bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dimensional effect of graphite flow field channels of a direct methanol fuel cell under different operating conditions
Authors: Tan Zhenhao , Wang Aoyu , Yuan Wei , Han Fuchang , Ye Guangzhao , Xia Hongrong , Tang Yong
Published: August 2017

Direct methanol fuel cells are a potential candidate to replace traditional power sources for portable applications. The flow field design, manufacture, and optimization are of great significance to the cell performance. When the scale of flow channels decreases to the level of submillimeter‐scale, it is favourable to the reactant and product management. This paper focuses on the effectiveness of using a multi‐tooth planing technique to create submillimeter‐scale parallel channels in a graphite sheet. Besides the structural parameters of flow channels, a series of operating parameters are experimentally investigated, including methanol concentration, methanol feed rate, oxygen feed rate, cathode backpressure, and environmental temperature. Results indicate that the prepared channels promote a higher cell performance than the traditional design with a larger scale. It is beneficial to both the anode and cathode performances, but it has a more prominent effect at the anode. The methanol concentration of 4 mol/L yields the best performance. Using a relatively lower methanol feed rate below 0.5 mL/min has a more obvious effect on the fuel cell. The cell performance is insensitive to the change of cathode oxygen feed rate and backpressure especially when the oxygen can be sufficiently supplied. In this case we can use lower levels of oxygen feed rate and cathode backpressure. The cell temperatures and influence of environmental temperature are also discussed.
Hierarchical ZnIn2S4/MoSe2 Nanoarchitectures for Efficient Noble‐Metal‐Free Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution under Visible Light
Authors: Zeng Deqian , Xiao Lang , Ong Wee‐Jun , Wu Pengyuan , Zheng Hongfei , Chen Yuanzhi , Peng Dong‐Liang
Published: August 2017

A highly efficient visible‐light‐driven photocatalyst is urgently necessary for photocatalytic hydrogen generation through water splitting. Herein, ZnIn2S4 hierarchical architectures assembled as ultrathin nanosheets were synthesized by a facile one‐pot polyol approach. Subsequently, the two‐dimensional‐network‐like MoSe2 was successfully hybridized with ZnIn2S4 by taking advantage of their analogous intrinsic layered morphologies. The noble‐metal‐free ZnIn2S4/MoSe2 heterostructures show enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution compared to pure ZnIn2S4. It is noteworthy that the optimum nanocomposite of ZnIn2S4/2 % MoSe2 photocatalyst displays a high H2 generation rate of 2228 μmol g−1 h−1 and an apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 21.39 % at 420 nm. This study presents an unprecedented ZnIn2S4/MoSe2 metal‐sulfide–metal‐selenide hybrid system for H2 evolution. Importantly, the present efficient hybridization strategy reveals the potential of hierarchical nanoarchitectures for a multitude of energy storage and solar energy conversion applications.
Kinetic and metabolic profiles of synthetic cannabinoids NNEI and MN‐18
Authors: Kevin Richard C. , Lefever Timothy W. , Snyder Rodney W. , Patel Purvi R. , Gamage Thomas F. , Fennell Timothy R. , Wiley Jenny L. , McGregor Iain S. , Thomas Brian F.
Published: August 2017

In 2014 and 2015, synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists NNEI (N‐1‐naphthalenyl‐1‐pentyl‐1H‐indole‐3‐carboxamide) and MN‐18 (N‐1‐naphthalenyl‐1‐pentyl‐1H‐indazole‐3‐carboxamide) were detected in recreationally used and abused products in multiple countries, and were implicated in episodes of poisoning and toxicity. Despite this, the pharmacokinetic profiles of NNEI and MN‐18 have not been characterized. In the present study NNEI and MN‐18 were incubated in rat and human liver microsomes and hepatocytes, to estimate kinetic parameters and to identify potential metabolic pathways, respectively. These parameters and pathways were then examined in vivo, via analysis of blood and urine samples from catheterized male rats following intraperitoneal (3 mg/kg) administration of NNEI and MN‐18. Both NNEI and MN‐18 were rapidly cleared by rat and human liver microsomes, and underwent a range of oxidative transformations during incubation with rat and human hepatocytes. Several unique metabolites were identified for the forensic identification of NNEI and MN‐18 intake. Interestingly, NNEI underwent a greater number of biotransformations (20 NNEI metabolites versus 10 MN‐18 metabolites), yet parent MN‐18 was eliminated at a faster rate than NNEI in vivo. Additionally, in vivo elimination was more rapid than in vitro estimates. These data highlight that even closely related synthetic cannabinoids can possess markedly distinct pharmacokinetic profiles, which can vary substantially between in vitro and in vivo models.
Does spatial variation in predation pressure modulate selection for aposematism?
Authors: Aluthwattha S. Tharanga , Harrison Rhett D. , Ranawana Kithsiri B. , Xu Cheng , Lai Ren , Chen Jin
Published: August 2017

