bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Printable self‐heating coatings based on the use of carbon nanoreinforcements
Authors: Prolongo Silvia G. , Moriche Rocío , Jiménez‐Suárez Alberto , Delgado Andrea , Ureña Alejandro
Published: August 2019

Graphitic nanofillers reinforced epoxy coatings have been manufactured using UV‐photopolymerized resin. These materials present effective low‐power resistive heating, which can be potentially useful for deicing and anti‐icing devices. During the optimization of UV‐3D manufacturing printing process, it was confirmed that the coating thickness strongly depends on the nature and content of graphitic nanofillers. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) strongly inhibit the photopolymerization because of the UV light dispersion, which competes with the light absorption of the photoinitiator, decreasing the coating thickness. Thermo‐mechanical behavior of the doped coatings has been analyzed together with their efficiency as de‐icing materials. The highest self‐heating achieved by Joule's effect was measured for the coating doped with the lower studied content of CNTs, close to electrical percolation. This is explained by its high‐electrical conductivity and the higher contribution of tunneling effect regard to the electrical conduction by direct contact.
Comprehensive studies on polyethylenimine filled polypropylene and its potential application in carbon dioxide sequestration
Authors: Patra Pratim Kumar , Jaisingh Aanchal , Goel Vishal , Luthra Priyanka , Kapur Gurpreet Singh , Nebhani Leena
Published: August 2019

Polypropylene (PP) was blended with branched polyethylenimine (PEI) with the aim to prepare blends having CO2 adsorption property. The CO2 adsorption properties will be conferred due to the presence of variety of amine functionality in PEI. PEI contains primary, secondary as well as tertiary amine groups. Before testing CO2 adsorption, PP–PEI blends were characterized using variety of techniques, for example, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and polarized light optical microscopy. In this work, we have studied in detail both compatibilized as well as noncompatibilized blends of PP and PEI. The compatibilization was achieved via addition of maleic anhydride grafted PP. Finally, all the compatibilized as well as noncompatibilized blends were studied for CO2 adsorption. The compatibilized blends showed better thermal, mechanical as well as CO2 adsorption properties as compared to the noncompatibilized blends. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:2092–2102, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Development of new high‐performance visible light photoinitiators based on carbazole scaffold and their applications in 3d printing and photocomposite synthesis
Authors: Abdallah Mira , Magaldi Diego , Hijazi Akram , Graff Bernadette , Dumur Frédéric , Fouassier Jean‐Pierre , Bui Thanh‐Tuân , Goubard Fabrice , Lalevée Jacques
Published: August 2019

In this article, new compounds based on the carbazole scaffold (DMs = DM1 and DM2, constituted by a carbazole unit connected on positions 3 and 6 to a two 4,4′‐dimethoxydiphenylamine groups and differing by the substituent present on the nitrogen heteroatom of the carbazole core) were synthesized and proposed as high‐performance visible light photoinitiators/photosensitizers for both the free‐radical polymerization of methacrylates and the cationic polymerization of epoxides upon visible light exposure using LED@405 nm. Remarkably, DM2 leads to higher final conversions than DM1. In order to study the photophysical and photochemical properties of the carbazole derivatives, different parameters were taken into account such as the light absorption, the steady‐state photolysis, and the fluorescence spectroscopy. Using different techniques such as fluorescence quenching, redox behavior, and cyclic voltammetry, we are able to discuss the photosensitization/photoinitiation reactions providing a full coherent picture of the involved chemical mechanisms. The photosensitization of the carbazole derivatives occurred predominantly via singlet excited states at the rate of the diffusion limit. Upon exposure to laser diode at 405 nm, DMs show high performance in initiating systems for 3D resins. Remarkably, DM2 can also be used in photocomposite synthesis using light‐emitting diode conveyor. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2081–2092
Fertility knowledge and associated empowerment following an educational intervention for adolescent cancer patients
Authors: Borgmann‐Staudt Anja , Kunstreich Marina , Schilling Ralph , Balcerek Magdalena , Dirksen Uta , Cario Holger , Kepakova Katerina , Klco‐Brosius Stephanie , Korte Elisabeth , Kruseova Jarmila , Lackner Herwig , Langer Thorsten , Roslan Katarzyna‐Muszynska , Stefanowicz Joanna , Strauß Gabriele , Byrne Julianne ,   on behalf of PanCareLIFE
Published: August 2019

Introduction/Objectives

Fertility preservation is a major concern for adolescent cancer patients; yet, educational gaps remain. Our intervention study examined whether specially designed educational materials regarding fertility preservation increase knowledge and empowerment of patients and parents.

Methods

Eleven paediatric‐oncological centres in four European countries agreed to enrol all eligible patients and parents in a questionnaire survey at 3 and 6 months after diagnosis. Treating physicians were surveyed on their medical consultation regarding fertility.

