bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The cost‐effectiveness implications of suboptimal treatment for different severities of Alzheimer's disease in the UK
Authors: Zala Darshan , Chan Dennis , McCrone Paul
Published: June 2017

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the impact of suboptimal treatment, defined in terms of lower population coverage (percentage of total patient population receiving optimal treatment) and delay to treatment on the cost‐effectiveness of pharmacological therapies approved for the treatment of different severities of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the UK.

Methods

A 5‐year Markov model was used to simulate transition to full‐time care, as delay and coverage were varied for AD patients with mild‐to‐moderate and moderate‐to‐severe dementia. The time‐varying predictive equations, resource use, utilities, treatment effects and mortality were derived using published sources.

Results

For the cohort with moderate‐to‐severe dementia, cost‐effectiveness was optimised when delay was minimised and coverage maximised. For mild‐to‐moderate dementia, results were similar but varied widely depending on the inputted cost of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.

Conclusions

The average cost‐effectiveness of pharmacological treatments for AD is sensitive to delays to treatment and population coverage. The results of this study can inform future healthcare policy in order to maximise cost‐effectiveness of pharmacological therapies for AD. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A weight of evidence framework for environmental assessments: Inferring quantities
Authors: Suter Glenn , Cormier Susan , Barron Mace
Published: June 2017

The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has developed a generally applicable framework for a weight-of-evidence (WoE) process for deriving quantitative values from multiple estimates. These guidelines are intended for environmental assessments that require the generation of quantitative parameters such as degradation rates or that develop quantitative products such as criterion values or magnitudes of effects. The basic steps are to weigh evidence for the environmental quality to be quantified, generate the value by merging estimates or by identifying the best estimate, and weight the results to determine confidence in the numerical value. When multiple data sets or outputs of multiple models are available, it may be appropriate to weigh the evidence. Use of the framework to weigh multiple estimates may increase the accuracy of quantitative results compared to a single estimate from a default method. Its use can provide greater transparency compared to ad hoc weighing of evidence. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:1045–1051. Published 2017. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Key Points

Heterogeneous evidence can be weighed to derive quantities such as water quality criteria or magnitudes of effects in risk assessments. The quality to be quantified, such as the endpoint in a risk assessment, may be derived by weighing evidence. The quantity may be derived by a combining weighted estimates (meta analysis) or by weighing the alternative estimates to choose the best. Confidence in a final estimate is a result of both the statistical scatter and the qualitative weight of the estimate.
A weight of evidence framework for environmental assessments: Inferring qualities
Authors: Suter Glenn , Cormier Susan , Barron Mace
Published: June 2017

The weighing of heterogeneous evidence such as conventional laboratory toxicity tests, field tests, biomarkers, and community surveys is essential to environmental assessments. Evidence synthesis and weighing is needed to determine causes of observed effects, hazards posed by chemicals or other agents, the completeness of remediation, and other environmental qualities. As part of its guidelines for weight of evidence (WoE) in ecological assessments, the US Environmental Protection Agency has developed a generally applicable framework. Its basic steps are these: assemble evidence, weight the evidence, and weigh the body of evidence. Use of the framework can increase the consistency and rigor of WoE practices and provide greater transparency than ad hoc and narrative-based approaches. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:1038–1044. Published 2017. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Key Points

A general framework for weighing evidence in environmental assessments includes assembling evidence, weighting the evidence, and weighing the body of evidence. Heterogeneous evidence should be weighed to determine qualities such as causation of observed effects, adverse outcome pathways, and hazards posed by chemicals. The properties to be weighted are relevance, strength, reliability, and collective properties such as the number and diversity of pieces of evidence. A formal consistent method for weighing evidence can increase the transparency and defensibly of assessments.
Life cycle assessment case study: Tertiary treatment process options for wastewater reuse
Authors: Carré Erwan , Beigbeder Joana , Jauzein Vincent , Junqua Guillaume , Lopez-Ferber Miguel
Published: June 2017

Tertiary treatment process (including filtration and/or disinfection) is necessary to obtain a water quality suited for high-quality reuse from wastewater treatment. Industrial pilots representing small real-size treatment units were set up downstream of a conventional secondary treatment of a wastewater treatment plant in the South of France and their performance followed for 2 y. Life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology is used to compare the environmental impacts of different treatment processes. Five tertiary treatment trains were studied: 1) sand filtration (SF) + storage followed by ultraviolet (UV) dynamic reactor disinfection (SF-UVD), 2) sand filtration + UV batch reactor disinfection (SF-UVB), 3) ultrafiltration (UF), 4) ultrafiltration and UV batch reactor disinfection (UF-UVB), and 5) microfiltration (MF) and storage followed by dynamic UV disinfection (MF-UVD). The chosen functional unit is “To supply 1 m3 of water with a quality in compliance with the highest standard of the French reuse regulations.” The combination of SF with UV disinfection or the use of UF alone was found to be equivalent in terms of environmental impact for most of the midpoint indicators chosen. Combination of UF with UV disinfection was significantly more impacting because the electricity consumption was nearly doubled. This study was conducted on an industrial pilot; it may thus be representative of industrial facilities implemented to treat higher water flows. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:1113–1121. © 2017 SETAC

