bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glyphosate and AMPA concentrations in wind‐blown material under field conditions
Authors: Aparicio Virginia C. , Aimar Silvia , De Gerónimo Eduardo , Mendez Mariano J. , Costa José L.
Published: March 2018

Agricultural intensification in fragile arid and semiarid environments has led to an increase in soil degradation, mainly through wind erosion. Argentina is an agricultural and cattle‐farming country, which has increased its productivity in the last few decades, widening the boundaries of farm land and the use of herbicides to control weeds. Glyphosate, which accounts for 65% of the Argentinian pesticides market, is strongly retained in soil. The World Health Organization concluded that there was evidence to classify glyphosate as ‘probably carcinogenic to humans.’ In this context, the objective of this study was to determine the presence and concentration of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in wind‐blown material in 3 areas in Argentine semiarid regions (Chaco, La Pampa, and San Luis). In 1‐ha2 plots, left uncovered and levelled, the wind‐blown material was collected at heights of 13.5, 50, and 150 cm during 18 erosion events. The wind‐blown material carried by the wind at a height of 150 cm had concentrations of 247 and 218 μg kg−1 of glyphosate and AMPA, respectively. This material was enriched 60 times in glyphosate and 3 times in AMPA as compared with the original soil. This shows that the eroded material can, potentially, have a negative impact on the ecosystem and also on human health, depending on the proportion of this material released into the atmosphere in suspension as particulate matter. This study is, to our knowledge, the first to report concentrations of glyphosate and AMPA in wind‐blown material under field conditions.
Oscillation and non‐oscillation results for solutions of perturbed half‐linear equations
Authors: Hasil Petr , Veselý Michal
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this paper is to describe the oscillatory properties of second‐order Euler‐type half‐linear differential equations with perturbations in both terms. All but one perturbations in each term are considered to be given by finite sums of periodic continuous functions, while coefficients in the last perturbations are considered to be general continuous functions. Since the periodic behavior of the coefficients enables us to solve the oscillation and non‐oscillation of the considered equations, including the so‐called critical case, we determine the oscillatory properties of the equations with the last general perturbations. As the main result, we prove that the studied equations are conditionally oscillatory in the considered very general setting. The novelty of our results is illustrated by many examples, and we give concrete new corollaries as well. Note that the obtained results are new even in the case of linear equations.
Intramolecular O―H⋯O and C―H⋯O hydrogen bond cooperativity in D‐glucopyranose and D‐galactopyranose—A DFT/GIAO, QTAIM/IQA, and NCI approach
Authors: Lomas John S.
Published: March 2018

Density functional theory calculations are used to compute proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shifts, interatomic distances, atom–atom interaction energies, and atomic charges for partial structures and conformers of α‐D‐glucopyranose, β‐D‐glucopyranose, and α‐D‐galactopyranose built up by introducing OH groups into 2‐methyltetrahydropyran stepwisely. For the counterclockwise conformers, the most marked effects on the NMR shift and the charge on the OH1 proton are produced by OH2, those of OH3 and OH4 being somewhat smaller. This argues for a diminishing cooperative effect. The effect of OH6 depends on the configuration of the hydroxymethyl group and the position, axial or equatorial, of OH4, which controls hydrogen bonding in the 1,3‐diol motif. Variations in the interaction energies reveal that a “new” hydrogen bond is sometimes formed at the expense of a preexisting one, probably due to geometrical constraints. Whereas previous work showed that complexing a conformer with pyridine affects only the nearest neighbour, successive OH groups increase the interaction energy of the N⋯H1 hydrogen bond and reduce its length. Analogous results are obtained for the clockwise conformers. The interaction energies for C―H⋯OH hydrogen bonding between axial CH protons and OH groups in certain conformers are much smaller than for O―H⋯OH bonds but they are largely covalent, whereas those of the latter are predominantly coulombic. These interactions are modified by complexation with pyridine in the same way as O―H⋯OH interactions: the computed NMR shifts of the CH protons increase, the atom–atom distances are shorter, and interaction energies are enhanced.
Metabolically Healthy Obesity and Risk of Kidney Function Decline
Authors: Chang Alex R. , Surapaneni Aditya , Kirchner H. Lester , Young Amanda , Kramer Holly J. , Carey David J. , Appel Lawrence J. , Grams Morgan E.
Published: March 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the association between BMI categories, stratified by metabolic health status, and the risk of kidney function decline (KFD).

Methods

In this study, 42,128 adult patients with a stable BMI were classified over a 3‐year baseline window by BMI and metabolic health status (assessed by Adult Treatment Panel‐III criteria). KFD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline ≥ 30%, eGFR < 15 mL/min/1.73 m2, or receipt of dialysis and/or transplant.

Results

Over a median of 5.1 years (interquartile range 2.1‐8.9), 6,533 (15.5%) individuals developed KFD. Compared with the normal weight, metabolically healthy category, metabolically healthy obesity was associated with a higher risk of KFD (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.52; 95% CI: 1.22‐1.89). aHRs for KFD were 1.17 (95% CI: 0.89‐1.53), 2.21 (95% CI: 1.59‐3.08), and 2.20 (95% CI: 1.55‐3.11) for metabolically healthy obesity with BMI 30 to 34.9, BMI 35 to 39.9, and BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2. These associations were consistent among men and women, patients with eGFR ≥ or < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2, and age ≥ or < 55 years. The risk of KFD was highest among metabolically unhealthy individuals with BMI ≥ 40 (aHR 4.02; 95% CI: 3.40‐4.75 vs. metabolically healthy individuals with normal weight).