Results

Educational intervention increased knowledge in both patients (n = 113 and n = 101 in the control and intervention groups, respectively) and parents (n = 111 and n = 99 in the control and intervention groups, respectively), but the difference did not achieve statistical significance (knowledge difference patients: 5.6% (t0)/13.1% (t1); parents: 6.4% (t0)/3.8% (t1)). Parents of older patients (OR = 1.3, 95%CI = 1.1‐1.7) and higher educational groups (OR = 6.2, 95%CI = 2.1‐18.3) in the intervention group (OR = 1.9, 95%CI = 1.03‐3.7) achieved higher knowledge levels. Empowerment was significantly improved in both patients (p = 0.046, d = 0.27) and parents (p = 0.046, d = 0.48) in the intervention group.

Discussion/Conclusions

In our study, the use of specifically prepared flyers and brochures successfully raised the level of fertility preservation knowledge in parents of older patients as well as parents with higher educational levels. Overall, the intervention improved patient and parent empowerment. Subsequent projects will include simpler information and digital material to particularly reach out to younger and less educated individuals.
Development of a model for ultra‐precise surface machining of N‐BK7® using microwave‐driven reactive plasma jet machining
Authors: Kazemi Faezeh , Boehm Georg , Arnold Thomas
Published: August 2019

In this paper, extensive studies are conducted as key to overcoming several challenging limitations in applying fluorine‐based reactive plasma jet machining (PJM) to surface machining of N‐BK7®, particularly regarding the manufacture of freeform optical elements. The chemical composition and lateral distributions of the residual layer are evaluated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis aiming at clarifying the exact chemical kinetics between plasma generated active particles and the N‐BK7 surface atoms. Subsequently, a model is developed by performing static etchings to consider the time‐varying nonlinearity of the material removal rate and estimate the local etching rate function. Finally, the derived model is extended into the dynamic machining process, and the outcomes are compared with the experimental results.
Features of molecular recognition of intrinsically disordered proteins via coupled folding and binding
Authors: Yang Jing , Gao Meng , Xiong Junwen , Su Zhengding , Huang Yongqi
Published: August 2019

The sequence–structure–function paradigm of proteins has been revolutionized by the discovery of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) or intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs). In contrast to traditional ordered proteins, IDPs/IDRs are unstructured under physiological conditions. The absence of well‐defined three‐dimensional structures in the free state of IDPs/IDRs is fundamental to their function. Folding upon binding is an important mode of molecular recognition for IDPs/IDRs. While great efforts have been devoted to investigating the complex structures and binding kinetics and affinities, our knowledge on the binding mechanisms of IDPs/IDRs remains very limited. Here, we review recent advances on the binding mechanisms of IDPs/IDRs. The structures and kinetic parameters of IDPs/IDRs can vary greatly, and the binding mechanisms can be highly dependent on the structural properties of IDPs/IDRs. IDPs/IDRs can employ various combinations of conformational selection and induced fit in a binding process, which can be templated by the target and/or encoded by the IDP/IDR. Further studies should provide deeper insights into the molecular recognition of IDPs/IDRs and enable the rational design of IDP/IDR binding mechanisms in the future.
Pre‐ and post‐docking sampling of conformational changes using ClustENM and HADDOCK for protein‐protein and protein‐DNA systems
Authors: Kurkcuoglu Zeynep , Bonvin Alexandre M. J. J.
Published: August 2019

Incorporating the dynamic nature of biomolecules in the modeling of their complexes is a challenge, especially when the extent and direction of the conformational changes taking place upon binding is unknown. Estimating whether the binding of a biomolecule to its partner(s) occurs in a conformational state accessible to its unbound form (“conformational selection”) and/or the binding process induces conformational changes (“induced‐fit”) is another challenge. We propose here a method combining conformational sampling using ClustENM—an elastic network‐based modeling procedure—with docking using HADDOCK, in a framework that incorporates conformational selection and induced‐fit effects upon binding. The extent of the applied deformation is estimated from its energetical costs, inspired from mechanical tensile testing on materials. We applied our pre‐ and post‐docking sampling of conformational changes to the flexible multidomain protein‐protein docking benchmark and a subset of the protein‐DNA docking benchmark. Our ClustENM‐HADDOCK approach produced acceptable to medium quality models in 7/11 and 5/6 cases for the protein‐protein and protein‐DNA complexes, respectively. The conformational selection (sampling prior to docking) has the highest impact on the quality of the docked models for the protein‐protein complexes. The induced‐fit stage of the pipeline (post‐sampling), however, improved the quality of the final models for the protein‐DNA complexes. Compared to previously described strategies to handle conformational changes, ClustENM‐HADDOCK performs better than two‐body docking in protein‐protein cases but worse than a flexible multidomain docking approach. However, it does show a better or similar performance compared to previous protein‐DNA docking approaches, which makes it a suitable alternative.
The structural details of the interaction of single‐stranded DNA binding protein hSSB2 (NABP1/OBFC2A) with UV‐damaged DNA
Authors: Lawson Teegan , El‐Kamand Serene , Boucher Didier , Duong Duc Cong , Kariawasam Ruvini , Bonvin Alexandre M. J. J. , Richard Derek J. , Gamsjaeger Roland , Cubeddu Liza
Published: August 2019

