bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dystonia in RNA Polymerase III‐Related Leukodystrophy
Authors: Al Yazidi Ghalia , Tran Luan T. , Guerrero Kether , Vanderver Adeline , Schiffmann Raphael , Wolf Nicole I. , Chouinard Sylvain , Bernard Geneviève
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To identify the prevalence of dystonia in a RNA Polymerase III (POLR3)‐related leukodystrophy patient cohort and to further characterize their dystonic features.

Background

POLR3‐related leukodystrophy is a hypomyelinating leukodystrophy characterized by neurological and non‐neurological features. Dystonia remains a challenging and under‐recognized feature.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed in a cohort of 20 patients for whom videos of a standardized neurological examination were available. Patients were recruited at the Montreal Children's Hospital of the McGill University Health Center and the Myelin Disorders Bioregistry Project. Families were consented at the initial assessment and the following data was recorded: age and symptoms at clinical presentation, investigations, causal gene and mutation(s), type and severity of dystonia, and treatment response when needed. Standardized examination videos were reviewed by three independent reviewers and scored using the Global Dystonia Scale.

Results

10 males and 10 females were included in this study; 12/20 had POLR3A mutations, while 8/20 had POLR3B mutations; 19/20 patients had documented dystonia, with 3/19 requiring therapy. There was a good response in two patients to a single agent, and a poor response in one patient to three agents; the majority had mild‐to‐moderate multifocal dystonia without a functional impact.

Conclusions

Dystonia is a common, yet underdiagnosed, slowly progressive manifestation of POLR3‐related leukodystrophy, and in most cases has limited‐to‐no functional impact. When treatment is needed, good response to typically used medication may occur. Further studies are needed to assess evolution of dystonia over time, patients’ functional outcome, and response to therapy (when needed).
Beacon opens outpatient mental health clinic at Walmart
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: December 2018

In a move to mainstream mental health, Boston‐based Beacon Health Options is providing outpatient mental health services at a Walmart store in a move officials say offers convenience, privacy and accessibility. The company's entry into the provider services market will allow consumers to receive therapy in the retail store.
A new interconnect method for radio frequency intra‐chip communications using transistors‐based distributed access
Authors: Hamieh Mohamad , Quintanel Sébastien , Ariaudo Myriam , Louët Yves
Published: December 2018

This paper presents a new radio frequency channel access method to a radio frequency (RF) interconnect for intra‐chip communications. The method overcomes the undesired effects that come from multiple connections in classical methods. It is based on an active access, through transistors associated in a distributed topology. This leads to better properties in terms of reflection and transmission coefficients along the transmission line. This approach is validated by making a deep comparison with the basic existing access methods (eg, direct and capacitive). Measurements on a test circuit using the 0.25 μm SiGe BiCMOS technology confirm the good performance of the proposed access.
Antenna design using speaker wire for a Bluetooth ear set
Authors: Zahid Zeeshan , Lee Hongkoo , Kim Mingi , Kim Hyung‐Hoon , Kim Hyeongdong
Published: December 2018

In this article, an antenna design using an audio wire is proposed for a compact Bluetooth ear set. The length of the audio wire is less than a quarter of a wavelength in Bluetooth ear sets. Therefore, an appropriate feed structure needs to be designed to utilize the wire as an antenna. The antenna has been tuned using an inductor and impedance matching is accomplished by a loop‐type feeding structure with lumped capacitors. The feeding structure can be used to tune various lengths of the antenna. Full wave simulations are conducted to observe the effectiveness of the proposed technique. The measured and simulated bandwidths of the antenna are in good agreement. The measured bandwidth and average efficiency of the antenna were 116 MHz and 54.74%, whereas the average total isotropic sensitivity was 80.12 dBm that comply with the desired criteria for operation of the Bluetooth ear set.
Spectral analysis of the EBT3 radiochromic films for clinical photon and electron beams
Authors: León‐Marroquín Elsa Y. , Mulrow Daniel J. , Khan Rao , Darafsheh Arash
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the spectral response of the EBT3 radiochromic films to different beam qualities for radiation therapy dosimetry. Dose, dose rate, and interbatch dependencies on the spectral response of the films were investigated as well.

Methods

Pieces of EBT3 films placed between layers of solid water phantoms were irradiated with 6 and 15 MV photon beams, 6 and 10 MV‐flattening filter free (FFF) photon beams, and 6 and 20 MeV electron beams at dose levels between 0.4 and 50 Gy. Net absorbance was measured as a function of wavelength from the spectra acquired in the wavelength range of 400–800 nm using a fiber‐coupled spectrometer and broadband light source.

Results

No significant change was observed in the absorption spectra of the EBT3 film from the same batch irradiated with the same amount of dose using different beam qualities. Also, no spectral change with dose rate was observed. The measured net absorbance per Gy was independent of beam quality in the 1–50 Gy dose range. Slight differences in the spectral shape and absorption band positions were observed in film samples from different batches. The net absorbance spectra showed two absorption bands centered around 634–636 nm (primary) and 583–585 nm (secondary). However, depending on the film batch, for doses above a certain level the primary absorption band appears to “split” into two bands centered around ~624–628 and ~641–645 nm.