It is widely believed that aposematic signals should be conspicuous, but in nature, they vary from highly conspicuous to near cryptic. Current theory, including the honest signal or trade‐off hypotheses of the toxicity–conspicuousness relationship, cannot explain why adequately toxic species vary substantially in their conspicuousness. Through a study of similarly toxic Danainae (Nymphalidae) butterflies and their mimics that vary remarkably in their conspicuousness, we show that the benefits of conspicuousness vary along a gradient of predation pressure. Highly conspicuous butterflies experienced lower avian attack rates when background predation pressure was low, but attack rates increased rapidly as background predation pressure increased. Conversely, the least conspicuous butterflies experienced higher attack rates at low predation pressures, but at high predation pressures, they appeared to benefit from crypsis. Attack rates of intermediately conspicuous butterflies remained moderate and constant along the predation pressure gradient. Mimics had a similar pattern but higher attack rates than their models and mimics tended to imitate the signal of less attacked model species along the predation pressure gradient. Predation pressure modulated signal fitness provides a possible mechanism for the maintenance of variation in conspicuousness of aposematic signals, as well as the initial survival of conspicuous signals in cryptic populations in the process of aposematic signal evolution, and an alternative explanation for the evolutionary gain and loss of mimicry.
Dynamic optimization of stimulation frequency to reduce isometric muscle fatigue using a modified Hill‐Huxley model
Authors: Doll Brian D. , Kirsch Nicholas A. , Bao Xuefeng , Dicianno Brad E. , Sharma Nitin
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Optimal frequency modulation during functional electrical stimulation (FES) may minimize or delay the onset of FES‐induced muscle fatigue.

Methods

An offline dynamic optimization method, constrained to a modified Hill‐Huxley model, was used to determine the minimum number of pulses that would maintain a constant desired isometric contraction force.

Results

Six able‐bodied participants were recruited for the experiments, and their quadriceps muscles were stimulated while they sat on a leg extension machine. The force–time (F–T) integrals and peak forces after the pulse train was delivered were found to be statistically significantly greater than the force–time integrals and peak forces obtained after a constant frequency train was delivered.

Discussion

Experimental results indicated that the optimized pulse trains induced lower levels of muscle fatigue compared with constant frequency pulse trains. This could have a potential advantage over current FES methods that often choose a constant frequency stimulation train. Muscle Nerve 57: 634–641, 2018
History of parvovirus B19 infection is associated with silent cerebral infarcts
Authors: Ogunsile Foluso J. , Currie Kelli L. , Rodeghier Mark , Kassim Adetola , DeBaun Michael R. , Sharma Deva
Published: August 2017

Background

The relationship between silent cerebral infarcts (SCIs) and history of parvovirus B19 (B19V) has not been systematically evaluated. As an ancillary study from the Silent Cerebral Infarct Trial (SIT) (NCT00072761), we tested the hypothesis that a history of B19V infection is associated with an increased prevalence of SCIs in children with sickle cell anemia.

Procedure

We used a retrospective cross‐sectional cohort study design; each participant underwent a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and medical record review for prior B19V infection (n = 958).

Results

SCI was present in 30% (287 of 958) of participants and 17% (165 of 958) had a history of B19V infection. Based on prior evidence that low baseline hemoglobin (Hgb) levels are associated with increased odds of SCI, Hgb levels were divided into tertiles (<7.6 g/dl, ≥7.6–≤8.5 g/dl, ≥8.6 g/dl) and multivariable analysis was used to determine the relationship between the joint effect of prior B19V infection, Hgb levels, and SCI. Prior B19V infection and the lowest Hgb tertile were associated with increased risk of SCI (odds ratio [OR] 2.12; 95% CI, 1.17–3.84; P = 0.013); no prior B19V infection and the highest Hgb tertile were associated with a decreased risk (OR 0.56; 95% CI, 0.38–0.84; P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Efforts to decrease the incidence of B19V infection, such as the development of a B19V vaccine, may decrease SCI prevalence.
Predicting the helix‐helix interactions from correlated residue mutations
Authors: Xiong Dapeng , Mao Wenzhi , Gong Haipeng
Published: August 2017

Helix‐helix interactions are crucial in the structure assembly, stability and function of helix‐rich proteins including many membrane proteins. In spite of remarkable progresses over the past decades, the accuracy of predicting protein structures from their amino acid sequences is still far from satisfaction. In this work, we focused on a simpler problem, the prediction of helix‐helix interactions, the results of which could facilitate practical protein structure prediction by constraining the sampling space. Specifically, we started from the noisy 2D residue contact maps derived from correlated residue mutations, and utilized ridge detection to identify the characteristic residue contact patterns for helix‐helix interactions. The ridge information as well as a few additional features were then fed into a machine learning model HHConPred to predict interactions between helix pairs. In an independent test, our method achieved an F‐measure of ∼60% for predicting helix‐helix interactions. Moreover, although the model was trained mainly using soluble proteins, it could be extended to membrane proteins with at least comparable performance relatively to previous approaches that were generated purely using membrane proteins. All data and source codes are available at http://166.111.152.91/Downloads.html or https://github.com/dpxiong/HHConPred.
Assessment of model accuracy estimations in CASP12
Authors: Kryshtafovych Andriy , Monastyrskyy Bohdan , Fidelis Krzysztof , Schwede Torsten , Tramontano Anna
Published: August 2017