Conclusions

Obesity, whether in the presence or absence of metabolic health, is a risk factor for KFD.
Preparation of Furfuryl Alcohol‐Functionalized Carbon Nanotube and Epoxidized Novolac Resin Composites with High Char Yield
Authors: Ebrahimi Hamidreza , Roghani‐Mamaqani Hossein , Salami‐Kalajahi Mehdi , Shahi Sina , Abdollahi Amin
Published: March 2018

Epoxidized novolac resin (ENR) composites with high thermal stability and char residue were prepared by incorporation of furfuryl alcohol‐modified carbon nanotubes (CNTFA). Modification of oxidized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with furfuryl alcohol resulted in their improved dispersion in the resin matrix. After curing of ENR in the presence of CNTFA with ethylenediamine, thermally stable composites were obtained. Successful modification of CNTs with furfuryl alcohol was confirmed using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). TGA results showed that degradation temperature and char residue of cured ENR were considerably increased by incorporation of CNTFA. CNTFA reached to char residue of 91.5% at 600°C, which shows that about 3.3 wt% of CNTFA is composed of furfuryl alcohol. Addition of 2 and 4 wt% of CNTFA into the ENR matrix results in increase of char content from 44.7% for to 45.4 and 49.4%, respectively. X‐ray diffraction showed that CNTFA was uniquely dispersed in the ENR matrix. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images showed tubular and entangled structure of CNTFA. Finally, these results show that this approach can be considered in production of thermal‐resistant composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1231–E1236, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Growth patterns in fetuses with isolated cardiac defects
Authors: Haveman Ilse , Fleurke‐Rozema Johanna H. , Mulder Eduard J.H. , Benders Manon , du Marchie Sarvaas Gideon , ter Heide Henriette , de Heus Roel H. , Bilardo Caterina M.
Published: March 2018

Objectives

There is evidence that in fetuses with congenital heart defects (CHDs), head growth is affected. However, scanty data are available on longitudinal growth patterns of other biometric parameters such as abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL). The aim was to evaluate growth patterns in fetuses with isolated CHD diagnosed prenatally in different categories of lesions.

Methods

Fetuses with isolated CHD seen between 2008 and 2013 at the Fetal Medicine Unit of 2 tertiary referral centers were retrospectively included in the study. CHD was classified into 7 categories. Fetal biometry parameters were assessed at 4 variable time points between 18 and 35 weeks' gestation and transformed into Z scores. Linear mixed modeling was performed to analyze repeated measurements and construction of growth models.

Results

Two hundred forty‐six live births with CHD were analyzed. Linear growth modeling showed a slight decrease in head circumference (HC) in the second half of pregnancy, whereas AC and FL growth were not significantly affected. The model predicted a significantly smaller HC at 36 weeks' gestation in fetuses with conotruncal heart defects.

Conclusions

Fetuses with CHD showed a modest but significant linear decrease in HC growth, whereas AC and FL growth trajectories remained stable.
Electrospun fiber membranes from blends of poly(vinylidene fluoride) with fouling‐resistant zwitterionic copolymers
Authors: Govinna Nelaka , Kaner Papatya , Ceasar Davette , Dhungana Anita , Moers Cody , Son Katherine , Asatekin Ayse , Cebe Peggy
Published: March 2018

Nonwoven super‐hydrophobic fiber membranes have potential applications in oil–water separation and membrane distillation, but fouling negatively impacts both applications. Membranes were prepared from blends comprising poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and random zwitterionic copolymers of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) or with sulfobetaine‐2‐vinylpyridine (SB2VP). PVDF imparts mechanical strength to the membrane, while the copolymers enhance fouling resistance. Blend composition was varied by controlling the PVDF‐to‐copolymer ratio. Nonwoven fiber membranes were obtained by electrospinning solutions of PVDF and the copolymers in a mixed solvent of N,N‐dimethylacetamide and acetone. The PVDF crystal phases and crystallinities of the blends were studied using wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). PVDF crystallized preferentially into its polar β‐phase, though its degree of crystallinity was reduced with increased addition of the random copolymers. Thermogravimetry (TG) showed that the degradation temperatures varied systematically with blend composition. PVDF blends with either copolymer showed significant increase of fouling resistance. Membranes prepared from blends containing 10% P(MMA‐ran‐SB2VP) had the highest fouling resistance, with a fivefold decrease in protein adsorption on the surface, compared to homopolymer PVDF. They also exhibited higher pure water flux, and better oil removal in oil–water separation experiments. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation of porous polymer materials using water‐in‐oil gel emulsions as templates
Authors: Hori Koichi , Sano Mayu , Suzuki Masahiro , Hanabusa Kenji
Published: March 2018