Conclusions

The spectral shape of the EBT3 radiochromic films irradiated with photons (including FFF) and electron beams is beam quality and dose rate independent; however, it varies with dose level, batch, and spectroscopy system used.
Differences in muscle contraction onset as determined by ultrasound and electromyography
Authors: Tweedell Andrew J. , Tenan Matthew S. , Haynes Courtney A.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

We characterize the agreement between the timing of muscle contraction onset detected by surface electromyography (sEMG), fine wire EMG (fwEMG), and motion‐mode (M‐mode) ultrasound for improved interpretations of clinical outcomes.

Methods

Eighteen healthy adults participated. Differences in contraction onset were compared between sEMG, fwEMG, and M‐mode ultrasound collected during concentric contractions of the vastus lateralis and biceps brachii.

Results

The mean difference of 13.1 ms (‐33.3–59.9) between sEMG and fwEMG was non‐significant (intraclass correlation [ICC] = 0.60). Ultrasound was significantly different from surface and fine wire EMG (ICC = 0.65 and ICC = 0.40, respectively), occurring 98.6 ms (72.3–124.9) and 111.7 (60.3–163.0) before sEMG and fwEMG, respectively. Nonparametric interquartile ranges were also wide.

Conclusions

Due to high variability, comparisons between EMG methods should be interpreted with caution. Ultrasound detected onset before either EMG method, which may indicate motion from adjacent muscles during voluntary contractions. Muscle Nerve 59:494–500, 2019
Perturbed expression pattern of the immediate early gene Arc in the dentate gyrus of GluA1 C‐terminal palmitoylation‐deficient mice
Authors: Itoh Masayuki , Okuno Hiroyuki , Yamada Daisuke , Yamashita Mariko , Abe Manabu , Natsume Rie , Kaizuka Toshie , Sakimura Kenji , Hoshino Mikio , Mishina Masayoshi , Wada Keiji , Sekiguchi Masayuki , Hayashi Takashi
Published: December 2018

Background

AMPA receptors predominantly mediate fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the mammalian brain. Post‐translational protein S‐palmitoylation of AMPA receptor GluA subunits at their C‐termini reversibly controls the receptors trafficking to and from excitatory glutamatergic synapses. Excitatory inputs to neurons induce the expression of immediate early genes (IEGs), including Arc, with particular spatial patterns. In the hippocampal dentate gyrus, Arc is mainly expressed in the upper (dorsal) blade at the basal state. GluA1 C‐terminal palmitoylation‐deficient (GluA1C811S) mice showed enhanced seizure susceptibility and disturbed synaptic plasticity without impaired gross anatomy or basal synaptic transmission. These mutant mice also exhibited an increased expression of IEG products, c‐Fos and Arc proteins, in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. In this report, we further analyzed excitability and Arc expression pattern in the dentate gyrus of GluA1C811S mice.

Methods and Results

Electrophysiological analysis of granule neurons to measure the evoked excitatory postsynaptic current/evoked inhibitory postsynaptic current ratio revealed that excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance was normal in GluA1C811S mice. In contrast, immunohistochemical staining showed an abnormal distribution of Arc‐positive cells between upper and lower (ventral) blades of the dentate gyrus in these mutant mice. These data suggest that deficiency of GluA1 palmitoylation causes perturbed neuronal inputs from the entorhinal cortex to the dentate gyrus, which potentially underlies the excessive excitability in response to seizure‐inducing stimulation.

Conclusion

Our findings conclude that an appropriate regulation of Arc expression in the dentate gyrus, ensured by AMPA receptor palmitoylation, may be critical for stabilizing hippocampal neural circuits and may suppress excess excitation.
Polymer Nanocomposite Membranes of Sulfonated Poly(Styrene‐Isobutylene‐Styrene) With Sulfonated Graphene Oxide for Fuel Cell and Protective Clothing Applications
Authors: Ruiz‐Colón Eduardo , Pérez‐Pérez Maritza , Ortiz‐Negrón Ariangelís , Suleiman David
Published: December 2018

Graphene oxide (GO) and its sulfonated analog (sGO) have been incorporated into sulfonated poly(styrene‐isobutylene‐styrene) (SO3H SIBS) in order to enhance its water retention and proton conductivity, while aiming to block permeant passage through the material. The polymer nanocomposite membranes (PNMs) were tested for two applications: direct methanol fuel cell and chemical and biological protective clothing. The transport properties of the membranes were determined as a function of SIBS sulfonation level (i.e., 37, 61, and 88 mol%), filler type (i.e., GO and sGO) and filler loading (i.e., 1, 3, 5, and 10 wt%). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed the functionalization and incorporation of the fillers into SO3H SIBS. No significant changes were observed in the thermal stability or FTIR spectra of the PNMs after addition of the fillers. Dissimilar behaviors were observed for the ion exchange capacity, water absorption capabilities and transport properties of the membranes after incorporation of the fillers. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) phase images and Fenton's test results indicate that the oxidative stability of the PNMs is associated to the interconnectivity between the hydrophilic domains of the fillers and SO3H SIBS. The PNMs presented low permeability and high proton conductivity and thus, functioned adequately for both applications. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E455–E467, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Aza‐propargylglycine installation by aza‐amino acylation: Synthesis and Ala‐scan of an azacyclopeptide CD36 modulator
Authors: Ahsanullah  , Chingle Ramesh , Ohm Ragnhild G. , Chauhan Pradeep S. , Lubell William D.
Published: December 2018

