bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin C—A Promising Dechlorination Reagent
Authors: Peterka Greg
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the use of vitamin C to neutralize the toxic effects of chlorine on aquatic life. Vitamin C neutralizes both chlorine and chloramines. Because it is a mild acid, lowered pH values are not a major issue. Oxygen levels normally remain unchanged during the dechlorination process. While eliminating chlorine harmful to fish, the excess vitamin C provides some protection against diseases by enhancing fish immune systems. Using vitamin C could someday replace the use of sulphur‐based compounds. Proper dosage, wastewater treatment potential, and dechlorination at the hydrant are discussed.
How Much Copper Is Too Much?
Authors: Dietrich A.M. , Cuppett J.D. , Duncan S.
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the proper levels of copper in drinking water, according to government regulations such as the Lead and Copper Rule and the World Health Organization guidelines. Taste tests are discussed, along with the presence of disinfectants in drinking water taste tests. The article offers a sidebar that discusses the chemistry of copper.
Consider the Pros and Cons of Desalination
Authors: Xu Pei , Wang Gary , Cath Tzahi , Drewes JÖrg E. , Ruetten John
Published: June 2018

The challenges of implementing desalination operations require a multifaceted approach to address technical, social, and environmental issues. This article discusses these critical issues, including: water quality; feedwater intake and environmental impact; energy use; concentrate management; operational issues; and, social and political considerations. Ignoring even one aspect of these challenges can lead to incompletely scoped projects, inaccurate cost‐benefit estimates, delayed scheduling, and eventual failure.
Manipulation of the Alternative NF‐κB Pathway in Mice Has Sexually Dimorphic Effects on Bone
Authors: Zarei Allahdad , Yang Chang , Gibbs Jesse , Davis Jennifer L , Ballard Anna , Zeng Rong , Cox Linda , Veis Deborah J
Published: June 2018

Alternative NF‐κB signaling promotes osteoclastogenesis and pathological bone loss, but the effect of sex on phenotype has not been explored. We disrupted alternative NF‐κB signaling by deletion of upstream kinase NF‐κB‐inducing kinase (NIK) or NF‐κB subunit RelB and found that both NIK‐deficient and RelB‐deficient female mice possessed more than twofold higher trabecular bone mass compared to controls, whereas no differences were observed in males. In vitro, RelB‐deficient precursors from female mice showed a more severe osteoclast (OC) differentiation defect than male, while WT had no sex bias. Next, we asked whether pharmacologic activation of alternative NF‐κB by inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) antagonist BV6 has sex‐dependent effects on bone. Unlike male mice that lost bone, female mice on BV6 for 4 weeks showed no changes in either trabecular bone mass or OC number. Because estrogen generally suppresses NF‐κB, we hypothesized that estrogen protects bone from BV6 effects in vivo. Thus, we performed ovariectomy or sham surgery in female mice, then treated with BV6 or vehicle for 4 weeks. Although ovariectomy caused bone loss, BV6 did not have any additional impact, suggesting that direct estrogen effects do not cause resistance to BV6 in vivo. The osteopenic effects of IAP antagonists in males may have implications for their use in cancer therapy. © 2018 The Authors.JBMR Pluspublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Corrosion mechanism of copper immersed in ammonium sulfate solution
Authors: Li Kun , Chen Zhuoyuan , Li Jiarun , Sun Xiaoying , Xu Fengling , Xu Likun
Published: June 2018

(NH4)2SO4 is abundant in the dust of the rural and industrial atmosphere, by which a thin layer of (NH4)2SO4 solution will be formed on the copper surface and give rise to serious corrosion as soon as the ambient humidity gets the critical relative humidity. In this work, the corrosion mechanism of copper in (NH4)2SO4 solution was studied by microgravimetry associated with SEM/EDS, FT‐IR, XRD, titration method, and electrochemical tests. The results suggest that the corrosion of copper is not only caused by electrochemical effect, but also caused by the synergistic actions of the electrochemical and chemical reactions. In addition, it is found that the presence of free Cu2+ is the prerequisite for the formation of corrosion products on copper immersed in (NH4)2SO4 solution. NH4+ plays a dual role in promoting the corrosion of copper and inhibiting the formation of corrosion products on copper surface.
Wolbachia pipientis grows in Saccharomyces cerevisiae evoking early death of the host and deregulation of mitochondrial metabolism
Authors: Uribe‐Alvarez Cristina , Chiquete‐Félix Natalia , Morales‐García Lilia , Bohórquez‐Hernández Arlette , Delgado‐Buenrostro Norma Laura , Vaca Luis , Peña Antonio , Uribe‐Carvajal Salvador
Published: June 2018

Wolbachia sp. has colonized over 70% of insect species, successfully manipulating host fertility, protein expression, lifespan, and metabolism. Understanding and engineering the biochemistry and physiology of Wolbachia holds great promise for insect vector‐borne disease eradication. Wolbachia is cultured in cell lines, which have long duplication times and are difficult to manipulate and study. The yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae W303 was used successfully as an artificial host for Wolbachia wAlbB. As compared to controls, infected yeast lost viability early, probably as a result of an abnormally high mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation activity observed at late stages of growth. No respiratory chain proteins from Wolbachia were detected, while several Wolbachia F1F0‐ATPase subunits were revealed. After 5 days outside the cell, Wolbachia remained fully infective against insect cells.
Phenotype of PLP1‐related Disorder Caused by Novel Mutation: A Case Report
Authors: Kresojević Nikola , Petrović Igor , Dobričić Valerija , Tomić Aleksandra , Branković Vesna , Milić Rašić Vedrana , Svetel Marina , Kostić Vladimir
Published: June 2018