The record high 42 model accuracy estimation methods were tested in CASP12. The paper presents results of the assessment of these methods in the whole‐model and per‐residue accuracy modes. Scores from four different model evaluation packages were used as the “ground truth” for assessing accuracy of methods' estimates. They include a rigid‐body score—GDT_TS, and three local‐structure based scores—LDDT, CAD and SphereGrinder. The ability of methods to identify best models from among several available, predict model's absolute accuracy score, distinguish between good and bad models, predict accuracy of the coordinate error self‐estimates, and discriminate between reliable and unreliable regions in the models was assessed. Single‐model methods advanced to the point where they are better than clustering methods in picking the best models from decoy sets. On the other hand, consensus methods, taking advantage of the availability of large number of models for the same target protein, are still better in distinguishing between good and bad models and predicting local accuracy of models. The best accuracy estimation methods were shown to perform better with respect to the frozen in time reference clustering method and the results of the best method in the corresponding class of methods from the previous CASP. Top performing single‐model methods were shown to do better than all but three CASP12 tertiary structure predictors when evaluated as model selectors.
Temporal and spatial distribution of insecticide‐resistance mutations in the green peach aphid Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on primary and secondary host plants in central Chile
Authors: Rubio‐Meléndez María E , Sepúlveda Daniela A , Ramírez Claudio C
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

The aphid Myzus persicae develops insensitivity to almost all classes of insecticides through target site mutations. The aim of this study was to assess the temporal and spatial distribution of resistant aphids that grow on peach trees and weeds, and establish the role of the secondary hosts as a reservoir of resistant genotypes.

RESULTS

The frequency of genotypes (RR, RS, and SS) was affected by the host plant, mainly for knock‐down resistance (kdr) and modified acetylcholinesterase (MACE) mutations (P < 0.05). A higher frequency of RS and RR was observed in aphids found on peach trees than on weeds. The frequency of the R allele was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than expected in autumn and on weeds for the kdr and MACE mutations, while the frequency of the S allele was high in all seasons for all insecticide‐resistance mutations (P < 0.01). The most abundant multilocus genotype was characterized as being RS for the kdr mutation and SS for both super‐kdr and MACE.

CONCLUSION

This study provides farm‐scale evidence that weeds are not an important reservoir of the R allele, but they are for the S allele. Hence, the presence of heterozygous genotypes on peach trees is most likely attributable to weeds. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
3D Printing Hierarchical Silver Nanowire Aerogel with Highly Compressive Resilience and Tensile Elongation through Tunable Poisson's Ratio
Authors: Yan Pengli , Brown Emery , Su Qing , Li Jun , Wang Jian , Xu Changxue , Zhou Chi , Lin Dong
Published: August 2017

Metallic aerogels have attracted intense attention due to their superior properties, such as high electrical conductivity, ultralow densities, and large specific surface area. The preparation of metal aerogels with high efficiency and controllability remains challenge. A 3D freeze assembling printing technique integrated with drop‐on‐demand inkjet printing and freeze casting are proposed for metallic aerogels preparation. This technique enables tailoring both the macrostructure and microstructure of silver nanowire aerogels (SNWAs) by integrating programmable 3D printing and freeze casting, respectively. The density of the printed SNWAs is controllable, which can be down to 1.3 mg cm−3. The ultralight SNWAs reach high electrical conductivity of 1.3 S cm−1 and exhibit excellent compressive resilience under 50% compressive strain. Remarkably, the printing methodology also enables tuning aerogel architectures with designed Poisson's ratio (from negative to positive). Moreover, these aerogel architechtures with tunable Poisson's ratio present highly electromechanical stability under high compressive and tensile strain (both strain up to 20% with fully recovery).
Cell‐free fetal DNA analysis in maternal plasma as screening test for trisomies 21, 18 and 13 in twin pregnancy
Authors: Le Conte G. , Letourneau A. , Jani J. , Kleinfinger P. , Lohmann L. , Costa J.‐M. , Benachi A.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To evaluate in twin pregnancy the utility of non‐invasive prenatal testing using circulating cell‐free fetal DNA (cfDNA) in screening for the three main autosomal fetal trisomies.

Methods

cfDNA testing was offered to 492 patients with a twin pregnancy without ultrasound anomaly as a first‐line screening test or after routine serum screening. Data were collected prospectively and a retrospective analysis was performed. cfDNA analysis was performed by massively parallel sequencing. The fetal‐fraction threshold used for test evaluation was 8%. Regression analysis was performed to investigate the effect on the test failure rate of maternal and pregnancy characteristics, and the performance of the test was also reported.

Results

cfDNA analysis was performed as a first‐line test (after the first‐trimester scan) in 377 patients and following serum screening in 115. Of the 420 pregnancies for which outcome was available and cfDNA screening was assessed, 78.7% were dichorionic–diamniotic. The test failed on the first attempt in 12 (2.9%) pregnancies, and regression analysis demonstrated that only maternal weight was a significant independent predictor of test failure. A result was subsequently achieved in the 10 cases for which a second sample was obtained. cfDNA analysis identified all three cases of trisomy 21 and the only case of trisomy 18. For trisomy 21, the specificity was 99.8% (95% CI, 98.7–100.0%). When considering pregnancies according to whether they were conceived spontaneously or after assisted reproductive technology, there were no significant differences in terms of maternal weight or no‐result rate for cfDNA screening between these two groups.

Conclusions

In twin pregnancy without fetal ultrasound abnormality, cfDNA screening for trisomies 21, 18 and 13 had a high success rate and good performance. Therefore, in routine practice, cfDNA analysis could be considered as a first‐ or second‐line screening test. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Fetal major cardiac defects and placental dysfunction at 11–13 weeks' gestation
Authors: Fantasia I. , Kasapoglu D. , Kasapoglu T. , Syngelaki A. , Akolekar R. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: August 2017

Objective

To investigate the relationship between fetal major cardiac defects and markers of placental perfusion and function.

