bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statins and cognition in late‐life bipolar disorder
Authors: Rej Soham , Schulte Sarah Waters , Rajji Tarek K. , Gildengers Ariel G. , Miranda Dielle , Menon Mahesh , Butters Meryl A. , Mulsant Benoit H.
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Recent data suggests that statins have positive effects on cognition in older adults. Studies in patients with mood disorders have found contradicting positive and negative effects of statins on mood and cognition, with limited data in bipolar disorder (BD). The objective of this study was to assess the association between statin use and cognition in older adults with BD.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional sample of 143 euthymic older adults with BD (age ≥ 50), statin users (n = 48) and nonusers (n = 95) were compared for cognitive outcomes: Global and cognitive domain z‐scores were calculated from detailed neuropsychological batteries using normative data from healthy comparators (n = 87).

Results

The sample had a mean age of 64.3 (±8.9) years, 65.0% were female, with an average of 15.1 (±2.79) years of education. Statin users did not differ from nonusers on global (−0.60 [±0.69] vs −0.49 [±0.68], t[127] = 0.80, P = .42) or individual cognitive domains z‐score.

Conclusions

In older patients with BD, statin use is not independently associated with cognitive impairment. This suggests that in older BD patients, the cognitive dysfunction associated with BD trumps the potential cognitive benefit that is associated with statins in older adults without a psychiatric disorder. Further, statins do not seem to exacerbate this cognitive dysfunction. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Human bocavirus, coronavirus, and polyomavirus detected among patients hospitalised with severe acute respiratory illness in South Africa, 2012 to 2013
Authors: Subramoney Kathleen , Hellferscee Orienka , Pretorius Marthi , Tempia Stefano , McMorrow Meredith , von Gottberg Anne , Wolter Nicole , Variava Ebrahim , Dawood Halima , Kahn Kathleen , Walaza Sibongile , Madhi Shabir A. , Cohen Cheryl , Venter Marietjie , Treurnicht Florette K.
Published: July 2018

Aim

To investigate the prevalence of human bocavirus (hBoV), human coronaviruses (hCoV), and human polyomaviruses (hPyV) among patients with severe acute respiratory illness (SARI), in South Africa.

Methods

The study included 680 South African patients randomly selected in age‐defined categories from hospitalised patients enrolled through SARI surveillance during 2012 to 2013. A multiplex reverse transcription real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay was used to detect hBoV; hCoV‐OC43, hCoV‐229E, hCoV‐NL63, and hCoV‐HKU1; and Washington University hPyV (hPyV‐WU) and Karolinska Insitute hPyV (hPyV‐KI), in respiratory tract specimens collected from patients with SARI. All respiratory specimens from patients enrolled through SARI surveillance were also routinely tested by multiplex reverse transcription real‐time polymerase chain reaction for adenovirus; enterovirus; human metapneumovirus; parainfluenza virus types 1, 2, and 3; respiratory syncytial virus; rhinovirus; influenza A, and influenza B.

Results

Human bocavirus, hCoV‐229E, and hPyV‐WU were detected in 3.7% (25/680), 4.1% (28/680), and 4.1% (28/680) of respiratory specimens, respectively. All other viruses were detected in <2% of specimens. Rhinovirus was the most common coinfecting virus (21.4%‐60.7%), followed by adenovirus (21.4%‐39.3%), and respiratory syncytial virus (10.7%‐24.0%). Testing for the additional viruses (hBoV, hCoV, and hPyV) decreased the number of specimens that initially tested negative by 2.9% (20/680).

Conclusion

Inclusion of laboratory tests for hBoV, hCoV‐229E, and hPyV‐WU in differential testing algorithms for surveillance and diagnostics for suspected cases of respiratory illness of unknown cause may improve our understanding of the etiology of SARI, especially in a country like South Africa with a high number of immune compromised persons.
Concentration–discharge relationships describe solute and sediment mobilization, reaction, and transport at event and longer timescales
Authors: Rose Lucy A. , Karwan Diana L. , Godsey Sarah E.
Published: July 2018

Concentration–discharge (C‐Q) relationships reflect material sources, storage, reaction, proximity, and transport in catchments. Differences in hydrologic pathways and connectivity influence observed C‐Q patterns at the catchment outlet. We examined solute and sediment C‐Q relationships at event and interannual timescales in a small mid‐Atlantic (USA) catchment. We found systematic differences in the C‐Q behaviour of geogenic/exogenous solutes (e.g., calcium and nitrate), biologically associated solutes (e.g., dissolved organic carbon), and particulate materials (e.g., total suspended solids). Negative log(C)–log(Q) regression slopes, indicating dilution, were common for geogenic solutes whereas positive slopes, indicating concentration increase, were common for biologically associated solutes. Biologically associated solutes often exhibited counterclockwise hysteresis during events whereas geogenic solutes exhibited clockwise hysteresis. Across event and interannual timescales, solute C‐Q patterns are linked to the spatial distribution of hydrologic sources and the timing and sequence of hydro‐biogeochemical source contributions to the stream. Groundwater is the primary source of stormflow during the earliest and latest stages of events, whereas precipitation and soil water become increasingly connected to the stream near peakflow. This sequence and timing of flowpath connectivity results in dilution and clockwise hysteresis for geogenic/exogenous solutes and concentration increase and counterclockwise hysteresis for biologically associated solutes. Particulate materials demonstrated positive C‐Q slopes over the long‐term and clockwise hysteresis during individual events. Drivers of particulate and solute C‐Q relationships differ, based on longitudinal and lateral expansion of active channels and changing shear stresses with increasing flows. Although important distinctions exist between the drivers of solute and sediment C‐Q relationships, overall solute and sediment C‐Q patterns at event and interannual timescales reflect consistent catchment hydro‐biogeochemical processes.
Islamic banking, credit, and economic growth: Some empirical evidence
Authors: Caporale Guglielmo Maria , Helmi Mohamad Husam
Published: July 2018