Single‐stranded DNA‐binding proteins (SSBs) are required for all known DNA metabolic events such as DNA replication, recombination and repair. While a wealth of structural and functional data is available on the essential human SSB, hSSB1 (NABP2/OBFC2B), the close homolog hSSB2 (NABP1/OBFC2A) remains relatively uncharacterized. Both SSBs possess a well‐structured OB (oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide‐binding) domain that is able to recognize single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) followed by a flexible carboxyl‐tail implicated in the interaction with other proteins. Despite the high sequence similarity of the OB domain, several recent studies have revealed distinct functional differences between hSSB1 and hSSB2. In this study, we show that hSSB2 is able to recognize cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) that form in cellular DNA as a consequence of UV damage. Using a combination of biolayer interferometry and NMR, we determine the molecular details of the binding of the OB domain of hSSB2 to CPD‐containing ssDNA, confirming the role of four key aromatic residues in hSSB2 (W59, Y78, W82, and Y89) that are also conserved in hSSB1. Our structural data thus demonstrate that ssDNA recognition by the OB fold of hSSB2 is highly similar to hSSB1, indicating that one SSB may be able to replace the other in any initial ssDNA binding event. However, any subsequent recruitment of other repair proteins most likely depends on the divergent carboxyl‐tail and as such is likely to be different between hSSB1 and hSSB2.
Toward High‐Performance Diamond Electronics: Control and Annihilation of Dislocation Propagation by Metal‐Assisted Termination
Authors: Ohmagari Shinya , Yamada Hideaki , Tsubouchi Nobuteru , Umezawa Hitoshi , Chayahara Akiyoshi , Mokuno Yoshiaki , Takeuchi Daisuke
Published: August 2019

A major obstacle limiting diamond electronics is dislocations, which deteriorate device properties. As threading dislocations (TDs) are normally inherited from the substrate to the epitaxial layer, control and annihilation of their propagation are important. Herein, metal‐assisted termination (MAT), in which the propagation of dislocations is suppressed by in situ metal doping, is proposed. Heavy W doping is realized by a hot‐filament (HF) chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using heated wires at a high temperature of >2400‐K. A large reduction of TD density is confirmed by cathodoluminescence studies and etch‐pit analysis. The impact of dislocation reduction is investigated electrically. After insertion of the MAT buffer layer, Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) show improved rectifying action and highly uniform characteristics even when substrates with high dislocation densities (mosaic and heteroepitaxial wafers) are used. The 3D structure of dislocation propagation is successfully captured by two‐photon‐excited photoluminescence (2PPL) imaging of Band‐A luminescence. The 2PPL Band‐A luminescence (without band‐edge excitation) shows high spatial resolution in the depth direction. An abrupt decrease in TD density is captured for heteroepitaxial substrates with an inserted MAT buffer layer. The MAT technique provides an effective approach to realize high‐performance diamond electronics.
Erdheim‐Chester disease progression from miliary pulmonary nodules to large tumours
Authors: Shiihara Jun , Ohta Hiromitsu , Ikeda Satoshi , Baba Tomohisa , Okudera Koji , Ogura Takashi
Published: August 2019

Erdheim‐Chester disease (ECD), a rare form of non‐Langerhans cell histiocytosis, affects long bones, the retroperitoneal region, and the central nervous, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems. Most patients with ECD show interlobular septal thickening, centrilobular micronodules, and ground glass opacities on chest computed tomography (CT). We encountered a 66‐year‐old man with ECD who presented at first visit with randomly distributed multiple pulmonary nodules and who then developed large tumour shadows, observed on chest CT. To our knowledge, this random distribution pattern of multiple pulmonary nodules has not previously been reported.
Switched adaptation strategies for integral sliding mode control: Theory and application
Authors: Incremona Gian Paolo , Strada Silvia Carla , Tanelli Mara , Ferrara Antonella
Published: August 2019

Integral sliding mode (SM) control is an interesting approach, as it can maintain the good chattering alleviation property of higher‐order SMs while making the reaching phase less critical and keeping the controlled system trajectory on a suitably selected sliding manifold since the initial time instant. In order to make such a method more robust and to improve its flexibility by the adaptation of its parameters to the current system condition, in this paper, a switched strategy is proposed. Specifically, the suboptimal Second‐order SM algorithm is considered as a basis in its integral formulation, and the switching strategy is designed by partitioning the so‐called auxiliary system state space in a finite number of regions. The proposed method allows one to improve the transient performance by adapting the gains through these regions, thus implying an energy saving capability. The proposal is theoretically analyzed and, in order to test its performance, the control of the lateral dynamics of ground vehicles is used as a case study. Specifically, yaw‐rate tracking is considered, as it is made difficult by parametric uncertainties and nonlinear effects that arise especially with large steering angles. Extensive simulation tests are carried out using standard validation maneuvers, which favorably witness the performance of the new control algorithm.
A general approach to detect gene (G)‐environment (E) additive interaction leveraging G‐E independence in case‐control studies
Authors: Tchetgen Tchetgen Eric J. , Shi Xu , Wong Benedict H.W. , Sofer Tamar
Published: August 2019