Methods

This was a prospective screening study in singleton pregnancies at 11–13 weeks' gestation. Uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA‐PI), serum pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) and placental growth factor (PlGF) were measured and the values were converted into multiples of the normal median (MoM). Median MoM values in fetuses with isolated major cardiac defects were compared with those in fetuses without major defects.

Results

The 50 094 singleton pregnancies fulfilling the entry criteria included 49 898 pregnancies with normal cardiac anatomy and 196 (0.39%) with major congenital cardiac defects: 73 (37.2%) with conotruncal defects, 63 (32.1%) with left ventricular outflow tract defects and 60 (30.6%) with valvular defects. In the group with cardiac defects, compared with controls, there was lower median PAPP‐A MoM (0.81 vs 1.00, P < 0.0001) and PlGF MoM (0.78 vs 1.00, P < 0.0001) but no significant difference in UtA‐PI MoM (1.01 vs 1.00, P = 0.162).

Conclusion

In pregnancies with isolated fetal major cardiac defects, there is evidence of placental dysfunction in the absence of impaired placental perfusion. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
mTOR co-targeting strategies for head and neck cancer therapy
Authors: Wang Zhiyong , Valera Juan Callejas , Zhao Xuefeng , Chen Qianming , Silvio Gutkind J.
Published: August 2017

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide. There is an urgent need to develop effective therapeutic approaches to prevent and treat HNSCC. Recent deep sequencing of the HNSCC genomic landscape revealed a multiplicity and diversity of genetic alterations in this malignancy. Although a large variety of specific molecules were found altered in each individual tumor, they all participate in only a handful of driver signaling pathways. Among them, the PI3K/mTOR pathway is the most frequently activated, which plays a central role in cancer initiation and progression. In turn, targeting of mTOR may represent a precision therapeutic approach for HNSCC. Indeed, mTOR inhibition exerts potent anti-tumor activity in HNSCC experimental systems, and mTOR targeting clinical trials show encouraging results. However, advanced HNSCC patients may exhibit unpredictable drug resistance, and the analysis of its molecular basis suggests that co-targeting strategies may provide a more effective option. In addition, although counterintuitive, emerging evidence suggests that mTOR inhibition may enhance the anti-tumor immune response. These new findings raise the possibility that the combination of mTOR inhibitors and immune oncology agents may provide novel precision therapeutic options for HNSCC.
Can field trials improve the design of road‐crossing structures for gliding mammals?
Authors: Goldingay Ross L. , Taylor Brendan D.
Published: August 2017

Gliding mammals are sensitive to habitat fragmentation that produces canopy gaps beyond their gliding capability. Specific structures (canopy‐bridges and glide poles) are now commonly installed in large road construction projects to enable road crossing by threatened gliding mammals. However, these structures are being installed with limited understanding of how their design features influence their use. We conducted field testing of several design features (horizontal glide launch‐beams at the top of poles; rope size and complexity in rope‐bridges) using free‐ranging gliding mammals, and scaled‐down structures at two locations. Our aim was to identify preferred features to optimise structure use. This may confirm current designs or identify the need for refinement. We found that squirrel gliders (Petaurus norfolcensis) and sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) preferred a forward‐pointing over a sideways‐pointing glide beam. A single‐rope rope‐bridge was favoured over a mesh rope‐bridge by sugar gliders but not squirrel gliders. No preference was shown by either species between mesh or ladder‐style rope‐bridges that differed in rope strand spacing. Large, permanently installed ladder or mesh rope‐bridges commonly have single ropes connecting them to the adjacent forest. We investigated the use of a permanently installed 50‐m long single‐rope rope‐bridge. Infra‐red camera monitoring over 366 nights detected squirrel gliders on this bridge on 172 nights, common ringtail possums (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) on 144 nights and common brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) on 120 nights. This confirms acceptance of the single rope by a range of species and provides confidence in installing rope‐bridges that may vary in rope size and complexity.
Ceramicines M–P from Chisocheton ceramicus: isolation and structure–activity relationship study
Authors: Nugroho Alfarius Eko , Hashimoto Akiyo , Wong Chin-Piow , Yokoe Hiromasa , Tsubuki Masayoshi , Kaneda Toshio , Hadi A. Hamid A. , Morita Hiroshi
Published: August 2017

Ceramicines are a series of limonoids which were isolated from the bark of Malaysian Chisocheton ceramicus (Meliaceae) and show various biological activities. Ceramicine B, in particular, has been reported to show a strong lipid droplet accumulation (LDA) inhibitory activity on a mouse pre-adipocyte cell line (MC3T3-G2/PA6). With the purpose of discovering compounds with stronger activity than ceramicine B, we further investigated the constituents of C. ceramicus. As a result, from the bark of C. ceramicus four new ceramicines (ceramicines M–P, 1–4) were isolated, and their structures were determined on the basis of NMR and mass spectroscopic analyses in combination with NMR chemical shift calculations. LDA inhibitory activity of 1–4 was evaluated. Compounds 1–3 showed LDA inhibitory activity, and 3 showed better selectivity than ceramicine B while showing activity at the same order of magnitude as ceramicine B. Since 3, which possess a carbonyl group at C-7, showed better selectivity than 5, which possess a 7α-OH group, while showing activity at the same order of magnitude as 5, we also investigated the effect of the substituent at C-7 by synthesizing several derivatives and evaluating their LDA inhibitory activity. Accordingly, we confirmed the importance of the presence of a 7α-OH group to the LDA inhibitory activity.
Similar Cost Savings of Bundled Payment Initiatives Applied to Lower Extremity Total Joint Arthroplasty Can Be Achieved Applying Both Models 2 and 3
Authors: Alfonso Allyson , Hutzler Lorraine , Robb Bill , Beste Chad , Blom André , Bosco Joseph
Published: August 2017

