bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spondylitis transmitted from infected aortic grafts: a review
Authors: Megaloikonomos Panayiotis D. , Antoniadou Thekla , Dimopoulos Leonidas , Liontos Marcos , Igoumenou Vasilios , Panagopoulos Georgios N. , Giannitsioti Efthymia , Lazaris Andreas , Mavrogenis Andreas F.
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Graft infection following aortic aneurysms repair is an uncommon but devastating complication; its incidence ranges from <1% to 6% (mean 4%), with an associated perioperative and overall mortality of 12% and 17.5-20%, respectively. The most common causative organisms are Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli; causative bacteria typically arise from the skin or gastrointestinal tract. The pathogenetic mechanisms of aortic graft infections are mainly breaks in sterile technique during its implantation, superinfection during bacteremia from a variety of sources, severe intraperitoneal or retroperitoneal inflammation, inoculation of bacteria during postoperative percutaneous interventions to manage various types of endoleaks, and external injury of the vascular graft. Mechanical forces in direct relation to the device were implicated in fistula formation in 35% of cases of graft infection. Partial rupture and graft migration leading to gradual erosion of the bowel wall and aortoenteric fistulas have been reported in 30.8% of cases.Rarely, infection via continuous tissues may affect the spine, resulting in spondylitis. Even though graft explantation and surgical debridement is usually the preferred course of action, comorbidities and increased perioperative risk may preclude patients from surgery and endorse a conservative approach as the treatment of choice. In contrast, conservative treatment is the treatment of choice for spondylitis; surgery may be indicated in approximately 8.5% of patients with neural compression or excessive spinal infection. To enhance the literature, we searched the related literature for published studies on continuous spondylitis from infected endovascular grafts aiming to summarize the pathogenesis and diagnosis, and to discuss the treatment and outcome of the patients with these rare and complex infections.
Tidsskriftdatabasen ved Universitetsbiblioteket i Tromsø
Authors: Brattli Tore
Published: January 2017

Om nye muligheter for administrasjon og tilgjengeliggjøring av tidsskrifter i et biblioteket
Sensitivity of the quasi‐biennial oscillation simulated in WACCM to the phase speed spectrum and the settings in an inertial gravity wave parameterization
Authors: Yu Chao , Xue Xianghui , Wu Jianfei , Chen Tingdi , Li Huimin
Published: January 2017

The application of inertial gravity wave parameterization has allowed for the spontaneous generation of quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) in the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM), although there is some mismatch when comparing with observations. The parameterization is based on Lindzen's linear saturation theory, modified to describe inertia‐gravity waves (IGW) by considering the Coriolis effect. In this work, we improve the parameterization by importing a more realistic IGW phase speed spectrum that exhibits a double peak Gaussian distribution calculated from tropical radiosonde observations. A series of numeric simulations are performed to test the sensitivity of QBO‐like oscillation features to the phase speed spectrum and the settings of parameterized IGW. All these simulations are capable of generating equatorial wind oscillations in the stratosphere based on standard spatial resolution settings. Central phase speeds of the “double‐Gaussian parameterization” affect QBO magnitudes and periods, and the momentum flux of IGW determines the acceleration rate of zonal wind. Furthermore, stronger IGW forcing can lead to a propagation of the QBO‐like oscillation to lower altitude. The intermittency factor of the parameterization also prominently affects the QBO period. Stratospheric QBO‐like oscillation with obvious improvements is generated using the new IGW parameterization in a long‐time simulation.
Metal–CO2 Batteries on the Road: CO2 from Contamination Gas to Energy Source
Authors: Xie Zhaojun , Zhang Xin , Zhang Zhang , Zhou Zhen
Published: January 2017

Rechargeable nonaqueous metal–air batteries attract much attention for their high theoretical energy density, especially in the last decade. However, most reported metal–air batteries are actually operated in a pure O2 atmosphere, while CO2 and moisture in ambient air can significantly impact the electrochemical performance of metal–O2 batteries. In the study of CO2 contamination on metal–O2 batteries, it has been gradually found that CO2 can be utilized as the reactant gas alone; namely, metal–CO2 batteries can work. On the other hand, investigations on CO2 fixation are in focus due to the potential threat of CO2 on global climate change, especially for its steadily increasing concentration in the atmosphere. The exploitation of CO2 in energy storage systems represents an alternative approach towards clean recycling and utilization of CO2. Here, the aim is to provide a timely summary of recent achievements in metal–CO2 batteries, and inspire new ideas for new energy storage systems. Moreover, critical issues associated with reaction mechanisms and potential directions for future studies are discussed.
Highly Active and Stable Pt–Pd Alloy Catalysts Synthesized by Room‐Temperature Electron Reduction for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Zongyuan , Wang Jiajun , Zhong Chuan‐Jian , Liu Chang‐Jun
Published: January 2017