Aza‐propargylglycine (azaPra) peptides are branching points for the synthesis of azapeptide libraries. Efficient alkylation of N‐(Fmoc)hydrazine in solution was found to provide N′‐propargyl fluorenylmethyl carbazate 13, which on activation gave N‐(Fmoc)‐azaPra acid chloride for installation into peptides. Reducing the number of steps on resin for azaPra peptide synthesis, which previously necessitated alkylation of a semicarbazone protected aza‐glycine residue, the new method offers potential for higher yield, as demonstrated by the synthesis of azacyclopeptide 1a, as well as by an alanine scan of this potent cluster of differentiation‐36 receptor (CD36) modulator.
Quantitative Proteomics by SWATH‐MS Suggest an Association Between Circulating Exosomes and Maternal Metabolic Changes in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Jayabalan Nanthini , Lai Andrew , Nair Soumyalekshmi , Guanzon Dominic , Scholz‐Romero Katherin , Palma Carlos , McIntyre Harold David , Lappas Martha , Salomon Carlos
Published: December 2018

Several factors including placental hormones (PH) released from the human placenta have been associated with the development of insulin resistance and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, circulating levels of PH does not correlate well with maternal insulin sensitivity across gestation, suggesting that other, previously unrecognized, mechanisms may be involved. The levels of circulating exosomes are higher in GDM compared to normal. GDM derived exosomes produce greater release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines from endothelial cells compared to exosomes from normal, suggesting that their contents may differ compared to normal pregnancies. Using a quantitative, information‐independent acquisition (Sequential Windowed Acquisition of All Theoretical Mass Spectra [SWATH]) approach, differentially abundant circulating exosome proteins are identified in women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and GDM at the time of GDM diagnosis. A total of 78 statistically significant proteins in the relative expression of exosomal proteins in GDM are compared with NGT. Bioinformatic analysis shows that the exosomal proteins in GDM target pathways are mainly associated with energy production, inflammation, and metabolism. Finally, an independent cohort of patients is used to validate some of the proteins identified by SWATH. The data obtained may be of utility in elucidating the underlying physiological mechanisms associated with insulin resistance in GDM.
Timing of postnatal corticosteroid treatment for bronchopulmonary dysplasia and its effect on outcomes
Authors: Cuna Alain , Lewis Tamorah , Dai Hongying , Nyp Michael , Truog William E.
Published: December 2018

Objective

To determine the association of timing of steroid therapy for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of preterm infants treated with low‐dose dexamethasone for BPD. Infants treated with steroids at day of life (DOL) 14‐28 (moderately late group) were compared to infants treated at DOL 29‐42 (delayed group). Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) adjusted propensity scores were used to correct for potential confounders. The primary outcome of interest was postmenstrual age (PMA) at discharge.

Results

Fifty‐five infants (25 with moderately late treatment; 30 with delayed treatment) were identified. The mean age at treatment was 23 days in the moderately late group and 35 days in the delayed group. At time of treatment, infants treated moderately late were more likely to be on high frequency ventilation (96% vs 47%, P < 0.0001) and had higher fraction of inspired oxygen (70.7 ± 17.9% vs 56.2 ± 18.4%, P = 0.005) compared to infants treated later. Despite being the sicker group, moderately late treated infants were discharged at an earlier corrected age compared to infants with delayed treatment (PMA 42.9 ± 4.5 vs 47.5 ± 8.3 weeks, IPTW adjusted P = 0.03). Moderately late treatment was also associated with fewer days on mechanical ventilation (46.0 ± 19.0 days vs 77.4 ± 67.0 days, IPTW adjusted P = 0.02) and fewer days on supplemental oxygen (114.3 ± 40.8 days vs 149.8 ± 57.0 days, IPTW adjusted P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Among preterm infants at high risk of BPD, delaying treatment with postnatal steroids is associated with comparatively worse short‐term outcomes as compared to earlier treatment.
Proteomic Analysis of the Initial Oral Pellicle in Caries‐Active and Caries‐Free Individuals
Authors: Trautmann Simone , Barghash Ahmad , Fecher‐Trost Claudia , Schalkowsky Pascal , Hannig Christian , Kirsch Jasmin , Rupf Stefan , Keller Andreas , Helms Volkhard , Hannig Matthias
Published: December 2018

Purpose

To 1) elucidate individual proteomic profiles of the 3‐min biofilm of caries‐active and caries‐free individuals and 2) compare these proteomic profiles against the background of caries.

Experimental design

The initial oral pellicle of 12 caries‐active and 12 caries‐free individuals is generated in situ on ceramics specimens. The individual, host‐specific proteomic profiles of this basic pellicle layer are analyzed by a chemical elution protocol combined with an elaborate mass spectrometry and evaluated bioinformatically.

