jubatus, a species with two distinct spatial tactics of territorial and nonterritorial (floater) males. The differences in spatial movements of territory holders and floaters are expected to result in intrasexual heterogeneous capture probabilities. Four heterogeneity models were used to model male abundance at five territories in central Namibia; (a) a spatial tactic model, (b) a finite mixture model, both run in program MARK, (c) a floater‐only model, and (d) a heterogeneity Mh model, both run in the program CAPTURE. Camera trap data of cheetah, taken at frequently visited marking trees, were used to derive true abundance. Model results were compared to the true abundance to assess the accuracy of estimates.

Only models (a), (b), and (c) were able to consistently produce accurate results. Mixture models do not require prior knowledge regarding spatial tactic of males, which might not always be available. Therefore, we recommend such models as the preferred model type for cheetahs.

Results highlight the potential for mixture models in overcoming the challenges of capture probability heterogeneity and in particular their use with species where intrasexual behavioral differences exist.
High Capacity and Fast Charge‐Discharge Li4Ti5O12 Nanoflakes/TiO2 Nanotubes Composite Anode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Bon Chris Yeajoon , Isheunesu Phiri , Kim Sangjun , Manasi Mwemezi , Kim Yong Il , Lee Yun Jung , Ko Jang Myoun
Published: July 2018

Li4Ti5O12 nanoflakes (LTO‐NF) and TiO2 nanotubes (TNT) are synthesized and mechanically mixed to form a composite anode material with high specific capacitance, fast charge‐discharge capability, and long cycle life for lithium ion batteries. The LTO‐NF have a thin morphology and smaller grain size which increases grain boundaries for increased capacitance and faster lithiation and delithiation. TNT are included as part of the composite to help increase specific capacitance as well as facilitate ion and electron transport for fast charge transfer kinetics. To analyze the morphological and chemical characteristics of the composite, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Braun‐Emmett‐Teller method are conducted. The charge‐discharge tests show that the composite LTO‐NF/TNT has increased specific capacitance and cycling performance with a 98.3 % capacitance retention and specific capacitance of 160 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 5 C, which translates to higher energy and power density for various energy storage applications including automotive use.
Power control of variable speed wind turbine based on doubly fed induction generator using indirect field‐oriented control with fuzzy logic controllers for performance optimization
Authors: Zamzoum Othmane , El Mourabit Youness , Errouha Mustapha , Derouich Aziz , El Ghzizal Abdelaziz
Published: July 2018

The main objective of this study is to improve the energy quality extracted by variable speed wind turbine based on doubly fed induction generator. First, the dynamic modeling of different parts of the system is presented. The electrical machine is modeled in PARK reference frame. Thereafter, the control technique is detailed. Indirect field‐oriented control with fuzzy logic controllers (FLC) is used to control the rotor currents and consequently the real and reactive powers of the stator generator. Then, the design of FLC is detailed by tuning its most significant parameters, which are scaling factor rules base and membership functions. Finally, a simulation using the MATLAB/SIMULINK environment is carried out to prove the validation of the control strategy using a 2 MW wind turbine. The results show a satisfactory performance in terms of rapidity, stability, and precision under variable wind speed conditions.
Zum besonderen Quellverhalten von Tarrastonen
Authors: Steding Svenja , Bürkner Göta , Törzs Tom , Grabe Jürgen
Published: July 2018

Im Rahmen der derzeit stattfindenden Variantenuntersuchung zur Erneuerung der Fehmarnsundquerung wurde in verschiedenen Tiefen Tarraston angetroffen. Wie schon bei den Baumaßnahmen vor 50 Jahren stellt dieser eine ernste Herausforderung dar. Insbesondere das Quell‐ und Schwellverhalten des Tons sowie seine geringe Scherfestigkeit im Bereich von Harnischflächen könnten beim Bau der neuen Brücke bzw. des Tunnels Probleme bereiten. Dieser Artikel vergleicht verschiedene als Tarraston eingestufte Proben im Hinblick auf ihre Zusammensetzung, ihre Mikrostruktur und ihr Quellverhalten und zeigt dabei Zusammenhänge auf. So konnte gezeigt werden, dass die Kornverteilung der untersuchten Proben des Tarrastons keine sichere Aussage über deren Quellverhalten zulässt, während Plastizität oder Wasseraufnahmevermögen zuverlässige Anhaltspunkte bieten. Zwei Tone, die sich in granulometrischer und tonmineralogischer Zusammensetzung sowie Setzungsverhalten kaum unterscheiden, wiesen beim Quellverhalten deutliche Unterschiede auf. Der Artikel diskutiert die Ursachen und geht dabei auch auf die Mikrostruktur des Tarrastons ein. Ferner werden die Versuchsergebnisse mit Literaturwerten des besser erforschten London Clay verglichen.
Hypermethylation of endoplasmic reticulum disulfide oxidase 1α leads to trophoblast cell apoptosis through endoplasmic reticulum stress in preeclampsia
Authors: Xiong Jiantuan , Ding Ning , Gao Tingting , Wang Yanhua , Guo Wei , Zhang Hui , Ma Xiaoli , Li Fan , Sun Jianmin , Yang Xiaoling , Wu Kai , Zhang Huiping , Jiang Yideng
Published: July 2018