It is increasingly of interest in statistical genetics to test for the presence of an additive interaction between genetic (G) and environmental (E) risk factors. In case‐control studies involving a rare disease, a statistical test of no additive G×E interaction typically entails a test of no relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI). It has been shown that a likelihood ratio test of a null RERI incorporating the G‐E independence assumption (RERI‐LRT) outperforms the standard approach. The RERI‐LRT relies on correct specification of a logistic model for the binary outcome, as a function of G, E, and auxiliary covariates. However, when at least one exposure is not categorical or auxiliary covariates are present, nonparametric estimation may not be feasible, while parametric logistic regression will a priori rule out the null hypothesis of no additive interaction in most practical situations, inflating type I error rate. In this paper, we present a general approach to test for G × E additive interaction exploiting G‐E independence. Unlike the RERI‐LRT, it allows the regression model for the binary outcome to remain unrestricted, and nonetheless still allows for covariate adjustment in order to ensure the G‐E independence assumption or to rule out residual confounding. The methods are illustrated through extensive simulation studies and an ovarian cancer study.
Factors affecting the adoption of systems thinking
Authors: Siriram Rajenlall
Published: August 2019

Systems' thinking has received considerable attention over the last several decades; however, the adoption of systems thinking as an approach to creating competitive advantages is still lagging. The objective of this research is to test whether the adoption of systems thinking leads to an organization's competitive capabilities and the quality of the products produced. An investigative model linking the organizational factors of systems thinking (i.e., institutional efficacy, self‐efficacy, organizational and environmental evolution, and organizational culture and climate) to the organization's competitive capabilities and quality of the products is proposed. Structural equation modelling is used to test the model. Thirteen hypotheses are tested, of which seven are accepted. The sample consists of 130 organizations. Six constructs (i.e., institutional efficacy, self‐efficacy, organizational and environmental evolution, organizational culture and climate, competitive capabilities, and the quality off products) are tested, providing important lessons for managers and researchers in systems thinking.
Temperature Control Optimization in a Steel‐Making Continuous Casting Process Using a Multimodal Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Song Gi Woung , Tama Bayu Adhi , Park Jaewan , Hwang Jeong Yeon , Bang Jonggeun , Park Seong Jin , Lee Seungchul
Published: August 2019

Continuous casting is the process of concretion of hot molten liquid in a continuous groundwork. As the process of secondary cooling has a critical impact on strand surface quality and casting productivity, the temperature control has always been a major issue in steel industry. Herein, a hybrid model of convolutional neural network (CNN) and deep neural network (DNN) for addressing an inverse problem of continuous casting process, is dealt with. The temperature data obtained from finite differential method (FDM)‐based simulation is used as image inputs of CNN, whereas DNN receives some process condition parameters, e.g., initial temperature, steel size, and carbon weight for its input layer. The final nodes of the two‐architecture models are concatenated using fully connected layer to predict the final outcomes, e.g., cooling temperature zones. The proposed model demonstrates a significant performance improvement against GoogLeNet—artificial neural network (ANN) hybrid and traditional neural network, while learning the temperature distribution. Furthermore, an optimal model is chosen from a number of hyper‐parameter settings during the learning process. The proposed model is not only able to overcome the limitations of aforementioned models but also able to reasonably reduce both the computational time and prediction error.
Experimental study on direct tension behavior of concrete through combined digital image correlation and acoustic emission techniques
Authors: Guo Yuzhu , Chen Xudong , Yang Hanqing , Hu Liangpeng , Zhang Jinhua , Fan Xiangqian
Published: August 2019

In order to investigate the fracture behavior of plain concrete under tensile load, uniaxial tensile test of plain concrete cylinder is carried out in this paper. Acoustic emission (AE) and 3D digital image correlation (3D DIC) are used to measure the internal acoustic emission signal and the surface deformation characteristics of the specimen. Before the tensile stress comes close to the peak, there is very little acoustic emission signal inside the specimen. When the tensile stress reaches the peak, the acoustic emission signal inside the specimen begins to increase dramatically, and the number of microcracks on the surface of the specimen increases and the crack width expands gradually. The experimental results are as follows: Acoustic emission can monitor the internal fracture damage of the specimen. The microcracks and macrocracks on the surface of the specimen can be monitored sensitively by 3D DIC. And the test results of the two methods are basically consistent and complementary. These results can provide some reference for the research of plain concrete under tensile load.
Hunting interacts with socio‐demographic predictors of human perceptions of urban coyotes
Authors: Drake Michael D. , Peterson M. Nils , Griffith Emily H. , Olfenbuttel Colleen , Moorman Christopher E. , Deperno Christopher S.
Published: August 2019

Recent research suggests hunting participation interacts with other variables (e.g., bird‐watching participation) to shape attitudes about wildlife. We build on this research by evaluating how hunting participation interacted with key variables to predict affectual attitudes toward coyotes (Canis latrans), support for coyotes on the landscape, and support for coyote management approaches in urban North Carolina, USA. We conducted surveys of urban hunters and nonhunting urban residents during 2015, and modeled relationships between respondent attributes and perceptions of coyotes. Among nonhunters, men liked coyotes more than women did, but the relationship was reversed among hunters. Similarly, men supported killing coyotes more than women did, but the difference was less pronounced among hunters. Pet owners liked coyotes and opposed killing coyotes more than non–pet owners did, but those differences disappeared among hunters. Having a rural background predicted lower tolerance for coyotes among hunters but not nonhunters. Finally, age was negatively related to support for lethal coyote management among hunters but positively related to support among nonhunters. Participation in hunting may moderate how socio‐demographic variables predict perceptions of coyotes and change or reverse previously described relationships between these variables and perceptions of wildlife. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
A phase I study of enfortumab vedotin in Japanese patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Takahashi Shunji , Uemura Motohide , Kimura Tomokazu , Kawasaki Yoshihide , Takamoto Atsushi , Yamaguchi Akito , Melhem-Bertrandt Amal , Gartner Elaina M. , Inoue Takashi , Akazawa Rio , Kadokura Takeshi , Tanikawa Toshiki
Published: August 2019

Locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer is an aggressive form of cancer with high recurrence rates and low survival. Nectin-4 is a cell adhesion molecule commonly expressed in several tumors, including high expression in urothelial cancer. Enfortumab vedotin is an antibody–drug conjugate composed of an anti-Nectin-4 humanized monoclonal antibody linked to the microtubule disrupting agent, monomethyl auristatin E. In this phase I study (NCT03070990), Japanese patients with locally advanced/metastatic urothelial cancer treated with prior chemotherapy, or ineligible for cisplatin, were randomized 1:1 to receive 1.0 mg/kg (Arm A) or 1.25 mg/kg (Arm B) enfortumab vedotin on Days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day cycle. Assessing the pharmacokinetic and safety/tolerability profiles of enfortumab vedotin were primary objectives; investigator-assessed antitumor activity (RECIST v1.1) was a secondary objective. Seventeen patients (n = 9, Arm A; n = 8, Arm B) received treatment. Pharmacokinetic data suggest a dose-dependent increase in enfortumab vedotin maximum concentration and area under the concentration–time curve at Day 7. Enfortumab vedotin was well tolerated across both doses. Dysgeusia and alopecia (n = 9 each) were the most common treatment-related adverse events. Regardless of attribution, grade ≥ 3 adverse events occurring in ≥2 patients were anemia and hypertension (n = 2 each). One patient achieved a confirmed complete response (Arm A) and five achieved confirmed partial responses (n = 3, Arm A; n = 2, Arm B). Objective response and disease control rates were 35.3% and 76.5%, respectively. In Japanese patients with locally advanced/metastatic urothelial cancer, enfortumab vedotin is well tolerated with preliminary antitumor activity and a pharmacokinetic profile consistent with prior reports.
Real-time bit wear prediction using mud logger data with mathematical approaches
Authors: Yang Hongpeng , Zhao Hongkai , Kottapurath Suresh
Published: August 2019

Nowadays, the success of drilling operations has become more sensitive to cost control. As one of the most effective cost reductions is the elimination of extra trips, real-time bit wear prediction has been a challenge for appropriate decision-making in drilling operations to reach the highest drilling performance and avoid serious bit issues. This present study shows the combination of mechanical specific energy (MSE), principal component analysis (PCA) and wavelet analysis in real-time bit wear prediction with mud logger data for the Kymera bit. The aforementioned mathematical approaches were combined with the traditional MSE method to monitor the drilling efficiency, especially to eliminate the loss of cone. Novel analytical approaches like PCA and wavelet analysis were introduced to predict the real-time bit wear grade for PDC part of the Kymera bit. Two field cases with several applications were selected for this study to illustrate the advantages of the aforementioned methods and demonstrate their efficiency in bit wear prediction. The first case study shows the bit wear prediction at pulling depth as Grade 5, while the actual dull grade of PDC part is Grade 5-5 without losing the cone. The second case study shows the bit wear prediction at the pulling depth is Grade 1, while the actual dull grade of PDC part is Grade 1-1 without losing the cone. The novelty of this bit wear prediction model is the ability to predict the Kymera bit wear in real time using mathematical approaches with practical applications and valid results in the mentioned study area.
Exome Sequencing Identifies RET Associated Hirschsprung Disease in a Fetus with Echogenic Bowel
Authors: Nerakh Gayatri , Tandon Ashwani , Dalal Ashwin , Aggarwal Shagun
Published: August 2019

This is report of a case of RET associated Hirschsprung disease in a fetus diagnosed using exome sequencing. The fetus initially presented with echogenic bowel at 16 weeks with maternal first trimester serum screen showing increased risk for Trisomy 21. Amniotic fluid karyotype, ΔF508 CFTR genotype and maternal TORCH serology were normal. Subsequent ultrasonograms showed dilated bowel loops, predominantly large bowel. Following delivery at 24 weeks, a post-mortem examination was performed. Dilated bowel was confirmed with no structural gut abnormality and no other dysmorphic finding. Histopathology revealed agangliosis confirming a diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease. Exome sequencing done on fetal DNA from amniotic fluid revealed a putative pathogenic heterozygous c.1438G > A variant in exon 7 of RET gene, which was inherited from the asymptomatic mother. This enabled genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in subsequent pregnancy.
Care of Archaeological Materials Begins in the Field
Authors: Nielsen-Grimm Glenna , Haynie Robyn
Published: August 2019