Carbon‐supported platinum (Pt) and palladium (Pd) alloy catalyst has become a promising alternative electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. In this work, the synthesis of highly active and stable carbon‐supported Pt–Pd alloy catalysts is reported with a room‐temperature electron reduction method. The alloy nanoparticles thus prepared show a particle size around 2.6 nm and a core–shell structure with Pt as the shell. With this structure, the breaking of O–O bands and desorption of OH are both promoted in electrocatalysis of ORR. In comparison with the commercial Pt/C catalyst prepared by conventional method, the mass activity of the Pt–Pd/C catalyst for ORR is shown to increase by a factor of ≈4. After 10 000‐cycle durability test, the Pt–Pd/C catalyst is shown to retain 96.5% of the mass activity, which is much more stable than that of the commercial Pt/C catalyst.
Bioarchaeology in the ancientNearEast: Challenges and future directions for the southern Levant
Authors: Sheridan Susan Guise
Published: January 2017

The synthesis of biological anthropology, archaeology, and social theory provides a bioarchaeological model to reconstruct nuanced aspects of demography, diet, disease, death, daily activities, and biodistance, even in the absence of discrete burials. Numerous skeletal assemblages in the southern Levant are composed of mixed and fragmented bones resulting from generational use of cemeteries, mass burial, and additional communal burial practices. Others become commingled due to taphonomic processes such as flooding, geological events, or human mediated mechanisms like looting, improper excavation, and poor curation. Such collections require one to ask broader questions of human adaptability, exercise a holistic approach, use broad demographic categories, and remain cognizant of the limitations posed by fragmentation. Expanded research questions and ethical considerations, the use of centralized databases and understudied collections, as well as the application of social media, citizen science, and crowd sourcing provide new tools for bioarchaeological analyses of the many commingled ancient Near Eastern collections in the southern Levant.
Output Feedback Robust MPC Based on Off‐line Observer for LPV Systems via Quadratic Boundedness
Authors: Ping Xubin
Published: January 2017

For the linear parameter varying (LPV) system with available scheduling parameter and bounded disturbance, a synthesis approach to output feedback robust model predictive control (OFRMPC) is considered. By applying the technique of quadratic boundedness, the on‐line method with the refreshment of the bounds of estimation error guarantees the robust stability of the augmented closed‐loop system. For reducing the on‐line computational burden, the look‐up table that stores off‐line optimized control laws and the corresponding regions of attraction is constructed. The on‐line control law is searched based on the bounds of estimation error set and the region of attraction with the closest containment of the real‐time estimated state. A continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) model is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the method.
Determination of the Rate Coefficients of the CH4 + O2 → HO2 + CH3 and HCO + O2 → HO2 + CO Reactions at High Temperatures
Authors: Ryu Si‐Ok , Shin Kuan Soo , Hwang Soon Muk
Published: January 2017

Rate coefficients of the title reactions, R1 (CH4 + O2 → HO2 + CH3) and R2 (HCO + O2 → HO2 + CO) were obtained over T = 1610 ~ 1810 K and T = 200 ~ 1760 K, respectively, and at ρ = 7.1 µmol/cm3. A lean CH4/O2/Ar mixture (0.1% CH4, ϕ = 0.02) was heated behind reflected shock waves and the temporal OH absorption profiles were measured using a laser absorption spectroscopy. Reaction rate coefficients were elucidated by matching the experimental profiles via optimization of k1 and k2 values in the reaction simulation. The rate coefficient expressions derived are k1 = 1.46 × 1014 exp (−26 210 K/T) cm3/mol/s, T = 1610 ~ 1810 K and k2 = 1.9 × 1012 T0.176 exp (−245 K/T) cm3/mol/s, T = 200 ~ 1760 K.
Absorption Spectroelectrochemistry on Mixed Perylenediimide‐Based Self‐Assembled Monolayers: Non‐Linear Dependence of Absorbance versus Surface Coverage
Authors: Bkhach Sihame , Alévêque Olivier , Morille Yohann , Breton Tony , Hudhomme Piétrick , Gautier Christelle , Levillain Eric
Published: January 2017

The study of mixed self‐assembled monolayers of perylenediimide and hexanethiol by cyclic voltammetry and absorption spectroelectrochemistry shows a non‐linearity of absorbance maxima as a function of the surface coverage. This surprising result could be supported by an increase in the average tilt angle at low coverage, suggesting that the dilution of redox species through an alkanethiol would induce a change of the orientation of immobilized chromophores and, therefore, a modification of the optical properties of the monolayer.
Selective Reductions of N,N‐Bis{chloro(aryl)‐phosphino}‐amines Yielding Three‐, Five‐, Six‐, and Eight‐Membered Cyclic Azaphosphanes
Authors: Höhne Martha , Joksch Markus , Konieczny Katharina , Müller Bernd H. , Spannenberg Anke , Peulecke Normen , Rosenthal Uwe
Published: January 2017

To date, a plethora of λ3‐P nitrogen‐containing compounds is known. A large number of them are used as ligands in coordination chemistry and homogeneous catalysis. PN‐containing compounds tend to build up cyclic moieties, which have received less attention in regard to their application as ligands in transition metal chemistry. Hence, different dehalogenation reactions of N,N‐bis{chloro(aryl)‐phosphino}‐amines have been developed to synthesize different P‐N‐P containing cyclic compounds. Their coordination behavior to group VI transition metal carbonyls was explored.
Low‐Energy Catalytic Electrolysis for Simultaneous Hydrogen Evolution and Lignin Depolymerization
Authors: Du Xu , Liu Wei , Zhang Zhe , Mulyadi Arie , Brittain Alex , Gong Jian , Deng Yulin
Published: January 2017