Abnormal trophoblast cell apoptosis is implicated in the pathogenesis of pregnancy‐related disorders including preeclampsia (PE), and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been considered as a novel pathway in the regulation of cell apoptosis. In this study, we observed that both apoptosis and ER stress are triggered in trophoblast cells under hypoxia as well as in the placenta of PE rats. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis showed that the expression of endoplasmic reticulum disulfide oxidase 1α (ERO1α) is suppressed in trophoblast cells under hypoxia due to the hypermethylation of the ERO1α promoter region, and the inhibition of ERO1α expression plays an important role in ER stress and trophoblast cell apoptosis. Furthermore, we found that DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) is a key methyltransferase for DNA methylation in the regulation of ERO1α expression, and the binding level of DNMT1 to the ERO1α promoter is markedly elevated under hypoxia although DNMT1 expression is inhibited by hypoxia, suggesting that the binding level of DNMT1 to the ERO1α promoter region rather than the DNMT1 expression level contributes to the hypermethylation of ERO1α. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the hypermethylation of ERO1α mediated by increased binding of DNMT1 to the ERO1α promoter leads to trophoblast cell apoptosis through ER stress in the placenta of PE rats, which shed insight into the etiology of PE and might present a validated therapeutic target for the treatment of PE.
Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound: Does it Affect Scores on Standardized Assessment Tests Used Within the Preclinical Curriculum?
Authors: Liu Rachel B. , Suwondo David N. , Donroe Joseph H. , Encandela John A. , Weisenthal Karrin S. , Moore Christopher L.
Published: July 2018

Objectives

An increasing number of medical schools are incorporating point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) into preclinical and clinical curricula. The ultimate effect of this teaching is unclear, and there has been no distinct link between ultrasound (US) learning and existing standardized student assessments. Additionally, neither optimal timing nor methods of POCUS integration have been established. We aimed to demonstrate the effect of US teaching on standardized objective assessments that already exist within the curriculum and, in doing so, discern a route for POCUS curricular integration.

Methods

A longitudinal POCUS pilot curriculum was started in 2013, with the class of 2017. We collected basic science course results, standardized objective structured clinical examination scores, and United States Medical Licensing Examination step 1 scores from both the pilot group (n = 34) and matched control participants (n = 34) from the classes of 2017 and 2018. Scores between POCUS students and controls were analyzed by Student t tests.

Results

Students participating in the longitudinal POCUS program scored significantly higher on the physical examination portion of their clinical skill objective structured clinical examination assessment than the control group (mean score, 89.2 versus 85.7; P < .05). This parameter was the only area with a statistically significant difference.

Conclusions

Point‐of‐care US program implementation may improve students' overall physical examination understanding and performance, even when US performance itself is not being tested. Introducing a POCUS curriculum may work best when designed in conjunction with the physical examination thread of a medical school curriculum.
Acute Cardiovascular Adaptation to Strenuous Exercise: An Integrative Ultrasound Study
Authors: Bianchini Elisabetta , Bruno Rosa Maria , Di Lascio Nicole , Vezzoli Alessandra , Mrakic‐Sposta Simona , Corciu Anca Irina , Comassi Mario , Pratali Lorenza
Published: July 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effects of participation in an Ironman distance triathlon competition on arterial function by ultrasound, in relation to cardiac function and body water content.

Methods

Twenty‐eight male triathletes participating in an Ironman distance competition underwent carotid, femoral, and cardiac ultrasound examinations. Moreover, the presence of extravascular lung water was identified by lung echo B‐lines (echogenic coherent wedge‐shaped signal with a narrow origin from the hyperechoic pleural line) at rest and within 20 minutes of arrival.

Results

At the end of the competition, athletes showed an increased heart rate (mean ± SD, from 60.2 ± 13.1 to 82.8 ± 15.6 beats/min; P < .0001) and unchanged mean blood pressure (from 93 ± 14 to 91 ± 10 mm Hg; P > .05) in the presence of negligible dehydration (total body water from 48.0 ± 4.0 to 46.5 ± 3.9 kg; P > .05). Cardiac output increased (from 5.5 ± 1.2 to 6.7 ± 2.4 L/min; P < .05) in the presence of an unchanged stroke volume (from 64 ± 14 to 59 ± 16 mL; P > .05) and unchanged left ventricular elastance (from 1.52 ± 0.48 to 1.39 ± 0.48 mm Hg/mL/m2; P > .05). The mean carotid diameter increased (from 7.19 ± 0.65 to 7.61 ± 0.76 mm; P < .05), whereas the mean femoral diameter was unchanged at the end of the competition (from 10.41 ± 0.83 to 10.49 ± 0.82 mm; P > .05). Carotid intima‐media thickness was significantly reduced (from 537 ± 70 to 495 ± 70 μm; P < .05), whereas B‐lines increased significantly after the competition (from 1 [0–4] to 12 [5–23]; P < .0001).