This paper examines the effects of Islamic banking on the causal linkages between credit and gross domestic product (GDP) by comparing two sets of seven emerging countries, the first without Islamic banks and the second with a dual banking system including both Islamic and conventional banks. Unlike previous studies, it checks the robustness of the results by applying both time series and panel methods; moreover, it tests for both long‐ and short‐run causality. In brief, the findings highlight significant differences between the two sets of countries reflecting the distinctive features of Islamic banks. Specifically, the time series analysis provides evidence of long‐run causality running from credit to GDP in countries with Islamic banks. This is confirmed by the panel causality tests, although in this case short‐run causality in countries without Islamic banks is also found.
Theoretical insights into the excited state intramolecular proton transfer mechanism for a novel 4‐methoxy‐3‐hydroxyflavone system
Authors: Wang Yusheng , Yang Guang , Jia Min , Song Xiaoyan , Yang Dapeng
Published: July 2018

A novel 3‐hydroxyflavone derivative, 4‐methoxy‐3‐hydroxyflavone (4M3HF), is theoretically investigated regarding its excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) mechanism based on density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TDDFT) methods. By comparing the solvent polarity, we selected acetonitrile and toluene in this work. First, based on atoms in molecules (AIM) analyses, we verified the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bond of the 4M3HF structure. On investigating the geometrical parameters (i.e., bond lengths and bond angles), we found that the hydrogen bond strength should be enhanced in the S1 state. By calculating the infrared vibrational spectra, we confirmed the strengthening of the intramolecular hydrogen bond in the S1 state. We further studied the excitation process using the frontier molecular orbitals method, based on which we concluded that the charge redistribution in solvents facilitates the ESIPT tendency. For exploring the ESIPT behavior, we constructed the potential energy curves along with ESIPT paths in both solvents (acetonitrile and toluene). We found that low potential energy barriers facilitate the ESIPT process in the 4M3HF system, which was also verified by searching the transition state (TS) structure. Comparing these two solvents, we concluded that solvent effects play little role in the ESIPT reaction in the 4M3HF system. And we could successfully explain the previous experimental result.
Exposure to suicide and suicide bereavement among women firefighters: Associated suicidality and psychiatric symptoms
Authors: Hom Melanie A. , Stanley Ian H. , Spencer‐Thomas Sally , Joiner Thomas E.
Published: July 2018

Objective

To examine experiences with suicide exposure and bereavement among women firefighters.

Methods

Women firefighters (N = 266, Mage = 37.64y) completed self‐report measures assessing their experiences with suicide exposure, history of suicidality, current psychiatric symptoms, and suicide risk.

Results

Three‐fourths (74.4%) of participants reported knowing someone who had died by suicide; of these participants, 31.3% reported losing a fellow firefighter to suicide. Exposure to suicide during one's firefighting career was associated with more severe psychiatric symptoms and suicide risk. Greater impact of a suicide death was significantly associated with more severe current suicide risk, even after controlling for prior suicidality and other psychiatric symptoms.

Conclusions

Women firefighters exposed to suicide during their careers may experience more severe psychiatric symptoms and increased suicide risk as compared to their counterparts without this exposure. In particular, women firefighters who are more severely impacted by a suicide loss may be at increased suicide risk.
A newly synthesized N,O group modified hypercrosslinked resin with effective uptake towards polyphenols from aqueous media: behavior and mechanism
Authors: Xu Chao , Sun Weizhi , Qin Xiaoli , Wang Chuanhong , Yu Shitao , Xian Mo , Liu Huizhou
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

A series of hypercrosslinked resins were synthesized by controlling the reaction conditions of the Friedel–Crafts reaction of chloromethylated polystyrene‐co‐divinylbenzene (St‐DVB‐Cl), which realized reasonable adjustment of pore structure, surface area and other physical properties. Based on this, a new N,O modified hypercrosslinked resin (St‐DVB‐NB‐AC2O) was successfully prepared by the innovative nitration system, and the adsorption behavior of St‐DVB‐NB‐AC2O was studied under different conditions. The adsorption mechanism between adsorbent and adsorbate was explained by frontier orbital theory and density functional theory.

RESULTS

The adsorption capacity of polyphenols on the optimal hypercrosslinked resin (St‐DVB‐NB‐5) was 16.67% higher than that of the optimal commercial resin NDA150. Compared with St‐DVB‐NB‐5, the adsorption increment of hydroxyphenol on St‐DVB‐NB‐AC2O was 31.42%, which was 1.51–8.36 times higher than commercial materials. The Freundlich model was the most suitable for fitting the equilibrium data. However, the pseudo‐first‐/second‐order rate equation was more appropriate for characterizing the kinetic data, suggesting that the adsorption process might be concerned with a physical reaction.

