bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An eigenvector‐based iterative procedure for the free‐interface component modal synthesis method
Authors: Cui Jie , Wang Xing , Xing Jianwei , Zheng Gangtie
Published: August 2018

A novel eigenvector‐based iteration procedure is developed for the free‐interface component modal synthesis (CMS) method. To derive the iteration formula, Kron's substructuring is employed to distribute the computations of subspace iteration, and the free‐interface component modes are chosen as the initial guess. Then, the modal transformation matrix of the first‐order approximated Kron's CMS method is proved to be the free‐interface component modes with one step of Kron's inverse iteration. The proposed CMS method has the advantages of both free‐interface CMS approximation and subspace iteration: on one hand, the CMS approximation provides a high‐quality initial guess and distributes the computational cost of the subspace iteration; on the other hand, the subspace iteration provides a more efficient way for truncation compensation and is compatible with using deflation, shifting, and restarting for further enhancements on the efficiency. Numerical examples show that the efficiency of the proposed method is higher than that of the conventional simultaneous iterative Kron's CMS method, especially for obtaining a large number of high‐precision modes. Moreover, the proposed method is as efficient as the global Lanczos method for first‐time analysis without parallelization while retaining the advantages of CMS methods for reanalysis tasks, parallelization, etc.
Microcellular polyetherimide/graphene‐polysiloxane composite foam: intercalation structure, mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Sun Xuejie , Ye Lin
Published: August 2018

Based on the industrialized reduced graphene oxide (RGO) product, polyetherimide (PEI)/RGO composite foam was prepared by a water‐vapor‐induced phase separation process by incorporation of polysiloxane (SI) as a compatibilizer. It was found that PEI/SI molecules were intercalated into the RGO layers through strong interfacial interaction and RGO with increased layer thickness was uniformly distributed in the PEI matrix. The composite foam possessed a homogeneous spherical‐like cell structure with narrow cell size distribution and low apparent density. In the range of 0–1 wt% RGO‐SI content, the area under the stress–strain curves increased dramatically, indicating the significantly increased toughness of the composite foam, while the tensile strength reached a maximum of 14.5 MPa at 1 wt% RGO‐SI as a result of the reinforcing effect of RGO‐SI on the foam. The addition of RGO‐SI led to a remarkable increase in Tg. Compared with neat PEI foam, the thermal degradation temperature and char yield of the composite foam clearly increased, while in the range of 0.5–3 wt% RGO‐SI a high storage modulus was maintained at high temperature, reaching about 300 MPa at 200 °C, indicating a remarkable improvement of the thermal mechanical stability of the foam. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
What are urban teachers thinking and feeling?
Authors: Camacho Daniel A. , Vera Elizabeth , Scardamalia Kristin , Phalen Peter Lee
Published: August 2018

Teachers in urban schools experience significant stressors that can impact their effectiveness, well‐being, retention, and ability to meet the needs of their students. The current mixed methods study explored 160 urban teachers’ thoughts and feelings in response to challenging classroom situations, factors that predicted the prevalence of these reactions, and teachers’ help‐seeking attitudes. Results revealed the most prevalent thoughts that emerged were inability to resolve the situation, problem‐solving, factors beyond the classroom, wanting a break, and personal locus of control. The most prevalent feelings that emerged were anger, anxiety, sadness, emotional exhaustion, incompetence, positivity, and confusion. The amount of professional and social–emotional support teachers received predicted a greater prevalence of productive thoughts and fewer negative emotions. Additionally, teachers related a relative openness to pursuing professional psychological services. Taken altogether, the findings suggest that urban teachers can be supported via forms of professional and social–emotional support in managing stressors in their workplace. Implications for professional development and teacher education programs are discussed.
Investigations on the Capability of the Statistical Extinction Method for the Determination of Mean Particle Sizes in Concentrated Particle Systems
Authors: Schwarz Nico , Ripperger Siegfried , Antonyuk Sergiy
Published: August 2018

Due to the fast growing number of processes involving particulate systems, simple and robust measurement techniques which enable an inline monitoring of the particle size and their concentration are urgently required, since this ensures control but also process optimization. In this work, an inline measurement technique based on the statistical extinction method is developed that provides a process monitoring for a wide range of particulate processes, such as dispersion processes and spray processes. The method allows the determination of the mean size and concentration for particle systems with the size larger than 1 µm. For this purpose, a light beam illuminates the particle system, whereby the fluctuating light intensity due to the particle movement through the light beam is detected. The statistical fluctuation of the signal can be related to a mean particle size and a particle concentration. Since concentrated particle systems cause effects that additionally influence the signal, such as multiple scattering, approaches are needed to reduce or eliminate these effects. In this work, an approach using a spatial frequency filter is applied. The experimental investigations reveal that the effects can be significantly reduced with the spatial frequency filter.
Fabrication of Highly Transparent and Cost‐Effective Soda Lime Glass with Antireflective Nanostructures Using Silver Ink
Authors: Kwon Ji Hye , Lee Soo Kyung , Hwang Nong‐Moon , Lee Yong Tak
Published: August 2018