Conclusions

These data suggest different acute functional adaptation in central arteries with respect to peripheral leg vessels.
The Principle and Value of the European Multi Lake Survey
Authors: Mantzouki Evanthia , Ibelings Bas W.
Published: July 2018

On‐going global warming and eutrophication are expected to promote cyanobacterial dominance worldwide. Although increased lake temperature and nutrients are well‐established drivers of blooms, the mechanisms that determine cyanobacterial biomass are complex, with potentially direct, indirect, and interactive effects. Cyanobacteria can produce toxins that constitute a considerable risk for animal and human health and thus a substantial economic cost if we are to ensure safe drinking water. Such global range phenomena should be studied at a wide spatial scale, to directly compare phytoplankton response in different lake types across contrasting climatic zones. The European Multi Lake Survey (EMLS) sought to harness the power of group science in order to sample lakes across Europe and disentangle the effect of environmental stressors on potentially toxic cyanobacterial blooms. The first EMLS results showed that the distribution of cyanobacterial toxins and the toxic potential in lakes will be highly dependent on direct and indirect effects of temperature. If nutrients are not regulated, then they may interact synergistically with increased lake temperatures to promote cyanobacterial growth more than that of other phytoplankton taxa. Providing continental scale evidence is highly significant for the development of robust models that could predict cyanobacterial or algal response to environmental change.
Chirality of Symmetric Resonant Heterostructures
Authors: Nechayev Sergey , Woźniak Paweł , Neugebauer Martin , Barczyk René , Banzer Peter
Published: July 2018

Chiroptical effects arising in mirror‐symmetric geometrically achiral resonant heterostructures are investigated. It is shown that coalescence of extrinsic chirality, heterogeneous morphology, and substrate‐induced break of symmetry leads to pronounced circular dichroism and circular birefringence. The physics of the involved phenomena is elucidated by studying spin‐splitting in scattering and hybridized dipolar modes of a heterodimer made of gold and silicon nanoparticles of the same shape and size. The work sheds new light on the optical properties of heterogeneous nanostructures and paves the way for designing polarization‐controlled tunable heterogeneous optical elements.
Serotonin uptake is required for Rac1 activation in Kras‐induced acinar‐to‐ductal metaplasia in the pancreas
Authors: Saponara Enrica , Visentin Michele , Baschieri Francesco , Seleznik Gitta , Martinelli Paola , Esposito Irene , Buschmann Johanna , Chen Rong , Parrotta Rossella , Borgeaud Nathalie , Bombardo Marta , Malagola Ermanno , Caflisch Amedeo , Farhan Hesso , Graf Rolf , Sonda Sabrina
Published: July 2018

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which is the primary cause of pancreatic cancer mortality, is poorly responsive to currently available interventions. Identifying new targets that drive PDAC formation and progression is critical for developing alternative therapeutic strategies to treat this lethal malignancy. Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we investigated in vivo and in vitro whether uptake of the monoamine serotonin [5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT)] is required for PDAC development. We demonstrated that pancreatic acinar cells have the ability to readily take up 5‐HT in a transport‐mediated manner. 5‐HT uptake promoted activation of the small GTPase Ras‐related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1), which is required for transdifferentiation of acinar cells into acinar‐to‐ductal metaplasia (ADM), a key determinant in PDAC development. Consistent with the central role played by Rac1 in ADM formation, inhibition of the 5‐HT transporter Sert (Slc6a4) with fluoxetine reduced ADM formation both in vitro and in vivo in a cell‐autonomous manner. In addition, fluoxetine treatment profoundly compromised the stromal reaction and affected the proliferation and lipid metabolism of malignant PDAC cells. We propose that Sert is a promising therapeutic target to counteract the early event of ADM, with the potential to stall the initiation and progression of pancreatic carcinogenesis. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of heat‐bias soaking on cesium fluoride‐treated CIGS thin film solar cells
Authors: Khatri Ishwor , Matsuura Junpei , Sugiyama Mutsumi , Nakada Tokio
Published: July 2018

The combined effect of heating and forward bias voltage, that is, heat‐bias soaking (HBS) on cesium fluoride (CsF)‐free and CsF‐treated Cu(In1‐xGax)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells using chemical bath deposition‐cadmium sulfide (CBD‐CdS) buffer layer was investigated with varying the heating temperature, bias voltage, and biasing time. Heat bias soaking followed by heat soaking (HS) (ie, HBS/HS) treatments improved the open‐circuit voltage (VOC) and conversion efficiency for the CsF‐treated CIGS solar cell, whereas such a beneficial effect was not observed for CsF‐free CIGS solar cells. Capacitance‐voltage measurement confirmed the significantly increased carrier concentration (NCV) after HBS for the CsF‐CIGS solar cell, which is one of the possible reasons for the increased VOC. Because of the extremely high NCV, the short‐circuit current density (JSC) decreased owing to the narrower depletion width. However, the high NCV could be tuned to an appropriate value via a subsequent moderate heating procedure without biasing. As a result, the JSC loss was reduced, thereby improving the cell efficiency. These results open a new route to improve the efficiency of alkali‐treated CIGS solar cells.
Solution structure of a ubiquitin‐like protein from Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Mi Juan , Zhang Jiahai , Liao Shanhui , Tu Xiaoming
Published: July 2018