Background

In an effort to control cost and increase value, Medicare is transitioning from fee-for-service to value-based alternative payment models (APMs). The Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) initiative represents one such voluntary APM. BPCI offers four different bundling options: model 1 covers all Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) and Models 2–4 cover 48 clinical episodes, including 186 separate DRGs.

Questions/Purposes

The purpose of this investigation is to analyze and compare the cost savings achieved by two different BPCI program participants, provider A and provider B, enrolled in different models of BPCI (Models 2 and 3) for lower extremity joint replacements (LEJRs).

Methods

We analyzed the BPCI cost savings for Medicare Severity-Diagnosis Related Groups (MS-DRGs) 469 and 470 (lower extremity joint replacement) of two different BPCI program participants. One (provider A) participated in Model 2 while the other (provider B) participated in Model 3. Retrospective payments were based upon savings generated by decreased actual expenses reconciled against target pricing for the episode of care in Models 2 and 3.

Results

The Model 2 participant reduced the average cost of all episodes by 18.45%, with all of the savings occurring in the post acute phase. The Model 3 participant reduced episode costs by 16.73%.

Conclusion

Both BPCI providers achieved similar cost savings despite participating in different BPCI models. These cost savings all occurred in the post acute setting. The Model 2 provider achieved post acute savings through decreasing overall discharges to institutional post acute care (PAC) providers and decreasing readmissions, while the Model 3 provider decreased costs largely by decreasing the LOS for the institutional PAC providers and decreasing readmissions.
Effect of renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors on survival in kidney transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jiang Ya‐Mei , Song Tu‐Run , Qiu Yang , Liu Jin‐Peng , Wang Xian‐Ding , Huang Zhong‐Li , Lin Tao
Published: August 2017

Renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors, specifically angiotensin II converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), have confirmed renoprotective benefits in patients with proteinuria and hypertension. However, it remains controversial whether these agents are beneficial to kidney recipients. We conducted this meta‐analysis to evaluate the effects of ACEI/ARB treatment on patient and allograft survival after kidney transplant. The PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched for eligible articles from before May 2016, and we included 24 articles (9 randomised controlled trials [RCTs] and 15 cohort studies with 54,096 patients), in which patient or graft survival was compared between an ACEI/ARB treatment arm and a control arm. Pooled results showed that ACEI/ARB was associated with decreased risks of patient death (relative risk [RR] = 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.49–0.84) and graft loss (RR = 0.59; 95%CI:0.47–0.74). Subgroup analysis of the cohorts revealed significantly reduced patient death (RR = 0.61; 95%CI:0.50–0.74) and graft loss (RR = 0.58; 95%CI:0.46–0.73), but this was not seen in RCTs (patient survival: RR = 0.84, 95%CI:0.39–1.81; graft survival: RR = 0.70, 95%CI:0.17–2.79). Significantly less graft loss was noted among patients with biopsy‐proved chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) (RR = 0.26, 95%CI:0.16–0.44). Furthermore, the benefit of ACEI/ARB on patient survival (RR = 0.62; 95%CI:0.47–0.83) and graft survival (RR = 0.58, 95%CI:0.47–0.71) was limited to those with ≥3years' follow‐up. ACEI/ARB decreased proteinuria (P < 0.001) and lowered haemoglobin (P = 0.002), but the haemoglobin change requires no additional treatment (from 119–131 g/L to 107–123 g/L). We therefore concluded that ACEI/ARB treatment may reduce patient death and graft loss, but additional well‐designed prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.
Relationship Between Gonadal Function and Cardiometabolic Risk in Young Men With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Sullivan Shannon D. , Nash Mark S. , Tefara Eshetu , Tinsley Emily , Groah Suzanne
Published: August 2017

Background

We reported previously that young men with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) have a greater prevalence of testosterone deficiency compared with an age‐matched, healthy control population. Young men with SCI also are at increased risk for developing cardiometabolic dysfunction after injury. It is unclear whether testosterone deficiency is associated with heightened cardiometabolic risk in men with SCI.

Objective

To investigate associations among levels of testosterone in young men with chronic SCI and surrogate markers of cardiometabolic risk.

Design

Secondary cross‐sectional analysis.

Setting

Rehabilitation research centers in Washington, DC, and Miami, Florida.

Participants

Men (n = 58) aged 18‐45 years with chronic (≥1 year), motor complete SCI without comorbidities or use of testosterone therapy.

Methods

Plasma concentrations of testosterone, lipids, inflammatory markers (C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6), percent hemoglobin A1c, glucose, and insulin were measured in a fasting state using standard assays. A 2‐hour oral glucose tolerance test and Framingham Risk Score were assessed for each subject. Body composition was assessed by dual X‐ray absorptiometry scan.