Results

A total of 1188 different proteins are identified. Additionally, 68 proteins are present in the profiles of all individuals, suggesting them as ubiquitously occurring base‐proteins of the initial human pellicle. Thereof, the single profiles exhibit high inter‐individual differences independent of their group affiliation, stating the initial pellicle to represent a rather “individual fingerprint”. Quantitative analyses imply slight indication for 23 proteins potentially capable of counting for caries‐specific biomarkers.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

The introduced protocol enables the individual analysis of minimal protein amounts and allows for highly precise characterizations and comparisons of individual proteomic profiles. The results contain a considerable higher extent of protein identifications and might serve as a base for future large scale analyzes to identify discrimination factors for the development of caries susceptibility tests.
The pKa values of the catalytic residues in the retaining glycoside hydrolase T26H mutant of T4 lysozyme
Authors: Brockerman Jacob A. , Okon Mark , Withers Stephen G. , McIntosh Lawrence P.
Published: December 2018

T4 phage lysozyme (T4L) is an enzyme that cleaves bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan. Remarkably, the single substitution of the active site Thr26 to a His (T26H) converts T4L from an inverting to a retaining glycoside hydrolase with transglycosylase activity. It has been proposed that T26H–T4L follows a double displacement mechanism with His26 serving as a nucleophile to form a covalent glycosyl‐enzyme intermediate (Kuroki et al., PNAS 1999; 96:8949–8954). To gain further insights into this or alternative mechanisms, we used NMR spectroscopy to measure the acid dissociation constants (pKa values) and/or define the ionization states of the Asp, Glu, His, and Arg residues in the T4L mutant. Most notably, the pKa value of the putative nucleophile His26 is 6.8 ± 0.1, whereas that of the general acid Glu11 is 4.7 ± 0.1. If the proposed mechanism holds true, then T26H–T4L follows a reverse protonation pathway in which only a minor population of the free enzyme is in its catalytically competent ionization state with His26 deprotonated and Glu11 protonated. Our studies also confirm that all arginines in T26H–T4L, including the active site Arg145, are positively charged under neutral pH conditions.

Brief statement

The replacement of a single amino acid changes T4 lysozyme from an inverting to a retaining glycoside hydrolase. Using NMR spectroscopy, we measured the pKa values of the ionizable residues in the active site of this mutant enzyme. Along with previously reported data, these results provide important constraints for understanding the catalytic mechanisms by which the wild‐type and mutant form of T4 lysozyme cleave bacterial peptidoglycan.
Circulating miRNAs in localized/locally advanced prostate cancer patients after radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy
Authors: Zedan Ahmed H. , Hansen Torben F. , Assenholt Jannie , Madsen Jonna S. , Osther Palle J. S.
Published: December 2018

Background

Overtreatment is a well‐known clinical challenge in local prostate cancer (PCa). Although risk assessment models have contributed to a better stratification of patients with local PCa, a tailored management is still in its infancy. Over the last few decades, microRNAs (miRNAs) have shown promising results as biomarkers in PCa. The aim of this study was to investigate circulating miRNAs after management of local PCa.

Methods

The relative expression of four miRNAs (miRNA‐21, ‐93, ‐125b, and miRNA‐221) was assessed in plasma from 149 newly diagnosed patients with local or locally advanced PCa. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used for analysis. A baseline sample at time of diagnosis and a follow‐up sample after 6 months were assessed. The patients were grouped in an interventional cohort (radical prostatectomy, curative intent radiotherapy, or androgen‐deprivation therapy alone) and an observational cohort (watchful waiting or active surveillance).

Results

In the interventional cohort, levels of both miRNA‐93 and miRNA‐221 were significantly lower in the follow‐up samples compared to baseline z = −2.738, P = 0.006, and z = −4.498, P < 0.001, respectively. The same observation was recorded for miRNA‐125b in the observational cohort (z = −2.656, P = 0.008). Both miRNA‐125b and miRNA‐221 were correlated with risk assessment r = 0.23, P = 0.015, and r = 0.203, P = 0.016 respectively, while miRNA‐93 showed tendency to significant correlation with the prostatectomy Gleason score (r = 0.276, P = 0.0576).

Conclusions

The current results indicate a possible role of miRNA‐93 and miRNA‐221 in disease monitoring in localized and locally advanced PCa. Larger studies are warranted to assess the clinical impact of these biomarkers.
An approach for teaching process safety risk engineering and management control concepts using AIChE's web‐based concept warehouse
Authors: Vaughen Bruce K.
Published: December 2018

One of many efforts to help instructors teach process safety‐related concepts to undergraduate chemical engineers includes using AIChE's web‐based Concept Warehouse, a real‐time, interactive teaching tool which can be used during lectures when teaching chemical engineering subjects. This article describes a student outreach effort by the AIChE Safety and Health Division to help populate the Concept Warehouse with vetted process safety‐related problems. The purpose of this article is to describe how we are bridging the gap between the practitioner volunteering their expertise and faculty members interested in incorporating current process safety‐related concepts into their classes. The goal for this effort is to provide a comprehensive instructional tool that can be used to help teach process safety‐related engineering design concepts, as well as to help teach the essential administrative process safety and risk management system concepts, using problems that describe both the engineering and administrative controls required for safe and reliable operations.