Ubiquitin‐like proteins, similar to ubiquitin, can either exist freely or be covalently attached to other proteins via an enzymatic cascade. The ubiquitin‐like proteins play roles in multiple biological processes including transcription, stress responses, DNA repair and so on. In this study, a novel ubiquitin‐like protein (TbUbl11) was identified in Trypanosoma brucei. The solution structure of TbUbl11 was solved by NMR spectroscopy. TbUbl11 adopts a conserved β‐grasp fold composed by a five‐stranded β‐sheet curling around a central α‐helix, similar to other ubiquitin‐like proteins. Meanwhile, some differences between TbUbl11 and other ubiquitin‐like proteins were also identified. Additionally, we revealed that TbUbl11 is located in the whole cell body of procyclic‐form T. brucei.
Strengthening the vision: Examining the understanding of a framework for teacher leadership development by experienced science teachers
Authors: Criswell Brett A. , Rushton Gregory T. , Nachtigall Dawn , Staggs Samuel , Alemdar Meltem , Cappelli Christopher J.
Published: July 2018

The program team operating an NSF Noyce Master Teacher program has been building a conceptual framework for developing teacher leaders. The program has focused its efforts on a group of 16 chemistry and physics teachers in Southeast high‐needs schools. The conceptual framework is based on the view that teacher leaders are those individuals who retain a classroom presence, while simultaneously innovating practice and empowering others. A core principle of the framework is that embodying these attributes requires an ability to see oneself and the teaching practice in a way that goes beyond the expertise associated with content and pedagogical knowledge. Evidence drawn from years three and four of the NSF Noyce Master Teacher program are presented to demonstrate the participating teachers’ understanding of the framework's components. These data also indicate the potential of the teachers to use the framework's principles to engage in leadership activity. Characterizing such understanding and the changes in it are foundational to determining the way such a framework influences teachers’ approaches to leadership. This paper has implications for the growing number of teacher leader initiatives across the United States, and for the question of whether science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teacher leadership should be considered separately from a general notion of teacher leadership.
Design, Synthesis, In Vitro Evaluation and Docking Studies of Pyrazole‐Thiazole Hybrids as Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Agents
Authors: Gondru Ramesh , Sirisha K , Raj Sneha , Gunda Shravan Kumar , Kumar C Ganesh , Pasupuleti Mukesh , Bavantula Rajitha
Published: July 2018

In the present study, a series of novel pyrazole‐thiazole hybrids (4a‐l) were designed, synthesized and assessed for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. Compounds derived from p‐CH3 phenyl (4b), p‐Br phenyl (4g), 8‐bromocoumarinyl (4k), and 6,8‐dibromocoumarinyl (4l) exhibited promising inhibitory activity against the tested bacterial strains with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)/minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) spectrum of 1.9/7.8 μg/mL to 3.9/7.8 μg/mL. The compounds with p‐CH3 phenyl (4b), p‐OCH3 phenyl (4c), benzo[f]coumarinyl (4j), 8‐bromocoumarinyl (4k) substitutions showed their inhibitory potency against various Candida strains with MIC/minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values of 3.9/7.8 μg/mL. Also, anti‐biofilm and toxicity profile of the compounds was also tested. The biofilm inhibition results revealed that the compound 4 j exhibited promising activity with an IC50 value of 11.8 μM against S. aureus MTCC 96, while 4 k showed significant activity against S. aureus MLS16 MTCC 2940, K. planticola MTCC 530 and C. albicans MTCC 3017 with IC50 values of 12, 14 and 16 μM, respectively. The present study has emphasized that thiazole‐pyrazole hybrids with benzothiazole and coumarin scaffolds can be a novel and potent class of molecules with potential biological activities.
On the Affinity between Fullerenes and Deltahedral Zintl Ions: A UV/Vis Spectroscopic Investigation
Authors: Frischhut Sabine , Machado de Carvalho João G. , Karttunen Antti J. , Fässler Thomas F.
Published: July 2018

