bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial activity of synthetic 1,3‐bis(aryloxy)propan‐2‐amines against Gram‐positive bacteria
Authors: Serafim Mateus S. M. , Lavorato Stefânia N. , Kronenberger Thales , Sousa Yamara V. , Oliveira Graziele P. , dos Santos Simone G. , Kroon Erna G. , Maltarollo Vinícius G. , Alves Ricardo J. , Mota Bruno E. F.
Published: February 2019

Synthetic 1,3‐bis(aryloxy)propan‐2‐amines have been shown in previous studies to possess several biological activities, such as antifungal and antiprotozoal. In the present study, we describe the antibacterial activity of new synthetic 1,3‐bis(aryloxy)propan‐2‐amines against Gram‐positive pathogens (Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus) including Methicillin–resistant S. aureus strains. Our compounds showed minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) in the range of 2.5–10 μg/ml (5.99–28.58 μM), against different bacterial strains. The minimal bactericidal concentrations found were similar to MIC, suggesting a bactericidal mechanism of action of these compounds. Furthermore, possible molecular targets were suggested by chemical similarity search followed by docking approaches. Our compounds are similar to known ligands targeting the cell division protein FtsZ, Quinolone resistance protein norA and the Enoyl‐[acyl‐carrier‐protein] reductase FabI. Taken together, our data show that synthetic 1,3‐bis(aryloxy)propan‐2‐amines are active against Gram‐positive bacteria, including multidrug–resistant strains and can be a promising lead in the development of new antibacterial compounds for the treatment of these infections.
An empirical validation and data‐driven extension of continuum approximation approaches for urban route distances
Authors: Merchán Daniel , Winkenbach Matthias
Published: February 2019

We introduce a data‐driven extension to continuum approximation (CA)‐based methods used to predict urban route distances. This extension efficiently incorporates the circuity of the underlying road network into the approximation method to improve distance predictions in more realistic settings. The proposed extension significantly outperforms traditional methods, which build on the assumption of travel according to the rectilinear distance metric. While only marginally increasing the data collection effort, the proposed extension yields reductions of 26 percent points in mean absolute percentage error compared to traditional approximation methods. The obtained distance estimates are within 5%‐15% of near‐optimal solutions obtained with a large neighborhood search heuristic, depending on the circuity of the region and the density of stops. Further, by providing a real‐world validation of CA methods, we explore how novel sources of geo‐spatial and traffic‐related data can be efficiently leveraged to improve the predictive performance of CA methods. The proposed extension is particularly relevant to increase the real‐world validity of CA methods applied to large‐scale optimization problems in logistics system design and planning within urban areas.
Preparation and characterization of a novel transparent flame retardant unsaturated phosphate ester polymer
Authors: Liu Hongli , Lin Nan , Yu Yonglian , Li Xiuyun , Chang Guanjun
Published: February 2019

A novel unsaturated phosphate ester (UPE) was synthesized with triethyl phosphate (TEP), ethylene glycol (EG), and α‐methylacrylic acid (MAA). The unsaturated phosphate ester polymer (PUPE) was prepared by bulk polymerization of UPE. The structure of UPE and PUPE series were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS). Due to the chain transfer during polymerization, a crosslinked network was successfully introduced into the polymers, as evinced by the results from extraction and dynamic mechanical analysis. PUPE series exhibited high transparency, good mechanical properties, thermal properties, and excellent fire retardancy. The transmittance of PUPE‐3 was up to 92%; the tensile strength and impact strength were 14.62 MPa and 30.5 kJ m−2, respectively. The tensile strength of PUPE series was increased from 1.7 MPa to 35.5 MPa while impact strength was decreased with the increase of MAA ratio. The char yield of PUPE series reached 29.07 wt% by thermogravimetric analysis testing, which indicated that PUPE had excellent charring ability at high‐temperature insulated air and prevented heat conduction. PUPE‐3 had two glass transition temperatures (Tg) (113°C/139°C) as the crosslinking interaction restricts the polymer chain motion, and successfully passed UL‐94 V‐0 flammability rating and the LOI value reached 32%. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E425–E431, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Rice plants have three homologs of glutathione synthetase genes, one of which, OsGS2, codes for hydroxymethyl‐glutathione synthetase
Authors: Yamazaki Shinichi , Ochiai Kumiko , Matoh Toru
Published: February 2019

Glutathione is a ubiquitous thiol tripeptide in land plants, and glutathione‐like tripeptides can also be found in some plant species. Rice (Oryza sativa) plants synthesize hydroxymethyl‐glutathione, in which the terminal glycine residue of glutathione is replaced by a serine residue; however, the biosynthetic pathway of hydroxymethyl‐glutathione has not been identified. We isolated three rice glutathione synthetase homologs, designated OsGS1, OsGS2, and OsGS3, and found that knockdown of OsGS2 via RNA interference markedly decreased hydroxymethyl‐glutathione concentration in rice plants. The in vitro enzyme assay, using purified recombinant protein, demonstrated that OsGS2 catalyzed the synthesis of hydroxymethyl‐glutathione from γ‐glutamylcysteine (γEC) and L‐serine in an ATP‐dependent manner. OsGS2 could also utilize glycine as a cosubstrate with γEC, but the enzyme‐substrate affinity for L‐serine was tenfold higher than that for glycine. These results indicate that OsGS2 codes for hydroxymethyl‐glutathione synthetase.
Failure Mechanism of Phosphors in GaN‐Based White LEDs
Authors: Ma Zhanhong , Cao Haicheng , Sun Xuejiao , Yang Chao , Xi Xin , Li Jing , Lin Shan , Zhao Lixia
Published: February 2019