Highly transparent single‐side subwavelength structures (SWSs)‐integrated glass for low‐cost antireflective glass are fabricated. Using the silver ink and a RIE process, various SWSs on soda lime glass are fabricated simply and cost‐effectively. The fabricated SWSs have different distributions and shapes as the silver ink ratio. The average transmittance (Tavg), solar‐weighted transmittance (SWT), and angle‐dependent transmittance values of bare and SWSs‐integrated glasses for investigation of optical properties are measured. The SWSs sample with a silver ink ratio of 33% exhibited good Tavg and SWT compared to the samples with silver ink ratios of 25 and 50%. This shows that the Tavg and SWT values can be attained with the soda lime glass are higher compared to those attained using bare glass, over a broad spectral range and a wide incident angle range. As results, optical properties of glass and the performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules can be enhanced by integrating SWSs. The fabricated SWSs‐integrated glass is mounted on the top of PV modules for economical coverglass. The PV module with the SWSs‐integrated coverglass shows efficiency of 36.6% and the enhanced efficiency at all angle of incidence compared to that without coverglass. It indicates that the highly transparent glasses with SWSs can be used for low‐cost antireflective glasses such as large‐scale framed glasses for pictures, optical lens, displays, LEDs, and other optoelectronic devices as well as PV modules.
The effect of stochastic barrier fluctuation on semiclassical transmission probability and Shannon entropy of a symmetric double well potential
Authors: Naskar Pulak , Talukder Srijeeta , Chaudhury Pinaki , Ghosh Subhasree
Published: August 2018

Stochastic fluctuation of barrier height and width of a symmetric double well plays a very significant role in the corresponding dynamics by increasing the semiclassical transmission probability and Shannon entropy of the system. The population of the system has been observed to be spread into several under barrier states starting from the or [, where and are the wave functions describing the two lowest degenerate states] in presence of the stochastic fluctuation. This distribution over several states is manifested by steady increase in Shannon entropy. However, any arbitrary value of the stochastic fluctuation cannot increase the populations of the upper energy states and consequently no gain in the net value of Shannon entropy results. There is an optimum frequency for which the Shannon entropy passes through a maximum, which is also found out in this work. We have also calculated the semiclassical WKB like transmission probability as a function of time and it is clear that the random fluctuation of barrier causes the transmission probability to increase to a significant amount. As the total energy of the system remains below the potential barrier, this transmission probability is equivalent to tunneling probability. It has been clearly shown that if the fluctuation is made to be periodic (without changing the frequency and magnitude of the fluctuation) it cannot effect any significant change in the overall dynamics.
Context and Implications Document for: What education policies and programmes affect learning and time in school in developing countries? A review of evaluations from 1990 to 2014
Authors: Damon Amy , Glewwe Paul , Wisniewski Suzanne , Sun Bixuan
Published: August 2018

This guide accompanies the following article: Damon, A., Glewwe, P., Wisniewski, S. & Sun, B. (2018). What education policies and programmes affect learning and time in school in developing countries? Review of Education, https://doi.org/10.1002/rev3.3123
Bagged one‐to‐one matching for efficient and robust treatment effect estimation
Authors: Samuels Lauren R. , Greevy Robert A.
Published: August 2018

Observational studies present challenges due to bias from imbalance in baseline confounders. One‐to‐one matching (OOM), a popular cohort‐construction technique for observational studies, reduces bias and provides a compelling basis for inference but generally leads to at least some loss of efficiency due to the exclusion of potentially informative subjects. We introduce the bagged one‐to‐one matching (BOOM) estimator, which combines the bias‐reducing properties of OOM with the variance‐reducing properties of bootstrap aggregation (bagging). We describe the BOOM algorithm in detail, provide R code for its implementation, and investigate its performance in simulation studies and a case study. In the simulation studies, under different types of model misspecification, we compare the BOOM estimator's performance in terms of mean squared error, bias, variance, accuracy of standard error estimation, and coverage of nominal 95% confidence intervals to that of OOM and to that of ordinary least squares estimation, inverse probability weighting, and targeted maximum likelihood estimation, all on the full unmatched cohort. In our simulations, the BOOM estimator achieves as much bias reduction as the estimator based on OOM, while having much lower variance. In all of the settings examined in the simulations, the BOOM's mean squared error is comparable to or better than that of the comparison methods. In the case study, BOOM yields estimates similar to those from the established methods, with narrower 95% confidence intervals.
Juvenile stress causes reduced locomotor behavior and dendritic spine density in the prefrontal cortex and basolateral amygdala in Sprague–Dawley rats
Authors: Pinzón‐Parra Cesar , Vidal‐Jiménez Blanca , Camacho‐Abrego Israel , Flores‐Gómez Alejandra A. , Rodríguez‐Moreno Antonio , Flores Gonzalo
Published: August 2018

Little has been investigated about the effects of stress on synaptic communication at prepubertal age, a stage considered as juvenile. This period of development is related to socialization through play. Our group has studied the changes of neuronal morphology in limbic structures caused by stress at prenatal and at early postnatal ages (before weaning) in the rat. In the present study, we assessed the effect of restraint stress at juvenile ages. Male Sprague–Dawley rats from postnatal day (PD) 21 to PD35 were restrained (from movement) for 2 hrs. Locomotor activity in a novel environment was evaluated at three different ages, prepubertal PD38, pubertal PD50, and postpubertal PD68. Using the Golgi–Cox procedure, the dendritic morphology was evaluated in the pyramidal neurons of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus, and basolateral amygdala (BLA). Juvenile stress caused a reduced locomotor activity at PD38 and PD68 together with reduction in dendritic spines after puberty in the PFC and at all the studied ages in the BLA. In addition, dendritic length was also reduced in the PFC at PD38 and PD68 and CA1 of the ventral hippocampus at PD50 and PD68. Our results suggest that stress in the juvenile stage can cause changes at the level of behavior and synaptic communication with an effect that remains until adulthood.
A Classification of Barriers that Influence Intention Achievement in MOOCs
Authors: Henderikx Maartje , Kreijns Karel , Kalz Marco
Published: August 2018