The close relationship of C60 and deltahedral tetrel element cluster anions has been pointed out before. We report herein on UV/Vis spectra of the Zintl anions and compounds [Ge9]2–, [(CH2=CH)2Ge9]2–, [{(Me3Si)3Si}3Ge9]–, {(Me3Si)3Si}3Ge9CH2CH3, {(Me3Si)3Si}3Ge9(CH2)2CH3, {(Me3Si)3Si}3Ge9(CH2)3CH=CH2, and [{(Me3Si)3Si}3Ge9CH2CH3]Pt(PPh3). The spectra are compared to those of the C60 fullerene, which were recorded under the same conditions. The UV/Vis spectrum of pristine [Ge9]2– resembles that of C60 and at higher concentration hint at the known trimeric [(Ge9)3]6–. The influence of ligand substitution at the Ge9 cluster‐core is highlighted. For this, the synthesis of the specifically functionalized deltahedral Ge9 clusters {(Me3Si)3Si}3Ge9(CH2)2CH3, {(Me3Si)3Si}3Ge9(CH2)2CH=CH2, and {(Me3Si)3Si}3Ge9(CH2)3C6H5 are reported for the first time and is achieved by the reaction of K[{(Me3Si)3Si}3Ge9] with the respective alkyl halides in acetonitrile. The newly synthesized products were characterized by NMR spectroscopy.
Business and Human Rights in Occupied Territory: The UN Database of Business Active in Israel’s Settlements
Authors: AZAROVA Valentina
Published: July 2018

The law and practice concerning the responsibilities of businesses and the obligations of their home states in relation to private dealings in occupied territory are under-developed. The establishment of a database by the United Nations (UN) Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to monitor the activities of corporate actors in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) is an opportunity to provide much-needed guidance on the scope of application of existing international law in this paradigmatic case of a high-risk business environment. This article engages with the contribution of this initiative to the regulation of transnational corporate dealings through two normative issues: the structural characteristics and effects of the violations taking place in certain business environments maintained in the OPT on the responsibilities of business and home states; and the various modes through which businesses become directly linked with and contribute to the illicit property rights regime underpinning the existence of settlements and the serious human rights abuses perpetuated by their maintenance.
‘Self-screening’ for malnutrition with an electronic version of the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (‘MUST’) in hospital outpatients: concurrent validity, preference and ease of use
Authors: Cawood Abbie L. , Walters Emily R. , Sharp Sarah K. E. , Elia Marinos , Stratton Rebecca J.
Published: July 2018

Self-screening using an electronic version of the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (‘MUST’) has been developed but its implementation requires investigation. A total of 100 outpatients (mean age 50 (sd 16) years; 57 % male) self-screened with an electronic version of ‘MUST’ and were then screened by a healthcare professional (HCP) to assess concurrent validity. Ease of use, time to self-screen and prevalence of malnutrition were also assessed. A further twenty outpatients (mean age 54 (sd 15) years; 55 % male) examined preference between self- screening with paper and electronic versions of ‘MUST’. For the three-category classification of ‘MUST’ (low, medium and high risk), agreement between electronic self-screening and HCP screening was 94 % (κ=0·74, se 0·092; P<0·001). For the two-category classification (low risk; medium+high risk) agreement was 96 % (κ=0·82, se 0·085; P<0·001), comparable with the previously reported paper-based self-screening. In all, 15 % of patients categorised themselves ‘at risk’ of malnutrition (5 % medium, 10 % high). Electronic self-screening took 3 min (sd 1·2 min), 40 % faster than previously reported for the paper-based version. Patients found the tool easy or very easy to understand (99 %) and complete (98 %). Patients that assessed both tools found the electronic tool easier to complete (65 %) and preferred it (55 %) to the paper version. Electronic self-screening using ‘MUST’ in a heterogeneous group of hospital outpatients is acceptable, user-friendly and has ‘substantial to almost-perfect’ agreement with HCP screening. The electronic format appears to be as agreeable and often the preferred format when compared with the validated paper-based ‘MUST’ self-screening tool.
All Catholics Are Spiritualists: The Boundary Work of Mary Gove Nichols and Thomas Low Nichols
Authors: Riddle Jonathan D.
Published: July 2018

From the 1840s to the 1870s, the first wave of Spiritualism swept across the Atlantic world. Many social reformers looked to messages from the spiritual realm to bolster their endeavors for this-worldly improvement. The Catholic Church, sensing diabolic powers at work, condemned the movement and its attendant reforms. It therefore surprised many when, in the mid-1850s, the spirits of dead Jesuits prompted Mary Gove Nichols and Thomas Low Nichols—both prominent Spiritualists and reformers—to convert to Catholicism. While the Nicholses are best known for their reform efforts, as their conversions suggest, they also led vibrant religious lives. By charting their religious biographies and using previously neglected writings, this article demonstrates that the Nicholses abandoned neither Spiritualism nor reform upon their conversion. Rather, they argued that both séance supernaturalism and social reformation should be pursued within the Catholic Church. In this way, the Nicholses challenged the church's attempts to demarcate acceptable spirituality, intentionally crossing and blurring received religious boundaries. In doing so, they redefined what it meant to be Catholic in order to accommodate their experiences and commitments. Their story recasts the history of Spiritualism and Catholicism as a boundary contest and provides a detailed case study of the process of religious hybridization.
BONGARTZ τ-COMPLEMENTS OVER SPLIT-BY-NILPOTENT EXTENSIONS
Authors: ZITO STEPHEN
Published: July 2018