The Concept Warehouse is an information database and instructional tool accessible to anyone teaching core chemical engineering topics such as thermodynamics, kinetics, or process safety anywhere in the world. This article defines and provides the framework of this effort to populate the Concept Warehouse with process safety‐related problems. As process safety risk reduction efforts continue to evolve, this article provides updates to traditional definitions that can be used to help orient those unfamiliar with these systems‐related process safety risk management strategies. The article concludes with a few example problems which could be used when teaching process safety‐related concepts. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 38: e12010, 2019
Spectral interval optimization on rapid determination of prohibited addition in pesticide by ATR‐FTIR
Authors: Li Qianqian , Huang Yue , Song Xiangzhong , Zhang Jixiong , Min Shungeng
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Acetamiprid, as a low‐toxicity pesticide, has already been extensively used to increase plant production and quality. Although fipronil has been prohibited, it is usually illicitly added to acetamiprid due to its particular insecticidal action and effect, so it is highly desirable to obtain a rapid and effective method to detect its concentration. Mid‐infrared spectroscopy (MIR) combined with two variable selection methods, interval combination optimization (ICO) and interval partial least squares (iPLS), were used to determinate the prohibited addition of fipronil.

RESULTS

The full spectra for both ICO and iPLS were divided into 40 equal‐width intervals. Consequently, 45 and 135 characteristic variables were extracted from ICO and iPLS to establish the models. Compared with iPLS, the ICO model acquired a more suitable spectral region and as a result gained a higher prediction accuracy. Specifically, the ICO method selected the characteristic wavelengths ascribed to CF and CN (in five‐membered heterocyclics), iPLS chose the intervals associated with CF and SO.

CONCLUSION

Results revealed that MIR combined with ICO could be efficiently used for rapid identification of illegal addition and had great potential to provide on‐site pesticide quality control. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Vectorizing agrochemicals: enhancing bioavailability via carrier‐mediated transport
Authors: Wu Hanxiang , Xu Hanhong , Marivingt‐Mounir Cécile , Bonnemain Jean‐Louis , Chollet Jean‐François
Published: December 2018

Systemicity of agrochemicals is an advantageous property for controlling phloem sucking insects, as well as pathogens and pests not accessible to contact products. After the penetration of the cuticle, the plasma membrane constitutes the main barrier to the entry of an agrochemical into the sap flow. The current strategy for developing systemic agrochemicals is to optimize the physicochemical properties of the molecules so that they can cross the plasma membrane by simple diffusion or ion trapping mechanisms. The main problem with current systemic compounds is that they move everywhere within the plant, and this non‐controlled mobility results in the contamination of the plant parts consumed by vertebrates and pollinators. To achieve the site‐targeted distribution of agrochemicals, a carrier‐mediated propesticide strategy is proposed in this review. After conjugating a non‐systemic agrochemical with a nutrient (α‐amino acids or sugars), the resulting conjugate may be actively transported across the plasma membrane by nutrient‐specific carriers. By applying this strategy, non‐systemic active ingredients are expected to be delivered into the target organs of young plants, thus avoiding or minimizing subsequent undesirable redistribution. The development of this innovative strategy presents many challenges, but opens up a wide range of exciting possibilities. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Resilience of perfect matchings and Hamiltonicity in random graph processes
Authors: Nenadov Rajko , Steger Angelika , Trujić Miloš
Published: December 2018

Let {Gi} be the random graph process: starting with an empty graph G0 with n vertices, in every step i ≥ 1 the graph Gi is formed by taking an edge chosen uniformly at random among the nonexisting ones and adding it to the graph Gi − 1. The classical “hitting‐time” result of Ajtai, Komlós, and Szemerédi, and independently Bollobás, states that asymptotically almost surely the graph becomes Hamiltonian as soon as the minimum degree reaches 2, that is if δ(Gi) ≥ 2 then Gi is Hamiltonian. We establish a resilience version of this result. In particular, we show that the random graph process almost surely creates a sequence of graphs such that for edges, the 2‐core of the graph Gm remains Hamiltonian even after an adversary removes ‐fraction of the edges incident to every vertex. A similar result is obtained for perfect matchings.
Oxidation of SO2 by O2 and Its Effects on Dithionate Formation during Pyrolusite Leaching Process with Mixture Gas Containing SO2 and O2
Authors: He Kejie , Su Shijun , Ding Sanglan , Weiyi  , Sun
Published: December 2018

Competitive oxidations of SO2 oxidized by MnO2 and O2 are existed during pyrolusite leaching process with SO2 and O2 mixture gases. Generally, SO2 is oxidized into H2SO4 by O2, and manganese sulfate (MnSO4) and manganese dithionate (MnS2O6) are formed when oxidized by MnO2. Meanwhile, the reaction between SO2 and O2 has effect on the amount of aqueous SO2 oxidized by MnO2 and solution acidity, resulting in the variations of Mn extraction and MnS2O6 formation. In this paper, the competitive mechanism of SO2 oxidation by MnO2 and O2 was firstly discussed based on theoretical analysis of leaching process, and then concentration ratio of O2/SO2 (R) in gas flow was proposed as a determined parameter to characterize the competition, the effects of R on Mn extraction, H2SO4 generation and MnS2O6 formation. The results showed that R was the determined parameter for evaluating the oxidation effect of O2 on SO2, which had a decisive effect on H2SO4 concentration, and eventually affects MnS2O6 formation and Mn extraction under constant gas flow (10 L⋅min−1) and others experimental factor. With the increase of R, the H2SO4 concentration increased gradually but the formation of MnS2O6 sharply decreased to negligible amount when R >10, and Mn extraction increased first and then decreased significantly. The most suitable R for obtaining MnSO4 product was R=10 with 1.4 g⋅L−1
, 96% Mn extraction and 0.07 M H2SO4.
Difluorotetrakis(2‐oxypyridine)dirhenium(III) – Preparation, Crystallographic Structure, and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Balasekaran Samundeeswari Mariappan , Sattelberger Alfred Peter , Noll Bruce , Hagenbach Adelheid , Poineau Frederic
Published: December 2018