CONCLUSION

The fundamental reason for the large adsorption capacity and fast adsorption rate of St‐DVB‐NB‐AC2O is its strong physical structure and chemical surface properties, which provided improved guidance for the harmless and resource‐based treatment of phenolic wastewaters. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
HIV testing history and access to treatment among migrants living with HIV in Europe
Authors: Fakoya Ibidun , Álvarez‐Del Arco Débora , Monge Susana , Copas Andrew J , Gennotte Anne‐Francoise , Volny‐Anne Alain , Wengenroth Claudia , Touloumi Giota , Prins Maria , Barros Henrique , Darling Katharine EA , Prestileo Tullio , Del Amo Julia , Burns Fiona M ,   the aMASE Study Team
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Migrants are overrepresented in the European HIV epidemic. We aimed to understand the barriers and facilitators to HIV testing and current treatment and healthcare needs of migrants living with HIV in Europe.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 57 HIV clinics in nine countries (Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and United Kingdom), July 2013 to July 2015. HIV‐positive patients were eligible for inclusion if they were as follows: 18 years or older; foreign‐born residents and diagnosed within five years of recruitment. Questionnaires were completed electronically in one of 15 languages and linked to clinical records. Primary outcomes were access to primary care and previous negative HIV test. Data were analysed using random effects logistic regression. Outcomes of interest are presented for women, heterosexual men and gay/bisexual men.

Results

A total of 2093 respondents (658 women, 446 heterosexual men and 989 gay/bisexual men) were included. The prevalence of a previous negative HIV test was 46.7%, 43.4% and 82.0% for women, heterosexual and gay/bisexual men respectively. In multivariable analysis previous testing was positively associated with: receipt of post‐migration antenatal care among women, permanent residency among heterosexual men and identifying as gay rather than bisexual among gay/bisexual men. Access to primary care was found to be high (>83%) in all groups and was strongly associated with country of residence. Late diagnosis was common for women and heterosexual men (60.8% and 67.1%, respectively) despite utilization of health services prior to diagnosis. Across all groups almost three‐quarters of people on antiretrovirals had an HIV viral load <50 copies/mL.

Conclusions

Migrants access healthcare in Europe and while many migrants had previously tested for HIV, that they went on to test positive at a later date suggests that opportunities for HIV prevention are being missed. Expansion of testing beyond sexual health and antenatal settings is still required and testing opportunities should be linked with combination prevention measures such as access to PrEP and treatment as prevention.
Analysis of volatile organic compounds in crumb and crust of different baked and toasted gluten‐free breads by direct PTR‐ToF‐MS and fast‐GC‐PTR‐ToF‐MS
Authors: Pico Joana , Khomenko Iuliia , Capozzi Vittorio , Navarini Luciano , Bernal José , Gómez Manuel , Biasioli Franco
Published: July 2018

Proton transfer reaction (PTR)‐time of fight (ToF)‐mass spectrometry (MS) has been recently employed as a quick, easy, and sensitive alternative to gas chromatography MS for the analysis of volatile compounds in food. In the present work, PTR‐ToF‐MS was applied to the characterization of the volatile profiles of the baked and toasted crumbs and crusts of 5 gluten‐free breads elaborated with quinoa, teff, and rice flours as well as corn and wheat starches and wheat bread as a control samples. Two hundred fifty‐nine peaks (m/z) were detected, 86 peaks were tentatively identified, and 56 volatile compounds were selected as important contributors to bread aroma. Fast gas chromatography PTR‐ToF‐MS analyses were performed with 42 standards to identify them in the baked crumbs and crusts, 18 of them being present in all the samples. From the baked samples, it was concluded that quinoa crust was the 1 with higher volatile compound in high abundance, characterized by volatile compounds from fermentation, lipid oxidation, 2‐acetyl‐1‐pyrroline, and diethyl‐pyrazines, while wheat crust was characterized by the highest content in furan derivatives. The toasting time led to crust samples with an increased content in all the volatile compounds: Quinoa crust was now characterized by the highest content in all the pyrazines and furan derivatives, while starches were distinguished by the highest abundance in 2‐acetyl‐1‐pyrroline and diethyl‐pyrazines. Neither the baked crumbs nor the toasted crumbs presented the highest content in none of the volatile compounds. Therefore, it was concluded that quinoa flour can be a suitable alternative for the elaboration of baked and toasted breads due to the high content of pleasant volatile compounds from fermentation, the key volatile in crust 2‐acetyl‐1‐pyrroline (baked sample), as well as pleasant pyrazines and toasted‐like furan derivatives (baked and toasted samples); however, the off‐flavor volatile compounds from lipid oxidation as well as the bitter saponins present in quinoa bread should be taken into account.
GC‐MS aroma characterization of vegetable matrices: Focus on 3‐alkyl‐2‐methoxypyrazines
Authors: Mutarutwa Delvana , Navarini Luciano , Lonzarich Valentina , Compagnone Dario , Pittia Paola
Published: July 2018