MOOC-learning can be challenging as barriers which prevent or hinder acting out MOOC-takers’ individual learning intentions may be encountered. The aim of this research was to elicit and to empirically classify barriers that influence this intention achievement in MOOCs. The best fit model of our factor-analytical approach resulted in 4 distinctive components; 1. Technical and online-learning related skills, 2. Social context, 3. Course design/expectations management, 4. Time, support and motivation. The main finding of our study is that the experienced barriers by MOOC-takers are predominantly non-MOOC related. This knowledge can be of value for MOOC-designers and providers. It may guide them in finding suitable re-design solutions or interventions to support MOOC-takers in their learning, even if it concerns non-MOOC related issues. Furthermore, it makes a valuable contribution to the expanding empirical research on MOOCs.
Safety and Feasibility of Linear Stapling Device with Bioabsorbable Polyglycolic Acid Sheet for Duodenal Closure in Gastric Cancer Surgery: A Multi‐institutional Phase II Study
Authors: Misawa Kazunari , Yoshikawa Takaki , Ito Seiji , Cho Haruhiko , Ito Yuichi , Ogata Takashi
Published: August 2018

Background

Duodenal stump fistula (DSF) after gastrectomy is of low frequency but a critical complication in gastric cancer surgery. Manual oversewing for reinforcement of the duodenal stump is not applicable when free longitudinal margin is short and has technical difficulties in laparoscopic surgery. This trial evaluated the safety and feasibility of using a linear stapler with bioabsorbable polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheet for duodenal stump closure and reinforcement in gastric cancer surgery.

Methods

This multi‐institutional, prospective phase II trial included gastric cancer patients who were scheduled to undergo distal or total gastrectomy with R‐Y reconstruction. In all cases, duodenum was transected using a linear stapler with PGA sheet. The primary endpoint was the incidence of postoperative DSF. Sample size was set at 100 patients considering an expected value of 3% and threshold value of 8% with one‐sided testing at a 10% significance level.

Results

Between June 2014 and June 2015, a total of 100 patients were registered in this trial. Postoperative DSF was observed in two cases (2.0%, 90% CI 0.4–6.2%) which was developed on postoperative days 13 and 20. Intraoperative bleeding at the duodenal stump staple line was observed in one case but was easily controlled without additional suturing. Postoperative bleeding was not observed in any of the cases.

Conclusion

This study suggested that the use of PGA sheet as a reinforcement material for closure of the duodenal stump during gastrectomy for gastric cancer is both safe and feasible.

Trial registration number UMIN 000014398
Precision Medicine: Familiarity, Perceived Health Drivers, and Genetic Testing Considerations Across Health Literacy Levels in a Diverse Sample
Authors: Williams Jessica R. , Yeh Vivian M. , Bruce Marino A. , Szetela Carolyn , Ukoli Flora , Wilkins Consuelo H. , Kripalani Sunil
Published: August 2018

A clear awareness of a patient's knowledge, values, and perspectives is an important component of effective genetic counseling. Advances in precision medicine, however, have outpaced our understanding of patient perceptions of this new approach. Patient views may differ across the three domains of precision medicine (genetics, behavioral, and environmental determinants of health), ethnic/racial groups, and health literacy levels. This study describes and compares group differences in familiarity, perceptions, and preferences for precision medicine in a diverse sample. Between 2016 and 2017, 252 participants completed a 10–15‐min survey in three primary care clinics in Florida and Tennessee. The final sample was 42.5% African American/Black, 25.8% Hispanic/Latino, 25.0% White, and 6.7% other ethnicity/race. Less than a quarter of participants reported being familiar with the term “precision medicine,” but were more familiar with basic genetic terms. Participants with higher health literacy reported greater familiarity with terms (p ≤ 003). African Americans/Black participants were more likely to identify ethnicity/race and discrimination as influencing their health (p ≤ .004). When deciding to get a genetic test, individuals across ethnic/racial groups shared similar considerations. Those with higher health literacy, however, gave significantly greater importance to provider trust (p ≤ .008). Given the recent emergence of precision medicine, at present there may be limited differences in patient perceptions across ethnic/racial groups. Culturally sensitive efforts, tailored to health literacy level, may aid equitable precision medicine uptake.
Abrupt increase in phosphorus and potassium fluxes during a masting event in a Bornean tropical forest
Authors: Aoyagi Ryota , Imai Nobuo , Hidaka Amane , Samejima Hiromitsu , Kitayama Kanehiro
Published: August 2018

