bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly flame retardant and bio‐based rigid polyurethane foams derived from orange peel oil
Authors: Zhang C. , Bhoyate Sanket , Ionescu M. , Kahol P. K. , Gupta Ram K.
Published: January 2018

Limonene dimercaptan (LDM), an orange peel oil‐based derivative, and glycerol‐1‐allyl ether (GAE) were used to synthesize bio‐based polyol (LDM‐GAE) using one step photochemical thiol‐ene reaction. The synthesized polyol was used to prepare flame retardant polyurethane foams using dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP) as an additive flame retardant (AFR) and a new bromine containing reactive flame retardant (RFR) derived from 2,4,6‐tribromophenol. Both flame retardants lead to rigid polyurethane foams with excellent physical‐mechanical properties with a short self‐extinguishing time (7.5 and 12.8 sec for DMMP and bromine‐based foams, respectively) and with low weight loss after burning. The reactive bromine polyol lead to rigid polyurethanes with better physical‐mechanical properties than those of foams based on AFR with phosphorous, but the flame retardant properties of foams prepared using AFR are superior to the foams prepared using bromine polyol (RFR). Low addition of DMMP is sufficient to reduce the flammability of polyurethane foam without compromising its physical‐mechanical properties. These flame retardant rigid polyurethane foams based on limonene dimercaptan can be used in all applications of rigid polyurethane foams especially where flammability is an issue such as for insulation of buildings. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:2078–2087, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
SnO2 Functionalized Polyethylene Separator with Enhanced Thermal Stability for High Performance Lithium Ion Battery
Authors: Xiang Yinyu , Zhu Wenyi , Qiu Weijian , Guo Wei , Lei Jiaheng , Liu Dan , Qu Deyu , Xie Zhizhong , Tang Haolin , Li Junsheng
Published: January 2018

Improving the thermal stability and electrolyte affinity of the separator is critical for enhancing the performance of lithium ion batteries. A novel SnO2 nanoparticle functionalized polyethylene separator prepared through a facile blade coating process is reported. The SnO2 functionalization effectively enhances the thermal stability of the separator. The functionalized separator could withstand a temperature up to 130 °C. In addition, the novel separator shows significantly improved electrochemical performance due to its good compatibility of the SnO2 layer with the electrolyte. As a result of these favourable features, the SnO2 functionalized separator presents excellent battery performance. The discharge capacity of the LiCoO2 half‐cell with the functionalized separator at 5C is improved by ∼13% at room temperature. Besides, the functionalized separator also exhibits superior discharge performance at 80 °C. These results demonstrate the high potential of the SnO2 functionalized separator for practical lithium ion battery applications.
Chiral Fe‐Dendrimer‐Catalyzed Domino Michael and Aldol Reactions of Chalcones with 1,4‐Dithiane‐2,5‐diol
Authors: Kannan Masanam , De Pinaki Bhusan , Pradhan Sourav , Punniyamurthy Tharmalingam
Published: January 2018

The synthesis and application of chiral dendrimer for the Fe‐catalyzed domino asymmetric sulfa‐Michael and aldol reactions of chalcones with 1,4‐dithiane‐2,5‐diol is described. Recyclable iron‐catalysis, selectivity and the simplified product isolation are the important features.
A Novel CoO1.6C0.7 Nanocomposite with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity and Stability for Hydrogen Evolution Achieved by Carbon Dots
Authors: Zhao Juan , Liu Chang'an , Wang Huibo , Huang Hui , Liu Yang , Kang Zhenhui
Published: January 2018

Utilizing semiconductor photocatalysts and solar energy for hydrogen evolution is an ideal way to solve the energy shortage and environmental pollution problem in the future. The CoO as photocatalyst with high solar‐to‐hydrogen efficiency has attracted wide attention, but its stability is low. Herein, we designed a disordered CoO1.6C0.7 nanocomposite as photocatalyst, which exhibits improved photocatalytic activity and stability for hydrogen evolution without sacrificial reagent compared with that of CoO1.2. By adding carbon dots (CDs) during the synthesis process, the obtained CoO1.6C0.7 nanocomposite as photocatalyst could acquire the H2 evolution rate about 2.6 μmol h−1 under visible light (λ> 420 nm), while the H2 evolution rate increased to 18.0 μmol h−1 when used triethanolamine (TEOA) as sacrificial reagent. Moreover, the disordered CoO1.6C0.7 photocatalyst displays excellent stability with more than 10 cycles. The improved photocatalytic activity and favorable stability of the disordered CoO1.6C0.7 can be attributed to the addition of CDs, which enhanced the light absorption and accelerated electron transfer.
Green Anti‐Solvent Processed Planar Perovskite Solar Cells with Efficiency Beyond 19%
Authors: Zhang Min , Wang Zenghua , Zhou Bin , Jia Xuguang , Ma Qingshan , Yuan Ningyi , Zheng Xiaojia , Ding Jianning , Zhang Wen‐Hua
Published: January 2018