3‐Alkyl‐2‐methoxypyrazines (MPs) are a very important class of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), intensively characterizing the aroma of several food products including fruits and vegetables. Due to the very low orthonasal sensory threshold, low amounts of MPs may act as key positive or negative aroma compounds. The analysis of these volatiles in foods is then remarkably important, and it may be very challenging as confirmed by the scarce literature focused on MPs, particularly with respect to quantitative data. In the attempt to fill this gap, in this work, presence and quantification of MPs in four different vegetables, namely, green bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var grossum), green pea (Pisum sativum L. and Pisum spp), carrot (Daucus carota subsp sativus), and cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) have been investigated. Two different volatile extraction techniques (solid phase microextraction [SPME] and simultaneous distillation‐extraction [SDE]) in conjunction with VOC qualitative analysis by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) methods were applied. Solid phase microextraction coupled with GC‐MS in single ion monitoring (SIM) mode showed the best performances in sensitivity to detect MPs on the different vegetable matrices. Therefore, a headspace (HS) SPME‐GC‐MS quantitative method was developed and optimized, and dominant MPs quantified. 3‐Isopropyl‐2‐methoxypyrazine (IPMP), 3‐sec‐butyl‐2‐methoxypyrazine (sBMP), and 3‐isobutyl‐2‐methoxypyrazine (IBMP) have been detected and quantified in all the vegetables. 3‐Isopropyl‐2‐methoxypyrazine was the prevalent MP in peas and cucumber while IBMP in bell pepper. These MPs were detected for the first time in carrot and cucumber. Finally, sBMP has been confirmed to be the most important MP in carrot. The developed method allowed to characterize the VOC pattern and, in particular, to quantify MPs in four vegetables. Results highlight the feasibility of further applications of the analytical approach to determine MPs in other food matrices where an excessive amount of these aromas may negatively affect their flavor (eg, coffee).
Exploring street art paintings by microspatially offset Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Botteon Alessandra , Colombo Chiara , Realini Marco , Bracci Susanna , Magrini Donata , Matousek Pavel , Conti Claudia
Published: July 2018

Microspatially offset Raman spectroscopy (micro‐SORS) is a recently developed analytical technique combining SORS with microscopy. With this method, highly diffusely scattering microlayers such as painted stratigraphies can be noninvasively probed. In this study, we explore micro‐SORS for identifying the chemical composition of subsurface layers in real, street art mural paintings as a new nondestructive method for the characterization of their stratigraphy. Two micro‐SORS variants, defocusing and full micro‐SORS, were tested and compared.
Optical sectioning in multifoci Raman hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Liao Zhiyu , Sinjab Faris , Elsheikha Hany M. , Notingher Ioan
Published: July 2018

In this study, we compared the depth discrimination and speed performance of multifoci Raman hyperspectral imaging with the reference standard of a single laser point confocal Raman mapping. A liquid crystal spatial light modulator was employed for the generation of multifoci laser beams, and a digital micromirror device was used as a software‐configurable reflective pinhole array. The patterns of the laser foci and pinhole array can be rapidly changed without requiring any hardware alterations. Confocal patterns with different distance‐to‐size ratios were tested and compared. After optimization of the laser‐foci pattern, we demonstrated the feasibility of multifoci Raman hyperspectral microscopy for recording depth‐resolved molecular maps of biological cells (Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites). Micrometric depth discrimination and short acquisition times (20 min for single plane confocal image) were achieved.
Carnauba wax as a wall material for urea microencapsulation
Authors: de Medeiros Tiago Tavares Brito , de Azevedo Silva Aderbal M , da Silva André Leandro , Bezerra Leilson Rocha , da Silva Agostini Deuber L , de Oliveira Diego Lomonaco Vasconcelos , Mazzetto Selma E , Kotzebue Lloyd R Viana , Oliveira Jéssica Ribeiro , Souto Gabriella S Barbosa , de Barros Carvalho Ariádne , Netto Antonio J , Oliveira Ronaldo Lopes
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

The high ureolytic activity of rumen microbiota is a concern when urea is used in ruminant feed, because it leads to fast urea conversion, resulting in possible intoxication and lower nitrogen utilization. This study intended to microencapsulate urea using carnauba wax to obtain slow‐release systems in the rumen. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, arranged in a 3 × 2 factorial, with the urea encapsulated with carnauba wax in ratios of 1 : 2; 1 : 3, and 1 : 4 (UME2; UME3, and UME4) and two particles sizes (small, PS; and large, PL).

RESULTS

All formulations showed excellent properties, including inhibition of urea hygroscopicity. The formulation UME2 exhibited the greatest yield (91.6%) and microencapsulation efficiency (99.6%) values, whereas the formulation UME4 presented the greatest thermal stability (259.5 °C) and lowest moisture content (1.81%). The UME2 formulation presented a slower release than the other UME formulations studied.