The solid‐state‐melt reaction of (NH4)2[Re2F8]·2H2O with 2‐hydroxypyridine (2‐HOpy) produced dark‐red Re2(2‐Opy)4F2 (1). This air‐stable compound was obtained in crystalline form as 1·CHCl3. It was characterized in the solid state by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and in solution by UV/Vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. 1·CHCl3 forms triclinic crystals with α = 8.3254(5) Å, b = 8.5563(5) Å, c = 11.6784(8) Å, α = 82.723(3)°, β = 75.769(3) °, γ = 64.407(2) °. The Re–Re and Re–F distances were 2.2091(7) and 2.115(6) Å, respectively. The molecule is isostructural with the corresponding chloro derivative.
A Detailed Overview and Consistent Classification of Climate-Economy Models
Authors: Nikas Alexandros , Doukas Haris , Papandreou Andreas
Published: December 2018

The proliferation and growing variety of climate-economy models and what are known as integrated assessment models (IAMs) can make it difficult for someone interested in following the debate to place any specific model, or the discussion about the merits of one or another, into a broader context. The literature related to climate-economy modelling is already vast: apart from a very large number of models and an even larger number of applications, there already exist many good surveys comparing—inter alia—modelling frameworks, model assumptions and model results. The objective of this chapter is to provide a simple overview and organising scheme of this modelling world by delving into the characteristics of more than 60 individual IAMs towards describing the main ways in which certain classes or groups of climate-economy models differ from one another. In contrast to other more detailed or narrowly focused “overviews” and literature reviews, this analysis takes less for granted and aims at providing an initial understanding of generic model structures. After briefly discussing some principles of classification that can help organise this often daunting modelling world, the chapter offers descriptions and comparisons of the main classes of models.
Impact Assessment of Climate and Energy Policy Scenarios: A Multi-criteria Approach
Authors: Neofytou Hera , Karakosta Charikleia , Gómez Natalia Caldés
Published: December 2018

Over the last 20 years, numerous studies have shown significant changes in the global climate which negatively affect life in many aspects. The perpetual problems due to climate change impacts have created the urgent need to find efficient ways to tackle them. In this frame, European countries are moving towards the creation of energy and climate policies in order to achieve specific targets and mitigate the consequences of greenhouse gas emissions. They have defined a number of scenarios comprised of different targets’ combinations and ambition levels. The targets to be achieved are defined as to the CO2 emission reduction, the improvement in energy efficiency and the increase of the share of renewable energy sources until 2030. Thus, the aim is to lead EU to counteract the increasing energy demand and its negative effects on the environment as well as to abate the fossil fuel dependency. In this context, the scope of the particular paper is to examine which of the defined scenarios could respond adequately to the European region’s profile and which could affect positively living conditions. Subsequently, the research focuses on the assessment of each alternative climate and energy policy scenario and its socioeconomic, environmental and energy impacts with the application of multi-criteria decision analysis. The method used in the herein analysis is the PROMETHEE II, which ranks the proposed scenarios based on the decision-makers’ preferences. In order to ensure the robustness of the results, a sensitivity analysis is also performed.
Water Stress Implications of Energy Scenarios for the Middle East: An Assessment of Risks and Uncertainties
Authors: van der Zwaan Bob , Halstead Matthew , Kober Tom
Published: December 2018

Energy, water, and food systems have so far mostly been studied independently. In this chapter, we argue that it is important to take an “energy-water-food nexus approach” to analyzing these three resource systems. After briefly introducing the emerging literature on the energy-water-food nexus, we inspect the interrelationship between energy and water use in the Middle East. We present results for projected power production, water withdrawal, and water consumption levels until 2050 in the Middle East under both baseline and stringent climate policy scenarios. We also analyze how the use of different cooling techniques for the main power production options in the Middle East can yield water withdrawal and consumption savings in the electricity sector in the region. We end by informing authorities responsible for the implementation of energy-water policies on the risks and uncertainties associated with the water usage of future energy systems.
Hypothesis for a Risk Cost of Carbon: Revising the Externalities and Ethics of Climate Change
Authors: Chen Delton B. , van der Beek Joel , Cloud Jonathan
Published: December 2018

Standard market-based policies for addressing climate change mostly aim to internalize the Social Cost of Carbon (SCC) into the economy with either carbon taxes or cap-and-trade schemes. Standard policies are failing to manage the systemic risk of dangerous-to-catastrophic climate change for a variety of reasons. In this chapter we clarify and expand on a market hypothesis that argues for a second externalized cost of carbon, called the Risk Cost of Carbon (RCC), as the appropriate solution to this risk problem.