Water‐in‐oil gel emulsions consisting of water and n‐butyl acrylate were successfully prepared using N‐3‐hydroxybutylcarbonyl‐l‐isoleucylaminooctadecane and sorbitan monooleate (Span 80) as gelator and surfactant, respectively. Stable gel emulsions were formed using aqueous phase fractions (APFs) ranging from 10 to 90 vol%. Creaming, flocculation and coalescence were not observed. Low‐temperature polymerization of the gel emulsions with a redox initiator gave the corresponding low‐density, highly porous poly(n‐butyl acrylate)s (PBAs). The microstructures of the PBAs were observed using scanning electron microscopy. All the porous PBAs comprised numerous spherical structures whose sizes could be controlled by adjusting the gel emulsion APF. The densities and porosities of the porous PBAs decreased and increased, respectively, with increasing APF. The absorption capacities of the porous PBAs in organic solvents were studied. The porous PBAs selectively absorbed kerosene from water instantly and the kerosene could then be recovered by physical compression of the PBAs. Further porous polymers were prepared from gel emulsions containing styrene, methyl methacrylate (MMA) or 2‐ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA) as continuous oil phases. The order of absorption capacity and swelling ratio in kerosene was poly(EHA) > PBA ≫ poly(MMA). Porous copolymers were also prepared from gel emulsions containing a mixture of EHA and MMA as the oil phase. Their absorption and swelling in liquids could be controlled by changing the ratio of EHA and MMA in the gel emulsions. poly(EHA‐co‐MMA) (6:4) was the best polymer when absorption capacity, swelling ratio and durability were simultaneously considered. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Processing polyamides with superheated water
Authors: Evans Gregory Connor , Lesser Alan James
Published: March 2018

Superheated water (shH2O) is investigated as a process aid in conventional aliphatic polyamide (PA) systems. The polymers investigated include PA 6 (PA6), PA 6,6 (PA66), PA 6,12 (PA612), and PA 12 (PA12). It is shown that the PA melting and crystallization temperatures are significantly reduced when exposed to shH2O. For example, the melting temperature of PA6 is depressed from 206 to 153 °C in the presence of shH2O. A relationship between amide group density and thermal transition temperature reduction is observed. Processing these materials in shH2O has led to a variety of materials ranging from low‐density foams to higher density locally anisotropic foamed morphologies. In situ observations of PAs melting in the presence of shH2O are performed using a specially designed reactor. Results from these experiments are used to estimate the diffusion coefficient of shH2O in PA6. Finally, low‐temperature extrusion is performed with PA6 and shH2O at temperatures as low as 180 °C and mixture viscosity is estimated. A 20‐fold depression in the melt viscosity of PA6 is observed at 240 °C with shH2O. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 803–813
Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator as a Multivariate Calibration Tool for Simultaneous Determination of Diphenylamine and its Nitro Derivatives in Propellants
Authors: Mani‐Varnosfaderani Ahmad , Soleimani Masoud , Alizadeh Naader
Published: March 2018

Determination of diphenylamine (DPA) and its nitro derivatives received great attention for storing, deposition and on‐time usage of propellants. Herein, we present a novel and simple method for simultaneous determination of DPA and its nitro derivatives in solid propellants using UV‐Vis spectroscopy and chemometrics techniques. The UV‐Vis spectra of the analytes revealed strong overlap and it was difficult to determine them individually in their mixture without any separation and purification. To tackle the overlapping problem in collected spectra, analysis of first‐order UV‐Vis data was performed using multivariate calibration techniques. In this way, principle component regression (PCR), different modes of partial least square (PLS) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) have been used for correlating the collected spectra to the concentration of DPAs in synthetic and real samples. The important variables were selected by confining the L1‐norm of the regression coefficients in multivariate model via the shrinkage and selection operator in LASSO approach. The results obtained by LASSO regression technique in this work were superior to those obtained by different modes of PLS algorithm. Moreover, it is shown that LASSO can be used as a reliable variable selection and modeling technique in multivariate calibration studies. Generally, the proposed strategy in this work is simple, non‐destructive, low‐cost and rapid and can be effectively applied for simultaneous determination of DPA and its nitro derivatives in solid propellants.
Atomic force microscopy as a tool for binder identification in ancient photographic processes
Authors: Nieto‐Villena A. , Martínez J.R. , de la Cruz‐Mendoza J.A. , Valcárcel‐Andrés J.C. , Ortega‐Zarzosa G. , Solbes‐García Á. , Vázquez‐Martínez E.
Published: March 2018

Focusing in the photographic archive of Julián Carrillo (México), a microstructural analysis of surface photography was carried on to prove the feasibility of atomic force microscopy to identify the binder used in the manufactured ancient photography. It has been identified 2 structural groups in which known binders may be classified, one of them is associated with gelatin and the other one to albumen and collodion. The former group present a higher roughness values than the second one, being able to identify the binder by means of its morphology aspect related with the width of linear traces. From the obtained results, it has been observed that atomic force microscopy is a very good technique to properly identify the binder used in a photograph according to the surface morphology and roughness values.
Synthesis and characterization of Ti and N binary‐doped ɑ‐C films deposited by pulse cathode arc with ionic source assistant
Authors: Zhou Bing , Wang Zhifeng , Liu Zhubo , Piliptsou D.G. , Xu Bin , Yu Shengwang , Wu Yanxia , Rogachev A.V.
Published: March 2018