View Supplementary Video 1
Monitoring pulmonary health in Swiss childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Kasteler Rahel , Kam Linda M. H. , Weiss Annette , Waespe Nicolas , Sommer Grit , Singer Florian , von der Weid Nicolas X. , Ansari Marc , Kuehni Claudia E. ,   for the Swiss Pediatric Oncology Group (SPOG)
Published: June 2018

Background

Childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk for pulmonary morbidity and mortality. International guidelines recommend pulmonary function tests (PFT) during follow‐up care. This nationwide study assessed how many children received PFT within 5 years after pulmotoxic treatment in Switzerland, types of tests, and predictors for testing.

Methods

We included all children from the Swiss Childhood Cancer Registry who were diagnosed with cancer from 1990 to 2013 at age 0–16 years, survived for ≥2 years from diagnosis, and had pulmotoxic chemotherapy with bleomycin, busulfan, nitrosoureas, and/or chest radiotherapy. We searched medical records in all Swiss pediatric oncology clinics for PFT (spirometry, plethysmography, diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide [DLCO]) and treatment details.

Results

We found medical records for 372 children, of whom 147 had pulmotoxic chemotherapy and 323 chest radiotherapy. Only 185 had plethysmography and/or spirometry (50%), 122 had DLCO (33%). Testing varied by cancer center from 3% to 79% (P = 0.001). Central nervous system tumor survivors and those not treated according to study protocols had less plethysmography and/or spirometry (odds ratio (OR) 0.3 and 0.3), lymphoma survivors and those who were symptomatic had more PFT (plethysmography and/or spirometry: OR 5.9 and 8.7; DLCO: OR 3.4 and 2.3). Cumulative incidence (CuI) of PFT was 52% in the first 5 years after pulmotoxic treatment; most of the tests were done in the first 2 years after treatment (CuI 44%).

Conclusion

Only half of the survivors exposed to pulmotoxic treatment have been followed up with PFT in Switzerland. We need to optimize, update, and implement monitoring guidelines.
Organic Flexible Electronics
Authors: Ling Haifeng , Liu Shenghua , Zheng Zijian , Yan Feng
Published: June 2018

During the past two decades, the vigorous development of flexible organic semiconductor devices has heralded a new era of human society due to their promising applications in portable, wearable, implantable, and biological electronics. In recent years, exciting progress has been made on various flexible electronic devices, including organic light‐emitting diodes, organic photovoltaics, organic thin‐film transistors, organic flexible integrated circuits, sensors, and memories. Here, to provide a comprehensive and up‐to‐date review on this emerging field, the focus is on the critical issues of organic devices, including material choice, device design, mechanical flexibility, strain effects, and processing techniques, as well as some specific applications that have been successfully developed. Finally, a conclusion and an outlook for the future development of this field are given.
Assessing expandable Global Positioning System collars for moose neonates
Authors: Obermoller Tyler R. , Delgiudice Glenn D. , Severud William J.
Published: June 2018

Deploying Global Positioning System (GPS) collars on ungulate neonates would offer notable advantages to examining their life history and influence on population performance. During 2013 and 2014, we deployed expandable GPS collars on 74 moose (Alces alces) neonates in Minnesota, USA, to estimate survival and cause‐specific mortality during their first year. Collars slipped from 10.5% and 62.5% of calves at 15.8 (±4.5 [SE]) and 27.9 (±8.1) days postcapture in 2013 and 2014, respectively, from premature deterioration of the breakaway mechanism or excessive band expansion. We conducted various controlled tests on the bands to quantify potential design flaws. We placed 8 bands (with GPS package) around a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe outdoors (exposed to weather) with clear plastic tubing (sleeve) to prevent neck abrasions, 7 collars outdoors with no sleeve, and 7 collars indoors with no sleeve. We dropped each pipe 10 cm 50 times in the morning and in the afternoon daily for 4 weeks to simulate animal movement and test elastic memory. Circumference of bands from the 3 treatment groups increased 14.6 (±2.5), 8.5 (±2.9), and 3.9 (±2.4) cm, respectively, with 41.9% attributed to the sleeve, 26.9% to simulated animal movement, and 31.2% to weather exposure. Circumference of control group bands (indoors, not bounced) did not change. After design modifications were made to the collar, the band length increased only 1.5 ± 0.6 cm during a 4‐week trial. Subsequently, we placed 6 of these collars on confined and sheltered Holstein dairy calves; 5 retained their collar during an 8‐week test. After increasing the strength of the expandable loops via sewing, we placed 4 collars on pastured Angus beef calves. Three of 4 slipped their collars at 42.4 (±8.9) days. Our results indicate additional modifications of the band are needed before GPS‐collaring of moose neonates is resumed. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Six flavor quark matter
Authors: Bai Yang , Long Andrew J.
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Macroscopic nuggets of quark matter were proposed several decades ago as a candidate for dark matter. The formation of these objects in the early universe requires the QCD phase transition to be first order — a requirement that is not satisfied in the Standard Model where lattice simulations reveal a continuous crossover instead. In this article we point out that new physics may supercool the electroweak phase transition to below the QCD scale, and the QCD phase transition with six massless quarks becomes first-order. As a result, the quark nuggets composed of six-flavor quark matter (6FQM) may survive as a viable dark matter candidate. The size of a 6FQM nugget is estimated to be around 1010 grams in mass and 10−2 cm in radius. The calculated relic abundance of 6FQM nuggets is comparable to the observed dark matter energy density; therefore, this scenario provides a compelling explanation for the coincident energy densities of dark and baryonic matter. We have explored various potential signatures — including a gravitational wave background, gravitational lensing, and transient photon emission from collisions with compact stars and other nuggets — and demonstrated that the favored region of parameter space is still allowed by current constraints while discovery of 6FQM nugget dark matter may require new experimental probes.
Model-Based Measures for Detecting and Quantifying Response Bias
Authors: Chalmers R. Philip
Published: June 2018