The degradation and failure mechanisms of nitride phosphor in GaN‐based white LEDs are studied using an in situ multi‐functional accelerated life test and different analytical technologies. The electroluminescence results show that both the intensities of the blue emission (BL) from the LED chips and the yellow emission (YL) from the phosphors decrease with the stress time increasing. However, the YL/BL intensity ratio increases with a yellow shift for the chromaticity coordinates. The reason is not only due to the degradation of the LED chip but the nitride phosphors. The generated microcracks and delamination of phosphor layer lead to the increase of blue light absorption. Except for that, we find that the reason for the decrease of the phosphor conversion efficiency is related to the oxidization of the phosphor's luminescence center Eu2+ ions instead of phosphor thermal quenching. These findings help further understand failure mechanism of phosphors during the operation, and improve the long‐term color quality for the white LEDs.
The Gate‐Controlled Spin Transport of Electrons in a Quantum Wire: Effects of Different Geometry of Gates
Authors: Park Dae Han , Kim Heesang , Kim Nammee
Published: February 2019

The spin transport properties of electrons through a quasi‐one‐dimensional quantum wire are investigated. Different numbers of gates which induce the local Rashba‐type spin–orbit interaction is considered. The total length of the gate‐voltage applied domain is the same in each case, but it is divided into either two or three sections. The ballistic transmission probability as a function of the incident electron energy and the strength of the Rashba spin–orbit interaction is calculated by using the quantum transmitting boundary method. In the double gate geometry, the effect of interactions between neighboring gates is studied. The results show a peculiar change in the transmission probability as a function of the incident electron's energy. The spin‐up and spin‐down transmission probabilities oscillate alternately as a function of the strength of the Rashba spin–orbit interaction. While the period of oscillation becomes shorter as the strength of the Rashba spin–orbit interaction increases in a single gate system, the period of oscillation is not affected much by the strength of the Rashba spin–orbit interaction in the double or triple gate system.
Size‐Dependent Quantization Effect in Optical Properties of MoS2 Nanostructures
Authors: Khan Majid
Published: February 2019

In this work, a facile chemical route is presented to prepare photoluminescent MoS2 quantum dots (QDs) and nanosheets (NSs) on a large‐scale. The strategy involves probe‐type sonication of bulk MoS2 sheets in ethanol/water mixture followed by refluxing in dimethylformamide (DMF) solution. This preparation route makes cleavage of the Van‐der‐Waal layers possible by exfoliation across the 2D planes and the complete breakup of bulk MoS2 sheets around the defects and edges. The as‐prepared MoS2 QDs and NSs exhibit size quantization effects in their optical absorption and emission spectra. The resultant MoS2 NSs consist of few layers with lateral size around ∼80 nm and exhibit excitation dependent blue emission. Whereas, most of the MoS2 QDs were measured around ∼4.8 nm in lateral size and showed distinct green emission upon excitation. This may be attributed to a combined contribution from the increase in the quantum‐sized core, edge defects, dangling bonds, and surface states recombination. The study thus provides a simple pathway for the preparation of monolayer QDs and few‐layer NSs of transition‐metal‐dichalcogenides (TMD) or other layered materials.
Determination of Riboflavin at Carbon Nanotube Paste Electrodes Modified with an Anionic Surfactant
Authors: Tigari Girish , Manjunatha Jamballi G. , Raril Chenthatill , Hareesha Nagarajappa
Published: February 2019

A Sodium lauryl sulfate modified carbon nanotube paste electrode (SLSMCNTPE) was fabricated for the electroanalysis of Riboflavin (RF) in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) at pH, 7.0 by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The electrode was found to be a very sensitive tool for detection of RF; it was shown that SLSMCNTPE yields a high current response towards RF as compared to the bare carbon nanotube paste electrode (BCNTPE). Key parameters were optimized for RF determination. The effects of surfactant concentration, pH, scan rate and concentration of RF on the oxidation peak current values were determined. The RF oxidation peak appeared at −440 mV and reduction peak at −575 mV vs. saturated calomel electrode (SCE). The SLSMCNTPE revealed good repeatability, reproducibility, stability, high electrochemical sensitivity in its voltammetric response and a detection limit of 9.25×10‐8 M.
Self‐Supportive NiFe hydroxide with High Electrocatalytic Activity for Oxygen and Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Guo Lulu , Pan Guangxing , Du Yue , Chen Shouhui , Wang Li
Published: February 2019