The combination of the SCC and RCC creates a new paradigm of complementary market pricing for the dual objectives of improving market efficiency and managing systemic risk, respectively. Introducing the RCC addresses the problem of how to decouple gross world product (GWP) from carbon emissions and how to solve the paradox of time discounting under systemic risk. Subsequently the RCC could have major implications for climate change economics, public policy, and sustainability theory. The hypothesis is novel by taking into consideration both the entropy and the mass of the carbon budget.

The RCC is technically defined as the cost of imposing risk tolerances (%) on climate mitigation objectives, and it has units of USD per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) mitigated. The RCC is internalized with a “global carbon reward” that manages a trade-off between market efficiency and climate certainty. The carbon reward is issued as a parallel currency and with an exchange rate that is managed by central banks over a rolling 100-year planning horizon. A key recommendation is to test the hypothesis with experiments.
Validation of evaluation model and evaluation indicators comprised Kansei Engineering and eye movement with EEG: an example of medical nursing bed
Authors: Zhou Zhiyong , Cheng Jianxin , Wei Wheijane , Lee Laichung
Published: December 2018

The study is to innovate an evaluation model of medical nursing bed and verify indicators by triangulation of subjective feelings, eye movement and electroencephalography (EEG). The underlying theory is Kansei Engineering that is the technology to measure and transform consumers’ perceptions of products into design elements. Kansei Engineering comprises external physiological sensory measurement and intrinsic psychological susceptibility measurement. The evaluation of medical nursing bed should measure subjective and objective data. The current evaluation method of medical nursing bed is very subjective and cannot be tested objectively. It is rationale to apply Kansei Engineering in medical nursing bed evaluation comprised subjective feelings and eye movement with electroencephalography. The methodology is the experimental research in which four design proposals of medical nursing bed were compared by 20 participants. Data collection adopted Tobii X2 eye tracker and NeurOne EEG recording system except subjective feelings. D-lab, ERGOLAB, and EEGLAB was applied to process data of eye movement and EEG. Correlation of triangulation was analyzed for criterion-related validity. Cronbach’s Alpha was used as a measure of internal consistency for reliability. Findings indicated design proposal 2 contained a rounded rectangular and line surface organically combined was optimal. Triangulation was supported as indicators for more objective and persuasive evaluation of medical nursing beds. Implications for practice will be applied in NCC Medical Co., LTD, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai Ying Hand Medical Equipment Co., Ltd, and WUTRON SAPACE in Shanghai DianJi University. Implications for follow-up research is in proceeding with more participants.
Enhancing Base Excision Repair of Mitochondrial DNA to Reduce Ischemic Injury Following Reperfusion
Authors: Simon Roger , Meller Robert , Yang Tao , Pearson Andrea , Wilson Glenn
Published: December 2018

We hypothesize that enhancing mitochondrial base excision repair (BER) capability in brain will reduce reperfusion-associated ischemic brain injury. Post-stroke reperfusion was modeled in mice via transient filament occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (60 min) (transient MCAO). Administration of a TAT-modified form of a DNA glycosylase (EndoIII) following reperfusion of the brain reduced resultant brain infarct volume. Protection was dose-dependent, BER enzyme specific, and regionally specific (more effective via the jugular vein). EndoIII is compatible with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). The time window of a single dose of EndoIII effect is 3 h following reperfusion onset. These data suggest a novel approach to enhance protection of reperfused brain in the setting of revascularization procedures (thrombectomy or thrombolytic therapy) following stroke.
School effectiveness and students' future orientation: A multilevel analysis of upper secondary schools in Stockholm, Sweden
Authors: Alm Susanne , Låftman Sara Brolin , Sandahl Julia , Modin Bitte
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Future orientation (FO) refers to individuals' beliefs and feelings about their future. Earlier research has primarily investigated correlates of FO at the individual and family level, but it seems likely that FO is also shaped by other central agents or institutions, such as the school. Earlier studies have found positive associations between “school effectiveness” and student performance, and negative associations in relation to e.g., bullying, delinquency, and health risk behaviors. The current study investigated three teacher‐reported features of school effectiveness ‐ school leadership, teacher cooperation and consensus, and school ethos ‐ and their links with student‐reported FO.

Methods

Survey data were collected in 2016 among 5131 students (aged 17–18 years) and 1061 teachers in 46 upper secondary schools in Stockholm, Sweden, and merged with school‐level register data. Two‐level binary logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

The analyses showed that higher teacher ratings of school leadership and school ethos were associated with a greater likelihood of reporting an optimistic FO among students. Teacher cooperation and consensus was however not associated with students' FO.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that the school environment contributes to shaping students' beliefs about their future. Thus, enhancing features of school effectiveness may be a way of promoting a positive development and brighter objective future prospects for the young, via pathways such as good student‐teacher relations and academic motivation and achievement.
Non-equilibrium effects on flow past a circular cylinder in the slip and early transition regime
Authors: Gu Xiao-Jun , Barber Robert W. , John Benzi , Emerson David R.
Published: December 2018