CONCLUSION

The production of urea microspheres using carnauba wax was successful for all microencapsulated systems developed, evidencing the promising potential for use in ruminant animal diets. The UME2 formulation with large particles is the most recommended because it permitted greater resistance to microbial attack, allowing a slower release of urea into the rumen, reducing the risk of intoxication or ruminal alkalosis. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction with in situ derivatization coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry for the determination of 4‐methylimidazole in red ginseng products containing caramel colors
Authors: Lee Jangho , Lee Yunyeol , Nam Tae Gyu , Jang Hae Won
Published: July 2018

A rapid analytical method was developed for the determination of 4‐methylimidazole from red ginseng products containing caramel colors by using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction with in situ derivatization followed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Chloroform and acetonitrile were selected as the extraction and dispersive solvents, and based on the extraction efficiency, their optimum volumes were 200 and 100 μL, respectively. The optimum volumes of the derivatizing agent (isobutyl chloroformate) and catalyst (pyridine), pH, and concentration of NaCl in the sample solution were determined to be 25 and 100 μL, pH 7.6, and 0% w/v, respectively. Validation of the optimized method showed good linearity (R2 > 0.999), accuracy (≥89.86%), intra‐ (≤6.70%) and interday (≤4.17%) repeatability, limit of detection (0.96 μg/L), and limit of quantification (5.79 μg/L). The validated method was applied to quantify 4‐methylimidazole in red ginseng juices and concentrates, 4‐methylimidazole was only found in red ginseng juices containing caramel colorant (42.91–2863.4 μg/L) and detected in red ginseng concentrates containing >1% caramel colorant.
Antecedents and consequences of knowledge management systems usage in Jordanian banking sector
Authors: Okour Mohammad Khaleel , Chong Chin Wei , Asmawi Arnifa
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical understanding for the antecedents and consequences of knowledge management system (KMS) usage among decision makers in Jordanian banks. The model of this paper was developed through extending the diffusion of innovation (DOI) along with information system (IS) success model, on which eight hypotheses are developed. In total, 341 usable questionnaires were used for further analysis. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze and test the developed hypotheses. The findings showed that system compatibility and complexity (technological antecedents) and top management support and trust (organizational antecedents) are significantly affecting the KMS usage. As well as, results showed that decision‐making effectiveness along with user satisfaction are considered as key consequences for KMS usage. Furthermore, the findings of this study indicated that user satisfaction significantly mediates the relationship between KMS usage and decision‐making effectiveness. Practically, this paper offers an empirical paradigm for the significance of KMS and effective usage. This paper provides the essential required guidelines for decision makers who are using the KMS's in order to strengthen their job performance, particularly decision‐making context. Theoretically, results of this paper were based on the utilization of two important theoretical models (DOI and IS success) into one integrated model. At the individual level, this study opens the window to the new proposed model to be utilized in the future research of KMS usage.
Large Phaeodaria in the twilight zone: Their role in the carbon cycle
Authors: Stukel Michael R. , Biard Tristan , Krause Jeffrey , Ohman Mark D.
Published: July 2018

Advances in in situ imaging allow enumeration of abundant populations of large Rhizarians that compose a substantial proportion of total mesozooplankton biovolume. Using a quasi‐Lagrangian sampling scheme, we quantified the abundance, vertical distributions, and sinking‐related mortality of Aulosphaeridae, an abundant family of Phaeodaria in the California Current Ecosystem. Inter‐cruise variability was high, with average concentrations at the depth of maximum abundance ranging from < 10 to > 300 cells m−3, with seasonal and interannual variability associated with temperature‐preferences and regional shoaling of the 10°C isotherm. Vertical profiles showed that these organisms were consistently most abundant at 100–150 m depth. Average turnover times with respect to sinking were 4.7–10.9 d, equating to minimum in situ population growth rates of ~ 0.1–0.2 d−1. Using simultaneous measurements of sinking organic carbon, we find that these organisms could only meet their carbon demand if their carbon : volume ratio were ~ 1 μg C mm−3. This value is substantially lower than previously used in global estimates of rhizarian biomass, but is reasonable for organisms that use large siliceous tests to inflate their cross‐sectional area without a concomitant increase in biomass. We found that Aulosphaeridae alone can intercept > 20% of sinking particles produced in the euphotic zone before these particles reach a depth of 300 m. Our results suggest that the local (and likely global) carbon biomass of Aulosphaeridae, and probably the large Rhizaria overall, needs to be revised downwards, but that these organisms nevertheless play a major role in carbon flux attenuation in the twilight zone.
Contribution of upwelling to air‐sea N2O flux at the tip of the Antarctica Peninsula
Authors: Zhan L. , Chen L. , Zhang J. , Li Y. , Wu M. , Liu J.
Published: July 2018

During the 28th Chinese National Antarctic Research Expedition, the seas adjacent to the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula (TAP), including the Scotia Sea, parts of the Bransfield Strait, and the Powell Basin, were investigated. The results show that the vertical distributions of N2O on both sides of the TAP are similar but that elevated N2O concentrations and corresponding upper circumpolar deep water (CDW) signals in the Scotia Sea are absent from the Powell Basin, where the largest areas of Weddell Sea deep water were observed during this cruise. The average air‐sea N2O flux of the study area is ~ 8.83 ± 3.32 μmol m−2 d−1, suggesting that these waters, while significant, are not an overwhelming source of atmospheric N2O. The results of one dimensional box model indicate that the upwelling of the CDW contributes to the N2O flux north of TAP. The water to the south of the TAP is colder than that to the north of TAP, and the presence of cold winter water in the south tends to keep the N2O‐rich Weddell Deep Water from upwelling to the surface. CDW, enriched in N2O, was observed to upwell toward the surface layers resulting in oversaturation and outgassing to the atmosphere in waters north of TAP. In contrast, waters to the south which were dominated by cold winter water were generally in equilibrium with the atmosphere.
Study on geometric contact model of elastohydrodynamic lubrication of arbitrary intersecting line gear
Authors: Chen Yangzhi , Chen Hanfei , Lyu Yueling , Zhu Anshi
Published: July 2018