Here, a facile method to prepare low‐cost self‐supportive NiFe hydroxide on etching galvanized sheet iron (EGSI) (FexNiyOOH/EGSI) for electrochemical water splitting was proposed for the first time. The EGSI was firstly treated in Fe2+, Ni2+ and urea mixture to obtain FexNiyOH/EGSI and then were further transformed into FexNiyOOH/EGSI by the electrooxidation in NaOH solution. SEM results indicated various morphologies including nanoflowers, nanosheets and cubes could be obtained depending on the ratio of Fe2+ and Ni2+. Raman spectra, XRD and electrochemical results indicated that the NiOOH was produced in electrooxidation process, which improved its catalytic activity of OER remarkably. Besides, modest Fe‐doping could make it achieve better catalytic activity because Fe‐doping could alter the redox properties of NiFe hydroxide to result in low overpotential. As a result, the FexNiyOOH/EGSI presented good OER and HER performances. The optimum Fe1.5Ni0.5OOH/EGSI as cathode and Fe0.2Ni1.8OOH/EGSI as anode were applied for water splitting, achieving a current density of 10 mA cm‐2 at 1.69 V, indicating that it could work at a lower potential.
Solution Route to Single‐Crystalline Ethylammonium Lead Halide Microstructures
Authors: Ma Dewei , Dai Ning , Lan Yuguo
Published: February 2019

Organic‐inorganic lead halide single crystals have shown great promise for their unique properties and potential applications in next‐generation optoelectronic devices. In this paper, solution syntheses of single‐crystalline ethylammonium lead halide microstructures were reported. The Br‐containing product grown at a low C2H5NH3Br concentration exhibits an interesting crossed‐plate morphology and possesses a chemical formula of (C2H5NH3)4Pb3Br10, yet the product synthesized at a high C2H5NH3Br concentration shows a block‐like morphology and adopts a chemical formula of (C2H5NH3)2PbBr4. The I‐containing product shows a rod or polyhedron shape and has the chemical formula of (C2H5NH3)PbI3. Time dependent experiments were carried out to reveal their growth mechanisms. The optical absorption spectra show that the (C2H5NH3)4Pb3Br10 and (C2H5NH3)2PbBr4 possess exciton absorptions at 2.95 eV and 3.19 eV, respectively. And the C2H5NH3PbI3 shows a much sharper exciton absorption at 2.61 eV.
A Facile and Green Pathway for One‐Pot Multicomponent Synthesis of Functionalized Spiroxyindoles using Caffeinium Hydrogen Sulfate as a Catalyst.
Authors: Agarwal Shalini , Kidwai Mazaahir , Nath Mahendra
Published: February 2019

This paper demonstrates an efficient, green and convenient strategy for the synthesis of densely functionalized biologically important spiroxyindoles. This facile step economic synthetic protocol involves one‐pot three component condensation of functionalized isatins, malononitrile and C−H activated carbonyl compounds in the presence of Caffeinium hydrogen sulfate (CHS) as a green acid catalyst to afford various spiroxyindole derivatives via domino Knoevenagel‐Michael‐cyclization sequence. This environmentally benign protocol provides various advantages viz operational simplicity, excellent yield processing, cost‐effectiveness and short reaction time. High selectivity, broad substrate scope, recyclability of the catalyst and isolation of final products via simple filtration and recrystallization procedure are the prominent features of the presented methodology.
RNA‐Capturing Microsphere Particles (R‐CAMPs) for Optimization of Functional Aptamers
Authors: Endoh Tamaki , Ohyama Tatsuya , Sugimoto Naoki
Published: February 2019

RNA aptamers are useful building blocks for constructing functional nucleic acid‐based nanoarchitectures. The abilities of aptamers to recognize specific ligands have also been utilized for various biotechnological applications. Solution conditions, which can differ depending on the application, impact the affinity of the aptamers, and thus it is important to optimize the aptamers for the solution conditions to be employed. To simplify the aptamer optimization process, an efficient method that enables re‐selection of an aptamer from a partially randomized library is developed. The process relies on RNA‐capturing microsphere particles (R‐CAMPs): each particle displays different clones of identical DNA and RNA sequences. Using a fluorescence‐activated cell sorter, the R‐CAMPs that are linked to functional aptamers are sorted. It is demonstrated that after a single round of reselection, several functional aptamers, including the wild‐type, are selected from a library of 16 384 sequences. The selection using R‐CAMPs is further performed under the solution containing high concentration of ethylene glycol, suggesting applicability in various conditions to optimize an aptamer for a particular application. As any type of RNA clone can be displayed on the microspheres, the technology demonstrated here will be useful for the selection of RNAs based on diverse functions.
Unrecognized interdependencies in mental models—The case for taking feedback loops into account
Authors: Schaffernicht Martin
Published: February 2019

This article attempts to bridge two streams of research: on the one hand, system dynamics research investigates the “misperception of feedback” focusing on decision rules rather than mental models. On the other hand, mental model research in organizational and management studies does not take interdependencies into account. The article examines data from an interview‐based study with nine vineyard executives and finds that 47 of the 219 elicited variables belong to one or several of 49 feedback loops inherent in the structure of the elicited mental models. However, 44 of these loops are “dark”: They have not been recognized by the executives. Not taking loops into account increases the likelihood of misjudging the situation. It is concluded (a) that mental model research methods should account for loops in order to address the problem of dark loops (b) and that executives and researchers need elicitation tools that automatically detect and visualize loops.
Incidence of kampo medicine‐induced interstitial pneumonia: 10 year retrospective study at a university hospital kampo medicine department
Authors: Nogami Tatsuya , Fujimoto Makoto , Shimada Yutaka , Watari Hidetoshi , Kitahara Hideyuki , Kimbara Yoshiyuki , Nakagawa Hajime , Shibahara Naotoshi
Published: February 2019

Aim

At present, traditional Japanese medicines, termed kampo medicines, are integrated into the Japanese national health‐care system. In Japan, interstitial pneumonia is described as an adverse drug event in the drug package insert of some prescription kampo formulations. Additionally, many of the kampo formulas that induce interstitial pneumonia contain Scutellariae Radix (SR). The incidence of kampo medicine‐induced interstitial pneumonia has not been sufficiently studied. The aim of the present study was therefore to assess the incidence of kampo medicine‐induced interstitial pneumonia in the kampo medicine department of a clinical institution.