Mechanisms by which the productivity of tropical ecosystems is limited by nutrients is a long‐standing question, but little information is available on the nutrient dynamics supporting the masting phenomenon in Southeast Asian evergreen rainforests. In this study we examined the nutrient sink and potential nutrient sources of masting in a Bornean tropical forest. We investigated if nutrient flux in fine litter, tree stems, and soils changed temporally in response to intense flower and fruit production. Fifty‐five litter traps were installed in a 2‐ha plot at the onset of flowering (April 2010), and litter and nutrient fluxes were monitored for more than 4 years (May 2010–December 2014). Wood cores of trunks and coarse roots of abundant species (Shorea spp.) and soil samples were collected in May 2010, September 2010, and September 2011 (coinciding with peak flowering, peak fruiting, and 1 year after fruiting, respectively). The P and K fluxes in the total litter were significantly greater in the mast year (2010) than non‐mast years, whereas the Mg, N, and Ca fluxes did not vary in relation to masting. In line with the nutrient fluxes, P and K concentrations in coarse roots of flowering individuals of S. multiflora decreased in September 2011. The present results suggest that tropical trees require extraordinary amounts of P and K for masting, and may retranslocate stored nutrients to meet the elevated nutrient demands for masting.
Ecosystem services provision today and in the past: a comparative study in two Baltic lagoons
Authors: Inácio Miguel , Schernewski Gerald , Nazemtseva Yaroslava , Baltranaitė Eglė , Friedland René , Benz Juliane
Published: August 2018

The European Biodiversity Strategy asks EU Member States for an assessment, mapping and valuing of Ecosystem Services (ES). While terrestrial ES concept is advanced and different tools are available, they are largely lacking for coastal and marine systems. We develop a stepwise methodological process to assess ES in coastal and marine systems which we name Marine Ecosystem Services Assessment Tool. We applied it to two large Baltic lagoons, the Szczecin and the Curonian Lagoons demonstrating a quantitative and qualitative assessment approach. Firstly, an initial status is defined reflecting, according to the European Water Framework Directive, a past situation when the ecosystems where in a so called good ecological state. In both Baltic lagoons, this refers to a situation around 1960. Secondly, a present state is defined, assessed and compared to the initial status. Increasing anthropogenic impacts in Szczecin Lagoon caused an overall decrease ecological status which may influence the system's ability to provide services. Assessing ES changes semi‐quantitatively via 39 indicators and 22 services, we show a decrease in provisioning and regulating and maintenance and an increase of cultural services’ provision. According to 15 expert valuations, the Curonian Lagoon displays no changes in provisioning but an increase in regulating and maintenance and cultural service provision. We discuss how these results can serve different marine management approaches and support different polices. Through our application we show how the tool can be used to assess ES changes over time and thus provide key information on sustainable use and ES for future generations.
Editorial
Authors: Barrett Steve
Published: August 2018

Maritime fuel cell applications are being developed for a wide range of marine vessel sizes, and in a number of locations.
GUNNAR BENKTANDER 1919–2018
Authors: Czapiewski Colin , Dahl Patrik , Havning Mette , Mack Thomas
Published: August 2018

Gunnar Benktander passed away on February 25, 2018 at the age of 99. He left his family, and also the actuarial (non-life) community, after a long and very full life.
Floquet stability analysis of capsules in viscous shear flow
Authors: Bryngelson Spencer H. , Freund Jonathan B.
Published: August 2018

Observations in experiments and simulations show that the kinematic behaviour of an elastic capsule, suspended and rotating in shear flow, depends upon the flow strength, the capsule membrane material properties and its at-rest shape. We develop a linear stability description of the periodically rotating base state of this coupled system, as represented by a boundary integral flow formulation with spherical harmonic basis functions describing the elastic capsule geometry. This yields Floquet multipliers that classify the stability of the capsule motion for elastic capillary numbers $Ca$ ranging from $Ca=0.01$ to 5. Viscous dissipation rapidly damps most perturbations. However, for all cases, a single component grows or decays slowly, depending upon $Ca$, over many periods of the rotation. The transitions in this stability behaviour correspond to the different classes of rotating motion observed in previous studies.
IRRIGATION REQUIREMENTS ARE LOWER THAN THOSE USUALLY PRESCRIBED FOR A MAIZE CROP IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL
Authors: SOBENKO LUIZ R. , SOUZA TAMIRES T. , GONÇALVES ALEXANDRE O. , BIANCHINI VITOR J. M. , SILVA EVANDRO H. F. M. , SOUZA LAÍS T. , MARIN FÁBIO R.
Published: August 2018

Due to the lack of basic information on water required by maize (Zea mays L.) in Brazil, the large amount of water applied usually exceeds crop requirements, wasting water and energy. In this study, we measured crop evapotranspiration (ETc) as evaporative heat flux from a centre pivot-irrigated maize plantation in Southern Brazil during winter and summer seasons, using the Bowen ratio method to evaluate how the degree of canopy-atmosphere coupling affects crop water needs and irrigation management. Irrigation requirements were determined by comparing ETc with reference evapotranspiration (ETo), derived from the Penman–Monteith equation and expressed as the ETc/ETo (Kc) ratio. In this study, the average Kc values obtained were 1.31 and 0.90 for the winter and summer, respectively. Using aerodynamic and canopy resistance measurements, the decoupling factor (Ω) was computed. Ω values tending to zero (0.09 and 0.20 for winter and summer, respectively) showed that strong coupling of maize plants to the atmosphere and sensitivity to high air temperatures, vapour pressure deficits and wind speed caused variations in Kc in relation to ETo ranges. During the experimental period, the Kc value ranged from 0.92 when the ETo exceeded 4 mm d−1 to 1.64 when the ETo was less than 2 mm d−1.
Self-consistent single mode investigations of the quasi-geostrophic convection-driven dynamo model
Authors: Plumley Meredith , Calkins Michael A. , Julien Keith , Tobias Steven M.
Published: August 2018