Considering the tribology design theory of arbitrary intersecting line gear (AILG) is still a blank, the equivalent ellipsoid model of contact area of the AILG pair was built and then improved by 3 modification methods of line teeth profile. Based on the improved model, semiquantitative analyses of the relationship between the parameters of the AILG and the ratio of principal curvature radii of equivalent ellipsoid Rx/Ry were presented, and design criteria for the parameters of AILG based on elastohydrodynamic (EHL) point contact model were proposed. The results of the theoretical calculation and the optical EHL experiment proved that the modifications of teeth profile and the parameters design criteria for the AILG are conducive to improving its EHL performance.
Inhibitive effect of benzotriazole on the corrosion and corrosion fatigue of α‐Al bronze alloy in LiBr solution
Authors: Youssef Gehan I. , El Meleigy Abeer E. , Khorshed Lobna A. , Attia Adel , Ashour Elsayed A.
Published: July 2018

The effect of benzotriazole (BTAH) on the corrosion fatigue behavior of α‐Al bronze in 1 M LiBr solution has been investigated using reverse bending technique during testing it in LiBr/H2O system. The adsorption equilibrium estimated to be 1431.25 M−1 while the free energy of adsorption to be −27.968 kJ mol−1. The BTAH feature found to improve the fatigue life to a value near to that of α‐Al bronze in air. The optical and scanning electron microscopy for the α‐Al bronze for the fatigued in air, revealed that the fracture mode was transgranular and that the initiation and propagation was transcrystalline. α‐Al bronze fatigued in 1 M LiBr showed less fatigue resistance when compared to that of α‐Al bronze fatigued in air. The addition of 0.02 M of BTAH to 1 M LiBr increased the fatigue life and fatigue strength for α‐Al bronze where its fatigue behavior curve was close to that of air. The results demonstrated obviously a reduction of the corrosion fatigue resistance of α‐Al bronze in 1 M LiBr solution but it has a considerable increase in the presence of BTAH.
Analysis on physical and mechanical performance and damage mechanism of steel strand under coupling effects of load and environment
Authors: Meng Ercong , Yao Guowen , Yu Yalin , Jiang Dongxia
Published: July 2018

To study the physical and mechanical performance and damage mechanism of steel strand under coupling effects of load and environment, with the changing parameters of different corrosion time and load forms, 16 groups with totally 32 specimens were designed under coupling effects of load and environment. The test results show that the corrosion weight loss rate Pw presents the increasing trend with the increase of corrosion time, but the increasing rate gradually decreases, and the Pw increasing trend accords with the Boxlucass function model. The tensile strength of specimens presents the decreasing trend with the increase of corrosion time in the stage of etch pits nucleating and expanding, but the decreasing trend is relatively small, within 5%. The Pw of specimens under alternate load working condition is the biggest; under static load condition follows and under no load condition is the lowest. Different load forms have little effect on the tensile strength. Based on Boxlucass function model, the relationship between Pw and corrosion time under different load forms were fitted out, respectively. The research results can provide reference for some related research.
Influence of electrospun TiO2 nanowires on corrosion resistance and cell response of Ti50Zr alloy
Authors: Manole Claudiu C. , Dinischiotu Anca , Nica Cristina , Demetrescu Ioana , Pirvu Cristian
Published: July 2018

TiO2 nanowires are fabricated by electrospinning on Ti50Zr alloy, by changing the elaboration conditions. The surface covered with nanowires is characterized by performing scanning electronic microscopy and contact angle measurements. The best surface from the point of view of nanowires organization is chosen based on experimental conditions. The electrochemical stability is tested in Fusayama saliva. The response of HGF‐1 gingival fibroblasts cells is established and discussed. Cellular response is evaluated by the cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase test, nitric oxide level and interleukines IL‐6 and IL‐8 secretion. A very small increase of IL‐8 expression was noticed only for the samples obtained at 15 kV, whereas for IL‐6 no change compared to control was observed. This small increase could be related to the structural changes in the TiO2 semiconductor nanowires surface. Such data suggest that this alloy covered with TiO2 n‐type semiconductor nanowires can be successfully used in biomedical applications without generating significant inflammatory processes.
Renormalization group second‐order approximation for singularly perturbed nonlinear ordinary differential equations
Authors: Marciniak‐Czochra Anna , Mikelić Andro , Stiehl Thomas
Published: July 2018

We consider a 2 time scale nonlinear system of ordinary differential equations. The small parameter of the system is the ratio ϵ of the time scales. We search for an approximation involving only the slow time unknowns and valid uniformly for all times at order O(ϵ2). A classical approach to study these problems is Tikhonov's singular perturbation theorem. We develop an approach leading to a higher order approximation using the renormalization group (RG) method. We apply it in 2 steps. In the first step, we show that the RG method allows for approximation of the fast time variables by their RG expansion taken at the slow time unknowns. Next, we study the slow time equations, where the fast time unknowns are replaced by their RG expansion. This allows to rigorously show the second order uniform error estimate. Our result is a higher order extension of Hoppensteadt's work on the Tikhonov singular perturbation theorem for infinite times. The proposed procedure is suitable for problems from applications, and it is computationally less demanding than the classical Vasil'eva‐O'Malley expansion. We apply the developed method to a mathematical model of stem cell dynamics.
Combined angiography and perfusion using radial imaging and arterial spin labeling
Authors: Okell Thomas W.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

To demonstrate the feasibility of a novel noninvasive MRI technique for the comprehensive evaluation of blood flow to the brain: combined angiography and perfusion using radial imaging and arterial spin labeling (CAPRIA).