Methods

We selected patients who had developed interstitial pneumonia due to kampo formulas on the basis of the medical records of the Department of Japanese Oriental Medicine, Toyama University Hospital, from 2008 to 2017. Moreover, we investigated the number of patients who were prescribed kampo formulas and the number of patients who were prescribed kampo formulas containing SR during the study period.

Results

Of the 3590 patients who received kampo medications in the 10 year survey period, three patients developed kampo medicine‐induced interstitial pneumonia (incidence, 0.08%). The causal kampo formulas in all three of these cases contained SR. For the 1111 patients who were prescribed SR‐containing formulas, the incidence of kampo medicine‐induced interstitial pneumonia was 0.27%.

Conclusion

Although the incidence is not high, physicians should keep in mind that kampo formulas, particularly SR‐containing formulas, might cause kampo medicine‐induced interstitial pneumonia.
Differences in how macaques monitor others: Does serotonin play a central role?
Authors: Weinberg‐Wolf Hannah , Chang Steve W.C.
Published: February 2019

Primates must balance the need to monitor other conspecifics to gain social information while not losing other resource opportunities. We consolidate evidence across the fields of primatology, psychology, and neuroscience to examine individual, population, and species differences in how primates, particularly macaques, monitor conspecifics. We particularly consider the role of serotonin in mediating social competency via social attention, aggression, and dominance behaviors. Finally, we consider how the evolution of variation in social tolerance, aggression, and social monitoring might be explained by differences in serotonergic function in macaques.

This article is categorized under:

Economics > Interactive Decision‐Making

Psychology > Comparative Psychology

Neuroscience > Behavior

Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of Cognition
Plastron‐mounted loggers predict terrestrial turtle body temperature better than carapace‐mounted loggers
Authors: Parlin Adam F. , Schaeffer Paul J.
Published: February 2019

Studies of thermal ecology are imperative for understanding habitat use and selection by animals and can inform management decisions for conservation of species and habitat. Chelonian thermal ecology studies have used carapace measurements as proxies for body temperatures despite recorded differences exceeding 5° C. Although implanting temperature loggers is the optimal method for measuring body temperature, performing implantation surgery is not always a feasible option. Additionally, differences in thermal properties of a carapace‐mounted temperature logger and turtle shell may alter how we interpret these data. We sought to validate a less invasive approach to measure body temperature in terrestrial chelonians using eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina; captured in southwestern Ohio, USA, during 2014 and 2015) to assess the accuracy and precision of external placements. Our goal was to determine the optimal external temperature logger placement for predicting body temperature and compare specific heat capacity of loggers and turtle shell to assess their use as proxies for body and microhabitat temperature. We found that placing the temperature logger on the plastron of the turtle was a better predictor of body temperature than using a carapace logger, and the combination of both loggers had the best predictive value. We argue that for thermal ecology studies informing management and conservation decisions in terrestrial chelonians, the carapace temperature logger is a better indicator of ambient temperature and the plastron temperature logger is a more appropriate proxy for body temperature. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Quantum curves as quantum distributions
Authors: Mariño Marcos , Zakany Szabolcs
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Topological strings on toric Calabi-Yau threefolds can be defined non-perturbatively in terms of a non-interacting Fermi gas of N particles. Using this approach, we propose a definition of quantum mirror curves as quantum distributions on phase space. The quantum distribution is obtained as the Wigner transform of the reduced density matrix of the Fermi gas. We show that the classical mirror geometry emerges in the strongly coupled, large N limit in which ℏ ∼ N. In this limit, the Fermi gas has effectively zero temperature, and the Wigner distribution becomes sharply supported on the interior of the classical mirror curve. The quantum fluctuations around the classical limit turn out to be captured by an improved version of the universal scaling form of Balazs and Zipfel.
Longest Common Substring with Approximately k Mismatches
Authors: Kociumaka Tomasz , Radoszewski Jakub , Starikovskaya Tatiana
Published: February 2019

In the longest common substring problem, we are given two strings of length n and must find a substring of maximal length that occurs in both strings. It is well known that the problem can be solved in linear time, but the solution is not robust and can vary greatly when the input strings are changed even by one character. To circumvent this, Leimeister and Morgenstern introduced the problem of the longest common substring with k mismatches. Lately, this problem has received a lot of attention in the literature. In this paper, we first show a conditional lower bound based on the SETH hypothesis implying that there is little hope to improve existing solutions. We then introduce a new but closely related problem of the longest common substring with approximately k mismatches and use locality-sensitive hashing to show that it admits a solution with strongly subquadratic running time. We also apply these results to obtain a strongly subquadratic-time 2-approximation algorithm for the longest common substring with k mismatches problem and show conditional hardness of improving its approximation ratio.
Formal Subdivision of the Holocene Series/Epoch: A Summary
Authors: Walker Mike , Gibbard Phil , Head Martin J. , Berkelhammer Max , Björck Svante , Cheng Hai , Cwynar Les C. , Fisher David , Gkinis Vasilios , Long Antony , Lowe John , Newnham Rewi , Rasmussen Sune Olander , Weiss Harvey
Published: February 2019