The quasi-geostrophic dynamo model (QGDM) is a multiscale, fully nonlinear Cartesian dynamo model that is valid in the asymptotic limit of low Rossby number. In the additional limit of small magnetic Prandtl number investigated here, the QGDM is a self-consistent, asymptotically exact form of an $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}^{2}$ large-scale dynamo. This article explores methods for simulating the multiscale QGDM and investigates how convection is altered by the magnetic field in the planetary regime of small Rossby number and small magnetic Prandtl number. At present, this combination is beyond the reach of direct numerical simulations. We use a simplified class of solutions whose horizontal structure is restricted to a periodic hexagonal lattice characterized by a single horizontal wavenumber (single mode). In contrast with previous kinematic investigations of the QGDM, the Lorentz force is included to study saturated, self-consistent dynamos. Two methodologies are used to assess handling of the multiple time scales of the QGDM: a stiff, common-in-time approach where all time scales are converted to a single time variable and a heterogeneous multiscale modelling approach employing fast time averaging on the Reynolds, magnetic and buoyancy eddy fluxes that feed back onto the slow scales. These strategies produce consistent results and each illustrates self-similar dynamics as the time-averaging window is increased. The properties of the convection are significantly altered by the dynamo-generated magnetic field. All solutions show a decrease in the overall heat transfer efficiency as compared to non-magnetic convection, suggesting that a change in length scale or flow planform plays a critical role in the enhanced heat transfer efficiency observed in previous dynamo studies. All dynamo solutions show a trend of increasing ohmic dissipation relative to viscous dissipation as the buoyancy forcing is increased.
The shift in seasonality of legionellosis in the USA
Authors: Alarcon Falconi T. M. , Cruz M. S. , Naumova E. N.
Published: August 2018

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from 2000 to 2014, reported cases of legionellosis per 100 000 population increased by 300% in the USA, although reports on disease seasonality are inconsistent. Using two national databases, we assessed seasonal patterns of legionellosis in the USA. We created a monthly time series from 1993 to 2015 of reported cases of legionellosis from the CDC, and from 1997 to 2006 of medical claims of legionellosis-related hospitalisation in older adults from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS). We split the study time interval into two segments (before and after 2003), and applied a Poisson harmonic regression model to each dataset and each segment. The time series of monthly counts exhibited a significant shift of seasonal peaks from mid-September (9.676 ± 0.164 months) before 2003 to mid-August (8.452 ± 0.042 months) after 2003, along with an alarming increase in the amplitude of seasonal peaks in both CDC and CMS data. The lowest monthly reported cases of legionellosis in 2015 (281) exceed the maximum value reported before 2003 (206). We also observed a discrepancy between CDC and CMS data, suggesting that not all cases of legionellosis diagnosed by hospital-based laboratories were reported to the CDC. Improved reporting of legionellosis is required to better inform the public and organise disease prevention.
Population DNA methylation studies in the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) framework
Authors: Felix J. F. , Cecil C. A. M.
Published: August 2018

Epigenetic changes represent a potential mechanism underlying associations of early-life exposures and later life health outcomes. Population-based cohort studies starting in early life are an attractive framework to study the role of such changes. DNA methylation is the most studied epigenetic mechanism in population research. We discuss the application of DNA methylation in early-life population studies, some recent findings, key challenges and recommendations for future research. Studies into DNA methylation within the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease framework generally either explore associations between prenatal exposures and offspring DNA methylation or associations between offspring DNA methylation in early life and later health outcomes. Only a few studies to date have integrated prospective exposure, epigenetic and phenotypic data in order to explicitly test the role of DNA methylation as a potential biological mediator of environmental effects on health outcomes. Population epigenetics is an emerging field which has challenges in terms of methodology and interpretation of the data. Key challenges include tissue specificity, cell type adjustment, issues of power and comparability of findings, genetic influences, and exploring causality and functional consequences. Ongoing studies are working on addressing these issues. Large collaborative efforts of prospective cohorts are emerging, with clear benefits in terms of optimizing power and use of resources, and in advancing methodology. In the future, multidisciplinary approaches, within and beyond longitudinal birth and preconception cohorts will advance this complex, but highly promising, the field of research.
Overcoming undesirable resilience in the global food system
Authors: Oliver Tom H. , Boyd Emily , Balcombe Kelvin , Benton Tim G. , Bullock James M. , Donovan Deanna , Feola Giuseppe , Heard Matthew , Mace Georgina M. , Mortimer Simon R. , Nunes Richard J. , Pywell Richard F. , Zaum Dominik
Published: August 2018

Non-technical summary

Our current global food system – from food production to consumption, including manufacture, packaging, transport, retail and associated businesses – is responsible for extensive negative social and environmental impacts which threaten the long-term well-being of society. This has led to increasing calls from science–policy organizations for major reform and transformation of the global food system. However, our knowledge regarding food system transformations is fragmented and this is hindering the development of co-ordinated solutions. Here, we collate recent research across several academic disciplines and sectors in order to better understand the mechanisms that ‘lock-in’ food systems in unsustainable states.
Subtropical Westerly Jet Influence on Occurrence of Western Disturbances and Tibetan Plateau Vortices
Authors: Hunt K. M. R. , Curio J. , Turner A. G. , Schiemann R.
Published: August 2018