Anti‐solvent assisted crystallization (ASAC) is currently one of the most widely used methods to obtain perovskite films with great quality due to its advantage of low cost and easy operation. The commonly used anti‐solvents, toluene, and chlorobenzene (CB), are well recognized to be contaminants in drinking water and exhibit high toxicity levels. It is desirable to develop environmentally benign solvents for the fabrication of perovskite solar cells by ASAC method. As a green solvent, methoxybenzene (PhOMe) has the advantages of low toxicity, moderate saturated vapor pressure, and similar solvent features with toluene and CB. Here, we report highly efficient planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs) prepared by ASAC method using PhOMe green anti‐solvent, achieving a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.42%, which is better than CB processed PSCs (19.09%). Compared to CB processed perovskite films, perovskites produced by PhOMe exhibit smoother surfaces, larger grains, and lower carrier recombination rates, while the crystallization and absorption features remain basically unchanged. These results demonstrate that PhOMe is an excellent anti‐solvent alternative for high‐quality perovskites and thus provide new opportunities for environmental‐friendly manufacturing of PSCs and other optoelectronic devices.
Anti‐Adhesion Mesh for Hernia Repair Based on Modified Bacterial Cellulose
Authors: Lai Chen , Hu Ke Su , Wang Qiao Li , Sheng Li Yuan , Zhang Shu J. , Zhang Yi
Published: January 2018

Polypropylene (PP) is the most widely used biomaterial for hernia repair despite its many problems related to over fibrosis. The current study is designed to evaluate and directly compare the biomechanics and anti‐adhesion properties of the novel, TEMPO(2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpyperidine‐1‐oxyl)‐mediated modified bacterial cellulose (TBC) mesh and the clinically used PP meshes. Laser perforation generates isotropic, flat and stable structures that prevent deformation under pressure and reduce the risk of potential bacterial colonization. In contrast to the PP mesh, the results of the in vitro study, which involve protein adsorption and cell–material interaction, suggest that TBC preferentially adsorbs bovine serum albumin (BSA) and enhances the expression of type I collagen in fibroblasts. TBC mesh cause less inflammation and is surrounded by newly formed connective tissue composed of type I collagen after implantation in a rabbit model for 1 week, demonstrating that the novel mesh is fully biocompatible and can integrate into surrounding tissues. From this study, TBC mesh may prove to be a viable clinical alternative to existing materials.
How to Explain the High Prices in Switzerland?
Authors: Sax Christoph , Weder Rolf
Published: January 2018

This article challenges the view that a lack of competition and a high level of regulations are the main causes of Switzerland’s high prices. First, we point out a number of stylized facts which are inconsistent with this popular view. Second, we econometrically asses the “competition-regulation hypothesis” together with the well-established determinants from the real exchange rate literature in a panel of 22 OECD countries from 1970 to 2004. We find that changes in the terms of trade and the degree of openness, and to a minor extent in government expenditures and the current account, explain the movements in the Swiss real exchange rate reasonably well over the last 35 years. Changes in regulations and competition as well as in relative productivities perform poorly as explanatory variables.
The evolution of top incomes in Switzerland over the 20th century
Authors: Schaltegger Christoph A. , Gorgas Christoph
Published: January 2018

We study the income concentration in the Swiss federation over the course of the 20thcentury using federal income tax statistics. The results suggest that top incomes in Switzerland evolved over time rather remaining constant across different income shares. Income concentration peaked during the 1940s, with a slight downward trend until the 1990s. Over the last 15 years, top incomes have recovered. In contrast, the evolution of income concentration is much more heterogeneous on the sub-federal level for the 26 cantons because of the federalist constitution, which has a decentralized taxing power. Consequently, top incomes in some cantons have a downward trend; others show a fall and rise of top incomes over the century, as exemplified by the Kuznets’ hypothesis; some develop rather constantly; and some cantons even produce a striking upward trend.
Undiagnosed Primary Hyperparathyroidism and Recurrent Miscarriage: The First Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: DiMarco Aimee , Christakis Ioannis , Constantinides Vasilis , Regan Lesley , Palazzo F. Fausto
Published: January 2018

Background

Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) in pregnancy is reported to be associated with significant maternal and foetal complications and an up to threefold increase in the risk of miscarriage. However, the true incidence of pHPT in pregnancy, complete and miscarried, is unknown and there are no data on the prevalence of undiagnosed pHPT in recurrent miscarriage (RM) (≥3 consecutive miscarriages under 24‐week gestation). This is the first prospective study aiming to establish the prevalence of undiagnosed pHPT in RM.

Methods

Following UK National ethics committee approval, women who had experienced 3 or more consecutive miscarriages were recruited from a nationwide RM clinic. Serum corrected calcium, phosphate, PTH and vitamin D were evaluated. Patients with raised serum calcium and/or PTH were recalled for confirmatory tests. Power calculations suggested that a minimum of 272 patients were required to demonstrate a clinically significant incidence of pHPT.

Results

Three hundred women were recruited, median age 35 years (range 19–42). Eleven patients had incomplete data, leaving 289 patients suitable for analysis; 50/289 patients (17%) with abnormal tests were recalled. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/l) and insufficiency (25–75 nmol/l) was 8.7 and 67.8%, respectively. One patient was diagnosed with pHPT (0.34%) and underwent successful parathyroidectomy.