This paper proposes a model-based family of detection and quantification statistics to evaluate response bias in item bundles of any size. Compensatory (CDRF) and non-compensatory (NCDRF) response bias measures are proposed, along with their sample realizations and large-sample variability when models are fitted using multiple-group estimation. Based on the underlying connection to item response theory estimation methodology, it is argued that these new statistics provide a powerful and flexible approach to studying response bias for categorical response data over and above methods that have previously appeared in the literature. To evaluate their practical utility, CDRF and NCDRF are compared to the closely related SIBTEST family of statistics and likelihood-based detection methods through a series of Monte Carlo simulations. Results indicate that the new statistics are more optimal effect size estimates of marginal response bias than the SIBTEST family, are competitive with a selection of likelihood-based methods when studying item-level bias, and are the most optimal when studying differential bundle and test bias.
Standortkonkurrenz von Lebensmittelmärkten. Frühzeitige Abschätzung und Bewertung der Auswirkungen neuer Märkte
Authors: Anders Sascha
Published: June 2018

The locations of supermarkets and their effects on existing local suppliers are a continuous source of controversial discussion. In the debate among experts how to measure the effects and what actually defines urban development deficits, an objective and comprehensible foundation is missing. Therefore as part of the program „Nachhaltiges Landmanagement“ („Sustainable land management“) of the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (Federal Ministry of Research and Education (BMBF)) we developed an application-oriented, GIS-based gravity model, which is placed on the anticipated changes in turnover of existing businesses caused by a new supermarket. The appraisal of impacts is achieved with relatively readily available data, the model should, as a rule, work for Germany as a whole. The results can be used as additional assessment at a very early stage, and should give the discussion in the municipalities a better foundation. This paper outlines the difficulties in the judgement of new food markets. It explains the content and methodological background of the developed model, and finally takes a classification of the results.
Cohort Differences in Parental Financial Help to Adult Children
Authors: Henretta John C. , Van Voorhis Matthew F. , Soldo Beth J.
Published: June 2018

In this article, we examine birth cohort differences in parents’ provision of monetary help to adult children with particular focus on the extent to which cohort differences in family structure and the transition to adulthood influence these changes. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study from 1994 to 2010, we compare financial help to children of three respondent cohorts as the parents in these birth cohorts from ages 53–58 to 57–62. We find that transfers to children have increased among more recent cohorts. Two trends—declining family size and children’s delay in marriage—account for part of the increase across cohorts. However, other trends, such as the increase in the number of stepchildren and increasing child’s income level, tend to decrease the observed cohort trend.
Conducting a Time Trade-Off Study Alongside a Clinical Trial: A Case Study and Recommendations
Authors: Shen Jing , Hill Sarah , Mott David , Breckons Matthew , Vale Luke , Pickard Rob
Published: June 2018

Time trade-off (TTO) is an established method in health economics to elicit and value individuals’ preferences for different health states. These preferences are expressed in the form of health-state utilities that are typically used to measure health-related quality of life and calculate quality-adjusted life-years in an economic evaluation. The TTO approach to directly elicit health-state utilities is particularly valuable when generic instruments (e.g. EQ-5D) may not fully capture changes in utility in a clinical trial. However, there is limited guidance on how a TTO study should be conducted alongside a clinical trial despite it being a valuable tool. We present an account of the design and development of a TTO study within a clinical trial as a case study. We describe the development of materials needed for the TTO interviews, the piloting of the TTO materials and interview process, and recommendations for future TTO studies. This paper provides a practical guide and reference for future applications of the TTO method alongside a clinical trial.
PSD2: Is the banking industry prepared?
Authors: Noctor Mark
Published: June 2018

January 2018 introduced significant change for both the banking and cyber-security industries due to the introduction of the EU's updated Payment Service Directive (PSD). The mandate, known as the PSD2, enables all bank customers, both consumers and businesses, to use third-party providers to manage their finances. Despite mobile operating systems actively discouraging the linking of applications, in order to ensure data protection banks are now obligated to provide application programme interfaces (APIs) to allow third-party providers access to their customers’ accounts.