Key Points

Life cycle assessment (LCA) was used as a decision-support tool to determine the best treatment process option for wastewater reuse. The combination of sand filtration with UV disinfection (SF-UVD and SF-UVB) or the use of only ultrafiltration (UF) was found to be equivalent in terms of environmental impact for most of the midpoint indicators chosen. The operation phase is the major contributor to the environmental impacts, mainly due to the origin of the electricity required.
A randomized phase II feasibility trial of a multimodal intervention for the management of cachexia in lung and pancreatic cancer
Authors: Solheim Tora S. , Laird Barry J.A. , Balstad Trude Rakel , Stene Guro B. , Bye Asta , Johns Neil , Pettersen Caroline H. , Fallon Marie , Fayers Peter , Fearon Kenneth , Kaasa Stein
Published: June 2017

Background

Cancer cachexia is a syndrome of weight loss (including muscle and fat), anorexia, and decreased physical function. It has been suggested that the optimal treatment for cachexia should be a multimodal intervention. The primary aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and safety of a multimodal intervention (n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid nutritional supplements, exercise, and anti‐inflammatory medication: celecoxib) for cancer cachexia in patients with incurable lung or pancreatic cancer, undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods

Patients receiving two cycles of standard chemotherapy were randomized to either the multimodal cachexia intervention or standard care. Primary outcome measures were feasibility assessed by recruitment, attrition, and compliance with intervention (>50% of components in >50% of patients). Key secondary outcomes were change in weight, muscle mass, physical activity, safety, and survival.

Results

Three hundred and ninety‐nine were screened resulting in 46 patients recruited (11.5%). Twenty five patients were randomized to the treatment and 21 as controls. Forty‐one completed the study (attrition rate 11%). Compliance to the individual components of the intervention was 76% for celecoxib, 60% for exercise, and 48% for nutritional supplements. As expected from the sample size, there was no statistically significant effect on physical activity or muscle mass. There were no intervention‐related Serious Adverse Events and survival was similar between the groups.

Conclusions

A multimodal cachexia intervention is feasible and safe in patients with incurable lung or pancreatic cancer; however, compliance to nutritional supplements was suboptimal. A phase III study is now underway to assess fully the effect of the intervention.
Review: Biological and Molecular Differences between Tail Regeneration and Limb Scarring in Lizard: An Inspiring Model Addressing Limb Regeneration in Amniotes
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: June 2017

Tissue regeneration in lizards represents a unique model of regeneration and scarring in amniotes. The tail and limb contain putative stem cells but also dedifferentiating cells contribute to regeneration. Following tail amputation, inflammation is low and cell proliferation high, leading to regeneration while the intense inflammation in the limb leads to low proliferation and scarring. FGFs stimulate tail and limb regeneration and are present in the wound epidermis and blastema while they disappear in the limb wound epidermis 2–3 weeks postamputation in the scarring outgrowth. FGFs localize in the tail blastema and the apical epidermal peg (AEP), an epidermal microregion that allows tail growth but is absent in the limb. Inflammatory cells invade the limb blastema and wound epidermis, impeding the formation of an AEP. An embryonic program of growth is activated in the tail, dominated by Wnt‐positive and ‐negative regulators of cell proliferation and noncoding RNAs, that represent the key regenerative genes. The balanced actions of these regulators likely impede the formation of a tumor in the tail tip. Genes for FACIT and fibrillar collagens, protease inhibitors, and embryonic keratins are upregulated in the regenerating tail blastema. A strong downregulation of genes for both B and T‐lymphocyte activation suggests the regenerating tail blastema is a temporal immune‐tolerated organ, whereas a scarring program is activated in the limb. Wnt inhibitors, pro‐inflammatory genes, negative regulators of cell proliferation, downregulation of myogenic genes, proteases, and oxidases favoring scarring are upregulated. The evolution of an efficient immune system may be the main limiting barrier for organ regeneration in amniotes, and the poor regeneration of mammals and birds is associated with the efficiency of their mature immune system. This does not tolerate embryonic antigens formed in reprogrammed embryonic cells (as for neoplastic cells) that are consequently eliminated impeding the regeneration of lost organs.
Postharvest gaseous ozone treatment enhances quality parameters and delays softening in cantaloupe melon during storage at 6 °C
Authors: Toti Mauro , Carboni Cristian , Botondi Rinaldo
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

A trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of postharvest gaseous ozone (O3) treatment on quality parameters and cell wall enzymes of cantaloupe melon cv. Caldeo during storage at 6 °C for 13 days. Fruits were kept in cold storage and treated with 0.15 ppm gaseous O3 during the day and 0.3 ppm overnight; control fruits (CK) were stored in normal atmosphere.

RESULTS

Firmness was higher and ethylene concentration significantly lower in O3 fruits compared with CK fruits. During storage, microbial counts were lower in both O3 and CK fruits; from day 9, O3 fruits showed a significant decrease in mesophilic aerobes. Additionally, total carotenoids had a tendency to be higher, with no significant differences between CK and O3 fruits. The same trend was observed for ascorbic acid, colour, total soluble solids content and acidity. Finally, O3 treatment reduced the activities of cell wall enzymes α‐arabinopyranosidase, β‐galactopyranosidase and polygalacturonase starting from day 3 of storage. Pectin methyl esterase activity did not seem to be affected by O3 treatment.