Here, a new proton‐exchange‐membrane electrolysis is presented, in which lignin was used as the hydrogen source at the anode for hydrogen production. Either polyoxometalate (POM) or FeCl3 was used as the catalyst and charge‐transfer agent at the anode. Over 90 % Faraday efficiency was achieved. In a thermal‐insulation reactor, the heat energy could be maintained at a very low level for continuous operation. Compared to the best alkaline–water electrolysis reported in literature, the electrical‐energy consumption could be 40 % lower with lignin electrolysis. At the anode, the Kraft lignin (KL) was oxidized to aromatic chemicals by POM or FeCl3, and reduced POM or Fe ions were regenerated during the electrolysis. Structure analysis of the residual KL indicated a reduction of the amount of hydroxyl groups and the cleavage of ether bonds. The results suggest that POM‐ or FeCl3‐mediated electrolysis can significantly reduce the electrolysis energy consumption in hydrogen production and, simultaneously, depolymerize lignin to low‐molecular‐weight value‐added aromatic chemicals.
Carbon‐Nanodot Solar Cells from Renewable Precursors
Authors: Marinovic Adam , Kiat Lim S. , Dunn Steve , Titirici Maria‐Magdalena , Briscoe Joe
Published: January 2017

It has recently been shown that waste biomass can be converted into a wide range of functional materials, including those with desirable optical and electronic properties, offering the opportunity to find new uses for these renewable resources. Photovoltaics is one area in which finding the combination of abundant, low‐cost and non‐toxic materials with the necessary functionality can be challenging. In this paper the performance of carbon nanodots derived from a wide range of biomaterials obtained from different biomass sources as sensitisers for TiO2‐based nanostructured solar cells was compared; polysaccharides (chitosan and chitin), monosaccharide (d‐glucose), amino acids (l‐arginine and l‐cysteine) and raw lobster shells were used to produce carbon nanodots through hydrothermal carbonisation. The highest solar power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 0.36 % was obtained by using l‐arginine carbon nanodots as sensitisers, whereas lobster shells, as a model source of chitin from actual food waste, showed a PCE of 0.22 %. By comparing this wide range of materials, the performance of the solar cells was correlated with the materials characteristics by carefully investigating the structural and optical properties of each family of carbon nanodots, and it was shown that the combination of amine and carboxylic acid functionalisation is particularly beneficial for the solar‐cell performance.
Aqueous Biphasic Systems for the Synthesis of Formates by Catalytic CO2 Hydrogenation: Integrated Reaction and Catalyst Separation for CO2‐Scrubbing Solutions
Authors: Scott Martin , Blas Molinos Beatriz , Westhues Christian , Franciò Giancarlo , Leitner Walter
Published: January 2017

Aqueous biphasic systems were investigated for the production of formate–amine adducts by metal‐catalyzed CO2 hydrogenation, including typical scrubbing solutions as feedstocks. Different hydrophobic organic solvents and ionic liquids could be employed as the stationary phase for cis‐[Ru(dppm)2Cl2] (dppm=bis‐diphenylphosphinomethane) as prototypical catalyst without any modification or tagging of the complex. The amines were found to partition between the two phases depending on their structure, whereas the formate–amine adducts were nearly quantitatively extracted into the aqueous phase, providing a favorable phase behavior for the envisaged integrated reaction/separation sequence. The solvent pair of methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) and water led to the most practical and productive system and repeated use of the catalyst phase was demonstrated. The highest single batch activity with a TOFav of approximately 35 000 h−1 and an initial TOF of approximately 180 000 h−1 was achieved in the presence of NEt3. Owing to higher stability, the highest productivities were obtained with methyl diethanolamine (Aminosol CST 115) and monoethanolamine (MEA), which are used in commercial scale CO2‐scrubbing processes. Saturated aqueous solutions (CO2 overpressure 5–10 bar) of MEA could be converted into the corresponding formate adducts with average turnover frequencies up to 14×103 h−1 with an overall yield of 70 % based on the amine, corresponding to a total turnover number of 150 000 over eleven recycling experiments. This opens the possibility for integrated approaches to carbon capture and utilization.
Properdin and factor H production by human dendritic cells modulates their T‐cell stimulatory capacity and is regulated by IFN‐γ
Authors: Dixon Karen O. , O'Flynn Joseph , Klar‐Mohamad Ngaisah , Daha Mohamed R. , van Kooten Cees
Published: January 2017

Dendritic cells (DCs) and complement are both key members of the innate and adaptive immune response. Recent experimental mouse models have shown that production of alternative pathway (AP) components by DCs strongly affects their ability to activate and regulate T‐cell responses. In this study we investigated the production and regulation of properdin (fP) and factor H (fH) both integral regulators of the AP, by DCs and tolerogenic DCs (tolDCs). Both fP and fH were produced by DCs, with significantly higher levels of both AP components produced by tolDCs. Upon activation with IFN‐γ both cells increased fH production, while simultaneously decreasing production of fP. IL‐27, a member of the IL‐12 family, increased fH, but production of fP remained unaffected. The functional capacity of fP and fH produced by DCs and tolDCs was confirmed by their ability to bind C3b. Inhibition of fH production by DCs resulted in a greater ability to induce allogenic CD4+ T‐cell proliferation. In contrast, inhibition of fP production led to a significantly reduced allostimulatory capacity. In summary, this study shows that production of fP and fH by DCs, differentially regulates their immunogenicity, and that the local cytokine environment can profoundly affect the production of fP and fH.
Predicting recovery in patients with acute low back pain: A Clinical Prediction Model
Authors: da Silva T. , Macaskill P. , Mills K. , Maher C. , Williams C. , Lin C. , Hancock M.J.
Published: January 2017