Western disturbances (WDs) are midtropospheric to upper‐tropospheric mesoscale vortices, which typically propagate along the subtropical westerly jet stream and bring heavy rainfall to Pakistan and northern India during boreal winter. They are dynamically similar to Tibetan Plateau vortices (TPVs), which affect southwest China during spring and summer and emanate from the Tibetan Plateau. Here we propose that their similarity implies the existence of a more general group of upper‐tropospheric vortices featuring interactions with the orography of the Hindu Kush‐Himalaya‐Tibetan Plateau region. Using existing track databases for WDs and TPVs derived from ERA‐Interim reanalysis, we show that their respective occurrence frequencies are highly anticorrelated with each other through the seasonal cycle, yet both are strongly correlated with jet latitude. Our findings imply that the incidence of hazards due to WDs and TPVs is correlated on intra‐annual and interannual time scales, particularly through upper‐level baroclinicity.
Appropriate Boundary Condition for Dupuit‐Boussinesq Theory on the Steady Groundwater Flow in an Unconfined Sloping Aquifer With Uniform Recharge
Authors: Wu Ying‐Hsin , Sayama Takahiro , Nakakita Eiichi
Published: August 2018

The application of Dupuit‐Boussinesq theory on the two‐dimensional steady groundwater flow in an unconfined sloping aquifer with uniform recharge is theoretically investigated. The examination of conditions at the downstream and upstream is performed. The method of phase plane is used to geometrically interpret the characteristics of the nonlinear theory by various initial conditions. For phase portrait analysis, three configurations for aquifers are considered. In each type of aquifer three conditions of recharges as well as downstream groundwater tables are also considered for comprehensive analysis. Based on the phase portrait analysis, one explicit formula in terms of known parameters and downstream boundary condition is derived to easily and straightforwardly determine an appropriate upstream boundary condition. The derived explicit formula can facilitate correct modeling using Boussinesq theory.
The Impact of Pore‐Scale Flow Regimes on Upscaling of Immiscible Two‐Phase Flow in Porous Media
Authors: Picchi D. , Battiato I.
Published: August 2018

Empirical or theoretical extensions of Darcy's law for immiscible two‐phase flow have shown significant limitations in properly modeling the flow at the continuum scale. We tackle this problem by proposing a set of upscaled equations based on pore‐scale flow regimes, that is, the topology of flowing phases. The incompressible Navier‐Stokes equation is upscaled by means of multiple‐scale expansions and its closures derived from the mechanical energy balance for different flow regimes at the pore scale. We also derive the applicability conditions of the upscaled equations based on the order of magnitude of relevant dimensionless numbers, that is, Eotvos, Reynolds, capillary, Froude numbers, and the viscosity and density ratio of the system, as well as a set of closures valid for the basic flow regimes of low Eotvos number systems, that is, core‐annular and plug and drop traffic flows. We provide analytical expressions for the relative permeability of the wetting and nonwetting phases in different flow regimes and demonstrate that the effect of the flowing‐phases topology on the relative permeabilities is significant. Finally, we show that the classical two‐phase Darcy law is recovered for a limited range of operative conditions, while specific terms accounting for interfacial and wall interactions should be incorporated to accurately model ganglia or drop traffic flow.
Effect of China’s maternal health policy on improving rural hospital delivery: Evidence from two cross-sectional surveys
Authors: Fan Xiaojing , Xu Yongjian , Stewart Martyn , Zhou Zhongliang , Dang Shaonong , Wang Duolao , Gao Jianmin
Published: August 2018

This population-based cross-sectional study aims to explore the effect of China’s Rural Hospital Delivery Subsidy (RHDS) policy on the utilization of women’s hospital delivery between rural and urban areas. A total of 2398 women were drawn from the Fourth and Fifth National Health Service Surveys, from the Shaanxi province. A generalized linear mixed model was used to analyze the influence of the RHDS policy on the hospital delivery rate. Concentration index and decomposition methods were used to explore the equity of hospital delivery utilization. Prior to introduction of the RHDS policy, the difference in hospital delivery rates was −0.09 (95% CL: −0.16, −0.01) between rural and urban women when adjusting the influence of socioeconomic factors on hospital delivery; after implementation of the policy, the difference was reduced to 0.02 (95% CL: −0.01, 0.06). The horizontal inequity index was reduced from 0.084 to 0.009 for rural women and from 0.070 to 0.011 for urban women. China’s Rural Hospital Delivery Subsidy policy had some positive effect on reducing the gap between rural and urban women’s hospital delivery rate and inequity. However, there is still a pro-rich inequity of hospital delivery utilization for both rural and urban women.
FN400 amplitudes reveal the differentiation of semantic inferences within natural vs. artificial domains
Authors: Long Changquan , Zhang Mingming , Cui Ruifang , Chen Jie
Published: August 2018