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into flow past a circular cylinder where compressibility and rarefaction effects play an important role. The study focuses on steady subsonic flow in the Reynolds-number range 0.1–45. Rarefaction, or non-equilibrium, effects in the slip and early transition regime are accounted for using the method of moments and results are compared to data from kinetic theory obtained from the direct simulation Monte Carlo method. Solutions obtained for incompressible continuum flow serve as a baseline to examine non-equilibrium effects on the flow features. For creeping flow, where the Reynolds number is less than unity, the drag coefficient predicted by the moment equations is in good agreement with kinetic theory for Knudsen numbers less than one. When flow separation occurs, we show that the effects of rarefaction and velocity slip delay flow separation and will reduce the size of the vortices downstream of the cylinder. When the Knudsen number is above 0.028, the vortex length shows an initial increase with the Reynolds number, as observed in the standard no-slip continuum regime. However, once the Reynolds number exceeds a critical value, the size of the downstream vortices decreases with increasing Reynolds number until they disappear. An existence criterion, which identifies the limits for the presence of the vortices, is proposed. The flow physics around the cylinder is further analysed in terms of velocity slip, pressure and skin friction coefficients, which highlights that viscous, rarefaction and compressibility effects all play a complex role. We also show that the local Knudsen number, which indicates the state of the gas around the cylinder, can differ significantly from its free-stream value and it is essential that computational studies of subsonic gas flows in the slip and early transition regime are able to account for these strong non-equilibrium effects.
Multiple arteriovenous malformations caused by RASA1 gene mutation presenting during pregnancy – a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Manzocchi Besson Sara , Jastrow Meyer Nicole , Bounameaux Henri , La Scala Giorgio C. , Calza Anne-Marie , Yilmaz Hasan , Righini Marc , Robert-Ebadi Helia
Published: December 2018

Abstract. Pregnancy can influence the development and progression of congenital arteriovenous malformations (AVM) and thus lead to life-threatening complications for the mother and fetus like high output cardiac failure and premature delivery. The simultaneous presence of a capillary malformation and AVM strongly suggests a RASA1 related disorder.

Keywords: Arteriovenous malformations, capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation, capillaries/abnormalities, port-wine stain, pregnancy, RASA1 protein
Does Abstract Mindset Decrease or Increase Deception?
Authors: Alper Sinan
Published: December 2018

Abstract. Past research produced mixed results regarding the effect of abstract/concrete mindset on the moral judgment of hypothetical scenarios. I argued that an abstract mindset could decrease or increase deception as different lines of research suggested that the effect could be in both directions. In four experiments, three different paradigms were used to manipulate mindset and its effect on participants’ own deceptive behavior was examined. Abstract mindset manipulation increased the level of deception in Study 1 and 2, but not in Study 3. Study 4 provided an opposite result as abstractness decreased deception. The results suggested that mindset manipulation might trigger multiple mechanisms having contradictory effects. I argued that future research should account for these mechanisms and individual differences in understanding the effect of abstract mindset on moral decision-making.
Implications of Microbial Thiosulfate Utilization in Red Clay Sediments of the Central Indian Basin: The Martian Analogy
Authors: Singh Tanya , Kshirsagar Pranav R. , Das Anindita , Yadav Kunal , Mallik Sweta , Mascarenhas‐Pereira M. B. L. , Thomas Tresa Remya A. , Shivaramu Mamatha S. , P. A. LokaBharathi , Khadge N. H. , Nath B. Nagender , Dhakephalkar Prashant K. , Iyer Sridhar D. , Ray Dwijesh , Valsangkar A. B. , Garg Anita , Prakash Babu C. , Waghole Ravindra J. , Waghmare Shailesh S. , Rajwade Jyutika M. , Paknikar Kishore M.
Published: December 2018

Microbial thiosulfate utilization and S‐disproportionation could be important mechanisms of sulfate‐formations on Earth and Mars. Sulfates on Mars date back to late‐Noachian to Hesperian period. In contrast, the large sulfur/sulfate formations on Earth evolved under different chronological sequences. The S‐cycle was provoked intermittently, permitting multiple appearances of the S‐oxidizers on an evolutionary timescale. Hydrothermally altered deep‐oceanic red clay sediments of the Central Indian Basin were examined as potential analogue for sulfur (S) oxidation on Mars. The basin sediments supported an active microbial S‐metabolism that exhibited S‐disproportionation coupled to microbial carbon‐fixation through intermediate processes like thiosulfate utilization. Sulfur‐oxidizers/thiotrophic denitrifiers were isolated in large numbers at circum‐neutral pH, from these cold and dark abyssal Fe‐oxide dominated organic‐C starved clay. Experimental simulations under psychrophilic and thermo‐tolerant conditions revealed the coexistence of an anaerobic, thermal component under the predominantly oxic, circum‐neutral seafloor conditions. Multiple causative factors like hydrothermal seafloor circulation, in situ volcanism, and fracture zone reactivation could drive the widespread S‐cycle activity in the Central Indian Basin, albeit at a low scale. It is postulated that these conditions are analogous to Great Oxidation Event situations on Earth, when S‐oxidizers evolved and flourished. Experimental studies on microbial thiosulfate flux are few in spite of intense scientific interest in microbial S‐disproportionation. To the best of our knowledge, this is a new report on regression model development for microbial thiosulfate flux. These clay‐systems and their component microbes could serve as analogue to the ancient well‐hydrated Noachian Mars and throw light on planetary hydration and desiccation mechanisms.