Background

There is substantial variability in the prognosis of acute low back pain (LBP). The ability to identify the probability of individual patients recovering by key time points would be valuable in making informed decisions about the amount and type of treatment to provide. Predicting recovery based on presentation 1‐week after initially seeking care is clinically important and may be more accurate than predictions made at initial presentation. The aim of this study was to predict the probability of recovery at 1‐week, 1‐month and 3‐months after 1‐week review in patients who still have LBP 1‐week after initially seeking care.

Methods

The study sample comprised 1070 patients with acute LBP, with a pain score of ≥2 1‐week after initially seeking care. The primary outcome measure was days to recovery from pain. Ten potential prognostic factors were considered for inclusion in a multivariable Cox regression model.

Results

The final model included duration of current episode, number of previous episodes, depressive symptoms, intensity of pain at 1‐week, and change in pain over the first week after seeking care. Depending on values of the predictor variables, the probability of recovery at 1‐week, 1‐month and 3‐months after 1‐week review ranged from 4% to 59%, 19% to 91% and 30% to 97%, respectively. The model had good discrimination (C = 0.758) and calibration.

Conclusions

This study found that a model based on five easily collected variables could predict the probability of recovery at key time points in people who still have LBP 1‐week after seeking care.

Significance

A clinical prediction model based on five easily collected variables was able to predict the likelihood of recovery from an episode of acute LBP at three key time points. The model had good discrimination (C = 0.758) and calibration.
No Boon At All
Authors: Behrends Andrea
Published: January 2017

Politicians in the central African Republic of Chad are hoping to benefit from an approach that combines traditional agricultural production with modern oil extraction. However, there is a high price to pay for oil production: contaminated soil, the erosion of land tenure rights and social upheaval. Social anthropologists see a country undergoing dramatic social and cultural change.
Individualists in the Fight for Survival
Authors: Hagg Wilfried
Published: January 2017

Small Alpine glaciers may seem less than spectacular, but just like their larger cousins, they are important climate indicators. Geographers are combining historical and current data in complex computer models to better recognise both dangers and opportunities for nature and tourism.
Confocal laser endomicroscopy in head and neck malignancies using FITC‐labelled EpCAM‐ and EGF‐R‐antibodies in cell lines and tumor biopsies
Authors: Englhard Anna S. , Palaras Alexander , Volgger Veronika , Stepp Herbert , Mack Brigitte , Libl Darko , Gires Olivier , Betz Christian S.
Published: January 2017

Intraoperative detection of residual malignant cells at tumor margins following excision of primary tumors could help improving surgery and thus patients' outcome. The feasibility of the tumor antigens epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF‐R) and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) for antibody‐dependent confocal laser scanning endomicroscopy (CLE)‐mediated visualization of malignant cells was addressed. Both tumor antigens are highly and frequently expressed in the majority of carcinomas, including head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), and represent prognostic and therapeutic tumor target molecules. FITC‐conjugated EGF‐R‐ and EpCAM‐specific antibodies served as molecular tools for the detection of antigen‐positive cells using the CLE technology. Specificity of both antibodies and their ability to discriminate tumor from non‐tumor cells were assessed in vitro with human fibroblasts and PCI‐1 HNSCC cell lines, and ex vivo on primary HNSCC samples (n = 11) and healthy mucosa (n = 5). Antigen specificity of the used EpCAM‐specific antibody was superior to that of the EGF‐R‐specific antibody both in vitro and ex vivo (100% vs. 31.25%), and allowed visualization of cellular structures in CLE measurements. These results hold promise for possible future applications in humans.

magnified image
Cypate‐mediated thermosensitive nanoliposome for tumor imaging and photothermal triggered drug release
Authors: Han Zhihao , Lv Liwei , Ma Yi , Wang Zhaohui , Liu Yuxi , Zhang Min , Li Siwen , Gu Yueqing
Published: January 2017

It is an emerging focus to explore controlled release drug delivery systems for simultaneous cancer imaging and therapy. Herein, we synthesized a photothermal sensitive multifunctional nano‐liposome drug delivery system, with doxorubicin wrapped in the hydropholic layer as the therapeutical agent and cypate doped in the hydrophobic layer as the diagnostic agent. A series of in vitro and in vivo characterization demonstrated the stability of synthesized liposome, as the DL% was 9 ± 1.5 and the EE% was 82.7 ± 2.1. And the liposome achieved the functions of target‐delivery, enhanced photochemical internalized drug release, and simultaneous chemotherapy and thermal therapy, indicating that this multifunctional nano‐liposome is a promising drug delivery system for tumor diagnosis and targeting therapy.

magnified image
Mechanisms involved in enhancement of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expression in macrophages by interleukin‐33
Authors: Ariyoshi Wataru , Okinaga Toshinori , Chaweewannakorn Wichida , Akifusa Sumio , Nisihara Tatsuji
Published: January 2017