Let C be a finite dimensional algebra with B a split extension by a nilpotent bimodule E, and let M be a τC-rigid module with U its Bongartz τC-complement. If the induced module, M ⊗CB, is τB-rigid, we give a necessary and sufficient condition for U ⊗CB to be its Bongartz τB-complement. If M is τB-rigid, we again provide a necessary and sufficient condition for U ⊗CB to be its Bongartz τB-complement.
DOWRY, ‘DOWRY AUTONOMY’ AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AMONG YOUNG MARRIED WOMEN IN INDIA
Authors: Pallikadavath Saseendran , Bradley Tamsin
Published: July 2018

Dowry practice, women’s autonomy to use dowry (‘dowry autonomy’) and the association of these with domestic violence were examined among young married women in India. Data were taken from the ‘Youth in India: Situation and Needs Study’ carried out in six Indian states during 2006–07. A total of 13,912 women aged 15–24 years were included in the study. About three-quarters of the women reported receiving a dowry at their marriage, and about 66% reported having the ability to exercise autonomy over the use of it – ‘dowry autonomy’. Dowry given without ‘dowry autonomy’ was found to have had no protective value against young women experiencing physical domestic violence in India. While women’s participation in paid employment increased the odds of them experiencing physical domestic violence, women’s education and marrying after the age of 18 years reduced the likelihood of experiencing physical domestic violence.
Current distribution and status of swamp deerRucervus duvaucelii duvauceliiin the upper Gangetic plains of north India
Authors: Paul Shrutarshi , Pandav Bivash , Mohan Dhananjai , Habib Bilal , Nigam Parag , Mondol Samrat
Published: July 2018

The swamp deerRucervus duvauceliiis the largest grassland-dwelling endemic cervid of India and Nepal. With a declining population trend across its range, this species is found in fragmented habitats of northern, north-eastern and central India and south-western Nepal. The northern swamp deer subspeciesRucervus duvaucelii duvauceliioccurs in small wetland patches across the states of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh in India and has lost most of its habitat in the last century. Information about the distribution of the swamp deer in the upper Gangetic plains is limited, except in the Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve in Uttarakhand and around the Bijnor barrage area of Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh. We surveyed the upper Gangetic plains between the Reserve and the Sanctuary, including some adjoining areas and three tributaries of the Ganges, to assess the status of these habitats, current swamp deer distribution and the threats faced by the species. We found several areas harbouring swamp deer within non-protected wetlands along the entire surveyed stretch of the upper Ganges and a previously unreported population in Uttar Pradesh. We documented major threats including habitat conversion, livestock grazing, poaching, conflict and other anthropogenic disturbances. We recommend community driven conservation and management ofRucervus duvaucelii duvauceliiin this fragmented landscape to ensure survival of this species and other threatened fauna of these wetlands and grasslands.
Cognitive functioning following discontinuation of antipsychotic medication. A naturalistic sub-group analysis from the OPUS II trial
Authors: Albert Nikolai , Randers Lasse , Allott Kelly , Jensen Heidi Dorthe , Melau Marianne , Hjorthøj Carsten , Nordentoft Merete
Published: July 2018

Background

The effect of antipsychotics medication on cognitive functioning in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia is poorly understood. Some studies of second generation antipsychotics indicated that they improved cognitive functioning while other studies have found that they decrease the level of cognitive functioning.

Method

We included patients with schizophrenia who were in treatment with antipsychotics 1.5 years (baseline) after initiation of treatment and followed them up 3.5 years later (n= 189). At follow-up 60 (32%) had discontinued their antipsychotic treatment and 129 (68%) were still taking antipsychotics. Using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) we assessed cognition at baseline and follow-up.

Results

The patients who discontinued their medication had a higher level of cognitive functioning in all domains at baseline, as well as Global cognitive function [meanz-score −1.50 (s.d. 1.24)v.−2.27 (s.d. 1.30),p= 0.00015]. After controlling for relevant confounders those who discontinued antipsychotic medication improved significantly more than those who remained on antipsychotic medication during the course of the follow-up on the Token Motor task [estimated mean change difference −0.46 (95% CI −0.89 to −0.04)], the Speed of Processing Domain [estimated mean change difference −0.38 (95% CI −0.68 to −0.08)] and global cognition [estimated mean change difference −0.36 (95% CI −0.66 to −0.07)].

Conclusion

Due to the naturalistic design, we cannot conclude on the direction of the relationship between antipsychotics and cognition. There is no evidence that discontinuation of medication had a negative effect on cognitive functioning. Rather, we found that that discontinuation of medication was associated with better cognitive functioning.
Larger right inferior frontal gyrus volume and surface area in participants at genetic risk for bipolar disorders
Authors: Drobinin V. , Slaney C. , Garnham J. , Propper L. , Uher R. , Alda M. , Hajek T.
Published: July 2018

Background

Larger grey matter volume of the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) is among the most replicated biomarkers of genetic risk for bipolar disorders (BD). However, the IFG is a heterogeneous prefrontal region, and volumetric findings can be attributable to changes in cortical thickness (CT), surface area (SA) or gyrification. Here, we investigated the morphometry of IFG in participants at genetic risk for BD.