CONCLUSION

Gaseous O3 treatment during cold storage was effective in decreasing ethylene production and delaying fruit softening in cantaloupe melon by extending quality maintenance. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Biochar potential in intensive cultivation of Capsicum annuum L. (sweet pepper): crop yield and plant protection
Authors: Kumar Abhay , Elad Yigal , Tsechansky Ludmila , Abrol Vikas , Lew Beni , Offenbach Rivka , Graber Ellen R
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

The influence of various biochars on crop yield and disease resistance of Capsicum annuum L. (sweet pepper) under modern, high input, intensive net house cultivation was tested over the course of 2011–2014 in the Arava desert region of Israel. A pot experiment with Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce) grown in the absence of fertilizer employed the 3‐year‐old field trial soils to determine if biochar treatments contributed to soil intrinsic fertility.

RESULTS

Biochar amendments resulted in a significant increase in the number and weight of pepper fruits over 3 years. Concomitant with the increased yield, biochar significantly decreased the severity of powdery mildew (Leveillula taurica) disease and broad mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus) pest infestation. Biochar additions resulted in increased soil organic matter but did not influence the pH, electrical conductivity or soil or plant mineral nutrients. Intrinsic fertility experiments with lettuce showed that two of the four biochar‐treated field soils had significant positive impacts on lettuce fresh weight and total chlorophyll, carotenoid and anthocyanin contents.

CONCLUSION

Biochar‐based soil management can enhance the functioning of intensive, commercial, net house production of peppers under the tested conditions, resulting in increased crop yield and plant resistance to disease over several years. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Impulse acoustic microscopy: A new approach for investigation of polymer and natural scaffolds
Authors: Khramtsova Elena , Morokov Egor , Lukanina Kseniya , Grigoriev Timofei , Petronyuk Yulia , Shepelev Alexey , Gubareva Elena , Kuevda Elena , Levin Vadim , Chvalun Sergey
Published: June 2017

The aim of this article is to verify the applicability of impulse acoustic microscopy as a tool for evaluating scaffolds in tissue engineering. Decellularized rat diaphragms and nonwoven polymer scaffolds made from cellulose diacetate, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, and polysulfone were used as model objects. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and histological research were used as reference methods in order to realize feasibility of the acoustic microscopy method in a regenerative medicine field. Direct comparison of different methods was carried out. The high frequency ultrasound microscopy is defined as a useful non‐invasive tool for studying and investigating the bulk morphology and bulk structure of opaque scaffolds, which allows to diagnose and to assume heterogeneous regions and defects inside the specimens. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:709–715, 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Clinical Implications of Compounds Designed to Inhibit ECM‐Modifying Metalloproteinases
Authors: Amar Sabrina , Minond Dmitriy , Fields Gregg B.
Published: June 2017

Remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial in development and homeostasis, but also has a significant role in disease progression. Two metalloproteinase families, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and a disintegrin and metalloproteases (ADAMs), participate in the remodeling of the ECM, either directly or through the liberation of growth factors and cell surface receptors. The correlation of MMP and ADAM activity to a variety of diseases has instigated numerous drug development programs. However, broad‐based and Zn2+‐chelating MMP and ADAM inhibitors have fared poorly in the clinic. Selective MMP and ADAM inhibitors have been described recently based on (a) antibodies or antibody fragments or (b) small molecules designed to take advantage of protease secondary binding sites (exosites) or allosteric sites. Clinical trials have been undertaken with several of these inhibitors, while others are in advanced pre‐clinical stages.
Synthesis of a versatile pentacyclic building block for organic electronics
Authors: McDearmon Brenden , Lim Eunhee , O'Hara Kathryn , Nakayama Hidenori , Luo Yingdong , Chabinyc Michael L. , Hawker Craig J.
Published: June 2017

A new pentacyclic building block, benzodibenzofuranquinone (BDBFQ), is synthesized in a single step from the inexpensive and readily available feedstocks chloranil and 3‐bromophenol. This versatile repeat unit is incorporated into a series of conjugated materials as either the redox active quinone form or as an electron‐rich dialkylated benzodibenzofuran (BDBF) unit. To illustrate the performance that can be obtained from these systems, optical and electrochemical properties were studied via UV–vis–NIR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Thin‐film morphology was characterized via grazing incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering with thin‐film field‐effect transistor measurements further demonstrating the utility of this system. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2618–2628
Decision‐making processes among men with low‐risk prostate cancer: A survey study
Authors: Hoffman Richard M. , Van Den Eeden Stephen K. , Davis Kimberly M. , Lobo Tania , Luta George , Shan Jun , Aaronson David , Penson David F. , Leimpeter Amethyst D. , Taylor Kathryn L.
Published: June 2017

Objective

To characterize decision‐making processes and outcomes among men expressing early‐treatment preferences for low‐risk prostate cancer.