The new PSD2 enables all bank customers to use third-party providers to manage their finances, meaning that banks are now obligated to provide application programme interfaces (APIs) to allow third-party providers access to customers’ accounts. Mark Noctor of Arxan Technologies asks how secure this approach will be, as well as what risks will arise and for whom.
Perfectionism in Italy and the USA
Authors: Rice Sean P. M. , Loscalzo Yura , Giannini Marco , Rice Kenneth G.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Perfectionism research has been recently extending its scope internationally. The short forms of the Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R; Slaney, Rice, Mobley, Trippi, & Ashby, 2001 ; Rice, Richardson, & Tueller, 2014 ) and the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS; Cox, Enns, & Clara, 2002 ; Hewitt & Flett, 1990 ), originally validated with North American samples, have been translated for use on Italian samples. However, these tests have yet to be evaluated for measurement equivalence between the respective countries. Both scales were administered to undergraduate students in the USA ( N = 336) and Italy ( N = 201). Multiple group confirmatory factor analyses supported partial scalar invariance for both scales, indicating functional equivalence across cultures. Italian students reported lower levels of perfectionistic strivings. No meaningful differences in perfectionistic concerns were found between countries. Further study is needed to assess why some items and factors may differ between Italians and Americans.
A Positive‐Definite, WENO‐Limited, High‐Order Finite Volume Solver for 2‐D Transport on the Cubed Sphere Using an ADER Time Discretization
Authors: Norman M. R. , Nair R. D.
Published: June 2018

Modern computer architectures reward added computation if it reduces algorithmic dependence, reduces data movement, increases accuracy/robustness, and improves memory accesses. The driving motive for this study is to develop a numerical algorithm that respects these constraints while improving accuracy and robustness. This study introduces the ADER‐DT (Arbitrary DERivatives in time and space‐differential transform) time discretization to positive‐definite, weighted essentially nonoscillatory (WENO)‐limited, finite volume transport on the cubed sphere in lieu of semidiscrete integrators. The cost of the ADER‐DT algorithm is significantly improved from previous implementations without affecting accuracy. A new function‐based WENO implementation is also detailed for use with the ADER‐DT time discretization. While ADER‐DT costs about 1.5 times more than a fourth‐order, five‐stage strong stability preserving Runge‐Kutta (SSPRK4) method, it is far more computationally dense (which is advantageous on accelerators such as graphics processing units), and it has a larger effective maximum stable time step. ADER‐DT errors converge more quickly with grid refinement than SSPRK4, giving 6.5 times less error in the
norm than SSPRK4 at the highest refinement level for smooth data. For nonsmooth data, ADER‐DT resolves C0 discontinuities more sharply. For a complex flow field, ADER exhibits less phase error than SSPRK4. Improving both accuracy and robustness as well as better respecting modern computational efficiency requirements, we believe the method presented herein is competitive for efficiently transporting tracers over the sphere for applications targeting modern computing architectures.
Regionalization of Groundwater Residence Time Using Metamodeling
Authors: Starn J. J. , Belitz K.
Published: June 2018

Groundwater residence‐time distributions (RTDs) are critical for assessing susceptibility of water resources to degradation. A novel combination of numerical modeling and statistical methods allows estimation of regional RTDs with unprecedented speed. In this method, particle RTDs are generated in 30 type locales in the northeastern glaciated U.S. by using automated generalized finite‐difference groundwater flow and advective transport models. Targets for statistical learning were created from particle RTDs by fitting Weibull, gamma, and inverse Gaussian distributions. Whole‐basin flux‐weighted RTDs were well fit by one‐component Weibull distributions. Flux‐weighted RTDs at stressed receptors such as wells often produced more complicated RTDs that required a two‐component mixture to fit. A Multitask LASSO regression was trained on the parametric RTDs using hydrogeographic features of the modeled areas as explanatory features. In this way, RTDs are regionalized with mappable physical features such as recharge and aquifer volume. The shape, location, and scale parameters of the parametric RTDs are strongly related to the mean exponential age. The shape parameter of the distribution, which controls deviation from exponential, is additionally a function of aquifer heterogeneity and hydrologic features. Regionalized RTDs provide useful metrics with respect to groundwater lag times and solute loading to streams. The lag time between input and output contained in the RTD is critical to understanding the relation between the land surface and human and ecological receptors.
Satellite‐Observed Major Greening and Biomass Increase in South China Karst During Recent Decade
Authors: Brandt Martin , Yue Yuemin , Wigneron Jean Pierre , Tong Xiaowei , Tian Feng , Jepsen Martin Rudbeck , Xiao Xiangming , Verger Aleixandre , Mialon Arnaud , Al‐Yaari Amen , Wang Kelin , Fensholt Rasmus
Published: June 2018

Above‐ground vegetation biomass is one of the major carbon sinks and provides both provisioning (e.g., forestry products) and regulating ecosystem services (by sequestering carbon). Continuing deforestation and climate change threaten this natural resource but can effectively be countered by national conservation policies. Here we present time series (1999–2017) derived from complementary satellite systems to describe a phenomenon of global significance: the greening of South China Karst. We find a major increase in growing season vegetation cover from 69% in 1999 to 81% in 2017 occurring over ~1.4 million km2. Over 1999–2012, we report one of the globally largest increases in biomass to occur in the South China Karst region (on average +4% over 0.9 million km2), which accounts for ~5% of the global areas characterized with increases in biomass. These increases in southern China's vegetation have occurred despite a decline in rainfall (−8%) and soil moisture (−5%) between 1999 and 2012 and are derived from effects of forestry and conservation activities at an unprecedented spatial scale in human history (~20,000 km2 yr−1 since 2002). These findings have major implications for the provisioning of ecosystem services not only for the Chinese karst ecosystem (e.g., carbon storage, water filtration, and timber production) but also for the study of global carbon cycles.
Multipathing Rayleigh Waves From Long‐Distance Noise Cross Correlation Along an Ocean‐Continent Boundary (Alaska to California)
Authors: Xia Yingjie , Ni Sidao , Tape Carl
Published: June 2018