Conclusions

The prevalence of undiagnosed pHPT (0.34%) in RM in this study appears to be many times greater than the 0.05% expected in this age group. The findings of this pilot study merit follow‐up with a larger‐scale study. Routine serum calcium estimation is not currently undertaken in RM and should be considered.
Heterozygosity–behavior and heterozygosity–fitness correlations in a salamander with limited dispersal
Authors: Liebgold Eric B. , Kramer Christian F. , Roomian Tamar C. , Dolezar Gina M. , Cabe Paul R.
Published: January 2018

Inbreeding and genetic drift can decrease genetic heterozygosity, and this low heterozygosity can depress fitness, resulting in heterozygosity–fitness correlations (HFCs). HFCs are typically small in magnitude, a result often attributed to power of the analyses. Animal behaviors often affect fitness and are often heritable to some degree. We hypothesized that heterozygosity influences behavior, which, in turn, potentially influences fitness. Specifically, in red‐backed salamanders, Plethodon cinereus, which have limited dispersal and the potential for inbreeding, we tested whether heterozygosity, as estimated from six microsatellite loci, affected home range size, juvenile growth, and survival. We found that salamanders with higher heterozygosity had larger home ranges and grew faster, which is indicative of reproductive success. However, we found no effects of heterozygosity on survival. We conclude that, because activity in P. cinereus is tightly linked to food uptake and mass gain, heterozygosity influences growth via effects on foraging behavior. Future research should investigate how the relationship between heterozygosity, behavior, and fitness may be affected or mediated by endocrine or immune systems.
Ductile Fracture Behaviour of Hot Isostatically Pressed Inconel 690 Superalloy
Authors: Cooper A. J. , Brayshaw W. J. , Sherry A. H.
Published: January 2018

Herein we assess the differences in Charpy impact behavior between Hot Isostatically Pressed and forged Inconel 690 alloy over the temperature range of 300 °C to − 196 °C. The impact toughness of forged 690 exhibited a relatively small temperature dependence, with a maximum difference of ca. 40 J measured between 300 °C and − 196 °C, whereas the HIP’d alloy exhibited a difference of approximately double that of the forged alloy over the same temperature range. We have conducted Charpy impact testing, tensile testing, and metallographic analyses on the as-received materials as well as fractography of the failed Charpy specimens in order to understand the mechanisms that cause the observed differences in material fracture properties. The work supports a recent series of studies which assess differences in fundamental fracture behavior between Hot Isostatically Pressed and forged austenitic stainless steel materials of equivalent grades, and the results obtained in this study are compared to those of the previous stainless steel investigations to paint a more general picture of the comparisons between HIP vs forged material fracture behavior. Inconel 690 was selected in this study since previous studies were unable to completely omit the effects of strain-induced martensitic transformation at the tip of the Chary V-notch from the fracture mechanism; Inconel 690 is unable to undergo strain-induced martensitic transformation due to the alloy’s high nickel content, thereby providing a sister study with the omission of any martensitic transformation effects on ductile fracture behavior.
Two-year results after coronary stenting of small vessels in Japanese population using 2.25-mm diameter sirolimus-eluting stent with bioresorbable polymer: primary and long-term outcomes of CENTURY JSV study
Authors: Saito Shigeru , Ando Kenji , Ito Yoshiaki , Tobaru Tetsuya , Yajima Junji , Kimura Takeshi , Kadota Kazushige
Published: January 2018

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in coronary artery disease (CAD) with very small vessels remains challenging. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the 2.25-mm diameter Ultimaster sirolimus-eluting stent in the treatment of Japanese patients with CAD due to lesions in very small vessels. The CENTURY JSV study is a prospective, multicentre, single-arm study. Seventy patients with lesions deemed suitable for implantation of a 2.25-mm diameter stent were enrolled at seven hospitals in Japan. Patients underwent clinical follow-up at 1-, 9-month, 1-, and 2-year after the PCI procedure. The primary endpoint was the major adverse cardiac event (MACE), a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (MI), and clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) free rate at 9-month following the procedure. The MACE-free rate was 97.1%, and the lower limit of the two-sided 95% confidence interval (CI) was 90.1%, which exceeded the threshold of 80% set as the performance goal. Angiographic in-stent and in-segment late loss at 9-month were 0.22 ± 0.31 and − 0.02 ± 0.34 mm, respectively. Between 9 months and 2 years, two additional TLRs occurred. Stent thrombosis, bleeding and vascular complication did not occur throughout 2 years. The 2.25-mm diameter Ultimaster® bioresorbable-polymer sirolimus-eluting stent is safe and effective for treating lesions in very small coronary arteries throughout 2 years after stent implantation.

Clinical trial registration: UMIN000012928.
Friction and wear of sand-contaminated lubricated sliding
Authors: Ramadan Mohamed Ahmed
Published: January 2018

This paper reports a test investigation of friction and wear responses from sand contaminated lubricated sliding. The influence of sand contaminants on wear and friction is characterized. Analyses are completed utilizing segments of piston ring sliding against the cylinder liner. Paraffin oil, with and without sand contaminants, is utilized. The effects of the concentration and particle size of sand are examined.