Care of archaeological materials should begin when recovered in the field. Care and stabilization of objects in the field will greatly increase their research and exhibit potential. Identifying problems and understanding basic solutions to object care and stabilization is an important part of training for all potential object handlers. Proper care and stabilization of objects can and should be a priority for all object users—excavators, lab analysts, museum staff, and researchers. Constant dialogue and communication between repository specialists and archaeologists can be the most useful source for care of all archaeological objects.
Pesticide Contamination and Archaeological Collections: Contextual Information for Preparing a Pesticide History
Authors: Odegaard Nancy
Published: August 2019

The issue of pesticide-contaminated archaeological collections has generated concern among staff in collecting institutions. Pesticides have long been used, but the awareness of their unseen persistence and their potential as a human health hazard is a new aspect of preventive conservation. Background information and guidelines for developing a pesticide history are provided for repositories, museums, cultural resource management companies in the private and public sectors, academia, and other public collections.
“History Is Our Playground”: Action and Authenticity in Assassin's Creed: Odyssey
Authors: Politopoulos Aris , Mol Angus A. A. , Boom Krijn H. J. , Ariese Csilla E.
Published: August 2019

Overview

Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed series is one the entertainment industry's most popular titles set in the past. With a new game released on an annual basis—each full of distinct historical places, events, and people—the series has unfolded across post-classical history, from the Levant during the Third Crusade to Victorian-era London. The 2017 release of Assassin's Creed: Origins, which entailed a massive reconstruction of Hellenistic Egypt, pushed the series even further back in time. With it, Ubisoft also launched its Discovery Tour, allowing players to explore the game's setting at their leisure and without combat. These trends continued in 2018's Assassin's Creed: Odyssey, set in Greece during the Peloponnesian War. This review discusses the narrative, world, and gameplay of the latest Assassin's Creed within the series more broadly. We provide a critical appraisal of the experience that Odyssey offers and link it to this question: in the Assassin's Creed series, do we engage in meaningful play with the past, or are we simply assassinating our way through history?
Adapt or Perish? How Parties Respond to Party System Saturation in 21 Western Democracies, 1945–2011
Authors: van de Wardt Marc , van Witteloostuijn Arjen
Published: August 2019

This study examines whether (and how) parties adapt to party system saturation (PSS). A party system is oversaturated when a higher effective number of parties contests elections than predicted. Previous research has shown that parties are more likely to exit when party systems are oversaturated. This article examines whether parties will adapt by increasing the nicheness of their policy platform, by forming electoral alliances or by merging. Based on time-series analyses of 522 parties contesting 357 elections in twenty-one established Western democracies between 1945 and 2011, the study finds that parties are more likely to enter – and less likely to leave – electoral alliances if PSS increases. Additionally, a small share of older parties will merge. The results highlight parties’ limited capacity to adapt to their environments, which has important implications for the literature on party (system) change and models of electoral competition.
Can post-milking insemination increase conception rate in high-producing Holstein cows under heat stress? A retrospective study
Authors: Rahbar R. , Sadeghi-Sefidmazgi A. , Abdullahpour R. , Nejati-Javaremi A.
Published: August 2019

Heat stress, especially in countries with hot climates, is a major cause of low fertility in high-producing dairy herds. Management strategies are needed to help producers improve the reproductive performance of their dairy animals under such conditions. The current study aims to evaluate the effects of pre- and post-milking insemination on the conception rate (CR) in dairy cows. The dataset included 1294 insemination records leading to pregnancy in 708 lactating Holstein dairy cows. The GLIMMIX model procedure of SAS based on the generalized linear mixed model methodology was used to analyse the results of insemination (success or failure) as a binomial distribution with the logit link function. Differences were observed in CRs between pre- and post-milking insemination. The pregnancy odds ratio (OR) for post-milking insemination relative to that for pre-milking one was estimated at 1.90 [1.23‒2.91; 95% confidence interval (CI)]. Different levels of interaction were obtained between average daily milk production and time of insemination. In the high-producing group, the pregnancy OR for the post-milking relative to that for the pre-milking insemination was estimated at 3.53 (2.00‒6.24; 95% CI). A significant interaction effect was obtained between insemination time and the temperature-humidity index. A pregnancy OR of 2.52 (1.22‒4.14; 95% CI) was recorded for the cows inseminated after milking on days with higher levels of heat and humidity stress v. the pre-milking inseminated ones. Based on the results, post-milking insemination of high-producing cows increased CRs, especially on days with high heat and humidity stress.
Is the mind-body relationship mysterious?
Authors: Charlton William
Published: August 2019

Why do some philosophers (Nagel, McGinn, Chomsky), despite all we know about evolution and embryology, think that consciousness makes the mind-body relation a problem still unsolved and perhaps insoluble by those with human brains? They ask how consciousness arises in matter, not in living organisms, whereas non-philosophers ask how far down the ladder of life it extends and when it arises in individuals of sentient and intelligent species. They desire the privacy of Locke's closet, furnished with phenomenological properties; and besides replacing Aristotle's ‘folk’ conception of causation by Hume's, they mathematicise physical explanation in line with Newton's First Law of Motion. Non-philosophers operate with ‘vague’ concepts of life, sentience and intelligence which allow them to treat these things as truly and naturally emergent. Machines that perform intelligent tasks are no more conscious of the reasons for their movements than actors performing them on the stage.
An update on the efficacy of anti-inflammatory agents for patients with schizophrenia: a meta-analysis
Authors: Çakici N. , van Beveren N. J. M. , Judge-Hundal G. , Koola M. M. , Sommer I. E. C.
Published: August 2019