Methods

We conducted telephone surveys of men newly diagnosed with low‐risk prostate cancer in 2012 to 2014. We analyzed subjects who had discussed prostate cancer treatment with a clinician and expressed a treatment preference. We asked about decision‐making processes, including physician discussions, prostate‐cancer knowledge, decision‐making styles, treatment preference, and decisional conflict. We compared the responses across treatment groups with χ2 or ANOVA.

Results

Participants (n = 761) had a median age of 62; 82% were white, 45% had a college education, and 35% had no comorbidities. Surveys were conducted at a median of 25 days (range 9‐100) post diagnosis. Overall, 55% preferred active surveillance (AS), 26% preferred surgery, and 19% preferred radiotherapy. Participants reported routinely considering surgery, radiotherapy, and AS. Most were aware of their low‐risk status (97%) and the option for AS (96%). However, men preferring active treatment (AT) were often unaware of treatment complications, including sexual dysfunction (23%) and urinary complications (41%). Most men (63%) wanted to make their own decision after considering the doctor's opinion, and about 90% reported being sufficiently involved in the treatment discussion. Men preferring AS had slightly more uncertainty about their decisions than those preferring AT.

Conclusions

Subjects were actively engaged in decision making and considered a range of treatments. However, we found knowledge gaps about treatment complications among those preferring AT and slightly more decisional uncertainty among those preferring AS, suggesting the need for early decision support.
Bow tie to improve risk management of natural gas pipelines
Authors: Muniz Márcio Vinicios Pereira , Lima Gilson Brito Alves , Caiado Rodrigo Goyannes Gusmão , Quelhas Osvaldo Luiz Gonçalves
Published: June 2017

The use of pipelines for natural gas transportation is continuously growing around the world. Pipeline accidents affecting the environment, people, assets, and company reputations have historically occurred as a result of failures in risk management. Bow Tie diagrams could provide a clear and resourceful risk management method for the safety and risk practitioner's toolkit. This article describes a case study using Bow Tie methodology to supply an analysis of the effectiveness of existing controls in pipelines and provide a better understanding, mainly to operators and the community, as to pipeline risks and their controls, by presenting a graphical interface. Thus, this article contributes to a better perception and understanding of pipeline risks and can encourage companies to use the main causes, preventive barriers, mitigation barriers, shortfalls, recommended actions, degradation factors and their safeguards as guidelines to construct Bow Tie diagrams for their pipelines in the safety management process. Additionally, the company could use the diagrams as a tool to communicate with the community about the risks and to show stakeholders that the risks are under control. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 37: 169–175, 2018
Determination of Plasma Concentration Reference Ranges for Risperidone and Paliperidone
Authors: Korell J , Green B , Remmerie B , Vermeulen A
Published: June 2017

Schizophrenia is a common disease managed by a range of interventions, with the primary treatment being antipsychotic medications (APS). Inadequate response, lack of adherence, and/or adverse events often prevent optimal therapeutic effects or therapeutic efficiency. Monitoring APS plasma concentrations can be used together with a full clinical evaluation to help improve patient care or offer better treatment options for the patient. To enable interpretation of individual risperidone and paliperidone plasma concentrations, we developed “reference ranges,” which consider the expected variability in plasma concentrations between subjects across the population, rather than representing a “therapeutic range” that relates to efficacy and/or safety outcomes. The reference ranges were derived from population pharmacokinetic models, which varied based upon administration route, dose, and time after dose. Good agreement between the proposed reference ranges and external data was obtained through graphical and numerical evaluations, indicating they could be reliably used in clinical practice.
Stochastic representations of model uncertainties at ECMWF: state of the art and future vision
Authors: Leutbecher Martin , Lock Sarah‐Jane , Ollinaho Pirkka , Lang Simon T. K. , Balsamo Gianpaolo , Bechtold Peter , Bonavita Massimo , Christensen Hannah M. , Diamantakis Michail , Dutra Emanuel , English Stephen , Fisher Michael , Forbes Richard M. , Goddard Jacqueline , Haiden Thomas , Hogan Robin J. , Juricke Stephan , Lawrence Heather , MacLeod Dave , Magnusson Linus , Malardel Sylvie , Massart Sebastien , Sandu Irina , Smolarkiewicz Piotr K. , Subramanian Aneesh , Vitart Frédéric , Wedi Nils , Weisheimer Antje
Published: June 2017

Members in ensemble forecasts differ due to the representations of initial uncertainties and model uncertainties. The inclusion of stochastic schemes to represent model uncertainties has improved the probabilistic skill of the ECMWF ensemble by increasing reliability and reducing the error of the ensemble mean. Recent progress, challenges and future directions regarding stochastic representations of model uncertainties at ECMWF are described in this article. The coming years are likely to see a further increase in the use of ensemble methods in forecasts and assimilation. This will put increasing demands on the methods used to perturb the forecast model. An area that is receiving greater attention than 5–10 years ago is the physical consistency of the perturbations. Other areas where future efforts will be directed are the expansion of uncertainty representations to the dynamical core and other components of the Earth system, as well as the overall computational efficiency of representing model uncertainty.
Effects of the Alps and Apennines on forecasts for Po Valley convection in two HyMeX cases
Authors: Pichelli Emanuela , Rotunno Richard , Ferretti Rossella
Published: June 2017