Methods

We quantified the IFG cortical grey matter volume in 29 affected, 32 unaffected relatives of BD probands, and 42 controls. We then examined SA, CT, and cortical folding in subregions of the IFG.

Results

We found volumetric group differences in the right IFG, with the largest volumes in unaffected high-risk and smallest in control participants (F2,192 = 3.07, p = 0.01). The volume alterations were localized to the pars triangularis of the IFG (F2,97 = 4.05, p = 0.02), with no differences in pars opercularis or pars orbitalis. Pars triangularis volume was highly correlated with its SA [Pearson r(101) = 0.88, p < 0.001], which significantly differed between the groups (F2,97 = 4.45, p = 0.01). As with volume, the mean SA of the pars triangularis was greater in unaffected (corrected p = 0.02) and affected relatives (corrected p = 0.05) compared with controls. We did not find group differences in pars triangularis CT or gyrification.

Conclusions

These findings strengthen prior knowledge about the volumetric findings in this region and provide a new insight into the localization and topology of IFG alterations. The unique nature of rIFG morphology in BD, with larger volume and SA early in the course of illness, could have practical implications for detection of participants at risk for BD.
Strong terahertz radiation generation by cosh-Gaussian laser beams in axially magnetized collisional plasma under non-relativistic ponderomotive regime
Authors: Varshney Prateek , Upadhayay Ajit , Madhubabu K. , Sajal Vivek , Chakera J. A.
Published: July 2018

We propose a scheme for terahertz (THz) radiation generation by non-linear mixing of two cosh-Gaussian laser beams in axially magnetized plasma with spatially periodic density ripple where electron-neutral collisions have been taken into account. The laser beams exert a non-linear ponderomotive force due to spatial non-uniformity in the intensity. The plasma electrons acquire non-linear oscillatory velocity under the influence of ponderomotive force. This oscillatory velocity couples with preformed density ripples (n′ = n0αeiαz) to generate a strong transient non-linear current that resonantly derives THz radiation of frequency ~ωh (upper hybrid frequency). Laser frequencies (ω1 and ω2) are chosen such that the beat frequency (ω) lies in the THz region. The periodicity of density ripple provides phase-matching conditions (ω = ω1 − ω2 and $\vec k = \vec k_1 - \vec k_2 + {\rm \vec \alpha} $) to transfer maximum momentum from laser to THz radiation. The axially applied external magnetic field can be utilized to enhance the non-linear coupling and control various parameters of generated THz wave. The effects of decentered parameters (b), collisional frequency (νen), and magnetic field strength (B0 = ωcm/e) are analyzed for strong THz radiation generation. Analytical results show that the amplitude of THz wave enhances with decentered parameters as well as with the magnitude of axially applied magnetic field. The THz amplitude is found to be highly sensitive to collision frequency.
European Union – Anti-Dumping Measures on Biodiesel from Indonesia (EU–Biodiesel (Indonesia)), DS488
Authors: Kugler Kholofelo
Published: July 2018

The dispute relates to anti-dumping measures imposed by the European Union (EU) on imports of palm oil from Indonesia. It relates to the same investigation that was at issue in EU–Biodiesel (Argentina). The panel and Appellate Body reports in that dispute were adopted in October 2016. Two of the panellists in the dispute involving Argentina served as panellists in the current dispute.
Medicine-based evidence: the case of antidepressants in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Barbui C. , Ostuzzi G.
Published: July 2018

In individuals with coronary artery disease and concurrent depressive symptomatology, the evidence on the beneficial and harmful effects of antidepressants is very limited. Recently, a study was carried out to describe depressive symptoms and the treatments provided under real-world circumstances to cardiac patients who entered the Mayo Clinic cardiac rehabilitation program. Antidepressant use was associated with reductions in depressive symptoms, but also with poorer cardiovascular outcomes. In this commentary, the results of this study are discussed in view of their clinical implications for everyday clinical practice and for the production of knowledge.
Life Satisfaction in Adolescents: The Role of Individual and Social Health Assets
Authors: Calmeiro Luis , Camacho Inês , de Matos Margarida Gaspar
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between adolescents’ life satisfaction and individual and social health assets. A nationally representative sample of 3,494 Portuguese adolescents (mean age = 14.94 ± 1.30 years; 53.6% girls) completed the Health Behavior in School-aged Children survey measuring a variety of health behaviors and beliefs. A sequential regression analysis was conducted with gender, individual assets (academic achievement, social competence, self-regulation and life objectives) and social assets (family support, peer support, parental monitoring and school connectedness) entered in separate steps. A second regression analysis was conducted with social assets entered before individual assets. The final model explained 18.3% of life satisfaction. School connectedness (β = .198, p < .001) and family support (β = .154, p < .001) were the strongest predictors of adolescents’ life satisfaction followed by social competence (β = .152, p < .001), academic achievement (β = .116, p < .001) and self-regulation (β = .064, p < .001). Social assets explained a larger variance of life satisfaction than individual assets when entered first in the regression (r2 = .134 and r2 = .119, respectively, p < .001). When entered last step in the regression analysis, social assets added more to life satisfaction’s variance than when individual assets were added in the last step (r2 = .060 and r2 = .045, respectively, p < .001). These results reinforce the role social interaction and social capital models in the promotion of well-being.
Assessment of Free Time Motivation on a Sample of 11 to 18 Year-Old Catalan-Speaking Spanish Adolescents
Authors: Malo Sara , Viñas Ferran , González-Carrasco Mònica , Casas Ferran , Alsinet Carles
Published: July 2018