The Holocene Series/Epoch is the most recent series/epoch in the geological timescale, spanning the interval from 11,700 yr to the present day. Together with the subadjacent Pleistocene, it comprises the Quaternary System/Period. The Holocene record contains diverse geomorphological, biological, climatological and archaeological evidence, within sequences that are often continuous and extremely well-preserved at decadal, annual and even seasonal resolution. As a consequence, the Holocene is perhaps the most intensively-studied series/epoch within the entire Geological Time Scale. Yet until recently little attention had been paid to a formal subdivision of the Holocene. Here we describe an initiative by the Subcommission on Quaternary Stratigraphy (SQS) of the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS) to develop a formal stratigraphical subdivision of the Holocene, with three new stages/ages, two underpinned by Global Boundary Stratotype Sections and Points (GSSPs in an ice core, and a third in a speleothem. These stages/ages are defined together with their equivalent subseries/subepochs. The new stages/ages are the Greenlandian with its GSSP in the Greenland NGRIP2 ice core and dated at 11,700 yr b2k (before 2000 CE); the Northgrippian with its GSSP in the Greenland NGRIP1 ice core and dated to 8236 yr b2k; and the Meghalayan, with its GSSP in a speleothem from Mawmluh Cave, northeastern India, with a date of 4250 yr b2k. This subdivision was formally ratified by the Executive Committee of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) on 14th June 2018.
Predicting Porosity by Multivariate Regression and Probabilistic Neural Network using Model-based and Coloured Inversion as External Attributes: A Quantitative Comparison
Authors: Maurya S. P. , Singh K. H.
Published: February 2019

The acoustic impedance (AI) inversion aims to obtain a high-resolution impedance volume by integrating well-log and band-limited seismic data. Two AI inversion schemes: the coloured inversion (CI) and the model-based inversion (MBI) are utilized to characterize possible sand channel from the post-stack seismic section and log data from 13 wells from the Blackfoot region, Alberta, Canada. The results from analyses indicate that both the model-based and coloured inversion methods provide mutually consistent impedance volumes with an average correlation coefficient of 0.986 and 0.886 for MBI and CI, respectively. Both inversions show low-impedances ranging from 6750-7350m/s*g/cc between 1060ms and 1065ms time interval which is interpreted as a sand channel. The slice of the acoustic impedance variation along all cross line and inline validates the presence of low impedances along the interpreted sand channel. Thereafter, the multivariate regression and the Probabilistic Neural Network (PNN) are employed to predict porosity volumes using CI and MBI inverted impedance as external attributes. The cross-plots between predicted porosities and actual porosities using multivariate regression and PNN algorithms indicate that PNN produces better statistical estimates of porosity distribution compared to those predicted from the multivariate regression. Both methods show high porosity values along the sand channel. The maximum porosity in the sand channel is 18% when MBI derived impedance is used as an external attribute while it is 16% in the case of CI. The results suggest that given seismic and well log data for a region, a combination of model-based inversion and PNN can produce a more reliable estimate of the petrophysical properties of the sub-surface.
The Relationship between Job Satisfaction, Financial Stress and Sufficient Retirement Savings of Near-Retirement Pastors in Southern Africa
Authors: Alsemgeest Liezel
Published: February 2019

The juxtaposition clergy are placed in; in relation to their calling and the lack of emphasis that is placed on finances and consequently financial management, requires consideration. The objective of this article is to examine the relationship between job satisfaction, financial stress and adequate retirement savings of near-retirement pastors in Southern Africa. The method of data collection (quantitative) was executed by distributing structured questionnaires among South African Dutch Reformed pastors who are retiring within the next 5 years. The respondents indicated high levels of job satisfaction and low levels of stress, even though high percentages indicated that they are either uncertain or did not save enough money for retirement. It was found that there is a relationship between job satisfaction, financial stress and adequate retirement savings and that if clergy have adequate retirement savings, this will have a positive relationship with job satisfaction and financial stress. Clergy find themselves in a unique position towards their calling and their finances and therefore need a more structured approach to their personal financial management. Because their relationship with God and money is so distinctive, so should be the guidance they receive with regards to it.
Ethnoracial differences in Alzheimer's disease from the FLorida Autopsied Multi‐Ethnic (FLAME) cohort
Authors: Santos Octavio A. , Pedraza Otto , Lucas John A. , Duara Ranjan , Greig‐Custo Maria T. , Hanna Al‐Shaikh Fadi S. , Liesinger Amanda M. , Bieniek Kevin F. , Hinkle Kelly M. , Lesser Elizabeth R. , Crook Julia E. , Carrasquillo Minerva M. , Ross Owen A. , Ertekin‐Taner Nilüfer , Graff‐Radford Neill R. , Dickson Dennis W. , Murray Melissa E.
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Our primary goal was to examine demographic and clinicopathologic differences across an ethnoracially diverse autopsy‐confirmed cohort of Alzheimer's disease cases.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted in the Florida Autopsied Multi‐Ethnic cohort on 1625 Alzheimer's disease cases, including decedents who self‐reported as Hispanic/Latino (n = 67), black/African American (n = 19), and white/European American (n = 1539).