Two Intensive Observation Periods (IOPs) of the Hydrological cycle in the Mediterranean eXperiment (HyMeX) are examined in this study. IOP6 and IOP13 were characterized by troughs with associated cold fronts entering the western Mediterranean and, in both cases, organized frontal convection in the Po Valley was observed. These similarities notwithstanding, predictability of the Po Valley convection was limited for IOP6 for most of the forecast models available during HyMeX, but not for IOP13. Using the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model in research mode, the present study confirms the relatively good forecast for frontal convection in IOP13 is not very sensitive to modelling assumptions. In contrast, it is found that only a two‐way‐nested simulation, initialized close to the event, was able to produce a realistic representation of the squall‐line in the Po Valley for IOP6. A comparison between a ‘successful’ and an ‘unsuccessful’ simulation of the Po Valley convection in IOP6 suggests the sensitivity lies with the orographic flow modification which was at the threshold between ‘flow‐over’ and ‘flow‐around’ responses to the Maritime Alps. In particular, in the ‘flow‐over’ regime, downslope winds from the Maritime Alps and Apennines suppress the convergence/uplift where the front encounters the barrier wind in the Po Valley, while in the ‘flow‐around’ regime it is unimpeded. A delicate balance between the competing mechanisms of orographically induced subsidence on the lee side of the Apennines and frontal uplift in the Po Valley is found to be crucial for squall‐line survival.
pH Sensing Properties of Flexible, Bias‐Free Graphene Microelectrodes in Complex Fluids: From Phosphate Buffer Solution to Human Serum
Authors: Ping Jinglei , Blum Jacquelyn E. , Vishnubhotla Ramya , Vrudhula Amey , Naylor Carl H. , Gao Zhaoli , Saven Jeffery G. , Johnson Alan T. Charlie
Published: June 2017

Advances in techniques for monitoring pH in complex fluids can have a significant impact on analytical and biomedical applications. This study develops flexible graphene microelectrodes (GEs) for rapid (<5 s), very‐low‐power (femtowatt) detection of the pH of complex biofluids by measuring real‐time Faradaic charge transfer between the GE and a solution at zero electrical bias. For an idealized sample of phosphate buffer solution (PBS), the Faradaic current is varied monotonically and systematically with the pH, with a resolution of ≈0.2 pH unit. The current–pH dependence is well described by a hybrid analytical–computational model, where the electric double layer derives from an intrinsic, pH‐independent (positive) charge associated with the graphene–water interface and ionizable (negative) charged groups. For ferritin solution, the relative Faradaic current, defined as the difference between the measured current response and a baseline response due to PBS, shows a strong signal associated with ferritin disassembly and the release of ferric ions at pH ≈2.0. For samples of human serum, the Faradaic current shows a reproducible rapid (<20 s) response to pH. By combining the Faradaic current and real‐time current variation, the methodology is potentially suitable for use to detect tumor‐induced changes in extracellular pH.
Graphdiyne‐Supported NiCo2S4 Nanowires: A Highly Active and Stable 3D Bifunctional Electrode Material
Authors: Xue Yurui , Zuo Zicheng , Li Yongjun , Liu Huibiao , Li Yuliang
Published: June 2017

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and overall water splitting are major energy and chemical conversion efforts. Progress in electrocatalytic reactions have shown that the future is limitless in many fields. However, it is urgent to develop efficient electrocatalysts. Here, the first graphdiyne‐supported efficient and bifunctional electrocatalyst is reported using 3D graphdiyne foam as scaffolds, and NiCo2S4 nanowires as building blocks (NiCo2S4 NW/GDF). NiCo2S4 NW/GDF exhibits outstanding catalytic activity and stability toward both OER and HER, as well as overall water splitting in alkaline media. Remarkably, it enables a high‐performance alkaline water electrolyzer with 10 and 20 mA cm−2 at very low cell voltages of 1.53 and 1.56 V, respectively, and remarkable stability over 140 h of continuous electrolysis operation at 20 mA cm−2. The results indicate that this catalyst has a bifunction that overcomes all reported bifunctional, nonprecious‐metal‐based ones.
Drei Erfolgsstories
Authors: Kampker Achim , Gerdes Jürgen , Schuh Günther
Published: June 2017

Geht das? Das geht! Wie man Entwicklungs prozesse durch radikales Umdenken effizienter gestaltet und so den Markteintritt schneller schafft: Drei Erfolgsstories, die zeigen, wie das geht.
Die StreetScooter-Mobilitätslösung
Authors: Kampker Achim , Gerdes Jürgen , Schuh Günther
Published: June 2017

Effizient elektrisch durch die Stadt mit dem „Work“, „E-Bike“ oder „E-Trike“. Die StreetScooter GmbH bietet die passende Lösung für den Flotteneinsatz. Auf zwei, drei und vier Rädern. Hundert Prozent elektrisch, hundert Prozent CO2-frei.
Die StreetScooter-Gründer-Story
Authors: Kampker Achim , Gerdes Jürgen , Schuh Günther
Published: June 2017

