bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal, Mechanical, and dielectric properties of Injection Molded Graphene Nanocomposites Based on ABS/PC and ABS/PP Blends
Authors: Triantou Marianna I. , Stathi Konstantina I. , Tarantili Petroula A.
Published: October 2018

In this research, graphene nanocomposites of poly(acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene)/polycarbonate (ABS/PC) and ABS/polypropylene (ABS/PP) blends were prepared by melt blending and their thermal and mechanical properties were studied. The incorporation of graphene into ABS/PC and ABS/PP blends caused a significant decrease of their melt flow index values. Although graphene led to reduction of onset degradation temperature (Tonset) and maximum degradation rate temperature (Tpeak) of ABS/PC blends, and mainly of pure PC, the obtained residue from thermogravimetric analysis showed an increase. The thermal degradation of PC phase, in PC‐rich blends, was completed at higher temperatures. In ABS/PP blends, the effect of graphene was an outstanding increase ofTonsetandTpeakin the case of pure PP, while increasing the residue at all proportions. Regarding the Young's modulus, in ABS/PC blends the result of the addition of graphene was dependent on the blend composition. In ABS/PP hybrids, the elastic modulus increased by the incorporation of graphene and this increase, reached anabout 43% in pure PP. The addition of graphene to pure ABS, pure PP and their blend 50/50 w/w resulted in an increasing trend of the dielectric constant (κ′), whereas the loss factor (tanδ) was similar in non‐reinforced and graphene‐reinforced samples, within the entire range of the examined frequencies. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1662–E1672, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Validation of hip osteoarthritis diagnosis recording in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink
Authors: Ferguson Rory J. , Prieto‐Alhambra Daniel , Walker Christine , Yu Dahai , Valderas Jose M. , Judge Andrew , Griffiths John , Jordan Kelvin P. , Peat George , Glyn‐Jones Sion , Silman Alan J.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis is subject to several uncertainties, especially in primary care. The aims of this study were to determine (i) the diagnostic accuracy of coding of hip osteoarthritis by primary care physicians in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), (ii) the relative influence of radiographic and clinical parameters on diagnostic accuracy, and (iii) the accuracy of the diagnosis date.

Methods

An extract of all patients aged over 65 years, with a Read code for hip osteoarthritis listed between January 1995 and December 2014, was obtained from CPRD. A random sample was selected of 170 participants. A questionnaire concerning data in medical records on relevant clinical and radiographic criteria used to establish the diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis was distributed to primary care physicians of participants. Using diagnostic criteria, we formulated thresholds for diagnosis based on clinical, radiographic, and combined grounds.

Results

One hundred nineteen completed questionnaires were returned (70% response rate). The positive predictive value (PPV) of hip osteoarthritis codes, based on radiological criteria, was 79.8%. The PPV, based on clinical criteria, was 79.0%, with substantial but not complete overlap. Overall 12% of diagnoses were not confirmed. In 42% of cases, there was disparity between date of diagnosis in CPRD and the medical record. Median difference in date was ±425 days (interquartile range, 18‐1448 days).

Conclusions

Despite the difficulties in reaching a diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis in primary care, CPRD Read codes have a sufficiently high PPV for most research uses. However, the accuracy of diagnosis date may not be as reliable.
Impact of initiatives to reduce prescription opioid risks on medically attended injuries in people using chronic opioid therapy
Authors: Dublin Sascha , Walker Rod L. , Shortreed Susan M. , Ludman Evette J. , Sherman Karen J. , Hansen Ryan N. , Thakral Manu , Saunders Kathleen , Parchman Michael L. , Von Korff Michael
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to determine whether initiatives to improve the safety of opioid prescribing decreased injuries in people using chronic opioid therapy (COT).