Results

Hispanic decedents had a higher frequency of family history of cognitive impairment (58%), an earlier age at onset (median age of 70 years), longer disease duration (median of 12 years), and lower MMSE proximal to death (median of 4 points) compared with the other ethnoracial groups. Black decedents had a lower Braak tangle stage (stage V) and higher frequency of coexisting hippocampal sclerosis (21%); however, only hippocampal sclerosis differences survived adjustment for sex, age at onset, and disease duration. Neither Thal amyloid phase nor coexisting Lewy body disease differed across ethnoracial groups.

Discussion

Despite a smaller sample size, Hispanics demonstrated longer disease duration with Alzheimer's disease, but not greater lifespan. Neuropathologic differences across ethnoracial groups supported differences in tau pathology distribution and coexisting hippocampal sclerosis, which may impact biomarker studies.
Niobium carbide for machining and wear protection – Evolution of properties
Authors: Woydt M. , Huang S. , Cannizza E. , Vleugels J. , Mohrbacher H.
Published: February 2019

Basics about physical, mechanical and tribological properties of straight NbCs, including paths to tailor these properties, were layed down in Metal Powder Report, Vol. 71(4), 2016 and Vol. 71(5), 2016. The object is now to give an up-date on the progress in the key properties, like HV30, KIC and strength, followed by machining and tribological results of the respective NbC grades.

The sales of niobium carbide (NbC) have grown in the last years from ∼350 tons p.a. to 500 tons p.a. recently, but NbC is still a hidden carbide and mainly used as grain growth inhibitor in hard metals. Another driver is the intention of hardmetal producers and downstream manufacturers to substitute tantalum carbide (TaC) by NbC in order to compensate the increased cobalt prices, which likely will persist on midterm.
Is biometrics the answer to crypto-currency crime?
Authors: Orme David
Published: February 2019

Crypto-currency – commonly defined as digital assets that use cryptography to secure transactions without the need for a central banking authority – is rising in popularity and being widely adopted across the globe. According to research by the University of Cambridge 1 , some 3 million people are estimated to be actively trading in crypto-currencies today, and many are already using crypto to pay for items such as hotels, games and even their rent.
ONCE AGAIN ON EPICURUS’ LETTER TO HERODOTUS §§ 39–40
Authors: Verde Francesco
Published: February 2019

In this short note I would like to reflect again upon paragraphs 39–40 of Epicurus’ Letter to Herodotus and, more specifically, on the text printed in the last (superb and now indispensable) critical edition by Tiziano Dorandi, which I quote below together with the critical apparatus (758–9, lines 495–502):

495 ἀλλὰ μὴν καὶ (τοῦτο καὶ ἐν τῇ Μεγάλῃ ἐπιτομῇ φησι κατ’

ἀρχήν καὶ ἐν τῇ α′ Περὶ φύσεως) τὸ πᾶν ἐστι <σώματα

καὶ κενόν>· σώματα μὲν γὰρ ὡς ἔστιν, αὐτὴ ἡ αἴσθησις ἐπὶ

πάντων μαρτυρεῖ, καθ’ ἣν ἀναγκαῖον τὸ ἄδηλον τῷ

λογισμῷ τεκμαίρεσθαι, ὥσπερ προεῖπον. [40] τόπος δὲ εἰ

500 μὴ ἦν ὃ κενὸν καὶ χώραν καὶ ἀναφῆ φύσιν ὀνομάζομεν, οὐκ

ἂν εἶχε τὰ σώματα ὅπου ἦν οὐδὲ δι’ οὗ ἐκινεῖτο, καθάπερ

φαίνεται κινούμενα.

495–496 de scholiis glossematibusque in tribus Epicuri epistulis et in RS i, vid. Dorandi, Epicuro 277–8 496–497 σώματα καὶ κενόν duce Gass. (πῇ μὲν σῶμα, πῇ δὲ κενόν) suppl. V. d. Muehll: σώματα καὶ τόπος Us. Traditam lectionem defendere conatur Arndt 26. Vid. K. Algra, Elenchos 15 (1994) 100 et D. Obbink, Philodemus On Piety. Part 1 (1996) 338–9 497 σώματα ΦFP4: σώμα· τὰ BP1498 πάντων om. Φ 499 τόπος δὲ Us.: τὸ πρόσθε B1: τὸ πρόσθεν B2PΦ: πρόσθεν F Cf. Lucr. 1.426–7 (locus) et vid. Sedley, Phronesis (1982) 183–4 εἰ δὲ Φ (coni. Gass.) 500 ὃ Φ: ὃ* B2: ὃν B1, ut vid.: ὂν PF ὃ post κενὸν traiecit Φ προεῖπον τὸ πρόσθεν· εἰ δὲ μὴ ἦν ὃ κενὸν Brieger, Seele 5 Vid. Dorandi, Epicuro 282–4 501 ἦν B: εἴη ΦFP4: ἔνι P1(Q) 502 οὐδ’ Us.: οὔτε B2PF: ὅτε B1503 περιληπτικῶς rec.
Taking Stock of Three Generations of Research on Treaty Exit
Authors: Helfer Laurence R
Published: February 2019