Am Anfang war das Wort und das Wort hieß Innovation. Diese Innovation war zunächst gar nicht als Fahrzeug gedacht. Die Produktionsforscher der RWTH Aachen wollten ein innovatives Produkt entwickeln, das man in einem Hochlohnland wie Deutschland weltweit wettbewerbsfähig produzieren kann. Sie ließen erst Gedanken und dann Strom fließen.
Die StreetScooter-Post-Story
Authors: Kampker Achim , Gerdes Jürgen , Schuh Günther
Published: June 2017

Gelb fährt vor! Wie man bei einer Entwicklung ganz neue Wege beschreitet und wie dabei die (Deutsche) Post abgeht: Vom Feldversuch-Partner bis zur Übernahme der StreetScooter GmbH.
Pairing analysis and in situ Hybridisation reveal autopolyploid-like behaviour in Solanum commersonii × S. tuberosum (potato) interspecific hybrids
Authors: Gaiero Paola , Mazzella Cristina , Vilaró Francisco , Speranza Pablo , de Jong Hans
Published: June 2017

Wild potato relatives are rich sources of desirable traits for introgressive hybridisation into cultivated potato. One of them,Solanum commersonii(2n = 2x = 24, 1EBN, endosperm balance number), is an important species belonging to the potato tertiary genepool. It can be used in potato breeding through bridge crosses and 2n gamete production. Triploid F1hybrids betweenS. commersonii(through spontaneous 2n egg formation) and diploid 2EBNSolanum tuberosumGroup Phureja were crossed withS. tuberosumGroup Tuberosum, resulting in successive backcross 1, 2 and 3 progenies. The main aim of this study was to determine if there are any barriers to homoeologous pairing and recombination in the allotriploid (S. commersonii × potato) hybrids and their backcrosses, and so to predict ifS. commersoniichromosomes can be transmitted to the next generation and introgressed into their recipient potato chromosomes. Microscopic observations of spread pollen mother cells suggested no preferential pairing in the triploid hybrids, while chromosome transmission and segregation in further meiotic stages were fairly balanced. Fluorescent in situ hybridisation with BAC probes (BAC FISH) was used to obtain markers to trace the meiotic behaviour of specific chromosome pairs. Moreover, genomic in situ hybridisation (GISH) demonstrated no obvious differences in fluorescence signals between the homoeologues suggesting that repetitive sequences did not diverge much between the parental species. As a consequence, we were not able to trace the course of theS. commersoniichromosomes in the successive introgressive hybridisation backcross generations. Our results strongly point at a high genomic similarity between the homoeologous chromosomes promising high suitability ofS. commersoniiin introgressive hybridisation breeding of potato.
The Influence of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide (SC‐CO2) on Electrolytes and Hydrogenation of Soybean Oil
Authors: Yu Dianyu , Li Xiangxin , Wang Yuqi , Zou Dezhi , Hu Lizhi , Zheng Huanyu , Jiang Lianzhou , Wang Liqi , Elfalleh Walid
Published: June 2017

The electrochemical hydrogenation of soybean oil with supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) has been studied to seek ways for substantial reduction of the trans fatty acids (TFA). The solubility of CO2 in electrolytes and the conductivity of electrolytes were investigated using a self‐made electrochemical hydrogenation reactor. The optimum hydrogenation parameters were assessed. Both the solubility of CO2 in electrolytes and the conductivity of electrolytes increased with increasing CO2 pressure. When the pressure reached a critical point of CO2, the solubility of CO2 expressed as a mole fraction was 0.42 in cathode electrolyte and 0.1 in anode electrolyte. At 8 MPa, the conductivity of electrolytes was 1.5 times higher than that at 2 MPa. When the pressure was higher than the critical point of CO2, the solubility of CO2 in electrolytes and the conductivity of electrolytes reached a stable value. The optimum condition for electrochemical hydrogenation of soybean oil in SC‐CO2 were reaction pressure (8 MPa), reaction temperature (48 °C), current (125 mA), agitation speed (300 rpm), and reaction time (8 h). Fatty acid profile, iodine value, and TFA content were evaluated at the optimum parameters. This investigation showed that the electrochemical hydrogenation of soybean oil in SC‐CO2 was improved. The reaction time was shortened by 4 h, and TFA content was reduced by 35.8% compared to traditional hydrogenation process.
Reduced-intensity versus myeloablative allogeneic transplantation
Authors: Weisdorf Daniel J.
Published: June 2017

Allotransplantation cures patients by cytoreduction and the graft-versus-tumor (leukemia; graft-versus-leukemia [GVL]) alloresponse; both eliminate residual disease. The spectrum of conditioning intensity influences toxicities and non-relapse mortality. The spectrum of tumor sensitivity to the GVL response influences relapse. Balancing tolerable toxicities (influenced by patients’ performance status and comorbidities) is also influenced by the graft. Intense immunosuppression (for engraftment and graft-versus-host disease prevention) may constrain the immunologic potency of the graft and limit the antineoplastic capacity of the transplant, thus requiring more intense or more effective conditioning regimens to limit the risks of relapse and permit satisfactory disease-free survival.
Trends in hematopoietic stem cell transplant activity in Lebanon
Authors: Bazarbachi Ali , Zahreddine Ammar , Massoud Radwan , El Cheikh Jean , Hanna Colette , Nasr Fadi , Abboud Miguel , Ibrahim Ahmad
Published: June 2017