Seismic interferometry can reliably extract interstation surface waves in homogeneous or smooth media. We test the validity of this technique in the case of sharp lateral heterogeneity, by examining paths along the western edge of continental North America. After cross correlating several years of time series of ambient seismic noise, we extract interstation Rayleigh waves with different arrivals in the frequency of 0.04 to 0.06 Hz (periods 17 to 25 s). Using beamforming and seismic wavefield simulations, we show that the different Rayleigh wave arrivals are related to the oceanic and continental paths, respectively. This multipathing of Rayleigh waves that is identified from ambient noise is also identified from earthquakes. Our results demonstrate that seismic noise interferometry is capable of extracting realistic surface waves for complex structural paths such as along the continental margin of North America. Additional studies from other regions may demonstrate the potential for using multipathing surface waves within full waveform inversion.
Endospores and other lysis-resistant bacteria comprise a widely shared core community within the human microbiota
Authors: Kearney Sean M , Gibbons Sean M , Poyet Mathilde , Gurry Thomas , Bullock Kevin , Allegretti Jessica R , Clish Clary B , Alm Eric J
Published: June 2018

Endospore-formers in the human microbiota are well adapted for host-to-host transmission, and an emerging consensus points to their role in determining health and disease states in the gut. The human gut, more than any other environment, encourages the maintenance of endospore formation, with recent culture-based work suggesting that over 50% of genera in the microbiome carry genes attributed to this trait. However, there has been limited work on the ecological role of endospores and other stress-resistant cellular states in the human gut. In fact, there is no data to indicate whether organisms with the genetic potential to form endospores actually form endospores in situ and how sporulation varies across individuals and over time. Here we applied a culture-independent protocol to enrich for endospores and other stress-resistant cells in human feces to identify variation in these states across people and within an individual over time. We see that cells with resistant states are more likely than those without to be shared among multiple individuals, which suggests that these resistant states are particularly adapted for cross-host dissemination. Furthermore, we use untargeted fecal metabolomics in 24 individuals and within a person over time to show that these organisms respond to shared environmental signals, and in particular, dietary fatty acids, that likely mediate colonization of recently disturbed human guts.
A rapid method for assessing the accumulation of microplastics in the sea surface microlayer (SML) of estuarine systems
Authors: Anderson Zachary T. , Cundy Andrew B. , Croudace Ian W. , Warwick Phillip E. , Celis-Hernandez Omar , Stead Jessica L.
Published: June 2018

Microplastics are an increasingly important contaminant in the marine environment. Depending on their composition and degree of biofouling, many common microplastics are less dense than seawater and so tend to float at or near the ocean surface. As such, they may exhibit high concentrations in the sea surface microlayer (SML – the upper 1–1000 μm of the ocean) relative to deeper water. This paper examines the accumulation of microplastics, in particular microfibres, in the SML in two contrasting estuarine systems – the Hamble estuary and the Beaulieu estuary, southern U.K., via a novel and rapid SML-selective sampling method using a dipped glass plate. Microplastic concentrations (for identified fibres, of 0.05 to 4.5 mm length) were highest in the SML-selective samples (with a mean concentration of 43 ± 36 fibres/L), compared to <5 fibres/L for surface and sub-surface bulk water samples. Data collected show the usefulness of the dipped glass plate method as a rapid and inexpensive tool for sampling SML-associated microplastics in estuaries, and indicate that microplastics preferentially accumulate at the SML in estuarine conditions (providing a potential transfer mechanism for incorporation into upper intertidal sinks). Fibres are present (and readily sampled) in both developed and more pristine estuarine systems.
Rapid and gentle hydrogel encapsulation of living organisms enables long-term microscopy over multiple hours
Authors: Burnett Kyra , Edsinger Eric , Albrecht Dirk R.
Published: June 2018

Imaging living organisms at high spatial resolution requires effective and innocuous immobilization. Long-term imaging places further demands on sample mounting with minimal perturbation of the organism. Here we present a simple, inexpensive method for rapid encapsulation of small animals of any developmental stage within a photo-crosslinked polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel, gently restricting movement within their confined spaces. Immobilized animals maintain their original morphology in a hydrated environment compatible with chemical treatment, optical stimulation, and light-sheet microscopy. We demonstrate prolonged three-dimensional imaging of neural responses in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, recovery of viable organisms after 24 h, and imaging of larger squid hatchlings. We characterize a range of hydrogel and illumination conditions for immobilization quality, and identify paralytic-free conditions suitable for high-resolution single-cell imaging. Overall, PEG hydrogel encapsulation provides fast, versatile, and gentle mounting of small living organisms, from yeast to zebrafish, for continuous observation over hours.
In vitro antibacterial activity of oxide and non-oxide bioceramics for arthroplastic devices: I. In situ time-lapse Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Pezzotti Giuseppe , Bock Ryan M. , McEntire Bryan J. , Adachi Tetsuya , Marin Elia , Boschetto Francesco , Zhu Wenliang , Mazda Osam , Bal Sonny B.
Published: June 2018