Background

Accumulating evidence shows that a propensity towards a pro-inflammatory status in the brain plays an important role in schizophrenia. Anti-inflammatory drugs might compensate this propensity. This study provides an update regarding the efficacy of agents with some anti-inflammatory actions for schizophrenia symptoms tested in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

PubMed, Embase, the National Institutes of Health website (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov), and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were systematically searched for RCTs that investigated clinical outcomes.

Results

Our search yielded 56 studies that provided information on the efficacy of the following components on symptom severity: aspirin, bexarotene, celecoxib, davunetide, dextromethorphan, estrogens, fatty acids, melatonin, minocycline, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), pioglitazone, piracetam, pregnenolone, statins, varenicline, and withania somnifera extract. The results of aspirin [mean weighted effect size (ES): 0.30;n= 270; 95% CI (CI) 0.06–0.54], estrogens (ES: 0.78;n= 723; CI 0.36–1.19), minocycline (ES: 0.40;n= 946; CI 0.11–0.68), and NAC (ES: 1.00;n= 442; CI 0.60–1.41) were significant in meta-analysis of at least two studies. Subgroup analysis yielded larger positive effects for first-episode psychosis (FEP) or early-phase schizophrenia studies. Bexarotene, celecoxib, davunetide, dextromethorphan, fatty acids, pregnenolone, statins, and varenicline showed no significant effect.

Conclusions

Some, but not all agents with anti-inflammatory properties showed efficacy. Effective agents were aspirin, estrogens, minocycline, and NAC. We observed greater beneficial results on symptom severity in FEP or early-phase schizophrenia.
Electron-Excited X-ray Microanalysis by Energy Dispersive Spectrometry at 50: Analytical Accuracy, Precision, Trace Sensitivity, and Quantitative Compositional Mapping
Authors: Newbury Dale E. , Ritchie Nicholas W.M.
Published: August 2019

2018 marked the 50th anniversary of the introduction of energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) with semiconductor detectors to electron-excited X-ray microanalysis. Initially useful for qualitative analysis, EDS has developed into a fully quantitative analytical tool that can match wavelength dispersive spectrometry for accuracy in the determination of major (mass concentration C > 0.1) and minor (0.01 ≤ C ≤ 0.1) constituents, and useful accuracy can extend well into the trace (0.001 < C < 0.01) constituent range even when severe peak interference occurs. Accurate analysis is possible for low atomic number elements (B, C, N, O, and F), and at low beam energy, which can optimize lateral and depth spatial resolution. By recording a full EDS spectrum at each picture element of a scan, comprehensive quantitative compositional mapping can also be performed.
VIRTUALLY FIBERING RIGHT-ANGLED COXETER GROUPS
Authors: Jankiewicz Kasia , Norin Sergey , Wise Daniel T.
Published: August 2019

We show that certain right-angled Coxeter groups have finite index subgroups that quotient to$\mathbb{Z}$with finitely generated kernels. The proof uses Bestvina–Brady Morse theory facilitated by combinatorial arguments. We describe a variety of examples where the plan succeeds or fails. Among the successful examples are the right-angled reflection groups in$\mathbb{H}^{4}$with fundamental domain the 120-cell or the 24-cell.
Regulating private medical institutions: a case study of China
Authors: Liu Ziyu
Published: August 2019

The expansion of privatisation in health care has been discussed extensively in most European countries and remains a hot topic nowadays. In China, privatisation results in considerable changes in its health care system, especially accelerating the ever-growing private medical institutions (PMIs). The rapid growth of PMIs raises the question of regulation for the Chinese government. Given the fact that few studies are available on the regulation of PMIs in China, I attempted to fill that gap by discussing the development of PMIs with a special focus on legal–regulatory strategies. After assessing current legal–regulatory strategies concerning PMIs, the paper identifies three major concerns regarding effective legal rules (i.e. weak coherence, inconsistency and legislative vacancy) and three difficult issues regarding government capacity (i.e. the negative effects of decentralised political structure, the low professionalism of bureaucrats and lack of reliability) that impede the well-functioning of regulatory agencies in China. As a plausible response, the paper recommends that the newly drafted basic health law should assign a separate chapter to regulate PMIs and also an independent regulatory body should be established to manage the issues of PMIs in China. Detailed recommendations are the practical implications of ICESCR General Comment No. 14.
Weed control efficacy and tolerance of Canaan fir to preemergence herbicides
Authors: Aulakh Jatinder S.
Published: August 2019