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been accessible to the population residing in Lebanon and surrounding countries since 1997. HSCT programs were developed in two major hospitals in Beirut: American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) and Makassed General Hospital. Mount Lebanon Hospital initiated an autologous HSCT activity later. Between 2012 and 2016, the HSCT activity in Lebanon reached a total of 897 transplants, among which 303 (33.8%) were allogeneic HSCT and 594 (66.2%) were autologous HSCT. Overall, autologous HSCT activity has remained stable over the past 5 years, whereas allogeneic HSCT activity has seen a steep increase between 2012 and 2013 followed by a modest increase later. Haploiden- tical transplantation has mushroomed and represented almost half of allogeneic HSCT activity in 2016. AUBMC and Makassed General Hospital are members of the European Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) and East Mediterranean Blood and Marrow Transplantation groups, and AUBMC has been accredited by JACIE (Joint Accreditation Committee - ISCT & EBMT) since 2016. The past 5 years have seen an increase in HSCT-related research and publications, mainly from AUBMC. These research activities were predominantly focused on personalized conditioning for allogeneic HSCT and post-transplant maintenance therapy.
Memory T cells
Authors: Huang Wei , Chao Nelson J.
Published: June 2017

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) and the major cause of nonrelapse morbidity and mortality of AHSCT. In AHSCT, donor T cells facilitate hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) engraftment, contribute to anti-infection immunity, and mediate graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) responses. However, activated alloreactive T cells also attack recipient cells in vital organs, leading to GVHD. Different T-cell subsets, including naive T (TN) cells, memory T (TM) cells, and regulatory T (Treg) cells mediate different forms of GVHD and GVL; TN cells mediate severe GVHD, whereas TM cells do not cause GVHD, but preserve T-cell function including GVL. In addition, metabolic reprogramming controls T-cell differentiation and activation in these disease states. This minireview focuses on the role and the related mechanisms of TM cells in AHSCT, and the potential manipulation of T cells in AHSCT.
A revolutionary auxiliary film development for composite manufacturing
Authors: Salehi-Schneider Soheila , Grimm Felix
Published: June 2017

As application opportunities for composite materials grow, manufacturers have become acutely attuned to the need for process improvements that generate real cost savings, accelerate production and improve part quality. This is particularly true for the large-scale fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) components currently employed in industries such as aerospace, automotive, marine, and wind energy. Soheila Salehi-Schneider, Project Leader at Infiana, explains how the award-winning FlexPLAS® release film technology creates opportunities to streamline these complex processes.
Hyoid myotomy and suspension without simultaneous palate or tongue base surgery for obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Ong Adrian A. , Buttram Jonathan , Nguyen Shaun A. , Platter Dustin , Abidin Michael R. , Gillespie M. Boyd
Published: June 2017

Objective

Determine the effects of hyoid myotomy and suspension (HMS) without concurrent palatal or tongue base sleep surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Method

Patients with OSA treated with HMS were identified using CPT code (21685) at an academic and private sleep surgery clinic. Those who underwent concurrent palatal or tongue base sleep surgery were excluded. Outcomes included simultaneous procedures, apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), lowest oxyhemoglobin saturation (LSAT), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).

Results

Nineteen patients with OSA underwent HMS without palatal or tongue base sleep surgery. The average age at surgery was (55.3 ± 13.5) years with a majority of patients being male (71%). Concurrent procedures included the following: torus mandibularis excision (n = 1), endoscopic sinus surgery (n = 4), septoplasty (n = 10), inferior turbinate reduction (n = 12), and nasal valve repair (n = 2). AHI improved significantly from (39.7 ± 21.2) events/h to (22.6 ± 22.7) events/h after HMS (P < 0.01), which represented a 43% reduction. LSAT significantly increased from (82.2% ± 9.9%) to (86.6% ± 6.2%), P < 0.01. There was no improvement in ESS after surgery (8.2 ± 4.4) to (8.3 ± 5.2), P = 0.904. A subset of patients with severe OSA (AHI > 30 events/h) had an improvement in AHI from (49.9 ± 16.6) events/h to (29.1 ± 24.9) events/h, P < 0.01.