Based on the observations in the present work, we found that friction and wear increase with sand concentration in the lube. Solid proposals ought to be considered, in order to enlighten the general population on the importance of changing a car engine’s oil filter regularly.
A NEW HISTORY OF COMMUNITY FORMATION AND CHANGE AT KOLOMOKI (9ER1)
Authors: Pluckhahn Thomas J. , Menz Martin , West Shaun E. , Wallis Neill J.
Published: January 2018

We present a revised chronology for the Kolomoki site (9ER1) in Georgia, occupied primarily during the Middle and Late Woodland periods (ca. 200 BC to AD 1050). The considerable extent of the site has been noted for more than a century but came into sharper focus with the archaeological investigations by Sears (1956) and Pluckhahn (2003). The site includes at least nine mounds, a large central plaza, and a discontinuous habitation area nearly a kilometer in diameter. Previous interpretations assumed gradual and incremental changes in the community plan. We present a greatly revised chronology, based on new investigations in some of the lesser-known portions of the site and a doubling of the number of absolute dates. Bayesian modeling of these and previous dates reveals that, far from the gradualist assumption of previous work, the community at Kolomoki was dynamically transformed several times in its history, reaching its greatest spatial extent and formal complexity in two relatively short-lived phases. In these intervals, the village incorporated permanent residents and visitors into a single community in which daily face-to-face interactions were minimized even as communal identity was celebrated.
Cell-free DNA: the role in pathophysiology and as a biomarker in kidney diseases
Authors: Celec Peter , Vlková Barbora , Lauková Lucia , Bábíčková Janka , Boor Peter
Published: January 2018

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is present in various body fluids and originates mostly from blood cells. In specific conditions, circulating cfDNA might be derived from tumours, donor organs after transplantation or from the foetus during pregnancy. The analysis of cfDNA is mainly used for genetic analyses of the source tissue —tumour, foetus or for the early detection of graft rejection. It might serve also as a nonspecific biomarker of tissue damage in critical care medicine. In kidney diseases, cfDNA increases during haemodialysis and indicates cell damage. In patients with renal cell carcinoma, cfDNA in plasma and its integrity is studied for monitoring of tumour growth, the effects of chemotherapy and for prognosis. Urinary cfDNA is highly fragmented, but the technical hurdles can now be overcome and urinary cfDNA is being evaluated as a potential biomarker of renal injury and urinary tract tumours. Beyond its diagnostic application, cfDNA might also be involved in the pathogenesis of diseases affecting the kidneys as shown for systemic lupus, sepsis and some pregnancy-related pathologies. Recent data suggest that increased cfDNA is associated with acute kidney injury. In this review, we discuss the biological characteristics, sources of cfDNA, its potential use as a biomarker as well as its role in the pathogenesis of renal and urinary diseases.
Equilibrium states for Mañé diffeomorphisms
Authors: CLIMENHAGA VAUGHN , FISHER TODD , THOMPSON DANIEL J.
Published: January 2018

We study thermodynamic formalism for the family of robustly transitive diffeomorphisms introduced by Mañé, establishing existence and uniqueness of equilibrium states for natural classes of potential functions. In particular, we characterize the Sinaĭ–Ruelle–Bowen measures for these diffeomorphisms as unique equilibrium states for a suitable geometric potential. We also obtain large deviations and multifractal results for the unique equilibrium states produced by the main theorem.
Rationality of dynamical canonical height
Authors: DE MARCO LAURA , GHIOCA DRAGOS
Published: January 2018

We present a dynamical proof of the well-known fact that the Néron–Tate canonical height (and its local counterpart) takes rational values at points of an elliptic curve over a function field $k=\mathbb{C}(X)$, where $X$ is a curve. More generally, we investigate the mechanism by which the local canonical height for a map $f:\mathbb{P}^{1}\rightarrow \mathbb{P}^{1}$ defined over a function field $k$ can take irrational values (at points in a local completion of $k$), providing examples in all degrees $\deg f\geq 2$. Building on Kiwi’s classification of non-archimedean Julia sets for quadratic maps [Puiseux series dynamics of quadratic rational maps. Israel J. Math.201 (2014), 631–700], we give a complete answer in degree 2 characterizing the existence of points with irrational local canonical heights. As an application we prove that if the heights $\widehat{h}_{f}(a),\widehat{h}_{g}(b)$ are rational and positive, for maps $f$ and $g$ of multiplicatively independent degrees and points $a,b\in \mathbb{P}^{1}(\bar{k})$, then the orbits $\{f^{n}(a)\}_{n\geq 0}$ and $\{g^{m}(b)\}_{m\geq 0}$ intersect in at most finitely many points, complementing the results of Ghioca et al [Intersections of polynomials orbits, and a dynamical Mordell–Lang conjecture. Invent. Math.171 (2) (2008), 463–483].
The multi-scale geometry of the near field in an axisymmetric jet
Authors: Mistry Dhiren , Dawson James R. , Kerstein Alan R.
Published: January 2018