Category-based inferences allow inductions about novel properties based on categorical memberships (e.g., knowing all trout have genes [premise] allows us to infer that all fish have genes [conclusion]). Natural (N) and artificial (A) domains are the most obvious and traditional distinctions in categorization. The distinct event-related potential (ERP) responses for N and A domains have not yet been examined during category-based inferences. In this study, the differences between ERP inference parameters within N and A domains were measured during inductive decision processing, while controlling the premise−conclusion similarity and premise typicality between those two domains. Twenty-two adults were asked to make a decision on whether a conclusion was definitely weak, possibly weak, possibly strong, or definitely strong, based on a premise. The behavioral results showed that semantic inferences within the N domain shared similar inductive strength, similar “correct” response rates, and similar reaction times with that within the A domain. However, the ERP results showed that semantic inferences elicited smaller frontal-distributed N400 (FN400) amplitudes within the N domain than within the A domain, which suggested that knowledge of the ontological domain of a category affects category-based inferences, and underlaid the increased categorical coherence and homogeneity in the N as compared to the A categories. Therefore, we have distinguished the cognitive course of semantic inferences between N and A domains.
Z-Schematic and visible-light-driven CO2 reduction using H2O as an electron donor by a particulate mixture of a Ru-complex/(CuGa)1−xZn2xS2 hybrid catalyst, BiVO4 and an electron mediator
Authors: Suzuki Tomiko M. , Yoshino Shunya , Takayama Tomoaki , Iwase Akihide , Kudo Akihiko , Morikawa Takeshi
Published: August 2018

Visible-light-driven Z-schematic CO2 reduction using H2O as an electron donor was achieved by an aqueous suspension of a particulate metal-sulfide/molecular hybrid photocatalyst.
Phosphine ligand-mediated kinetics manipulation of aqueous cation exchange: a case study on the synthesis of Au@SnSx core–shell nanocrystals for photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Cheng Xiaoyan , Liu Jia , Wan Xiaodong , Wang Hongzhi , Li Yuemei , Liu Jiajia , Rong Hongpan , Xu Meng , Chen Wenxing , Zhang Jiatao
Published: August 2018

Au@Sn2S3 and Au@SnS2 core–shell hybrid nanocrystals were respectively accessed via aqueous cation exchange-mediated growth by using different phosphine ligands.
Relay tricyclic Pd(ii)/Ag(i) catalysis: design of a four-component reaction driven by nitrene-transfer on isocyanide yields inhibitors of EGFR
Authors: Sawant Devesh M. , Sharma Shivani , Pathare Ramdas S. , Joshi Gaurav , Kalra Sourav , Sukanya Sukanya , Maurya Antim K. , Metre Ramesh K. , Agnihotri Vijai K. , Khan Shahnawaz , Kumar Raj , Pardasani R. T.
Published: August 2018

A four-component reactions promoted by Pd(ii)/Ag(i) relay catalysis paved the way for the development of a new EGFR inhibitor.
Roles of soluble species in the alkaline oxygen evolution reaction on a nickel anode
Authors: Ye Jia-Ming , He Ding-Hong , Li Fang , Li Yu-Lin , He Jian-Bo
Published: August 2018

Ni(ii) in electrolyte hinders the alkaline oxygen evolution reaction on a nickel anode.
Coupling oligonucleotides possessing a poly-cytosine tag with magnetic ionic liquids for sequence-specific DNA analysis
Authors: Peng Xitian , Clark Kevin D. , Ding Xiong , Zhu Chenghui , Varona Marcelino , Emaus Miranda N. , An Jiwoo , Anderson Jared L.
Published: August 2018

Oligonucleotide probes containing a poly-cytosine region have remarkable affinity to a magnetic ionic liquid support and are used to distinguish single-nucleotide variants and capture DNA targets for qPCR amplification.
Rationally designed hierarchical nickel nanoparticles-based magnetic yolk-like nanospindles for enhanced catalysis and protein adsorption
Authors: Wen Qiong , Zhang Min , Zheng Jing , Xu Jingli
Published: August 2018

Herein, we demonstrate a mild route to construct spindle-like hybrid composites (FeOx@SiO2@C–Ni) that integrate the magnetic cores with high density metallic nickel NPs in yolk–shell structures, which exhibited excellent performance in catalysis and protein adsorption.
Polyoxometalate-based metal–organic framework loaded with an ultra-low amount of Pt as an efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen production
Authors: Peng Haiyue , Yang Xiaojian , Ma Yuanyuan , Liu Jianing , Wang Yonghui , Tan Huaqiao , Li Yangguang
Published: August 2018

A low-Pt content polyoxometalate-based metal–organic framework (Pt@POMOF-1/KB) displays a highly efficient performance towards the hydrogen evolution reaction.
Construction of d10 metal coordination polymers based on in situ formed 3,5-di(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)benzoic acid from different precursors: influence of in situ hydrolysis reactions on assembly process
Authors: Deng Shu-Qi , Mo Xiao-Jing , Feng Yin , Cai Song-Liang , Zhang Wei-Guang , Zheng Sheng-Run
Published: August 2018

Seven new d10 coordination polymers based on in situ formed HDTBA from two different precursors were obtained. The influence of in situ reaction on the assembly process was explored.
Uptake of water by an acid–base nanoparticle: theoretical and experimental studies of the methanesulfonic acid–methylamine system
Authors: Xu Jing , Perraud Véronique , Finlayson-Pitts Barbara J. , Gerber R. Benny
Published: August 2018