Main Outcome Measurements

Surrogate markers of cardiometabolic risk among men based on the level of total testosterone (TT; ≤300, 301‐500, or >500 ng/dL) and free testosterone (fT; ≤9 or >9 ng/dL). Comparisons were made between men with normal and low TT or fT.

Results

Framingham Risk Score was significantly greater in men with low fT (P < .05). Percent body fat (P < .05) and waist‐to‐hip ratio (P < .05) but not body mass index (P > .08), were greater in men with low TT or low fT. Men with low TT or low fT had lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P < .05) without differences in fasting triglycerides (P > .1) or low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P > .07). Men with low TT had greater levels of inflammatory markers C‐reactive protein (P < .05) and interleukin‐6 (P < .05). Men with low TT or low fT had greater fasting glucose (P < .05) and greater insulin resistance (P < .04), without differences in percent hemoglobin A1c (P > .8).

Conclusions

In young men with chronic SCI who undergo an accelerated aging process postinjury, hypogonadism is associated with an unfavorable cardiometabolic risk profile. Further research is needed to determine whether a causal relationship exists between hypogonadism and heightened cardiometabolic risk in men with SCI and whether routine screening for testosterone deficiency is warranted in this population.

Level of Evidence

IV
An estimate of glacier mass balance for the Chandra basin, western Himalaya, for the period 1984–2012
Authors: Tawde Sayli Atul , Kulkarni Anil V. , Bala Govindasamy
Published: August 2017

An improved understanding of fresh water stored in the Himalaya is crucial for water resource management in South Asia and can be inferred from glacier mass-balance estimates. However, field investigations in the rugged Himalaya are limited to a few individual glaciers and short duration. Therefore, we have recently developed an approach that combines satellite-derived snowlines, a temperature-index melt model and the accumulation-area ratio method to estimate annual mass balance of glaciers at basin scale and for a long period. In this investigation, the mass balance of 146 glaciers in the Chandra basin, western Himalaya, is estimated from 1984 to 2012. We estimate the trend in equilibrium line altitude of the basin as +113 m decade−1and the mean mass balance as −0.61 ± 0.46 m w.e. a−1. Our basin-wide mass-balance estimates are in agreement with the geodetic method during 1999–2012. Sensitivity analysis suggests that a 20% increase in precipitation can offset changes in mass balance for a 1 °C temperature rise. A water loss of 18% of the total basin volume is estimated, and 67% for small and low-altitude glaciers during 1984–2012, indicating a looming water scarcity crisis for villages in this valley.
Confinement effects in dip coating
Authors: Kim Onyu , Nam Jaewook
Published: August 2017

When a flat plate is withdrawn from a liquid pool, a liquid film is deposited on the plate. This simple process is called dip coating. In the case of vertically upward withdrawal, gravity competes with the surface tension and viscous drag, and the balance between those determine the meniscus shape and hence the film thickness. Most of the previous studies on dip coating assumed that the pool is sufficiently large so that the stationary container wall does not affect the film thickness. However, the cases where the stationary wall affects the entrained film have not been examined thoroughly so far. In this confined dip coating, the film thickness deviates from that of unconfined dip coating under the same conditions such as the withdrawal speed and the physical properties of the liquid. The meniscus in a confined pool is more curved than that in an unconfined pool owing to wetting on the stationary wall, which is parallel to the plate. Besides, a channel between the moving plate and the stationary wall appears; therefore, the flow inside the channel should be included in an analysis of confined dip coating. In the present study, we analyse the mechanism that determines the film thickness, both theoretically and numerically.
Consistent formulations for stability of fluid flow through deformable channels and tubes
Authors: Patne Ramkarn , Giribabu D. , Shankar V.
Published: August 2017

In the formulation of stability of fluid flow through channels and tubes with deformable walls, while the fluid is naturally treated in an Eulerian framework, the solid can be treated either in a Lagrangian or Eulerian framework. A consistent formulation, then, should yield results that are independent of the chosen framework. Previous studies have demonstrated this consistency for the stability of plane Couette flow past a deformable solid layer modelled as a neo-Hookean solid, in the creeping-flow limit. However, a similar exercise carried out in the creeping-flow limit for the stability of pressure-driven flow in a neo-Hookean tube shows that while the flow is stable in the Lagrangian formulation, it is unstable in the existing Eulerian formulation. The present work resolves this discrepancy by presenting consistent Lagrangian and Eulerian frameworks for performing stability analyses in flow through deformable tubes and channels. The resolution is achieved by making important modifications to the Lagrangian formulation to make it fundamentally consistent, as well as by proposing a proper formulation for the neo-Hookean constitutive relation in the Eulerian framework. In the neo-Hookean model, the Cauchy stress tensor in the solid is proportional to the Finger tensor. We demonstrate that the neo-Hookean constitutive model within the Eulerian formulation used in the previous studies is a special case of the Mooney–Rivlin solid, with the Cauchy stress tensor being proportional to the inverse of the Finger tensor unlike in a true neo-Hookean solid. Remarkably, for plane Couette flow subjected to two-dimensional perturbations, there is perfect agreement between the results obtained using earlier Eulerian and Lagrangian formulations despite the crucial difference in the constitutive relation owing to the rather simple kinematics of the base state. However, the consequences are drastic for pressure-driven flow in a tube even for axisymmetric disturbances. We propose a consistent neo-Hookean constitutive relation in the Eulerian framework, which yields results that are in perfect agreement with the results from the Lagrangian formulation for both plane Couette and tube flows at arbitrary Reynolds number. The present study thus provides an unambiguous formulation for carrying out stability analyses in flow through deformable channels and tubes. We further show that unlike plane Couette flow and Hagen–Poiseuille flow in rigid-walled conduits where there is a remarkable similarity in the linear stability characteristics between these two flows, the stability behaviour for these two flows is very different when the walls are deformable. The instability of plane Couette flow past a deformable wall is very robust and is not sensitive to the constitutive nature of the solid, but the stability of pressure-driven flow in a deformable tube is rather sensitive to the constitutive nature of the deformable solid, especially at low Reynolds number.
Palaxius floridanus n. isp., a new structured callianassid crustacean microcoprolite from the Pleistocene of south Florida
Authors: Gischler Eberhard , Blau Joachim , Peckmann Jörn
Published: August 2017