Using ionic source assistant, Ti and N co‐doped amorphous C (α‐C:N:Ti) thin films were prepared by pulse cathode arc technique. Microstructure, composition, elemental distribution, morphology, and mechanical properties of α‐C:N:Ti films were investigated in dependence of nitrogen source, pulse frequency, and target current by Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, nanoindentation, and surface profilometer. The results show the presence of titanium carbide and nitride in a‐C:N:Ti films. The α‐C:N+:Ti film (6 Hz, 60 A) shows the smaller size and the higher disordering degree of Csp2 clusters. The α‐C:N+:Ti films present smoother surface and smaller particle size than for α‐C:N2:Ti films. N ions facilitate the formation of N‐sp3C bonds in the α‐C:N+:Ti films, and α‐C:N+:Ti (10 Hz, 80 A) film possesses the more graphite‐like N bonds. Higher hardness and lower residual stress present in the α‐C:N2:Ti (10 Hz, 80 A) film.
Supramolecular Complexation of Biologically Important Thioflavin‐T with p‐Sulfonatocalix[4]arene
Authors: Saravanan Chokalingam , Ashwin Bosco Christin Maria Arputham , Senthilkumaran Marimuthu , Mareeswaran Paulpandian Muthu
Published: March 2018

The inclusion of thioflavin T (ThT) with p‐sulfonatocalix[4]arene (p‐SC4) is briefly discussed in solution as well as solid state. The restricted rotation of C−C single bond between indole and benzene ring system is the reason for emission property of ThT. The encapsulation of ThT using a flexible charged host molecule exploit the correlation between the C−C single bond rotation and emission enhancement. The binding of ThT with p‐SC4 in solution state is studied using absorption, emission, electrochemical, 1H NMR and rotating frame nuclear overhauser effect spectroscopy (ROESY) techniques. A stable water insoluble supramolecular complex is synthesized from water soluble ThT and p‐SC4. The structural features of the prepared solid complex is established from infrared (FT‐IR), powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Mass, 1H NMR and nuclear overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) analyses.
Exploring β‐FeOOH Nanorods as an Efficient Adsorbent for Arsenic and Organic Dyes
Authors: Samanta Arnab , Das Sankar , Jana Subhra
Published: March 2018

Exploring a light‐assisted solution chemistry route, we have demonstrated the synthesis of iron oxide nanorods in a large scale from an iron precursor under alkaline condition for the adsorption of toxic metals and organic contaminants from waste‐water. β‐FeOOH nanorods demonstrate an excellent binding capacity for As(III), As(V), and organic dyes, which are toxic and cause severe effect to the mankind if present in the drinking water beyond the permissible limit. The as‐prepared β‐FeOOH nanorods exhibit a monolayer molecular adsorption for As(III), As(V), and organic dyes and their adsorption follows pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. The exceptional adsorption capacity of β‐FeOOH nanorods, accompanied by the convenient synthetic approach, represents an alternative and environmentally friendly approach to develop adsorbents for the extraction of toxic metals as well as organic dyes. Thus, these new insights will shed light in the societal needs of an adsorbent for cleaning‐up of both industrial effluents and ground water in a greener approach, which in turn will protect the environment and human being from several toxic effects.
Carbon Dioxide Capturing for Purifying Hydrogen Generated by Formic Acid Decomposition
Authors: Treigerman Ziv , Sasson Yoel
Published: March 2018

Hydrogen is recognized as an ultimate fuel due to its clean burning and its capacity to convert chemical energy to electricity and vice versa. Nonetheless, hydrogen is also known as a hazardous material which entails strict compliance with safety regulations. Consequently, numerous research laboratories are seeking for safe chemical and physical methods for hydrogen storage. Formic acid which is evidently an attractive hydrogen carrier can be decomposed to hydrogen and carbon dioxide in a catalytic reaction. The main disadvantage of this reaction is the carbon dioxide emission. In this study, we present an alternative method to capture carbon dioxide from the gas stream. Furthermore, we suggest a pathway for storing the hydrogen that was produced.
In‐Plane Heterostructures Enable Internal Stress Assisted Strain Engineering in 2D Materials
Authors: Liu Feng , Wang Tzu‐Chiang , Tang Qiheng
Published: March 2018

Conventional methods to induce strain in 2D materials can hardly catch up with the sharp increase in requirements to design specific strain forms, such as the pseudomagnetic field proposed in graphene, funnel effect of excitons in MoS2, and also the inverse funnel effect reported in black phosphorus. Therefore, a long‐standing challenge in 2D materials strain engineering is to find a feasible scheme that can be used to design given strain forms. In this article, combining the ability of experimentally synthetizing in‐plane heterostructures and elegant Eshelby inclusion theory, the possibility of designing strain fields in 2D materials to manipulate physical properties, which is called internal stress assisted strain engineering, is theoretically demonstrated. Particularly, through changing the inclusion's size, the stress or strain gradient can be controlled precisely, which is never achieved. By taking advantage of it, the pseudomagnetic field as well as the funnel effect can be accurately designed, which opens an avenue to practical applications for strain engineering in 2D materials.
Design of a globally stable position estimator for surface permanent‐magnet synchronous motors
Authors: Iamsamang Prachuab , Sangwongwanich Somboon
Published: March 2018