Methods

In the CAPRIA pulse sequence, blood labeled with a pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling pulse train is continuously imaged as it flows through the arterial tree and into the brain tissue using a golden ratio radial readout. From a single raw data set, this flexible imaging approach allows the reconstruction of both high spatial/temporal resolution angiographic images with a high undersampling factor and low spatial/temporal resolution perfusion images with a low undersampling factor. The sparse and high SNR nature of angiographic images ensures that radial undersampling artifacts are relatively benign, even when using a simple regridding image reconstruction. Pulse sequence parameters were optimized through sampling efficiency calculations and the numerical evaluation of modified pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling signal models. A comparison was made against conventional pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling angiographic and perfusion acquisitions.

Results

2D CAPRIA data in healthy volunteers demonstrated the feasibility of this approach, with good vessel visualization in the angiographic images and clear tissue perfusion signal when reconstructed at 108‐ms and 252‐ms temporal resolution, respectively. Images were qualitatively similar to those from conventional acquisitions, but CAPRIA had significantly higher SNR efficiency (48% improvement on average, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

The CAPRIA technique shows potential for the efficient evaluation of both macrovascular blood flow and tissue perfusion within a single scan, with potential applications in a range of cerebrovascular diseases.
Sarcomeric disorganization and nemaline bodies in muscle biopsies of patients with EXOSC3‐related type 1 pontocerebellar hypoplasia
Authors: Pinto Miguel M. , Monges Soledad , Malfatti Edoardo , Lubieniecki Fabiana , Lornage Xavière , Alias Laura , Labasse Clémence , Madelaine Angéline , Fardeau Michel , Laporte Jocelyn , Tizzano Eduardo F. , Romero Norma B.
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Mutations in the EXOSC3 gene are responsible for type 1 pontocerebellar hypoplasia, an autosomal recessive congenital disorder characterized by cerebellar atrophy, developmental delay, and anterior horn motor neuron degeneration. Muscle biopsies of these patients often show characteristics resembling classic spinal muscle atrophy, but to date, no distinct features have been identified.

Methods

Clinical data and muscle biopsy findings of 3 unrelated patients with EXOSC3 mutations are described.

Results

All patients presented as a severe congenital cognitive and neuromuscular phenotype with short survival, harboring the same point mutation (c.92G>C; p.Gly31Ala). Muscle biopsies consistently showed variable degrees of sarcomeric disorganization with myofibrillar remnants, Z‐line thickening, and small nemaline bodies.

Conclusions

In this uniform genetic cohort of patients with EXOSC3 mutations, sarcomeric disruption and rod structures were prominent features of muscle biopsies. In the context of neonatal hypotonia, ultrastructural studies might provide early clues for the diagnosis of EXOSC3‐related pontocerebellar hypoplasia. Muscle Nerve 59:137–141, 2019
Interaction of a cylindrical thin‐walled pile with an inhomogeneous isotropic elastic medium
Authors: Shahmohamadi M. , Khojasteh A. , Rahimian M. , Pak R. Y. S.
Published: July 2018

This paper presents a rigorous analysis for the static interaction of a cylindrical thin‐walled pile with an inhomogeneous isotropic elastic half‐space under vertical, horizontal, and torsional forces individually applied at the top of pile. The inhomogeneity is specified with the exponential variation of shear modulus along depth of the embedding medium, and the Poisson's ratio is assumed to be constant. By means of a set of Green's functions for pile and soil medium and satisfying the compatibility conditions between the 2 interacting media, the formulation is reduced to coupled Fredholm integral equations. Using the adaptive‐gradient elements, capable of capturing the singular stress transfer at both ends of the pile, a numerical procedure is developed and utilized for evaluating the relevant integral equations and studying the inhomogeneity effect on the soil‐pile interaction responses. The analysis results have been validated for different soil‐pile modulus ratios under axial load and for a Poisson's ratio of 0.3 under lateral load. The procedure does not consider the nonlinear behavior of the soil medium or plastic yielding in the pile section, and the impact of the unreliable results for the case of high Poisson's ratio is not examined.
Does sacrocolpopexy present heterogeneity in its surgical technique? A systematic review
Authors: Moroni Rafael M. , Juliato Cassia R. T. , Cosson Michel , Giraudet Geraldine , Brito Luiz G. O.
Published: July 2018

Aims

Sacrocolpopexy (SCP) is an extensively studied and highly efficacious treatment for female pelvic organ prolapse (POP). We aimed to analyze the technical steps for performance of a SCP among all RCTs in the literature that compared it with different procedures, or that studied different routes for performing SCP.

Methods

Systematic review searching electronic databases for RCTs only. We extracted data for 13 points of interest; main outcomes were procedure standardization; depth of vaginal dissection; number of sutures in the vaginal wall; type of suture in the vaginal wall; type of mesh fixation to the sacrum; and type and shape of mesh used.