A characteristic feature of axisymmetric jets, and turbulent shear flows in general, is the entrainment of mass across the turbulent/non-turbulent interface (TNTI). The multi-scale nature of the TNTI surface area was recently observed to exhibit power-law scaling with a fractal dimension, $D_{f}$, between $D_{f}=2.3{-}2.4$, inferred from two-dimensional data, in both high Reynolds number boundary layers and the far field of axisymmetric jets. In this paper, we show that the fractal scaling previously observed in the far field of an axisymmetric jet is established at the end of the potential core. Simultaneous measurements of the velocity and scalar fields were obtained and coarse grain filtering was applied over two decades of scale separation, showing that $D_{f}$ evolves to ${\approx}2.35$ at $x/d=4.6$, which is similar to $D_{f}$ found in the far field between $x/d=40{-}60$. This is evidence that scale separation becomes sufficiently developed to achieve scale invariance of the TNTI surface area in the near field of the jet well before self-similarity is established. We also observe that the onset of this geometric scale invariance coincides with the onset of radial homogeneity shown by two-point velocity correlations. Finally, we present a simple theoretical basis for these results using an exact fractal construction based on the Koch curve and applying a coarse-grain filtering analysis.
Statistical analysis of human microarray data shows that dietary intervention withn-3 fatty acids, flavonoids and resveratrol enriches for immune response and disease pathways
Authors: Warburton Alix , Vasieva Olga , Quinn Peter , Stewart James P. , Quinn John P.
Published: January 2018

n-3 Fatty acids, flavonoids and resveratrol are well publicised for their beneficial effects on human health and wellbeing. Identifying common, underlying biological mechanisms targeted by these functional foods would therefore be informative for the public health sector for advising on nutritional health and disease, food and drug product development and consumer interest. The aim of this study was to explore the potential effects of gene expression changes associated withn-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, flavonoids and resveratrol on modifying biological systems and disease pathways. To test this, publicly available human microarray data for significant gene expression changes associated with dietary intervention with EPA/DHA, flavonoids and resveratrol was subjected to pathway analysis and significance testing for overlap with signals from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for common non-communicable diseases and biological functions. There was an enrichment of genes implicated in immune responses and disease pathways which was common to all of the treatment conditions tested. Analysis of biological functions and disease pathways indicated anti-tumorigenic properties for EPA/DHA. In line with this, significance testing of the intersection of genes associated with these functional foods and GWAS hits for common biological functions (ageing and cognition) and non-communicable diseases (breast cancer, CVD, diabesity, neurodegeneration and psychiatric disorders) identified significant overlap between the EPA/DHA and breast cancer gene sets. Dietary intervention with EPA/DHA, flavonoids and resveratrol can target important biological and disease pathways suggesting a potentially important role for these bioactive compounds in the prevention and treatment of dietary-related diseases.
Dietary patterns and their association with adiponectin and leptin concentrations throughout pregnancy: a prospective cohort
Authors: Alves-Santos Nadya H. , Cocate Paula G. , Eshriqui Ilana , Benaim Camila , Barros Érica G. , Emmett Pauline M. , Kac Gilberto
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of dietary patterns (DP) with maternal adiposity indicators, leptin, adiponectin and insulin concentrations during pregnancy. A prospective cohort of pregnant women followed up at the 5th–13th, 20th –26th and 30th–36th gestational weeks and 30–40 d postpartum was conducted in Rio de Janeiro. A FFQ was administered in the third trimester (30th–36th gestational weeks). The reduced rank regression procedure was used to identify DP that explain response variables (dietary fibre and total fat) related to indicators of maternal adiposity (postpartum weight retention and gestational weight gain (GWG) adequacy), and plasma leptin, adiponectin and insulin concentrations. The associations between tertiles of DP and the outcomes were determined using logistic regression or longitudinal linear mixed-effect regression models. The mean daily energy intake during pregnancy was 10 104 (sd3234) kJ (2415 (sd773) kcal), and GWG was 11·9 (sd4·2) kg. In all, 40 % of women presented pre-gestational overweight/obesity. Excessive GWG occurred in 34·7 % of pregnant women and 56·6 % were overweight/obese at postpartum. The ‘common-Brazilian’ DP (characterised by higher intake of beans, rice and lower intake of fast food/snacks, candies/table sugar and processed meats/bacon) was positively associated with adiponectin (β=1·07; 95 % CI 0·17, 1·98). The ‘Western’ DP (characterised by higher intake of fast food/snacks and processed meat/bacon and lower intake of noodles/pasta/roots/tubers and sodas) was negatively associated with adiponectin (β=−1·11; 95 % CI −2·00, −0·22) and positively associated with leptin concentrations (β=64·9; 95 % CI 22·8, 107·0) throughout pregnancy. It may be suggested that the ‘common-Brazilian’ is a healthy DP and beneficial for serum concentrations of adiponectin and leptin.
INFORMED CHOICE AND FEMALE STERILIZATION IN SOUTH ASIA AND LATIN AMERICA
Authors: Jadhav Apoorva , Vala-Haynes Emily
Published: January 2018