Position estimators of surface permanent‐magnet synchronous motors are often designed with local stability and thus may be unstable under a large estimation error. To overcome the risk of instability, a globally stable position estimator is proposed in this paper. The proposed estimator is derived from an alternative expression of the stator model, which has the rotor position as the only parameter inside. Stability analysis of the estimator and conditions for global stability are obtained without any approximation. Design rules for global stability, dynamic, and tracking performances are clearly given. All theoretical results are finally verified by experiment. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Proposition 65 warning regulations must change—and soon!
Authors: Bergeson Lynn L.
Published: March 2018

Proposition 65 (Prop 65) is very much a part of the “right‐to‐know” landscape in California and, as we all know, Prop 65 warnings are especially visible in that state. This much is clear. What may be less clear are the sweeping changes in the “clear and reasonable warning” requirements now scheduled to take effect from August 30, 2018. This date may seem like a long way off, but it is right around the corner in terms of coming into compliance with these dramatic changes. This Washington Watch column summarizes the new warning requirements and the reasons why companies need to focus now on these changes.
Service quality evaluation in the context of a technology laboratory
Authors: da Silva Marcelo Benetti Correa , Pagnussat Daniel Tregnago , Milan Gabriel Sperandio , Bebber Suélen , Rauber Mariana Rezzadori , Graciola Ana Paula
Published: March 2018

The intent of this research is to investigate how the customers of a technological control laboratory for civil construction materials perceived the quality of the services delivered by the lab, specifically in regard to the service of concrete compression testing. The popular SERVQUAL scale, a multidimensional instrument used to capture customer expectations and perceptions, was used as a model for the application of a survey. Exploratory factor analyses were employed to evaluate customers’ perceptions and experiences of service quality in regard to the dimensions and accompanying attributes of the SERVQUAL scale. Twenty attributes, which were grouped within five dimensions (Reliability, Assurance, Tangibles, Responsiveness, and Empathy), were identified, explaining 80.417% of the variance between customer expectations and perceptions and characterizing these dimensions on a modified SERVQUAL scale. Analysis of the results allowed us to identify discrepancies in perceived service quality compared with customers’ expectations. Most of the identified gaps between expectations and perceptions resulted in negative values.
Let's Write a Readers Theatre Script: The Power of Negotiation
Authors: Haag Claudia Christensen
Published: March 2018

This article shares key steps in how to negotiate writing Readers Theatre scripts with English learners or any small group of students. The author aims to help promote language and literacy development and encourage critical thinking and engagement through the powerful modality of Readers Theatre.
A Clinical Decision Support Tool to Predict Cancer Risk for Commonly Tested Cancer‐Related Germline Mutations
Authors: Braun Danielle , Yang Jiabei , Griffin Molly , Parmigiani Giovanni , Hughes Kevin S.
Published: March 2018

The rapid drop in the cost of DNA sequencing led to the availability of multi‐gene panels, which test 25 or more cancer susceptibility genes for a low cost. Clinicians and genetic counselors need a tool to interpret results, understand risk of various cancers, and advise on a management strategy. This is challenging as there are multiple studies regarding each gene, and it is not possible for clinicians and genetic counselors to be aware of all publications, nor to appreciate the relative accuracy and importance of each. Through an extensive literature review, we have identified reliable studies and derived estimates of absolute risk. We have also developed a systematic mechanism and informatics tools for (1) data curation, (2) the evaluation of quality of studies, and (3) the statistical analysis necessary to obtain risk. We produced the risk prediction clinical decision support tool ASK2ME (All Syndromes Known to Man Evaluator). It provides absolute cancer risk predictions for various hereditary cancer susceptibility genes. These predictions are specific to patients’ gene carrier status, age, and history of relevant prophylactic surgery. By allowing clinicians to enter patient information and receive patient‐specific cancer risks, this tool aims to have a significant impact on the quality of precision cancer prevention and disease management activities relying on panel testing. It is important to note that this tool is dynamic and constantly being updated, and currently, some of its limitations include (1) for many gene‐cancer associations risk estimates are based on one study rather than meta‐analysis, (2) strong assumptions on prior cancers, (3) lack of uncertainty measures, and (4) risk estimates for a growing set of gene‐cancer associations which are not always variant specific. All of these concerns are being addressed on an ongoing basis, aiming to make the tool even more accurate.
Parkinson's Disease: Patients’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Interest in Genetic Counseling
Authors: Maloney Kristin A. , Alaeddin Dina S. , von Coelln Rainer , Dixon Shannan , Shulman Lisa M. , Schrader Katrina , Guan Yue
Published: March 2018