The crustacean microcoprolite Palaxius floridanus n. isp. is described from shallow-water carbonate platform deposits of Pleistocene limestones of south Florida. Palaxius floridanus n. isp. occurs in moderate-energy packstones and grainstones of the oolite facies of the Miami Limestone, and in skeletal packstones of the Key Largo Limestone, ranging in age from marine isotope stage (MIS) 11 to MIS 5a (ca. 400–80 kyr BP). The new ichnospecies resembles P. decemlunulatus, which has been described previously from Oligocene deposits. Late Jurassic and Late Cretaceous forms described as P. decemlunulatus belong to a new ichnogenus and new ichnospecies, respectively, yet to be described.
The Meursault Investigation: A Contrapuntal Reading
Authors: Radhakrishnan R.
Published: August 2017

How will the author teach Kamel Daoud’s The Meursault Investigation in an undergraduate class on postcolonial literature and theory? With this pedagogical perspective in mind, this essay attempts a contrapuntal appreciation of the intertextual relationship between Daoud’s The Meursault Investigation and Albert Camus’s L’Etranger. On the basis of Daoud’s novel, this intervention critically rehearses and reformulates the many crises and dilemmas that constitute postcolonial theory: postcolonial asymmetry and counter-memory, the predicament of secular nationalism, decolonization of the mind, humanism and the relationship of ontology to politics, and the future of third world literature.
HOLOMORPHIC AUTOMORPHISMS AND PROPER HOLOMORPHIC SELF-MAPPINGS OF A TYPE OF GENERALISED MINIMAL BALL
Authors: RONG FENG , ZHANG BEN
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we first give a description of the holomorphic automorphism group of a convex domain which is a simple case of the so-called generalised minimal ball. As an application, we show that any proper holomorphic self-mapping on this type of domain is biholomorphic.
MAPPING PROPERTIES OF A SCALE INVARIANT CASSINIAN METRIC AND A GROMOV HYPERBOLIC METRIC
Authors: MOHAPATRA MANAS RANJAN , SAHOO SWADESH KUMAR
Published: August 2017

We consider a scale invariant Cassinian metric and a Gromov hyperbolic metric. We discuss a distortion property of the scale invariant Cassinian metric under Möbius maps of a punctured ball onto another punctured ball. We obtain a modulus of continuity of the identity map from a domain equipped with the scale invariant Cassinian metric (or the Gromov hyperbolic metric) onto the same domain equipped with the Euclidean metric. Finally, we establish the quasi-invariance properties of both metrics under quasiconformal maps.
The effectiveness of healthy meals at work on reaction time, mood and dietary intake: a randomised cross-over study in daytime and shift workers at an university hospital
Authors: Leedo Eva , Beck Anne Marie , Astrup Arne , Lassen Anne D.
Published: August 2017

Our dietary habits affect both cognitive performance and mood. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of increased availability of healthy meals and water at work on healthcare staff. The study used an 8-week randomised cross-over design. A total of sixty physicians, nurses and nursing assistants, including sixteen working on shifts, were recruited. The participants received a self-selected keyhole-labelled (Nordic nutrition label) lunch, snack and bottled water during each shift throughout the intervention period. Reaction time (Go/No-Go test), mood-related scores (POMS) and dietary intake were assessed at run-in, and at the end of the intervention and the control periods. The intake of fat (P=0·030) and PUFA (P=0·003) was lower, and the intake of carbohydrate (P=0·008), dietary fibre (P=0·031) and water (P<0·001) was greater in the intervention period than in the control period. The intervention had no effect on reaction time or any of the mood-related scores in the group as a whole. In shift-working participants, the intervention period resulted in a 31·1 % lower Fatigue-Inertia Score (P=0·003), a 15·3 % higher Vigour-Activity Score (P=0·041) and a 42·7 % lower Total Mood Disturbance Score (P=0·017), whereas the only dietary component that significantly improved was water intake (P=0·034), when compared with the control period. Providing healthy meals, snacks and water during working hours seems to be an effective way of improving employees’ dietary intake. Moreover, increased intake of water may be associated with beneficial effects on fatigue, vigour and total mood in shift-working healthcare staff.
High-dose B-vitamin supplements and risk for age-related cataract: a population-based prospective study of men and women
Authors: Selin Jinjin Z. , Lindblad Birgitta E. , Bottai Matteo , Morgenstern Ralf , Wolk Alicja
Published: August 2017