It is a pleasure and an honour to give a masterclass on treaty withdrawal. This is an especially appropriate topic for an ESIL Research Forum focused on international law in times of disorder and contestation. I am grateful to Professor Yuval Shany and the other organisers for inviting me to share with you my long-standing interest in exit in international law and politics.
Half-Hearted Inception, Miserable Existence, and the Untimely Death of the Bloggers' Register in Russia
Authors: Soldatov Oleg
Published: February 2019

The Russian Federation joins a list of countries where violence and terrorism often have a religious and an ethnic basis, and where the authorities seek ways to deal with the issue of online hate speech. In this context, in May 2014 the Russian Parliament enacted Federal Law No 97-FZ (the Bloggers’ Law). This legislation required the compulsory registration of all popular bloggers with the country's internet regulatory agency, Roskomnadzor, thereby forcing the disclosure of their real identities. The Bloggers’ Law has been widely criticised, however, and although the internet community is still engaged in a heated discussion over whether there exists a legal right to online anonymity, the law made anonymous blogging in Russia a daunting undertaking. The Bloggers’ Law was repealed in the second half of 2017, and updating of the ‘Bloggers’ Register’ ceased. This article attempts to (i) analyse the context and the reasoning behind the introduction of the Bloggers’ Register; (ii) disentangle the relevant legal provisions; and (iii) assess its effectiveness, drawing conclusions based on events in the Russian blogosphere during the period 2014–17.
Intraluminal three-dimensional optical coherence tomography – a tool for imaging of the Eustachian tube?
Authors: Schuon R , Mrevlje B , Vollmar B , Lenarz T , Paasche G
Published: February 2019

Objectives

The cause of Eustachian tube dysfunction often remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the feasibility and possible diagnostic use of optical coherence tomography in the Eustachian tube ex vivo.

Methods

Two female blackface sheep cadaver heads were examined bilaterally. Three conditions of the Eustachian tube were investigated: closed (resting position), actively opened and stented. The findings were compared (and correlated) with segmented histological cross-sections.

Results

Intraluminal placement of the Eustachian tube with the optical coherence tomography catheter was performed without difficulty. Regarding the limited infiltration depth of optical coherence tomography, tissues can be differentiated. The localisation of the stent was accurate as was the lumen.

Conclusion

The application of optical coherence tomography in the Eustachian tube under these experimental conditions is considered to be a feasible, rapid and non-invasive diagnostic method, with possible diagnostic value for determining the luminal shape and superficial lining tissue of the Eustachian tube.
Quality of life after total laryngectomy: evaluating the effect of socioeconomic status
Authors: Scott A J , McGuire J K , Manning K , Leach L , Fagan J J
Published: February 2019

Objective

Total laryngectomy is considered the primary treatment modality for advanced laryngeal carcinoma. This study assessed the quality of life in patients after total laryngectomy, and ascertained whether quality of life is affected by socioeconomic status.

Method

Forty-seven patients (20 state- and 27 private-sector) who underwent total laryngectomy between 1998 and 2014 responded to the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire, the Voice-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire.

Results

Significant differences were found in socioeconomic status between state- and private-sector patients (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in overall quality of life between groups (p = 0.210). State-sector patients scored significantly higher Voice-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire scores (p = 0.043). Perception of illness did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusion

Overall quality of life after total laryngectomy appears to be similar in patients from different socioeconomic backgrounds. However, patients from lower socioeconomic circumstances have better voice-related quality of life. The results illustrate the importance of including socioeconomic status when reporting voice outcomes in total laryngectomy patients.
Joint instability and abrupt nonlinear transitions in a differentially rotating plasma
Authors: Plummer A. , Marston J. B. , Tobias S. M.
Published: February 2019

Global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) instabilities are investigated in a computationally tractable two-dimensional model of the solar tachocline. The model’s differential rotation yields stability in the absence of a magnetic field, but if a magnetic field is present, a joint instability is observed. We analyse the nonlinear development of the instability via fully nonlinear direct numerical simulation, the generalized quasi-linear approximation (GQL) and direct statistical simulation (DSS) based upon low-order expansion in equal-time cumulants. As the magnetic diffusivity is decreased, the nonlinear development of the instability becomes more complicated until eventually a set of parameters is identified that produces a previously unidentified long-term cycle in which energy is transformed from kinetic energy to magnetic energy and back. We find that the periodic transitions, which mimic some aspects of solar variability – for example, the quasiperiodic seasonal exchange of energy between toroidal field and waves or eddies – are unable to be reproduced when eddy-scattering processes are excluded from the model.
Public preferences for Zika policy and responsibility in the absence of partisan cues
Authors: Connolly Jennifer M. , Klofstad Casey , Uscinski Joseph , West Jonathan
Published: February 2019