Free time is considered to be a very important aspect of adolescents’ psychosocial development. One of the instruments that has been developed to explore motivation in relation to free time activities is Baldwin and Caldwell’s (2003) Free Time Motivation Scale for Adolescents (FTMS-A), based on Ryan and Deci (2000) Self-Determination Theory. The main aim of this study is to explore the psychometric properties of the FTM S-A after its translation and adaptation to Catalan, administering it to a sample of 2,263 adolescents aged between 11 and 18 (M= 14.99;SD =1.79) from Catalonia, Spain. To explore structural validity we follow two steps: Firstly, we analyze how the scale fits with the original model by conducting a CFA on the whole sample; secondly, we conduct an EFA on one half of the sample and a CFA on the other half in order to identify which structure best suits the sample. We also analyze convergent validity using three indicators of subjective well-being: The Personal Well-Being Index (PWI), the Satisfaction with Life scale (SWLS) and the Overall Life Satisfaction scale (OLS). The initial CFA produces a 5-factor model like the original, but with goodness of fit indices that do not reach the acceptable minimum. The EFA and the second CFA show a good fit for a 3-dimensional model (χ2(90)= 320.293;RMSEA= .048;NNFI= .92;CFI= .94) comprising introjected motivation, intrinsic motivation and amotivation. The correlations obtained between the FTMS-A and the three measures of subjective well-being scales show an association between free time motivations and this construct. Due to the model of scale used in the present study differs from the original, it is proposed that the new scale structure with 16 items be tested in the future in different cultural contexts.
Regulieren exekutive Funktionen und die emotionale Kontrolle die Stresssymptomatik zwischen dritter und fünfter Klasse?
Authors: Simanowski Stefanie , Klotz Nicola D. , Augustin Ruth , Krajewski Kristin
Published: July 2018

Zusammenfassung. In dieser Studie wurde der Einfluss kognitiver und emotionaler Regulationsfertigkeiten auf psychische Stresssymptome von Schulkindern untersucht. Möglich wäre ein direkter Einfluss der Regulationsfertigkeiten auf Stresssymptome oder ein indirekter Einfluss mediiert über die Schulleistungen. Bei 177 Drittklässler_innen wurden bis zum Halbjahr der fünften Klasse die psychische Stresssymptomatik, die exekutiven Funktionen, die emotionale Kontrolle sowie die Mathematik- und Deutschnoten erfasst. Es zeigte sich, dass die individuelle psychische Stresssymptomatik sich heterogen veränderte, die exekutiven Funktionen nahmen jedoch weder direkt noch indirekt signifikanten Einfluss auf die psychische Stresssymptomatik oder deren Veränderung. Auch der Einfluss der emotionalen Kontrolle auf die psychische Stresssymptomatik erwies sich als gering.
Hydrodynamics of the Po River‐Delta‐Sea System
Authors: Maicu Francesco , De Pascalis Francesca , Ferrarin Christian , Umgiesser Georg
Published: July 2018

In this study we investigated the hydrodynamics and the interaction between riverine and marine waters in the Po River‐Delta‐Sea (RDS) system (Italy). Through the application of an unstructured 3D numerical model to a domain comprising the Po river branches, seven coastal lagoons and the shelf sea, many of the hydrodispersive phenomena evolving from the interaction of the different water bodies of the RDS system were described. The model was successfully calibrated and validated for water levels, fluxes at the inlets and at the river branches, and water temperature and salinity observations. The use of such a comprehensive approach allows the characterization of the general hydrodynamics of all the components of the Po RDS system, of the water exchange between different water bodies as well as the Po river discharge distribution among all branches. The analysis of calculated coastal current patterns in the prodelta of two different years and during a flood event confirms that the Po River is the main driver of the baroclinic coastal sea circulation. However, when strong winds occur (Sirocco and Bora), the surficial circulation of the shelf area is significantly modified. Generally, the lagoons of the Po RDS system can be considered hydrodynamically active since their tidal prisms represent a relevant fraction of each lagoon's volume. The natural consequence is that the lagoons show an active flushing with water renewal times in the order of few days. The hydrodynamics is mainly forced by the tide and is locally enhanced by riverine inputs and wind. Where freshwater inputs are significant, they are responsible of the lagoons salinity patterns that show high spatial gradients (not all the lagoons are well mixed) and temporal variability. The variability of the freshwater discharges and the complex morphology of the Po RDS allows the presence of both marine and riverine environments.