Globally, female sterilization is one of the most popular contraceptive methods despite concerns about quality of care for women who report being sterilized. In this study, informed choice among sterilized women was quantified using Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 2000 to 2012 for countries in South Asia and Latin America. Three responses measured informed choice and knowledge about whether women were informed by a health worker or provider: that sterilization is permanent, the potential side-effects of sterilization and other methods of contraception. An ascending composite Method Information Index with scores ranging from 0 (women received no information) to 3 (women received information across all three indicators) was used. Using ordinal logistic regression analysis, the results indicated that women younger than 25 and older than 35 at the time of sterilization, and those at high parities, had lower odds of a high score on the index, while the opposite was true for women sterilized in the private sector in Latin America. Educated women in India had higher odds of a high score on the index, while the same was true for educated and wealthy women in Colombia. These findings indicate that not enough health care providers spend time informing women in South Asia and Latin America about different aspects of sterilization, and that there are specific groups of women that are more affected. There is an urgent need to improve quality of care within health systems providing sterilization for this very important and effective type of contraception.
Relationship between Eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media with effusion in radiotherapy patients
Authors: Akazawa K , Doi H , Ohta S , Terada T , Fujiwara M , Uwa N , Tanooka M , Sakagami M
Published: January 2018

Objective:

This study evaluated the relationship between radiation and Eustachian tube dysfunction, and examined the radiation dose required to induce otitis media with effusion.

Methods:

The function of 36 Eustachian tubes in 18 patients with head and neck cancer were examined sonotubometrically before, during, and 1, 2 and 3 months after, intensity-modulated radiotherapy. Patients with an increase of 5 dB or less in sound pressure level (dB) during swallowing were categorised as being in the dysfunction group. Additionally, radiation dose distributions were assessed in all Eustachian tubes using three dose–volume histogram parameters.

Results:

Twenty-two of 25 normally functioning Eustachian tubes before radiotherapy (88.0 per cent) shifted to the dysfunction group after therapy. All ears that developed otitis media with effusion belonged to the dysfunction group. The radiation dose threshold evaluation revealed that ears with otitis media with effusion received significantly higher doses to the Eustachian tubes.

Conclusion:

The results indicate a relationship between radiation dose and Eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media with effusion.
Nasal changes associated with exercise in athletes: systematic review
Authors: Surda P , Walker A , Limpens J , Fokkens W , Putala M
Published: January 2018

Background:

The prevalence of rhinitis in athletes has frequently been studied in combination with asthma, but the impact of exercise on the paracrine and secretory functions of nasal mucosa is less well established. This systematic review aimed to examine the effect of exercise on nasal mucosa in elite athletes.

Method:

A systematic search of Medline, Embase and the non-Medline subset of PubMed, from inception to 8th March 2016, was performed to identify studies on rhinitis in athletes.

Results:

Of the 373 identified unique articles, a total of 8 studies satisfied the criteria for this review.

Conclusion:

There is no evidence in the existing literature that indicates a reduction in nasal airway induced by exercise. Olfaction and mucociliary transport time are affected in swimmers, which can likely be attributed to chlorine irritation and which resolves with training cessation. Short-term strenuous exercise may trigger changes in cytology and prolonged mucociliary transport time, which also resolve quickly with rest.
Personhood and political subjectivity through ritual enactment in Isan (northeast Thailand)
Authors: Pinthongvijayakul Visisya
Published: January 2018

This article examines the relationship between an important local spirit cult and the construction of Isan political identity in Chaiyaphum province, northeast Thailand. Isan subjectivity has largely been studied through social or political-economic lenses. This study looks, however, at the spiritual experiences and ritual performances that crucially manufacture a local version of personhood. The spectacular annual performance of social memory and historical commemoration of Phaya Lae is constitutive of political identity for the people of Chaiyaphum province. I argue that the rituals surrounding the Phaya Lae cult enable the people of Chaiyaphum to perceive their subjectivity as Thais via the integration of the deity into the historical imagination of the state. I argue further that such local performances of spirit cults sustain Thailand as a ‘ritual state’ in which power and prestige are maintained by ritual enactments both in everyday life and ceremonial events. Through mediumship, the periphery draws charisma from the central Thai state and in turn ritually sustains the potency of the centre.
Ethnicity and the galactic polity: Ideas and actualities in the history of Bangkok
Authors: McDaniel Justin Thomas
Published: January 2018

Edward Van Roy'sSiamese melting pot: Ethnic minorities in the making of Bangkokis a tour de force and one of the most important books on the history of Bangkok and late-modern Thai history ever to be published. It is clearly written and presented, it provides excellent maps, and brings to light little-known sources and surprising facts about the history of the most iconic neighbourhoods in the city. It exposes the histories of various Muslim, Mon, Lao, Vietnamese, Chinese, European, Indian, and other communities in late Ayutthaya and Bangkok, as well as highlights various ways of seeing Bangkok as a feudal city, a vibrant port-city, or a galactic polity. Van Roy also reveals the complexities of defining ethnicity and class in Bangkok's changing neighbourhoods. In this review article I will look closely at two issues Van Roy exposes that need some theoretical and critical interrogation: the ‘galactic polity/mandala’, and ‘ethnicity’. Then I will provide a short vignette about the Chettiar community in Bangkok and the idea of Hinduism in Bangkok history that both supports and supplements Van Roy's excellent research. I write this not to discount or criticise Van Roy's monumental achievement, but because I believe a book this important to the field deserves serious attention and engagement.
Lawmaking in American Legislatures: an empirical investigation
Authors: Clinton Joshua D. , Richardson Mark D.
Published: January 2018