The objective of this study was to assess the genetics knowledge of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and to explore their attitudes on genetic testing and interest in genetic counseling. We surveyed 158 patients from the University of Maryland Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center. Patients averaged a score of 63% on general genetics knowledge and 73% on PD genetics knowledge. Participants had an overall positive attitude toward genetic testing: 80% believed that the use of genetic tests among people should be promoted, and 83% would undertake genetic test for PD if it was available. Patients reported a high interest to discuss the benefits, risks, and impacts of genetic testing for PD (mean sum score = 26, range = 9–35), and 43% patients expressed interest in meeting with a genetic counselor. Multivariate regression analysis showed that patients who had more positive attitudes toward genetic testing for PD were more interested in meeting with a genetic counselor (β = 0.6, p < 0.001). This study is the first to demonstrate an interest in genetic counseling among patients with PD. Our findings demonstrate a new niche for genetic counselors to support patients in clarifying gaps or misconceptions in knowledge about PD genetics as well as the possible risks, benefits, and limitations of genetic testing.
Vulnerability of subalpine fir species to climate change: using species distribution modeling to assess the future efficiency of current protected areas in the Korean Peninsula
Authors: Yun Jong‐Hak , Nakao Katsuhiro , Tsuyama Ikutaro , Matsui Tetsuya , Park Chan‐Ho , Lee Byoung‐Yoon , Tanaka Nobuyuki
Published: March 2018

To facilitate the adaptive management of subalpine ecosystems in the Korean Peninsula under climate change conditions, we identified the climatic factors that determine the distribution of two dominant subalpine firs (Abies koreana and A. nephrolepis). We also identified sustainable and vulnerable habitats for these species inside and outside of current protected areas under climate change scenarios. The minimum temperature of the coldest month, and the amount of precipitation in the warmest quarter were the most important climatic variables that determined the distribution of these two Abies species. Potential habitats for A. koreana and A. nephrolepis were predicted to decrease to 3.3% and 36.4% of the current areas due to climate change, irrespective of whether inside or outside the protected areas. It was predicted that the potential habitats for A. nephrolepis would be maintained in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula, and sustainable potential habitats outside the protected areas were predicted in central parts of the Korean Peninsula. The potential habitats for A. koreana were predicted to disappear from Is. Jeju and shrink significantly in the Korean Peninsula. These results suggest that, in central parts of the Korean Peninsula, revision of protected areas would be effective in preserving A. nephrolepis under conditions of future climate change. In contrast, revision of protected areas would be insufficient to conserve A. koreana due to their high vulnerability and limited populations. Active management is required to ensure the survival of A. koreana under future climate conditions.
Family functioning and adolescent internalizing symptoms: A latent profile analysis
Authors: Simpson Emily G. , Vannucci Anna , Ohannessian Christine McCauley
Published: March 2018

This study aimed to characterize adolescent family functioning typologies using latent profile analysis (LPA). A secondary aim was to examine profile associations with adolescent internalizing symptoms at one‐year follow‐up. Students (N = 1029; 53% female; mean age = 16.14, SD = .75 years) completed measures of family functioning, anxiety, and depressive symptoms at two time points. LPA was conducted to characterize family functioning typologies at Time 1, revealing five profiles: 1) Low Family Functioning, 2) Only Close to Father, 3) Average Family Functioning, 4) Only Close to Mother, and 5) High Family Functioning. Results indicated that the Low and Only Close to Mother profiles had greater depressive symptoms at Time 2, compared with the Average profile. The High profile had fewer depressive symptoms at Time 2. The Low and Only Close to Mother profiles also had significantly more anxiety symptoms at Time 2. Findings highlight the utility of examining family functioning profiles.
Cross‐sectional and temporal associations between cyber dating abuse victimization and mental health and substance use outcomes
Authors: Lu Yu , Van Ouytsel Joris , Walrave Michel , Ponnet Koen , Temple Jeff R.
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate the cross‐sectional and temporal associations between cyber dating abuse victimization (CDAV) and mental health (i.e., anxiety, PTSD, and depression), and substance use (i.e., alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana and hard drugs). We used data from the 5th and 6th waves of an ongoing longitudinal study of ethnically diverse adolescents from seven public high schools in Texas, U.S. Participants were 641 adolescents (63.3% female) with a mean age of 19.1 years (SD = .79) at Wave 5. Analyses suggested that while CDAV was associated with mental health and substance use cross‐sectionally, when examining over time, it was only associated with past year hard drug and past month marijuana use. Although long‐term mental health effects of CDAV did not emerge in the current study, we identified a temporal link to marijuana and hard drugs, highlighting the need for prevention efforts to incorporate messages about substance use.
Sensory Dysfunction and Sexuality in the U.S. Population of Older Adults
Authors: Zhong Selena , Pinto Jayant M. , Wroblewski Kristen E. , McClintock Martha K.
Published: March 2018

Background

The sexual experience is shaped by sensory function; with aging, sensory dysfunction may interfere with sexuality and sexual behavior between partners. Specifically, older adults with age-related sensory dysfunction may have less sexual activity than those with better sensory function. In addition, since sexual desire and attraction rests in part upon sensory function, sensory dysfunction may also be associated with less sexual motivation.

Aim

To test the association between sexual activity and motivation in older adults and their sensory dysfunction.

Methods

Sensory dysfunction was measured both by global sensory impairment (a validated measure of dysfunction shared among the 5 classic senses: olfaction, vision, taste, touch, hearing) and by total sensory burden (cumulative sensory loss). Sexual activity was quantified by frequency and type of sexual behavior. Sexual motivation was measured by the frequency of sexual ideation and the importance of sex to the respondent. We used cross-sectional data from a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling older adults (aged 57–85 years) in the United States (National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, N = 3,005) in logistic regression analyses.