Conclusion

HMS without palatal or tongue base sleep surgery improves OSA severity. It can be considered as a valid option in the treatment of OSA in appropriately‐selected patients.
Greek Theatre between Antiquity and Independence
Authors: Puchner Walter , White Andrew
Published: June 2017

This first general history of Greek theatre from Hellenistic times to the foundation of the Modern Greek state in 1830 marks a radical departure from traditional methods of historiography. We like to think of history unfolding continuously, in an evolutionary form, but the story of Greek theatre is rather different. After traditional theatre ended in the sixth and seventh centuries, no traditional drama was written or performed on stage throughout the Greek-speaking world for centuries due to the Orthodox Church's hostile attitude toward spectacles. With the reinvention of theatre in Renaissance Italy, however, Greek theatre was revived in Crete under Venetian rule in the late sixteenth century. The following centuries saw the restoration of Greek theatre at various locations, albeit characterized by numerous ruptures and discontinuities in terms of geography, stylistics, thematic approaches and ideologies. These diverse developments were only 'normalized' with the establishment of the Greek nation state.
Collective Remembering
Authors: Isurin Ludmila
Published: June 2017

This interdisciplinary study explores collective memory as it is presented by official producers (such as textbooks and media) and reflected by consumers (group members). Focusing on a case study of Russians and Russian immigrants to the USA and their memories of seminal events in the twentieth-century Russian collective past, Isurin shows how autobiographical memory contributes to the formation of collective memory, and also examines how the memory of the shared past is reconstructed by those who stayed with the group and those who left. By bringing together historical, anthropological, and psychological approaches, Collective Remembering provides a new theoretical framework for memory studies that incorporates both content analysis of texts and empirical data from human participants, thus demonstrating that methodologies from the humanities and the social sciences can complement each other to create a better understanding of how memory works in the world and in the mind.
Multiple melt plumes observed at the Breiðamerkurjökull ice face in the upper waters of Jökulsárlón lagoon, Iceland
Authors: Brandon Mark , Hodgkins Richard , Björnsson Helgi , Ólafsson Jón
Published: June 2017

Breiðamerkurjökull flows from the Vatnajökull ice cap and calves into the Jökulsárlón proglacial lagoon. The lagoon is connected to the North Atlantic Ocean through a 6 m deep narrow channel. Four hydrographic surveys in spring 2012, and a 2011 4-month long temperature and salinity time series of lagoon inflow show that the lake has significantly changed since 1976. Warm saline ocean water enters each tidal cycle and descends below the maximum sampled depths. The lagoon has a surface layer of ice melt, freshwater and Atlantic derived water. Beneath 10 m depth an advective/diffusive balance is responsible for determining the temperature and salinity of the lagoon waters down to ~90 m. To maintain the observed hydrographic structure, we calculate an upwelling of deep water of ~0.2 m d−1. A survey within 30 m of Breiðamerkurjökull showed that the warmest and most saline waters sampled within the lagoon below 10 m depth were adjacent to the glacier face, along with multiple interleaved warm and cold layers. A heat and salt balance model shows that submarine melting along the ice face generates multiple meltwater plumes that are mixed and diluted within 200 m of the ice face.
Engendering Bilateralism: An Exploration of Possible Sources of Non-Centrism in Government Formation
Authors: Warwick Paul V.
Published: June 2017

This paper seeks to identify factors that may lie behind the tendency for parliamentary governments to form primarily from one side of the left-right spectrum and to adopt non-centrist policy positions. Because of measurement limitations as well as the inherent complexity of the processes involved, this exploration is undertaken through simulation experiments. The new software created for these experiments allows the potential impact of a wide variety of factors, including voter and party motivations and distributions, policy space dimensionality, and constraints on government formation, to be assessed. Although the results cannot tell us what fosters non-centrism in the real world, they do reveal some factors that appear to be conducive to that end and thus serve as a guide to further research on this neglected topic.
Collecting and using youth development outcomes data to improve youth work practice
Authors: Williamson Dean
Published: June 2017

There is increasing scrutiny on the factors necessary to ensure that youth development programs consistently enhance the learning and development of young people. One of these key factors is the involvement of high-quality youth work practitioners who can facilitate an individual or group process to the benefit of all participants. While the practice of reflective learning is a core best-practice principle of youth workers, there is little emphasis on their own structured learning and development beyond their initial qualification. Based on findings from a pilot project testing the first practitioner-led outcomes framework in New South Wales, Australia, this article examines the role of outcomes data in contributing to the ongoing development of youth workers and youth development organisations. It argues that external performance data is both critical to individual and organisational development, and can enhance existing reflective practices such as workplace supervision.
Bruce Pascoe, 'Dark Emu Black Seeds: Agriculture or Accident?' Broome: Magabala Books, 2014, ISBN 9 7819 2214 2436, 174 pp., A$35
Authors: Kerkhove Ray
Published: June 2017

Bruce Pascoe, Dark Emu Black Seeds: Agriculture or Accident? Broome: Magabala Books, 2014, ISBN 9 7819 2214 2436, 174 pp., A$35
Building on strengths
Authors: Seymour Kathryn
Published: June 2017

This article introduces a new strengths-based approach to youth development program practice developed in Queensland, Australia. This approach is encapsulated in a good practice framework, its six principles, their underlying indicators and examples of action. The framework is a wholly new synthesis of academic, youth and practitioner expertise, and demonstrates the complex ecological nature of youth programs and the bi-directional links between the diversity of staff and youth needs, and contributions made within the program environment. I introduce the framework by discussing each of the six principles, which focus on the themes of learning and development; leadership and decision making; an inclusive ethos; community service; partnerships and networking; and ethical promotion. Taken together, the principles presented here embody an innovative, comprehensive and comprehensible framework for volunteer and paid youth practitioners, service providers and youth studies scholars.