Given pervasive gridlock at the national level, state legislatures are increasingly the place where notable policy change occurs. Investigating such change is difficult because it is often hard to characterise policy change and use observable data to evaluate theoretical predictions; it is subsequently unclear whether law-making explanations focusing on the US Congress also apply to state legislatures. We use several measures of state policy outcomes to examine lawmaking in state legislatures across nearly two decades, and we argue for using simulation studies to connect theoretical predictions to empirical specifications and help interpret the theoretical relevance of estimated correlations. Doing so reveals that the observed law-making outcomes we study are most consistent with law-making models emphasising the importance of the chamber median and the powers of the governor rather than those that focus on the preferences of the majority party.
What does community participation in nature protection mean? The case of tropical national parks in Africa
Authors: VIMAL RUPPERT , KHALIL-LORTIE MAUDE , GATISO TSEGAYE
Published: January 2018

In spite of significant investment, community-based conservation often suffers from a lack of appropriate design. In this study, drawing on 86 interviews around six national parks in tropical Africa, we analyse the perceptions of different stakeholders (e.g. governmental officials, non-governmental organization staff and researchers) regarding community participation. Our results mainly reveal the absence of a clear and shared definition of community participation. While 67% of the participants defined community participation as a community's support of nature protection (low empowerment) and/or as its participation in conservation implementation (medium empowerment), 28% mentioned that the community should also participate in decision-making (high empowerment). Our study shows that participants with no university degree, belonging to governmental organizations and/or employed as workers tend to propose a lower level of empowerment, while those educated to a postgraduate level, belonging to research institutes and/or employed as researchers propose higher degrees of empowerment. Our study mainly suggests that the different degrees of empowerment proposed by the stakeholders depend on their relation to the space of conservation and their daily connection to practical management as drivers of the inclusion or exclusion of local communities in conservation decision-making. To properly design and implement community-based conservation, conservation actors above all must share a common definition of the concept.
Vaccine effectiveness and use of collar impregnated with insecticide for reducing incidence of Leishmania infection in dogs in an endemic region for visceral leishmaniasis, in Brazil
Authors: Lopes E. G. , Sevá A. P. , Ferreira F. , Nunes C. M. , Keid L. B. , Hiramoto R. M. , Ferreira H. L. , Oliveira T. M. F. S. , Ovallos F. G. , Galati E. A. B. , Villegas T. J. , Bortoletto D. V. , Valadas S. Y. O. B. , Soares R. M.
Published: January 2018

Although a national programme for control of visceral leishmaniosis (VL) is being run in Brazil, the disease continues to spread. This programme is essentially based on culling infected dogs from endemic regions. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop other control measures against VL to deter its advance. Here, a subunit vaccine, a recombinant vaccine, an insecticide-impregnated collar and the associations between these measures were evaluated for reducing the incidence of Leishmania infection in dogs. This was through a cohort study conducted in an endemic region of Brazil, considering the incidence and time of total exposure over a period of 1 year. The incidence of VL was estimated by means of serological and molecular diagnostic tests, 180 and 360 days after the application of the control measures. The estimates of the effectiveness (EF) were not significant in any cohort. The EF of the subunit vaccine, the recombinant vaccine and the collar were 26.4%, 32.8% and 57.7% and the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval for EF were 63.7%, 67.9% and 82.5%, respectively. In conclusion, under the conditions of this study, none of the immunogens for VL control was sufficiently effective to protect dogs against infection. On the other hand, use of collars impregnated with insecticide seems to constitute a method with better prognosis, corroborating other studies in this field.
The reports of expunction are grossly exaggerated: a reply to Robert Klee
Authors: Ćirković Milan M.
Published: January 2018

Recent paper by Robert Klee in this journal argues that we should endorse a form of cosmic pessimism due to the inevitable destruction of Earth and humanity, allegedly meaning the complete and total annihilation of all traces of humanity's existence (‘human expunction’). It could be shown that both the physical basis and philosophical methodology used by Klee to reach those bleak conclusions are at best premature and at worst unwarranted and misleading. Even worse, they reflect a mindset of unjustified and narrow-minded technological and societal pessimism, which contributes to the erosion of the Enlightenment values, the loss of public interest in space research and colonization, and could indeed increase vulnerability to real – as opposed to uncertain eschatological – global risks humanity is facing in this millennium.
The unity, diversity and conformity of bugs (Hemiptera) through time
Authors: Szwedo Jacek
Published: January 2018

This paper outlines and discusses the fossil record of the Hemiptera – the fifth most diverse insect order. The diversity of these insects in comparison with the “Big Four” group is given, together with a short history of its classification. Updated information is presented about the fossil record of particular families, with a brief analysis. The main evolutionary traits of the major Hemiptera lineages are briefly described. The influence of biotic interactions with endosymbionts, shaping the evolution of the hemipterans as well as abiotic events and major global changes, is disputed. The innovations and perils of the evolutionary history of the Hemiptera are presented.
MicroRNA-146a-5p attenuates irradiation-induced and LPS-induced hepatic stellate cell activation and hepatocyte apoptosis through inhibition of TLR4 pathway
Authors: Chen Yuhan , Wu Zhifeng , Yuan Baoying , Dong Yinying , Zhang Li , Zeng Zhaochong
Published: January 2018