Endothelial transmigration of macrophages is accomplished by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐induced degradation of the basement membrane and extracellular matrix components. Macrophages upregulate MMP‐9 expression and secretion upon immunological challenges and require its activity for migration during inflammatory responses. Interleukin (IL)‐33 is a recently discovered pro‐inflammatory cytokine that belongs to the IL‐1 family. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms underlying IL‐33‐induced MMP‐9 expression in the mouse monocyte/macrophage line RAW264.7. IL‐33 increased MMP‐9 mRNA and protein expression in RAW264.7 cells. Blockage of IL‐33‐IL‐33 receptor (ST2L) binding suppressed IL‐33‐mediated induction of MMP‐9. IL‐33 induced phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB). Chromatin immunoprecipitation indicated that IL‐33 increased c‐fos recruitment to the MMP‐9 promoter. Reporter assay findings also revealed that IL‐33 stimulated the transcriptional activity of activator protein 1 (AP‐1). Pre‐treatment of the cells with a specific inhibitor of ERK1/2 and NF‐κB attenuated the IL‐33‐induced activation of AP‐1 subunits, transcriptional activity of AP‐1, and expression of MMP‐9. We also demonstrated that ERK‐dependent activation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) is a key step for AP‐1 activation by IL‐33. These results indicate an essential role of ERK/CREB and NF‐κB cascades in the induction of MMP‐9 in monocytes/macrophages through AP‐1 activation.
LSP1, a responsive protein from Meyerozyma guilliermondii, elicits defence response and improves glycyrrhizic acid biosynthesis in Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch adventitious roots
Authors: Wang Juan , Li Jianli , Li Jing , Li Jinxin , Liu Shujie , Gao Wenyuan
Published: January 2017

This research explored the effects of protein and polysaccharide in Meyerozyma guilliermondii on active compounds in Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch adventitious roots. In this study, a responsive protein LSP1 was purified from the Meyerozyma guilliermondii since the excellent induction. The contents of total flavonoids (3.46 mg · g−1), glycyrrhizic acid (0.41 mg · g−1), glycyrrhetinic acid (0.41 mg · g−1), and polysaccharide (94.49 mg · g−1) in adventitious root peaked at LSP1 group, which were 1.6, 3.4, 2.4, 2.0‐fold that of control, respectively. Besides, the responsive protein LSP1 significantly activated the defense signaling, mitogen‐activated protein kinases and extremely up‐regulated the expression of defense‐related genes and functional genes involved in glycyrrhizic acid biosynthesis.
Simultaneous multiplane imaging‐based localization encoded (SMILE) microscopy for super‐resolution volume imaging
Authors: Mondal Partha Pratim
Published: January 2017

We propose a widefield‐based rapid super‐resolution volume imaging technique. This technique requires encoding single molecules to their respective planes and subsequent identification of the locus of individual molecule (both in the focal plane and off‐focal planes). Experimentally, this is achieved by precise calibration of system PSF size and its natural spread in the off‐focal planes using sub‐diffraction fluorescent beads. The specimen plane touching the coverslip is chosen as the focal plane whereas planes far from coverslip (situated at large penetration depths) represent off‐focal planes. The identification and sorting of single molecules are carried out by setting multiple cut‐offs to the respective PSFs and a 3D super‐resolved volume image is reconstructed. SMILE microscopy technique eliminates the need for multiple z‐plane scanning, minimizes radiation‐dose and enables rapid super‐resolution volume imaging.
Assessment of biochar and hydrochar as minor to major constituents of growing media for containerized tomato production
Authors: Fornes Fernando , Belda Rosa M , Fernández de Córdova Pascual , Cebolla‐Cornejo Jaime
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

Chars are emerging materials as constituents of growth media. However, chars of different origin differ in their characteristics and more studies are needed to ratify them for such a role. The characteristics of coir mixed with 0%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% (v/v) of two biochars, from forest waste (BCH‐FW) and from olive mill waste (BCH‐OMW), and one hydrochar, from forest waste (HYD‐FW), and their effects on growth, yield and fruit quality of two tomato cultivars (Gransol RZ and Cuarenteno) were assessed.

RESULTS

Chars negatively affected plant growth and yield but not fruit quality. The effect was related to the char dose and was larger in HYD‐FW and BCH‐FW than in BCH‐OMW, despite the high salinity of the latter, and more acute in Cuarenteno than in Gransol RZ. The results were discussed on the basis of the large particle size of BCH‐FW, which could have caused low nutrient solution retention and, hence, reduced plant nutrient uptake, and the high water‐holding capacity, poor aeration and large CO2 emission of HYD‐FW, which could lead to root anoxia.