PRE herbicides are the backbone of a successful weed management program in Christmas tree production. In a 2-yr field study, weed control efficacy and tolerance of newly transplanted Canaan fir to different PRE treatments were evaluated. Herbicide treatments consisted of two rates of each of atrazine plus mesotrione plus S-metolachlor at 561 + 150 + 1,504 and 1,122 + 300 + 3,008 g ai ha−1, flumioxazin at 214 and 429 g ai ha−1, hexazinone plus sulfometuron methyl at 289 + 27 and 480 + 46 g ai ha−1, indaziflam at 20 and 41 g ai ha−1, simazine plus oryzalin at 3,366 + 1,683 and 3,366 + 3,366 g ai ha−1, and a nontreated control. Averaged over 2 yr, all PRE treatments controlled giant foxtail, large crabgrass, and redroot pigweed at least 80% throughout the summer. Only the high rates of atrazine plus mesotrione plus S-metolachlor maintained >80% season-long control of yellow foxtail. Horseweed was controlled >85% with flumioxazin at both rates and at high rates of atrazine plus mesotrione plus S-metolachlor, hexazinone plus sulfometuron methyl, and indaziflam. The season-long PRE control of both red sorrel and wild carrot was maintained ≥80% with atrazine plus mesotrione plus S-metolachlor and hexazinone plus sulfometuron methyl regardless of application rate. By 16 wk after treatment, within-row densities of weeds evaluated in this study were reduced >75% in plots treated with atrazine plus mesotrione plus S-metolachlor at both application rates or hexazinone plus sulfometuron methyl at 480 + 46 g ai ha−1. Within-row weed densities in the nontreated control plots were 50, 32, 36, 25, 27, 31, and 19 plants m−2 for large crabgrass, giant foxtail, horseweed, redroot pigweed, red sorrel, wild carrot, and yellow foxtail, respectively. No discernible injury was observed in Canaan fir with any PRE treatment in both study years.
Weed community structure and soybean yields in a long-term organic cropping systems experiment
Authors: Ball Margaret G. , Caldwell Brian A. , DiTommaso Antonio , Drinkwater Laurie E. , Mohler Charles L. , Smith Richard G. , Ryan Matthew R.
Published: August 2019

Weed management is a major challenge in organic crop production, and organic farms generally harbor larger weed populations and more diverse communities compared with conventional farms. However, little research has been conducted on the effects of different organic management practices on weed communities and crop yields. In 2014 and 2015, we measured weed community structure and soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] yield in a long-term experiment that compared four organic cropping systems that differed in nutrient inputs, tillage, and weed management intensity: (1) high fertility (HF), (2) low fertility (LF), (3) enhanced weed management (EWM), and (4) reduced tillage (RT). In addition, we created weed-free subplots within each system to assess the impact of weeds on soybean yield. Weed density was greater in the LF and RT systems compared with the EWM system, but weed biomass did not differ among systems. Weed species richness was greater in the RT system compared with the EWM system, and weed community composition differed between RT and other systems. Our results show that differences in weed community structure were primarily related to differences in tillage intensity, rather than nutrient inputs. Soybean yield was lower in the EWM system compared with the HF and RT systems. When averaged across all four cropping systems and both years, soybean yield in weed-free subplots was 10% greater than soybean yield in the ambient weed subplots that received standard management practices for the systems in which they were located. Although weed competition limited soybean yield across all systems, the EWM system, which had the lowest weed density, also had the lowest soybean yield. Future research should aim to overcome such trade-offs between weed control and yield potential, while conserving weed species richness and the ecosystem services associated with increased weed diversity.
The influence of winter annual grass litter on herbicide availability
Authors: Clark Shannon L. , da Silva Paulo V. , Dayan Franck E. , Nissen Scott J. , Sebastian Derek J.
Published: August 2019

Invasive winter annual grass infestations on rangeland accumulate large quantities of litter on the soil surface, as plants senesce yearly and decompose slowly. It has been speculated that winter annual grass litter can adsorb soil-active herbicides and reduce overall performance. Three experiments were conducted from 2017 to 2018 at the Colorado State University Weed Research Laboratory to evaluate interception and subsequent desorption of herbicides applied to litter from three invasive winter annual grass species with simulated rainfall. Imazapic, rimsulfuron, and indaziflam were applied to medusahead [Taeniatherum caput-medusae(L.) Nevski], ventenata [Ventenata dubia(Leers) Coss.], and downy brome (Bromus tectorumL.) litter at two amounts (equivalent to 1,300 and 2,600 kg ha−1). Rainfall was simulated at 3, 6, 12, and 24 mm at 0, 1, and 7 d after herbicide application. Herbicide concentration from the collected rainfall was measured using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. At 2,600 kg ha−1,B. tectorumherbicide interception was 84.3%, whileV. dubiaandT. caput-medusaeaveraged 76% herbicide interception. There were no differences in desorption among the three litter types. Simulated rainfall at 0 d after application recovered 100% of the intercepted rimsulfuron and imazapic fromB. tectorumlitter, while recovery decreased to 65% with rainfall at 1 or 7 d after application. Only 54% of indaziflam could be recovered at 0 d, and recovery decreased to 33% when rainfall was applied at 1 or 7 d after application. Applying soil-active herbicides before forecasted rain or tank mixing with a POST herbicide to provide initial control could potentially increase the amount of herbicide reaching the soil and provide more consistent invasive winter annual grass control.