Elevated toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression is associated with a high risk of radiation-induced liver disease (RILD). MicroRNA (miR)-146a-5p is a key regulator of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/TLR4 signaling, but its role in modulation of RILD remains unclear. Here, we found that irradiation and LPS stimulation induced TLR4 and miR-146a-5p expression in the human hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX2. Ectopic expression of miR-146a-5p in LX2 inhibited irradiation-induced and LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and cell proliferation, and promoted cell apoptosis by down-regulating the expression levels of TLR4, interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase 1 (IRAK1), tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B. In addition, the culture medium from the irradiated and LPS-stimulated HSCs transfected with miR-146a-5p significantly attenuated apoptosis in irradiated hepatocytes. Overexpression of miR-146a-5p reduced α-smooth muscle actin production in irradiated and LPS-stimulated LX2 cells, which was associated with inhibition of TRAF6-mediated JNK and Smad2 phosphorylation. Knockdown of TRAF6 or IRAK1 mimicked the effects of miR-146a-5p on HSC function. Furthermore, miR-146a-5p treatment alleviated irradiation-induced and endotoxin-induced hepatic inflammatory response and fibrogenesis in mice through inhibition of the TLR4 signaling pathway. Collectively, this study reveals the anti-pro-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of miR-146a-5p on liver injury, and suggests a potential application of miR-146a-5p in the therapeutic prevention of RILD.
AMP-activated protein kinase agonist N6-(3-hydroxyphenyl)adenosine protects against fulminant hepatitis by suppressing inflammation and apoptosis
Authors: Li Jin , Chen Bo , Zhong Liping , Gao Feng , Zhu Haibo , Wang Fengzhong
Published: January 2018

Both AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) agonist and inhibitor have been reported to protect against fulminant hepatitis, implying that AMPK may play a complicated role in the development of fulminant hepatitis. In this study, we exploited whether the novel AMPK agonist N6-(3-hydroxyphenyl)adenosine (named as M1) exerted protective effects on fulminant hepatitis and whether its beneficial effects were AMPK-dependent. Results showed that intraperitoneal injection of M1 improved liver function, ameliorated liver injury and finally raised the survival rate in d-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (GalN/LPS)-treated mice. These beneficial effects of M1 may attribute to the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines production and the prevention of hepatocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, M1 pretreatment mitigated LPS-stimulated TLR4 expression and NFκB activation in murine peritoneal macrophages and prevented actinomycin D (Act D)/tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-induced apoptosis by promoting protective autophagy in primary hepatocytes. Additionally, M1-induced AMPK activation was responsible both for its anti-inflammatory action in macrophages and for its anti-apoptotic action in hepatocytes. To our surprise, compared with the control AMPKα1lox/lox/AMPKα2lox/lox mice, liver-specific AMPKα1 knockout (AMPKα1LS−/−) mice were more sensitive to GalN/LPS administration but not AMPKα2LS−/−mice, and the beneficial effects of M1 on acute liver failure and the production of pro-inflammatory factors were dampened in AMPKα1LS−/− mice. Therefore, our study may prove that M1 could be a promising therapeutic agent for fulminant hepatitis, and targeting AMPK may be useful therapeutically in the control of LPS-induced hepatotoxicity.
Discovery of a small-molecule protein kinase Cδ-selective activator with promising application in colon cancer therapy
Authors: Bessa Cláudia , Soares Joana , Raimundo Liliana , Loureiro Joana B. , Gomes Célia , Reis Flávio , Soares Miguel L. , Santos Daniel , Dureja Chetna , Chaudhuri Saumya R. , Lopez-Haber Cynthia , Kazanietz Marcelo G. , Gonçalves Jorge , Simões Maria F. , Rijo Patrícia , Saraiva Lucília
Published: January 2018

Protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes play major roles in human diseases, including cancer. Yet, the poor understanding of isozymes-specific functions and the limited availability of selective pharmacological modulators of PKC isozymes have limited the clinical translation of PKC-targeting agents. Here, we report the first small-molecule PKCδ-selective activator, the 7α-acetoxy-6β-benzoyloxy-12-O-benzoylroyleanone (Roy-Bz), which binds to the PKCδ-C1-domain. Roy-Bz potently inhibited the proliferation of colon cancer cells by inducing a PKCδ-dependent mitochondrial apoptotic pathway involving caspase-3 activation. In HCT116 colon cancer cells, Roy-Bz specifically triggered the translocation of PKCδ but not other phorbol ester responsive PKCs. Roy-Bz caused a marked inhibition in migration of HCT116 cells in a PKCδ-dependent manner. Additionally, the impairment of colonosphere growth and formation, associated with depletion of stemness markers, indicate that Roy-Bz also targets drug-resistant cancer stem cells, preventing tumor dissemination and recurrence. Notably, in xenograft mouse models, Roy-Bz showed a PKCδ-dependent antitumor effect, through anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic activities. Besides, Roy-Bz was non-genotoxic, and in vivo it had no apparent toxic side effects. Collectively, our findings reveal a novel promising anticancer drug candidate. Most importantly, Roy-Bz opens the way to a new era on PKC biology and pharmacology, contributing to the potential redefinition of the structural requirements of isozyme-selective agents, and to the re-establishment of PKC isozymes as feasible therapeutic targets in human diseases.