Raman spectroscopy proved why the antibacterial response of non-oxide Si3N4 bioceramic is superior to those of alumina-based oxide bioceramics.
Interplay between hydrogen bonding and n→π* interaction in an analgesic drug salicin
Authors: Singh Santosh K. , Joshi Prasad Ramesh , Shaw Robert A. , Hill J. Grant , Das Aloke
Published: June 2018

n→π* interaction is present in the structure of salicin when it is bound to enzyme as well as in free state and the conformational preference of salicin is due to interplay between strong hydrogen bond and n→π* interaction.
How interface compatibility affects conductivity evolution of silver nanobelts-filled electrically conductive composites during cure and post-treatments
Authors: Rivers Geoffrey , Lee-Sullivan Pearl , Zhao Boxin
Published: June 2018

Using silver nanobelts and microflakes in epoxy matrix, we sought to investigate the relationship between the evolving electrical resistivity of formulations of hybrid nanocomposites during the curing process, finding vitrification and interface compatibility play major roles.
Synthesis of first row transition metal selenomaltol complexes
Authors: Spiegel Michael T. , Hoogerbrugge Amanda , Truksa Shamus , Smith Andrew G. , Shuford Kevin L. , Klausmeyer Kevin K. , Farmer Patrick J.
Published: June 2018

Complexation of selenomaltol to transition metal ions promotes a zwitterionic resonance form.
Resistivity control by the electrochemical removal of dopant atoms from a nanodot
Authors: Hiraya Wataru , Mishima Nozomi , Shima Takaaki , Tai Seishiro , Tsuruoka Tohru , Valov Ilia , Hasegawa Tsuyoshi
Published: June 2018

Here, we propose a technique, based on the electrochemical potential of dopant atoms in a material, that enables the dynamic control of the number of dopant atoms through the application of bias to the material.
Internal standard fused glass beads for high silicon content sample analysis by laser-induced breakdown spectrometry
Authors: Carvalho Alexandrina A. C. , Leme Flavio O. , Luz Maciel S. , Oliveira Pedro V. , Nomura Cassiana S.
Published: June 2018

The direct analysis of high silicon content samples by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectrometry (LIBS) is a good alternative, since the decomposition of samples with refractory characteristics is not an easy task.
User-defined local stimulation of live tissue through a movable microfluidic port
Authors: Catterton Megan A. , Dunn Austin F. , Pompano Rebecca R.
Published: June 2018

A two-component, two-phase microfluidic device provides a movable port for user-selectable local stimulation of living tissue slices.
Diphenylamino-substituted tristyryl vs. triphenyl isocyanurates: improved conjugation has minimal impact on two-photon absorption
Authors: Triadon Amédée , Ngo Ndimba Alphonsine , Richy Nicolas , Amar Anissa , Boucekkine Abdou , Roisnel Thierry , Cifuentes Marie P. , Humphrey Mark G. , Blanchard-Desce Mireille , Mongin Olivier , Paul Frédéric
Published: June 2018

Planarization and extension of the central π-system does not increase two-photon absorption cross-section.
Effects of a Nb nanopin electrode on the resistive random-access memory switching characteristics of NiO thin films
Authors: Ahn Yoonho , Shin Hyun Wook , Lee Tae Hoon , Kim Woo-Hee , Son Jong Yeog
Published: June 2018

We report the effects of bottom electrode shapes on resistive random-access memory (RRAM) devices composed of Nb (bottom electrode)/NiO (dielectric)/Nb (top electrode) structures.
3D–2D heterostructure of PdRu/NiZn oxyphosphides with improved durability for electrocatalytic methanol and ethanol oxidation
Authors: Xu Hui , Song Pingping , Zhang Yangping , Du Yukou
Published: June 2018

A new class of 3D–2D PdRu/NiZn oxyphosphide nanohybrids has been designed that display both enhanced catalytic activity and durability toward fuel cell oxidation reactions.
Catalytic enantioselective α-sulfenylation of β-ketocarbonyls by chiral primary amines
Authors: Cui Linfeng , You Yang'en , Mi Xueling , Luo Sanzhong
Published: June 2018

A simple chiral primary amine catalyst was identified to enable effective catalysis in direct α-sulfenylation of acyclic and cyclic β-ketocarbonyls with good yields and excellent enantioselectivities.
Functionalized geminal-diborylalkanes from various electron-deficient alkynes and B2pin2
Authors: Gao Guoliang , Kuang Zhijie , Song Qiuling
Published: June 2018

An environmentally benign and convenient method is developed to access a variety of functionalized geminal-diborylalkanes from various electron-deficient alkynes and B2pin2 with the DBP (Domino-Borylation–Protodeboronation) strategy.
Enhanced mutual information‐based medical image registration using a hybrid optimisation technique
Authors: Shen Liang , Huang Xiaotao , Fan Chongyi , Li Yueli
Published: June 2018

A medical image registration method is proposed. An enhanced mutual information is employed as the similarity measure. A hybrid optimisation technique based on Powell's method and cuckoo search is developed as the optimiser. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Magnetic activity evolution on Sun-like stars
Authors: Gondoin P.
Published: June 2018

Context. Characterising the time evolution of magnetic activity on Sun-like stars is important not only for stellar physics but also for determining the environment in which planets evolve.