Outcomes

Sexual activity, sexual motivation, and satisfaction with the sexual relationship were self-reported.

Results

Older adults with sensory dysfunction were less likely to be sexually active—an association that persisted when accounting for other factors that also affected sexual activity (age, gender, partnered status, mental and physical health, and relationship satisfaction). Nonetheless, sensory dysfunction did not impair sexual motivation, nor affect the physical and emotional satisfaction with the sexual relationship. Among currently sexually active older adults, sensory dysfunction did not affect the frequency of sex or the type of sexual activity (foreplay, vaginal intercourse, or oral sex). These results were the same for 2 different measures of sensory dysfunction.

Clinical Translation

This is the first nationally representative study of sexuality and multisensory dysfunction in community-dwelling older adults. 4 of the 5 classic senses were measured with objective tests, and hearing was rated by interviewers in the context of their conversation. Medical and health care interventions that can reduce the burden of sensory dysfunction may improve older adults’ sexual experience.

Conclusions

Sensory dysfunction is associated with sexual inactivity, but not with sexual motivation. Among those who are sexually active, sensory dysfunction did not interfere with sexual expression. Improving the sexual experience of older adults requires a focus on sensory dysfunction as an impediment to sexual activity given that older adults remain sexually motivated.
20-Week follow-up of hepatic steatosis installation and liver mitochondrial structure and activity and their interrelation in rats fed a high-fat–high-fructose diet
Authors: Fouret Gilles , Gaillet Sylvie , Lecomte Jerome , Bonafos Beatrice , Djohan Ferdinand , Barea Bruno , Badia Eric , Coudray Charles , Feillet-Coudray Christine
Published: March 2018

The incidence of obesity and its metabolic complications are rapidly increasing and become a major public health issue. This trend is associated with an increase in the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), insulin resistance and diabetes. The sequence of events leading to NAFLD progression and mitochondrial dysfunction and their interrelation remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to explore the installation and progression of NAFLD and its association with the liver mitochondrial structure and activity changes in rats fed an obesogenic diet up to 20 weeks. Male Wistar rats were fed either a standard or high-fat–high-fructose (HFHFR) diet and killed on 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks of diet intake. Rats fed the HFHFR diet developed mildly overweight, associated with increased adipose tissue weight, hepatic steatosis, hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia after 8 weeks of HFHFR diet. Hepatic steatosis and many biochemical modifications plateaued at 8–12 weeks of HFHFR diet with slight amelioration afterwards. Interestingly, several biochemical and physiological parameters of mitochondrial function, as well as its phospholipid composition, in particular cardiolipin content, were tightly related to hepatic steatosis installation. These results showed once again the interrelation between hepatic steatosis development and mitochondrial activity alterations without being able to say whether the mitochondrial alterations preceded or followed the installation/progression of hepatic steatosis. Because both hepatic steatosis and mitochondrial alterations occurred as early as 4 weeks of diet, future studies should consider these four 1st weeks to reveal the exact interconnection between these major consequences of obesogenic diet intake.
Effects of synbiotic supplementation on metabolic parameters and apelin in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Karimi Elham , Moini Ashraf , Yaseri Mehdi , Shirzad Nooshin , Sepidarkish Mahdi , Hossein-Boroujerdi Mojgan , Hosseinzadeh-Attar Mohammad Javad
Published: March 2018

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of infertility in women of reproductive age. Insulin resistance is a main pathophysiologic feature in these patients. According to some studies, the intake of probiotic bacteria may improve glucose homoeostasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of synbiotics on metabolic parameters and apelin in PCOS patients. This randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted on eighty-eight PCOS women aged 19–37 years old. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups receiving (1) synbiotic supplement (n44), and (2) placebo (n44) for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after 12 weeks. The two groups showed no difference in fasting blood sugar (adjusted mean difference: 0·60; 95 % CI −3·80, 5·00,P=0·727), plasma glucose fasting 2-h (adjusted mean difference 2·09; 95 % CI −9·96, 14·15,P=0·134), HbA1c (adjusted mean difference 0·06; 95 % CI −0·09, 0·22,P=0·959), homoeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (adjusted mean difference: 0·02; 95 % CI −0·99, 1·03,P=0·837), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (adjusted mean difference: −0·02; 95 % CI −0·33, 0·29,P=0·940) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (adjusted mean difference: 0·24; 95 % CI −1·61, 2·08,P=0·141) by the end of the intervention. A significant difference was observed in the mean apelin 36 before and after the intervention between synbiotic and placebo groups (adjusted mean difference: −4·05; 95 % CI −7·15, −0·96,P=0·004). A 12-week synbiotic supplementation has no significant beneficial effects on HOMA-IR and CRP in PCOS patients, whereas the level of apelin 36 significantly decreased.
Vitamin D intake, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status and response to moderate vitamin D3supplementation: a randomised controlled trial in East African and Finnish women
Authors: Adebayo Folasade A. , Itkonen Suvi T. , Öhman Taina , Skaffari Essi , Saarnio Elisa M. , Erkkola Maijaliisa , Cashman Kevin D. , Lamberg-Allardt Christel
Published: March 2018