CONCLUSION

BCH‐OMW can be used at high proportion in media for tomato cultivation. The use of BCH‐FW at a high proportion might be taken into consideration after adjusting particle size, yet this needs additional assays. HYD‐FW is inadequate for soilless containerized tomato cultivation. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Socioeconomic disparities, financial toxicity, and opportunities for enhanced system efficiencies for patients with cancer
Authors: Abbott Daniel E. , Voils Corrine L. , Fisher Deborah A. , Greenberg Caprice C. , Safdar Nasia
Published: January 2017

Cancer care continues to stress the US healthcare system with increases in life expectancy, cancer prevalence, and survivors’ complex needs. These challenges are compounded by socioeconomic, racial, and cultural disparities that are associated with poor clinical outcomes. One innovative and resource‐wise strategy to address this demand on the system is expanded use of telehealth. This paradigm has the potential to decrease healthcare and patient out‐of‐pocket costs and improve patient adherence to recommended treatment and/or surveillance.
What Determines Posttraumatic Stress and Growth Following Various Traumatic Events? A Study in a Turkish Community Sample
Authors: Gul Ervin , Karanci A. Nuray
Published: January 2017

This study aimed to examine the roles of personality traits, traumatic event types, coping, rumination, and social support in explaining posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTS) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in a representative community sample of 498 Turkish adults. The results of 2 multiple regression analyses showed that PTS was associated with neuroticism, experiencing events involving intentional/assaultive violence, intrusive and deliberate rumination, and fatalistic coping. In contrast, PTG was related to conscientiousness, openness to experience, injury/shocking and sudden‐death type of events, deliberate rumination, problem‐solving coping, and perceived social support. When all variables were entered into the equation, almost two thirds of the variability (R2 = .64) in the severity of PTS and more than one third of the variability (R2 = .40) in PTG was explained. The findings can aid in the development of psychosocial support programs for individuals experiencing traumatic events.
Plateau–Rayleigh Instability Morphology Evolution (PRIME): From Electrospun Core–Shell Polymer Fibers to Polymer Microbowls
Authors: Chiu Yu‐Jing , Tseng Hsiao‐Fan , Lo Yu‐Ching , Wu Bo‐Hao , Chen Jiun‐Tai
Published: January 2017

Electrospun core–shell fibers have great potentials in many areas, such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, and organic solar cells. Although many core–shell fibers have been prepared and studied, the morphology transformation of core–shell fibers have been rarely studied. In this work, the morphology evolution of electrospun core–shell polymer fibers driven by the Plateau–Rayleigh instability is investigated. Polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS/PMMA) core–shell fibers are first prepared by using blend solutions and a single axial electrospinning setup. After PS/PMMA core–shell fibers are annealed on a PS film, the fibers undulate and sink into the polymer film, forming core–shell hemispheres. The evolution process, which can be observed in situ by optical microscopy, is mainly driven by achieving lower surface and interfacial energies. The morphologies of the transformed structures can be confirmed by a selective removal technique, and polymer microbowls can be obtained.

image
Development of a reference database for assessing dietary nitrate in vegetables
Authors: Blekkenhorst Lauren C. , Prince Richard L. , Ward Natalie C. , Croft Kevin D. , Lewis Joshua R. , Devine Amanda , Shinde Sujata , Woodman Richard J. , Hodgson Jonathan M. , Bondonno Catherine P.
Published: January 2017

Scope

Nitrate from vegetables improves vascular health with short‐term intake. Whether this translates into improved long‐term health outcomes has yet to be investigated. To enable reliable analysis of nitrate intake from food records, there is a strong need for a comprehensive nitrate content of vegetables database.

Methods and results

A systematic literature search (1980–2016) was performed using Medline, Agricola and Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux abstracts databases. The nitrate content of vegetables database contains 4237 records from 255 publications with data on 178 vegetables and 22 herbs and spices. The nitrate content of individual vegetables ranged from Chinese flat cabbage (median; range: 4240; 3004–6310 mg/kg FW) to corn (median; range: 12; 5–1091 mg/kg FW). The database was applied to estimate vegetable nitrate intake using 24‐h dietary recalls (24‐HDRs) and food frequency questionnaires (FFQs). Significant correlations were observed between urinary nitrate excretion and 24‐HDR (r = 0.4, P = 0.013), between 24‐HDR and 12 month FFQs (r = 0.5, P < 0.001) as well as two 4 week FFQs administered 8 weeks apart (r = 0.86, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This comprehensive nitrate database allows quantification of dietary nitrate from a large variety of vegetables. It can be applied to dietary records to explore the associations between nitrate intake and health outcomes in human studies.
Long‐time Performance of Bottles Made of PET Blended with Various Concentrations of Oxygen Scavenger Additive Stored at Different Temperatures
Authors: Sängerlaub Sven , Müller Kajetan
Published: January 2017

Blending of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) with oxygen scavenger additives is a way to reduce ingress of oxygen into PET bottles made of these blends. The objective is to reduce oxidation of packaged beverages and oils. However, few studies were performed about the long‐time influence of temperature on PET bottles with oxygen scavenger additives. Such knowledge is relevant for the development of accelerated tests. In this study, the influence of temperature on oxygen permeation of PET bottles with the oxygen scavenger additives MXD6 or Oxyclear® was examined. PET bottles made of blends of PET with 2, 5 and 8 wt.−% MXD6, respectively, or with 2 wt.−% Oxyclear® were filled with deoxygenated water. The bottles were stored at 5, 23, 38 and 55 °C up to 5 years. Oxygen partial pressure of the water in the bottles was measured regularly. As expected, oxygen partial pressure increased earlier at higher temperature because of faster exhaustion of the oxygen scavenger. Oxygen partial pressure of water in PET bottles with 8 wt.−% MXD6 was below 10 mbar even after 5 years storage time at 5 and 23 °C. Oxygen absorption capacity of activated MXD6 was at least 76 mg/g. This study shows that PET bottles with oxygen scavengers are able to reduce the oxygen ingress for several years, even at elevated temperatures. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Jamming resistant non‐interactive anonymous and unlinkable authentication scheme for mobile satellite networks
Authors: Ibrahim Maged Hamada , Kumari Saru , Das Ashok Kumar , Odelu Vanga
Published: January 2017