In the absence of partisan ownership of an issue, what factors shape public preferences for federal, state and local policy action? The Zika virus provides a unique context in which to examine this question, as it is a new threat to public health in the United States and lacks clear partisan ownership. We examine (1) which Zika policies do citizens support, (2) at which level(s) of government and (3) what factors explain citizen assignment of policy responsibility to different levels of government? Using nationally representative survey data, we find that the three most popular policy responses to Zika are travel warnings, research funding and public education, with the federal government being the preferred policy actor. In the absence of clear partisan issue ownership, we find that Republicans are significantly more likely to prefer state policy action, while partisanship has no impact on public preferences for federal or local policy action.
UV harmonics generated on modulated targets irradiated by high-intensity laser pulses
Authors: Giesecke A. L. , Peth C. , Toncian T. , Willi O. , Cerchez M.
Published: February 2019

The generation of high-order harmonics in ultraviolet spectral range by targets of periodic modulation interacting with relativistic, high contrast laser pulse (Iλ2= 1020W/cm2· μm2) was investigated experimentally and numerically. The spectral intensity of the 2nd- and 3rd-order harmonic emission from grating of different periodicities (250, 410, and 480 nm) is presented. The enhancement of the 3rd harmonic order compared with 2nd was observed for a grating of 480 nm periodicity. The experimental results indicate the role of the grating periodicity on the emission efficiency of different higher order harmonics in the UV spectral range. The higher order harmonics are emitted at the grating surface separated from the specular reflection of the laser pulse, due of the interference effects. In addition, 2D numerical PIC simulations demonstrate a complex angular distribution of the higher harmonics (HH) spectral intensity and confirm the strong dependence of the HH efficiency of a specific order on the grating periodicity, as observed experimentally. These special features of the high harmonic emission by periodically modulated targets open the route toward the control of HH spectral composition and of the emission efficiency of the lower order harmonics.
Approximate Stiffness Modelling and Stiffness Defect Identification for a Heavy-load Parallel Manipulator
Authors: Fan Shuai , Fan Shouwen
Published: February 2019

When using parallel manipulators as machine tools, their stiffness is an important factor in the quality of the produced products. This paper presents an overall approximate stiffness model for a heavy-load parallel manipulator, which considers the effects of actuator stiffness, joint clearance, joint contact deformation, and limb deformation. Based on the principle of virtual work and the introduced modified parameters, the proposed overall compliance matrix successfully takes four factors into a unified expression. To obtain the overall compliance matrix, the approximate stiffness models of the joint clearance, joint contact deformation, and limb deformation are given. In addition, by combining the statistical simulation including the random uncertainties and the proposed approximate stiffness models as the basis of the magnitudes for each random variable, an approach based on the expected trajectory and external load is also proposed for stiffness defect identification such that the estimation is more accurate and reliable. Finally, a numerical example of the 1PU+3UPS parallel manipulator and a discussion are presented to demonstrate the practicability of the proposed stiffness model and defect identification approach. After modifying the structure parameters of the defective components, the prototype experiences a significant stiffness improvement.
How do parents of school-aged children respond to their children's extending gestures?
Authors: WRAY Charlotte , SAUNDERS Natalie , FRAZIER NORBURY Courtenay
Published: February 2019

Gesture plays an important role in early language development, as how parents respond to their children's gestures may help to facilitate language acquisition. Less is known about whether parental responses facilitate language learning later in childhood and whether responses vary depending on children's language ability. This study explored parental responses to extending gestures in a sample of school-aged children (aged six to eight years) with developmental language disorder, low-language and educational concerns, and typically developing children. Overall there were no group differences in the types of responses parents provided to extending gestures. Parents predominantly responded with positive feedback but also displayed moderate proportions of verbal translations and clarification requests. Within the DLD group, the proportion of parent translations was negatively associated with language ability. Our finding suggests that parent responses serve to enhance communication and engage children in tasks, but there is limited evidence that they support new language learning at this age.
Protein intake and the risk of premenstrual syndrome
Authors: Houghton Serena C , Manson JoAnn E , Whitcomb Brian W , Hankinson Susan E , Troy Lisa M , Bigelow Carol , Bertone-Johnson Elizabeth R
Published: February 2019

Objective

To examine the relationship between protein intake and the risk of incident premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Design

Nested case–control study. FFQ were completed every 4 years during follow-up. Our main analysis assessed protein intake 2–4 years before PMS diagnosis (for cases) or reference year (for controls). Baseline (1991) protein intake was also assessed.

Setting

Nurses’ Health Study II (NHS2), a large prospective cohort study of registered female nurses in the USA.

Participants

Participants were premenopausal women between the ages of 27 and 44 years (mean: 34 years), without diagnosis of PMS at baseline, without a history of cancer, endometriosis, infertility, irregular menstrual cycles or hysterectomy. Incident cases of PMS (n 1234) were identified by self-reported diagnosis during 14 years of follow-up and validated by questionnaire. Controls (n 2426) were women who did not report a diagnosis of PMS during follow-up and confirmed experiencing minimal premenstrual symptoms.

Results

In logistic regression models adjusting for smoking, BMI, B-vitamins and other factors, total protein intake was not associated with PMS development. For example, the OR for women with the highest intake of total protein 2–4 years before their reference year (median: 103·6 g/d) v. those with the lowest (median: 66·6 g/d) was 0·94 (95 % CI 0·70, 1·27). Additionally, intakes of specific protein sources and amino acids were not associated with PMS. Furthermore, results substituting carbohydrates and fats for protein were also null.

Conclusions

Overall, protein consumption was not associated with risk of developing PMS.