Insufficient vitamin D status (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (S-25(OH)D)<50 nmol/l) is common among immigrants living at the northern latitudes. We investigated ethnic differences in response of S-25(OH)D to vitamin D3supplementation, through a 5-month randomised controlled trial, in East African and Finnish women in Southern Finland (60°N) from December 2014 to May 2015. Vitamin D intakes (dietary and supplemental) were also examined. Altogether, 191 subjects were screened and 147 women (East Africansn72, Finnsn75) aged 21–64 years were randomised to receive placebo or 10 or 20 µg of vitamin D3/d. S-25(OH)D concentrations were assessed by liquid chromatography–tandem MS. At screening, 56 % of East Africans and 9 % of Finns had S-25(OH)D<50 nmol/l. Total vitamin D intake was higher in East Africans than in Finns (24·2 (sd14·3)v.15·2 (sd13·4) µg/d,P<0·001). Baseline mean S-25(OH)D concentrations were higher in Finns (60·5 (sd=16·3) nmol/l) than in East Africans (51·5 (sd15·4) nmol/l) (P=0·001). In repeated-measures ANCOVA (adjusted for baseline S-25(OH)D), mean S-25(OH)D increased by 8·5 and 10·0 nmol/l with a 10-µg dose and by 10·7 and 17·1 nmol/l with a 20-µg dose for Finns and East Africans, respectively (P>0·05 for differences between ethnic groups). In conclusion, high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency existed among East African women living in Finland, despite higher vitamin D intake than their Finnish peers. Moderate vitamin D3supplementation was effective in increasing S-25(OH)D in both groups of women, and no ethnic differences existed in the response to supplementation.
BEGONIA LECONGKIETII (SECT. PETERMANNIA), A NEW SPECIES FROM MOUNT DẦU, SOUTH CENTRAL COAST REGION, VIETNAM
Authors: Lý N.-S. , Peng C.-I. , Hughes M.
Published: March 2018

A new species of Begonia (B. lecongkietii N.S.Lý & M.Hughes) is described from Mount Dầu in the South Central Coast Region, Vietnam, an area with an abundance of recently described endemic plant taxa. The new species is allied to Begonia lamxayana Souvann., which occurs 600 km away in Laos, differing chiefly in having larger villose tepals with an undulate margin and larger androecium with 86–116 (versus 20–30) stamens. Begonia lecongkietii is considered Critically Endangered, owing to its small area of occupancy and decline of habitat quality.
Entwicklung und Validierung der Skalen zur motivationalen Regulation beim Lernen im Studium (SMR-LS)
Authors: Thomas Almut E. , Müller Florian H. , Bieg Sonja
Published: March 2018

Zusammenfassung. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden Skalen zur motivationalen Regulation beim Lernen im Studium (SMR-LS) vorgestellt, welche 4 Regulationsstile (intrinsisch, identifiziert, introjiziert, external) im Sinne der Selbstbestimmungstheorie der Motivation nach Deci und Ryan (1985) messen. In Studie 1 wurden die Faktorenstruktur der Items untersucht und erste Hinweise auf die valide Interpretierbarkeit der 4 Skalenwerte gewonnen. In Studie 2 konnte die Faktorenstruktur kreuzvalidiert werden. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass die postulierte Faktorenstruktur gut begründet ist und die SMR-LS akzeptable interne Konsistenzen aufweisen (α ≥ .73). Darüber hinaus konnte die Annahme von Messinvarianz der Regulationsstile für die Faktoren Studienfach, Geschlecht und Land untermauert werden. Die Korrelationen der SMR-LS mit Lebenszufriedenheit, positivem und negativem Affekt, Prokrastination, wahrgenommener Autonomieunterstützung und Leistung waren theoriekonform und liefern weitere Hinweise auf eine valide Interpretierbarkeit der Skalenwerte der SMR-LS in der Erforschung von Bedingungsfaktoren und von Folgen motivationaler Regulation.
Bullying im Klassenverband
Authors: Knauf Rhea-Katharina , Eschenbeck Heike , Käser Udo
Published: March 2018

Zusammenfassung. In Anlehnung an den Participant-Role-Ansatz ( Salmivalli, Lagerspetz, Björkqvist, Österman & Kaukiainen, 1996 ) wurde Bullying als Gruppenphänomen untersucht. Mittels Peer-Nominierung wurden an einer Stichprobe von 5 083 Sechst- und Neuntklässler_innen folgende Rollen identifiziert: Pro-Bullying-Akteure, Opfer, Verteidiger, Außenstehende und Bully-Opfer. Rund 55 % der Schülerinnen und Schüler konnte eine dieser Rollen zugeordnet werden. Es zeigt sich, dass der Anteil der Pro-Bullying-Akteure in den 9. Klassen geringer als in den 6. Klassen ist, nicht aber der Anteil der Opfer. Auch Verteidiger sind in Stufe 9 seltener zu finden. Die Gruppe der Pro-Bullying-Akteure besteht größtenteils aus Jungen, wohingegen die Verteidiger überwiegend weiblich sind. Pro-Bullying-Akteure zeichnen sich des Weiteren durch einen kontroversen Status im Klassenverband und schlechte Schulleistungen aus. Opfer haben einen geringen sozialen Status und durchschnittliche Zeugnisnoten. Verteidiger erweisen sich als äußerst beliebt und leistungsstark.