Most of the previously proposed schemes use temporary identities for mobile users to provide unlinkable anonymous authentication for mobile users to the satellite network control center (NCC), where the temporary identities are picked at random after each session and agreed between a mobile user U and the NCC for the next session. Although such schemes provide full anonymity and are computationally efficient, the common problem with such strategies is that an adversary is able to desynchronize the temporary identity shared between U and NCC by means of simple jamming attack at a certain round in the authentication protocol. It results in the denial of all future sessions unless U re‐registers a new identity at the NCC. In this paper, we propose a new authentication scheme for mobile satellite networks. We avoid using synchronized temporary identities, which are always vulnerable to desynchronization attacks. We also avoid multi‐round authentication phase in order to reduce the jamming effect. Instead, a mobile user is able to create a new blinded version of his clear identity for each established session noninteractively, allowing him to anonymously authenticate himself to NCC in a fully unlinkable fashion. Moreover, in few milliseconds and one move non‐interactive way, U is able to establish a session key with NCC in a fully anonymous and authenticated way. Our new scheme uses recent advances in elliptic curve cryptography, and hence, it is efficient for implementation on mobile devices with limited resources. Through the rigorous security analysis using the broadly accepted Burrows–Abadi–Needham logic, informal security analysis, and the simulation for formal security verification using the widely known automated validation of Internet security protocols and sapplications tool, we show that our scheme is secure against various known attacks. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regression models for the restricted residual mean life for right‐censored and left‐truncated data
Authors: Cortese Giuliana , Holmboe Stine A. , Scheike Thomas H.
Published: January 2017

The hazard ratios resulting from a Cox's regression hazards model are hard to interpret and to be converted into prolonged survival time. As the main goal is often to study survival functions, there is increasing interest in summary measures based on the survival function that are easier to interpret than the hazard ratio; the residual mean time is an important example of those measures. However, because of the presence of right censoring, the tail of the survival distribution is often difficult to estimate correctly. Therefore, we consider the restricted residual mean time, which represents a partial area under the survival function, given any time horizon τ, and is interpreted as the residual life expectancy up to τ of a subject surviving up to time t. We present a class of regression models for this measure, based on weighted estimating equations and inverse probability of censoring weighted estimators to model potential right censoring. Furthermore, we show how to extend the models and the estimators to deal with delayed entries. We demonstrate that the restricted residual mean life estimator is equivalent to integrals of Kaplan–Meier estimates in the case of simple factor variables. Estimation performance is investigated by simulation studies. Using real data from Danish Monitoring Cardiovascular Risk Factor Surveys, we illustrate an application to additive regression models and discuss the general assumption of right censoring and left truncation being dependent on covariates. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
America’s Churning Races: Race and Ethnicity Response Changes Between Census 2000 and the 2010 Census
Authors: Liebler Carolyn A. , Porter Sonya R. , Fernandez Leticia E. , Noon James M. , Ennis Sharon R.
Published: January 2017

A person’s racial or ethnic self-identification can change over time and across contexts, which is a component of population change not usually considered in studies that use race and ethnicity as variables. To facilitate incorporation of this aspect of population change, we show patterns and directions of individual-level race and Hispanic response change throughout the United States and among all federally recognized race/ethnic groups. We use internal U.S. Census Bureau data from the 2000 and 2010 censuses in which responses have been linked at the individual level (N = 162 million). Approximately 9.8 million people (6.1 %) in our data have a different race and/or Hispanic-origin response in 2010 than they did in 2000. Race response change was especially common among those reported as American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Other Pacific Islander, in a multiple-race response group, or Hispanic. People reported as non-Hispanic white, black, or Asian in 2000 usually had the same response in 2010 (3 %, 6 %, and 9 % of responses changed, respectively). Hispanic/non-Hispanic ethnicity responses were also usually consistent (13 % and 1 %, respectively, changed). We found a variety of response change patterns, which we detail. In many race/Hispanic response groups, we see population churn in the form of large countervailing flows of response changes that are hidden in cross-sectional data. We find that response changes happen across ages, sexes, regions, and response modes, with interesting variation across racial/ethnic categories. Researchers should address the implications of race and Hispanic-origin response change when designing analyses and interpreting results.
Measuring Residential Segregation With the ACS: How the Margin of Error Affects the Dissimilarity Index
Authors: Napierala Jeffrey , Denton Nancy
Published: January 2017