Results

Twenty‐two RCTs were included. Most of them did not provide a full standardized description of the procedure steps. There was great heterogeneity in almost all steps of the operation, including the choice of materials for attaching the mesh to the vagina and sacrum—with both absorbable and non‐absorbable sutures being used—and the extent of vaginal dissection for mesh fixation, with some studies dissecting only the apex, superficially, while others performed a full‐length dissection. Choice of mesh material was more consensual, with polypropylene mesh being the most commonly used.

Conclusions

SCP is a highly unstandardized procedure in the literature, albeit being used as a major comparator. Various RCTs compared alternative procedures with SCP, but the technical aspects have varied greatly, and studied outcomes could have been potentially influenced by these technical choices.
[De] constructing South Africa's Jacob Zuma led ANC: An Afrocentric perspective
Authors: Shai Kgothatso B. , Nyawasha Tawanda S. , Ndaguba Emeka A.
Published: July 2018

Based on the Afrocentric perspective, the central thesis of this paper is that if the African National Congress (ANC) is to evade the wrath of coalition politics in the near future (year 2019); it needs more than its traditional support base and appeals for liberation rhetoric. Like other liberation movements cum ruling political parties in Southern Africa, indications are that ANC cannot save itself from the brutality of competitive politics and electoral democracy. While the ANC is based in South Africa, it remains the political heritage of all Africans, and as such, it can only survive further degeneration through the collective efforts of pan‐Africanists in the country and across the corners of the continent. The fact that President Jacob Zuma led ANC did not have a safe liberalised space for counsel by non‐active members has rendered any possible renewal through the support of all Africans a pipe dream. Although the renewal of the ANC may be necessary for the sake of preserving liberation heritage in South Africa and Africa at large, it is concluded that the weakening of dominant political parties such as the ANC is a necessary ingredient for healthy and functioning democracies.
Employees' provident fund organization: Empowering members by digital transformation
Authors: Narasimhan Ravichandran , Vazhayil Joy P. , Narayanaswami Sundaravalli
Published: July 2018

Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) was established by the Government of India with the purpose of ensuring financial and social security for industrial workers and their dependents. With more than 150 million accounts of its members, EPFO is the world's largest social security organization. Operational processes of EPFO were riddled with over emphasis on rules and regulations but were weak on transparency, accountability, effectiveness, and efficiency. Consequently, the primary purpose of social security of industrial employees was compromised. Business process reengineering combined with adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and social media brought a sea change to the functioning of EPFO. This paper documents the transformation of EPFO from a bureaucratic, opaque organization to a customer‐centric, stakeholder‐friendly, transparent, and accountable organization.
Novel anticancer and antibacterial organometallic polymer based on ferrocene as a building block and xanthone bioactive scaffolds: Synthesis, characterization, and biological study
Authors: Lakouraj Moslem Mansour , Hasantabar Vahid , Tashakkorian Hamed , Golpour Monireh
Published: July 2018

Poly(azine ferrocene‐triazole‐xanthone amide) (PAFTXA) was successfully synthesized from azine ferrocene bisacetylene (AFcB) and 2,7‐(N‐2‐azidoacetamide) xanthone (NAzX) by using click chemistry protocol. In this paper, innovative AFcB moiety incorporated in this procedure as a monomer. This monomer was prepared in three steps from ferrocene scaffold, and the synthetic processes were discussed in details. Characterization of the synthesized novel intermediate materials, monomer, and the resulting polymer was performed by nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared, thermal gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and ultraviolet‐visible spectrophotometer. In addition, the in vitro antibacterial activity of the polymer was appraised against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria by using minimum inhibitory concentration method. Moreover; antitumoral effects of synthesized polymer were evaluated on Hela, MCF‐7, and Saos cancer cell lines and compared with normal fibroblast cell line by means of 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Promising antiproliferative effects were detected on both epitheloid and mesenchymal cancer cell lines depending on PAFTXA concentration and time. Survey on its characteristic features revealed the proficiencies of our prepared biomaterial such as its high thermal stability as well as valuable antitumoral and antibacterial capabilities that make it an appreciable candidate for further bioapplications.
Time‐temperature‐transformation diagram of modified resol phenolic resin and the thermomechanical performance of resol phenolic resin/glass fabric composite
Authors: Lei Zixuan , Jiang Xue , Lv You , Ji Jingru , Jing Xinli , Liu Yuhong
Published: July 2018

In this paper, modified resol phenolic resin (MPR) and its glass fabric prepreg (MPR/GF prepreg) were fabricated via a hot melt preimpregnated method. To optimize the curing schedule in curing completion, safe processing window, and storage stability conditions, time‐temperature‐transformation diagram dynamic rheological behavior of MPR was established based on such phenomenological changes as viscosity, gelation, and vitrification. The curing behavior of MPR/GF prepreg was further clarified using online monitored dynamic mechanical analysis. At last, thermogravimetric analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis tests were conducted to evaluate the thermomechanical properties of MPR/GF composite. The excellent thermomechanical performance of MPR/GF composite suggests the important role of time‐temperature‐transformation diagram in optimizing the curing cycle and the overall dynamic mechanical properties of the composite.