Aims. In recent decades, many surveys of open clusters have produced extensive rotation periods measurements on Sun-like stars of different ages. The present study uses this information with the aim to improve the description of their magnetic activity evolution.

Methods. I present a method that infers the long-term evolution of Ca II chromospheric (R′HK) and X-ray coronal (LX) emission on solar mass stars by combining a best fit parametric model of their rotation evolution with empirical rotation-activity relationships.

Results. The inferred scenario reproduces the high chromospheric and coronal emission levels around R′HK ≈ 10−4 and LX ≈ 1030 erg s−1 that are observed on pre-main sequence (PMS) stars. At the end of the PMS contraction phase around the age of ~30 Myr, the slowest rotating stars experience a rapid transition of their magnetic activity to more moderate levels around R′HK ≈ 4 × 10−5 and L5 ≈ 1029 erg s−1. This transition occurs later on more rapidly rotating stars, up to an age of ~600 Myr for the fastest rotators. After this brief episode of large magnetic activity decay, the average chromospheric and coronal emission levels of solar-mass stars decrease steadily converging towards similar values (R′HK ≈ 10−5 and LX ≈ 1027 erg s−1) by the age of the Sun.

Conclusion. The study suggests that solar mass stars in open clusters with ages between ~30 and ~600 Myr exhibit bimodal distributions of their R′HK chromospheric activity indices and coronal X-ray to bolometric luminosity ratios that can be traced back to their rotation evolution. This conclusion is consistent with available measurements of activity indices from Sun-like stars in nearby open clusters.
Opposition effect on S-type asteroid (25143) Itokawa
Authors: Lee Mingyeong , Ishiguro Masateru
Published: June 2018

Aims.The opposition effect has been detected on solar system bodies such as asteroids and comets. Two mechanisms have been proposed to explain the effect: the shadow-hiding opposition effect (SHOE) and the coherent backscattering opposition effect (CBOE). The Hayabusa asteroid sample return mission provides a unique opportunity to investigate the opposition effect on disk-resolved images of the S-type asteroid (25413) Itokawa at very small phase anglesα.

Methods.We made use of the data taken atα= 0.°04–2.°54 using the Asteroid Multi-band Imaging Camera (AMICA) on UT 2005 October 13. Comparing sets of two images taken at different phase angles, we derived the opposition slope parameter (SOE) that characterizes a linear increase in the reflectanceI∕Fper unit phase angle.

Results.We found that (i)SOEis less dependent on the incidence and emission angles; (ii) the reflectance increases nonlinearly toward the opposition at small angles withα≲ 1.°4, showing a good correlation between meanI∕FandSOE; and (iii)SOEbecomes nearly constant atα≳ 1.°4 and shows no clear correlation betweenI∕FandSOE.

Conclusions.From these results, we conjecture that CBOE is dominant atα≲ 1.°4, while SHOE is dominant atα≳ 1.°4.
Evaluation of suitability for 3D printing of high performance concretes
Authors: Kaszyńska Maria , Hoffmann Marcin , Skibicki Szymon , Zieliński Adam , Techman Mateusz , Olczyk Norbert , Wróblewski Tomasz
Published: June 2018

The article presents overview of additive manufacturing for concrete structures. Study focuses on specific tests used to determine suitability of high performance mixes for 3D printing. The tests include determination of compressive strength and evaluation of printing speed, extrudability and overall surface quality. Tests were performed on a High-Performance Concrete mix with fine natural aggregate up to 2 mm. Mineral additives such as silica fume and fly ash, and superplasticizer were added to obtain proper consistency. The tests were performed using specially designed site consisting of Cartesian robot and pumping module. The design of printed paths were tailored for specific tests. The evaluation of pump performance was made by measuring pumped mix volume in time. The determination of correct pumping speed was made based on the visual quality of the printed layers. Study determines also the ability to print multilayered structures and printability window of proposed mix.
Towards the utilization of waste glass powder in sustainable cement based overlays
Authors: Sadowski Łukasz
Published: June 2018

The article focuses on the possibility of utilizing waste glass powder in cement based overlays for sustainable construction. In the work, a study was carried out on the evaluation of the influence of waste glass powder, which modifies the overlay, on its adhesion to a concrete substrate. The waste glass powder was added in various amounts in relation to the binder mass. The adhesion tests were conducted using the commonly known pull-off method. The preliminary test results are presented and discussed in the article.
Chemical testing of post-process ashes from municipal waste combustion
Authors: Stryszewska Teresa , Dudek Marta
Published: June 2018

The results of the study presented in the paper are a part of the research project about possibility of utilization of fly ashes obtained from municipal waste combustion in production of cement binders. The main goal was to determine possibility reduction of Cl- and SO42- contents in ashes by leaching. The scope of the examination included SEM observations along with an EDS analysis of chemical composition. Preliminary results show that the major problem is the presence of heavy metals such as Cr, Ni, Cu etc.
Alkali-silica reaction and microstructure of concrete subjected to combined chemical and physical exposure conditions
Authors: Jóźwiak-Niedźwiedzka Daria , Dąbrowski Mariusz , Gibas Karolina , Antolik Aneta , Glinicki Michał A.
Published: June 2018