Previous studies that have investigated the association between B-vitamin supplement use and risk for cataract yield conflicting results. The aim of this study was to examine the association between use of high-dose B-vitamin supplements (approximately 10 times recommended daily intake) and risk for age-related cataract in a population-based prospective study of 13 757 women from the Swedish Mammography Cohort and 22 823 men from the Cohort of Swedish Men. Dietary supplement use and potential confounders were assessed using a questionnaire at baseline. Information on cataract diagnosis and extraction was obtained through linkage to registers. During the follow-up period between January 1998 and December 2011, we identified 8395 cataract cases (3851 for women and 4544 for men). The use of B vitamins plus other supplements and B vitamins only was associated with 9 % (95 % CI 2, 17) and 27 % (95 % CI 12, 43) increased risk for cataract, respectively. The hazard ratios for use of B vitamins only and risk for cataract stratified by different age groups were as follows: <60 years: 1·88 (95 % CI 1·47, 2·39); 60–69 years: 1·21 (95 % CI 0·96, 1·53); and ≥70 years: 1·09 (95 % CI 0·91, 1·31) (Pinteraction=0·002). Our results suggest that the use of high-dose B-vitamin supplements was associated with an increased risk for cataract. This association might be confined to younger participants.
Refining conservation strategies using distribution modelling: a case study of the Endangered Arabian tahrArabitragus jayakari
Authors: Ross Steven , Al Jahdhami Mansoor H. , Al Rawahi Haitham
Published: August 2017

The Endangered Arabian tahrArabitragus jayakariis a rare and little known mountain ungulate, endemic to the 650 km mountain chain of northern Oman and the United Arab Emirates. To investigate the species’ status and distribution we conducted a systematic camera-trap survey across its entire range. We used occupancy modelling to quantify habitat associations and create a predictive distribution model for the species. We found that tahr preferred steep, rugged mountain habitats, and occupancy was much higher in protected areas. Arabian tahr were subject to anthropogenic threats, with occupancy decreasing with closer proximity to villages, and with increasing numbers of domestic goats. Tahr occupancy was also negatively associated with elevation and rainfall, with peak occupancy at 800–1,000 m. Although previous assessments have associated the entire Hajar Mountain range with the Arabian tahr, we found that only 23.9%, or 6,986 km2, of the mountain range was occupied. This reduction in area of occupancy reflects recent population declines, but also our improved methods of assessment. Based on our findings, future conservation efforts should focus on creating more protected areas, control measures to partition goats from core habitats of the Arabian tahr, and restoration and captive reinforcement within suitable habitats unoccupied by Arabian tahr. As infrastructure development is a threat to the Arabian tahr, our occurrence probability map provides a useful tool for spatial planning of developments to reduce impacts on the species.
Informing decisions on an extremely data poor species facing imminent extinction
Authors: Grainger Matthew J. , Ngoprasert Dusit , McGowan Philip J.K. , Savini Tommaso
Published: August 2017

Some of the species that are believed to have the highest probability of extinction are also amongst the most poorly known, and this makes it extremely difficult to decide how to spend scarce resources. Assessments of conservation status made on the basis of loss or degradation of habitat and lack of records may provide compelling indications of a decline in geographical range and population size, but they do not help identify where conservation action might be best targeted. Methods for assessing the probability of extinction and for modelling species’ distributions exist, but their data requirements often exceed the information that is available for some of the most urgent conservation cases. Here we use all available information (localities, expert information, climate and landcover) about a high-priority Vietnamese bird species (Edwards's pheasant Lophura edwardsi) to assess objectively the probability of its persistence, and where surveys or other conservation action should be targeted. It is clear that the species is on the threshold of extinction and there is an urgent need to survey Bach Ma National Park (including the extension) and to consider surveying Ke Go Nature Reserve. This approach has potential to help identify where conservation action should be targeted for other Critically Endangered species for which there is an extreme scarcity of information.
Fresh Water in Roman Law: Rights and Policy
Authors: Bannon Cynthia
Published: August 2017

Fresh water came from a variety of sources, streams and springs as well as aqueducts. Much of the Roman law on fresh water concerns its supply, regulating rights to use it with a variety of legal institutions from public and private law (e.g. ownership, servitudes, interdicts). The study of fresh water has usually followed the legal categories, segregating the public water supply from water that was private property, and consequently segregating different types of evidence. In this paper varied evidence is analysed using the ‘bundle’ approach, an analytical framework from legal scholarship on rights in the environment, in which water rights are not monolithic but are represented by component rights, including rights of access, withdrawal, management, exclusion and alienation. Analysing component rights in fresh water reveals significant continuities in the Romans' regulation of it and the impact of this regulation. Although there was no centralized water administration in the early Empire, Romans took a systematic approach to regulating fresh water based on consistent working principles and policy priorities.
Coexistence of general intelligence and specialized modules
Authors: Amici Federica , Call Josep , Aureli Filippo
Published: August 2017

Here, we specifically discuss why and to what extent we agree with Burkart et al. about the coexistence of general intelligence and modular cognitive adaptations, and why we believe that the distinction between primary and secondary modules they propose is indeed essential.