Uptake of water by nanoparticles composed by methanesulfonic acid and methylamine using a combination of theoretical calculations and laboratory experiments.
Role of the vibrational contribution in Coulomb explosion of dicationic neon gas clusters: a parallel tempering based study
Authors: Ghorai Sankar , Naskar Pulak , Chaudhury Pinaki
Published: August 2018

Distribution plots for interatomic lengths for a stable structure and for one showing Coulomb explosion.
Heterometallic perovskite-type metal–organic framework with an ammonium cation: structure, phonons, and optical response of [NH4]Na0.5CrxAl0.5−x(HCOO)3 (x = 0, 0.025 and 0.5)
Authors: Ptak Maciej , Stefańska Dagmara , Gągor Anna , Svane Katrine L. , Walsh Aron , Paraguassu Waldeci
Published: August 2018

We report the synthesis, crystal structure, dielectric, vibrational and emission spectra of heterometallic perovskite-type AmNaCr and AmNaAl MOFs.
Probing the chirality-dependent elastic properties and crack propagation behavior of single and bilayer stanene
Authors: Mahata Avik , Mukhopadhyay Tanmoy
Published: August 2018

Mechanical properties of stanene, a promising quasi-two-dimensional honeycomb-like nanostructure of tin belonging to the family of 2D-Xenes (X = Si, Ge, Sn), have been investigated in this paper.
The reaction between the methyl Criegee intermediate and hydrogen chloride: an FTMW spectroscopic study
Authors: Cabezas Carlos , Endo Yasuki
Published: August 2018

Reaction of methyl substituted Criegee intermediate, CH3CHOO, with hydrogen chloride investigated by rotational spectroscopy.
Analysis of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry data for catalytic lignin depolymerization using positive matrix factorization
Authors: Gao Yu , Walker Michael J. , Barrett Jacob A. , Hosseinaei Omid , Harper David P. , Ford Peter C. , Williams Brent J. , Foston Marcus B.
Published: August 2018

Various catalytic technologies are being developed to efficiently convert lignin into renewable chemicals.
Towards greener stone shot and stone wool materials: binder systems based on gelatine modified with tannin or transglutaminase
Authors: Hjelmgaard Thomas , Thorsen Peter Anker , Bøtner Jesper Asgaard , Kaurin Josefine , Schmücker Carina Michella , Nærum Lars
Published: August 2018

The development and study of strong binder systems with self-healing properties based on gelatine modified with tannin or transglutaminase for the manufacture of greener stone wool and related materials is presented.
Synchrotron X-ray spectroscopy for investigating vanadium speciation in marine sediment: limitations and opportunities
Authors: Bennett William W. , Lombi Enzo , Burton Edward D. , Johnston Scott G. , Kappen Peter , Howard Daryl L. , Canfield Donald E.
Published: August 2018

Synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopy is a powerful technique for investigating vanadium speciation in marine sediment.
Tryptanthrin derivative copper(ii) complexes with high antitumor activity by inhibiting telomerase activity, and inducing mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and S-phase arrest in BEL-7402
Authors: Qin Qi-Pin , Zou Bi-Qun , Tan Ming-Xiong , Wang Shu-Long , Liu Yan-Cheng , Liang Hong
Published: August 2018

Try-Cu exhibited its antitumor activity mainly via inhibiting telomerase by interaction with the c-myc promoter and disrupting mitochondrial functions.
Mesoporous silica supported cobalt catalysts for gas phase hydrogenation of nitrobenzene: role of pore structure on stable catalytic performance
Authors: Kondeboina Murali , Enumula Siva Sankar , Gurram Venkata Ramesh Babu , Yadagiri Jyothi , Burri David Raju , Kamaraju Seetha Rama Rao
Published: August 2018

Mesoporous silica supported Co catalysts (Co/COK-12 and Co/SBA-16) are active for hydrogenation of nitrobenzene to aniline. The support pore architecture is decisive in maintaining stable catalytic performance.
Sequential determination of gallium, indium, and thallium in environmental samples after preconcentration on halloysite nanotubes using ultrasound-assisted dispersive micro solid-phase extraction
Authors: Krawczyk-Coda Magdalena
Published: August 2018

A preconcentration procedure for gallium, indium, and thallium using HNTs was developed prior to their sequential determination by HR-CS GFAAS.
An environmental impact on the condition of an unfinished building in the OWT technology
Authors: Baszeń Michał , Miedziałowski Czesław
Published: August 2018

The aim of the paper is to present the state of the building erected in the OWT technology. The construction of the building has not been completed due to the financial problems of the late 90's of the XX century. As a result of the long-term environmental impact, the object was degraded due to the lack of a flat roof and windows. The impact of precipitation, wind and biological corrosion led to significant degradation and deterioration of structural elements and joints. The paper will present examples of damage caused by environmental impacts. Examples of damage of wall and floor elements as well the deeply corroded steel plate joints will be presented. Highly grown lichens, mosses or mold will be also presented as the examples of biological interactions onto the surface of constructional elements. Structural elements have been tested in a nondestructive manner using sclerometer tests. The results will be described and the conclusions will be presented. The analyzed object presents in an interesting manner that environmental influences could destructively affect the construction of precast RC structural elements, which constitute a significant percentage of the Polish construction market.