The American Community Survey (ACS) provides valuable, timely population estimates but with increased levels of sampling error. Although the margin of error is included with aggregate estimates, it has not been incorporated into segregation indexes. With the increasing levels of diversity in small and large places throughout the United States comes a need to track accurately and study changes in racial and ethnic segregation between censuses. The 2005–2009 ACS is used to calculate three dissimilarity indexes (D) for all core-based statistical areas (CBSAs) in the United States. We introduce a simulation method for computing segregation indexes and examine them with particular regard to the size of the CBSAs. Additionally, a subset of CBSAs is used to explore how ACS indexes differ from those computed using the 2000 and 2010 censuses. Findings suggest that the precision and accuracy of D from the ACS is influenced by a number of factors, including the number of tracts and minority population size. For smaller areas, point estimates systematically overstate actual levels of segregation, and large confidence intervals lead to limited statistical power.
Pautas de exámenes inteligentes
Authors: Rozengway Vijil Herman
Published: January 2017

Muchos de los artículos encontrados en esta revista describen la ciencia detrás de las evaluaciones, pero instrumentos sumamente comunes como las revisiones y sus pautas parecen estar olvidadas. La entrega y revisión de exámenes es un ritual que muchos catedráticos practican continuamente, pero suele carecer de valor educativo, ya que el estudiante se enfoca en la revisión de puntaje en lugar de reafirmar el conocimiento o aclarar dudas.
The effect of angular misalignment on low-frequency axisymmetric wake instability
Authors: Gentile V. , van Oudheusden B. W. , Schrijer F. F. J. , Scarano F.
Published: January 2017

The effect of angular misalignment on the low-frequency dynamics of the near wake of a blunt-based axisymmetric body is investigated at a Reynolds number of $Re=67\,000$. While for axisymmetric boundary conditions all azimuthal orientations of the wake are explored with equal probability, resulting in a statistical axisymmetry, an angular offset as small as $0.2^{\circ }$ is found to suppress the low-frequency large-scale behaviour that is associated with the erratic meandering of the region of reversed flow. As a result of the misalignment, the centroid of this backflow region is displaced from the model axis and remains confined around an average off-centre position. Spectral and modal analysis provides evidence that the erratic backflow behaviour occurs within a narrow angular range of deviations from axisymmetric conditions.
The role of multidimensional instabilities in direct initiation of gaseous detonations in free space
Authors: Shen Hua , Parsani Matteo
Published: January 2017

We numerically investigate the direct initiation of detonations driven by the propagation of a blast wave into a unconfined gaseous combustible mixture to study the role played by multidimensional instabilities in direct initiation of stable and unstable detonations. To this end, we first model the dynamics of unsteady propagation of detonation using the one-dimensional compressible Euler equations with a one-step chemical reaction model and cylindrical geometrical source terms. Subsequently, we use two-dimensional compressible Euler equations with just the chemical reaction source term to directly model cylindrical detonations. The one-dimensional results suggest that there are three regimes in the direct initiation for stable detonations, that the critical energy for mildly unstable detonations is not unique, and that highly unstable detonations are not self-sustainable. These phenomena agree well with one-dimensional theories and computations available in the literature. However, our two-dimensional results indicate that one-dimensional approaches are valid only for stable detonations. In mildly and highly unstable detonations, one-dimensional approaches break down because they cannot take the effects and interactions of multidimensional instabilities into account. In fact, instabilities generated in multidimensional settings yield the formation of strong transverse waves that, on one hand, increase the risk of failure of the detonation and, on the other hand, lead to the initiation of local over-driven detonations that enhance the overall self-sustainability of the global process. The competition between these two possible outcomes plays an important role in the direct initiation of detonations.
THE AFGHAN DISCOVERY OF BUDDHA: CIVILIZATIONAL HISTORY AND THE NATIONALIZING OF AFGHAN ANTIQUITY
Authors: Green Nile
Published: January 2017

Through their interactions with French archaeologists from around 1930, Afghan historians formulated a new official historical identity for Afghanistan based on its pre-Islamic past. This article provides the first analysis of this process by tracing the emergence of the new historiography through the career of its chief promoter, Ahmad ʿAli Kuhzad, as curator of the National Museum (founded 1931) and director of the Afghan Historical Society (founded 1942). Through placing Kuhzad in these official institutional settings and reading his major works, the article shows how traditional Persianate historiography was challenged by an imported and amended version of world civilizational history. In the decades after independence in 1919, this new historical vision allowed the young Afghan nation-state to stake its civilizational claims on an international stage. In these previously unexcavated historiographical strata lie the roots of the Taliban's iconoclasm, which are revealed as a dialogical response to the state cultural institutions that remade Afghanistan as Aryana.
FEAR AND LOATHING IN “GAVUR” IZMIR: EMOTIONS IN EARLY REPUBLICAN MEMORIES OF THE GREEK OCCUPATION (1919–22)
Authors: Morack Ellinor
Published: January 2017

Based on a series of recollections published between January and April 1926 in the Izmir-based daily newspaperAhenk(Harmony), this article explores how individual Muslim Turks remembered their emotional responses to the Greek occupation of that city (May 1919–September 1922). Analyzing these recollections, it considers why certain events were remembered while others were almost completely left out. By studying how Muslim Turks described their feelings towards the occupying forces, local non-Muslims, and the eventually victorious Turkish army, the article makes an initial contribution to the history of emotions in early republican Turkey. I argue that the composition and consumption of memories were avenues for connecting emotionally to the Turkish nationalist project. This finding challenges the widespread notion that the early republican period was characterized by collective amnesia of the immediate past, and contributes to the growing body of scholarship on popular participation in early republican nationalism.