Salt solutions are used to ensure safe driving conditions during winter. NaCl deicer is the most often used brine in Polish climatic zone. The chemical effects of this type of chloride-based deicer in wetting and drying (WD) and temperature cycles on concrete need to be better understood. This research was focus to study the microstructure of air-entrained pavement concrete after combined chemical (10% of NaCl) and physical (WD and 60°C) exposure conditions. The adopted WD and temperature regime was designed to verify the hypothesis that regularly alternating wetting and drying cycles with external alkali supply from deicer salt will provoke the Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR). The aggregates varied their origin and mineralogical composition. The microscopic examination was carried out on concrete specimens using SEM with EDX. The microscopic analysis has shown that main reason for concrete deterioration during cyclic chemical and physical exposure conditions was both physical influence - WD cycles and the chemical influence – ASR (primarily, the fine aggregate which lead to form of alkali-silica gel). The expansive gel was shown to be capable of destroying the test specimens. Also differences in mineralogical composition of coarse aggregates influenced on the concrete prism expansion due to ASR.
Solar water heating systems for different buildings under a hot climate; parametric optimization and economic analysis
Authors: Aoul Kheira Tabet , Hasan Ahmad , Riaz Hassan
Published: June 2018

Building applied solar thermal systems are considered by different stakeholders an attractive alternative to traditional space and water heating systems. However, their performance depends largely on climatic conditions, water heating needs and operational parameters which, in turn, offer opportunities for performance optimization. The present research attempts to provide architects with a design decision tool that integrates solar thermal collectors efficiently to meet hot water demand for various building types inclusive of residential, commercial and industrial in a hot climate. The analysis is conducted numerically through a thermal model developed and executed in TRNSYS and validated experimentally. The parameters investigated include the collector tilt angle, azimuth angle and collector inlet fluid flow rate. Finally, the collector aperture area required per building foot print area is determined. The research revealed that for a 1000 m2 footprint building area of schools, offices, residential, factories and hospitals would require respectively 8 m2, 10 m2, 14 m2, 24 m2 and 38 m2 of the static collector installed at 24° tilt angle with optimal water flow rate. Additional operational aspects of collector tracking, and solar radiation concentration were investigated and further reduce the required collector area. A simple payback period analysis reveals a return on investment of 2 years applying subsidized tariff rates under the climatic conditions of, or similar to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.
Magnoflorine Enhances LPS-Activated Pro-Inflammatory Responses via MyD88-Dependent Pathways in U937 Macrophages
Authors: Haque Md. Areeful , Jantan Ibrahim , Harikrishnan Hemavathy , Abdul Wahab Siti Mariam
Published: June 2018

Magnoflorine, a major bioactive metabolite isolated from Tinospora crispa, has been reported for its diverse biochemical and pharmacological properties. However, there is little report on its underlying mechanisms of action on immune responses, particularly on macrophage activation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of magnoflorine, isolated from T. crispa on the pro-inflammatory mediators generation induced by LPS and the concomitant NF-κB, MAPKs, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways in U937 macrophages. Differentiated U937 macrophages were treated with magnoflorine and the release of pro-inflammatory mediators was evaluated through ELISA, while the relative mRNA expression of the respective mediators was quantified through qRT-PCR. Correspondingly, western blotting was executed to observe the modulatory effects of magnoflorine on the expression of various markers related to NF-κB, MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling activation in LPS-primed U937 macrophages. Magnoflorine significantly enhanced the upregulation of TNF-α, IL-1β, and PGE2 production as well as COX-2 protein expression. Successively, magnoflorine prompted the mRNA transcription level of these pro-inflammatory mediators. Magnoflorine enhanced the NF-κB activation by prompting p65, IκBα, and IKKα/β phosphorylation as well as IκBα degradation. Besides, magnoflorine treatments concentration-dependently augmented the phosphorylation of JNK, ERK, and p38 MAPKs as well as Akt. The immunoaugmenting effects were further confirmed by investigating the effects of magnoflorine on specific inhibitors, where the treatment with specific inhibitors of NF-κB, MAPKs, and PI3K-Akt proficiently blocked the magnoflorine-triggered TNF-α release and COX-2 expression. Magnoflorine furthermore enhanced the MyD88 and TLR4 upregulation. The results suggest that magnoflorine has high potential on augmenting immune responses.
Disruptive Hearing Technologies and Mild Sensorineural Hearing Loss I: Accessibility and Affordability Issues
Authors: Johnson Carole , Danhauer Jeffrey , Jilla Anna
Published: June 2018

Limited accessibility to and affordability of hearing health care (HHC) and hearing aids (HAs) are two reasons why people do not seek treatment for their hearing losses. This article is the first in a series of two and discusses affordability issues (i.e., billing models, cost-effectiveness, insurance coverage, and reimbursement) related to and provides a historical context for the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017. This piece of legislation supports development of a new class of over-the-counter HAs that represents a disruptive technology that may transform the HHC industry by reducing costs specific to the device. A discussion of ethical issues and the importance of using evidence-based practice guidelines set the stage for the second article in this series, which reviews relevant research on issues pertaining to persons with mild hearing loss.