Methods

We conducted an interrupted time series analysis using data from Group Health (GH), an integrated health care delivery system in the United States. In 2007, GH implemented initiatives which substantially reduced daily opioid dose and increased patient monitoring. Among GH members age 18 or older receiving COT between 2006 and 2014, we compared injury rates for patients in GH's integrated group practice (IGP; exposed to the initiatives) vs patients cared for by contracted providers (not exposed). Injuries were identified using a validated algorithm. We calculated injury incidence during the baseline (preintervention) period from 2006 to 2007; the dose reduction period, 2008 to 2010; and the risk stratification and monitoring period, 2010 to 2014. Using modified Poisson regression, we estimated adjusted relative risks (RRs) representing the relative change per year in injury rates.

Results

Among 21 853 people receiving COT in the IGP and 8260 in contracted care, there were 2679 injuries during follow‐up. The baseline injury rate was 1.0% per calendar quarter in the IGP and 0.9% in contracted care. Risk reduction initiatives did not decrease injury rates: Within the IGP, the RR in the dose reduction period was 1.01 (95% CI, 0.95‐1.07) and in the risk stratification and monitoring period, 0.99 (95% CI, 0.95‐1.04). Injury trends did not differ between the two care settings.

Conclusions

Risk reduction initiatives did not decrease injuries in people using COT.
Impact of the chain extension of poly(ethylene terephthalate) with 1,3‐phenylene‐bis‐oxazoline and N,N′‐carbonylbiscaprolactam by reactive extrusion on its properties
Authors: Berg Dennis , Schaefer Karola , Moeller Martin
Published: October 2018

In this article, the material properties of chain extended poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) by application of the chain extenders, 1,3‐phenylene‐bis‐oxazoline (1,3‐PBO), N,N′‐carbonylbiscaprolactam (CBC), and combinations thereof are investigated aiming at an application during fiber production from postconsumer PET. The chain extension is performed in one step by a reactive extrusion process. The chain extenders are linearly linked to the COOH and/or OH terminal groups of PET. The influence of the chain extension on the properties of PET is analyzed by measurement of the inherent viscosity, size exclusion chromatography, and carboxyl end‐group titration. Furthermore, the impact of the chain extension on the thermal and rheological properties of PET is studied in detail by differential scanning calorimetry and rheology. The results demonstrate that chain extenders have impact on the properties of PET in dependence on their chemical composition and concentration. The improvement of the molecular weight of the obtained compounds is achieved in an effective and economical approach by the addition of small concentrations of chain extenders (0.2 wt% 1,3‐PBO or 0.3 wt% CBC) without significant negative impact on the properties of PET. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:284–294, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Acid‐Based Surfactant‐Aided Dispersion of Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Epoxy‐Based Nanocomposites
Authors: Sumdani Md Gulam , Islam Muhammad Remanul , Yahaya Ahmad Naim A. , Isa Nadia
Published: October 2018

In this study, the dispersion of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in epoxy was facilitated by an anionic surfactant, linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid. Different types of composites were prepared using a fixed amount of MWCNTs (0.5 wt%), in absence of solvent/surfactant, in presence of solvent and solvent/surfactant. The composites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), universal testing machine, pendulum impact system, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscope. The epoxy/MWCNTs nanocomposite exhibited significantly higher mechanical properties due to the better dispersion in the presence of the surfactant. The tensile strength and flexural strength were increased by 75% and 108%, respectively. The thermal, structural, and morphological analyses were also excellent as a result of the better dispersion. In addition, the solvent‐surfactant behavior was hypothesized for the epoxy/MWCNTs system. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E80–E87, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Sida tuberculata extract reduces the nociceptive response by chemical noxious stimuli in mice: Implications for mechanism of action, relation to chemical composition and molecular docking
Authors: da Rosa Hemerson S. , Coelho Igor S. , da Silva Morgana Duarte , Fernandes Mariana S. , Bertelli Pablo Ricardo , Minetto Luciane , Moura Sidnei , de Paula Fávero , Santos Adair R. , Mendez Andreas S. L. , Folmer Vanderlei
Published: October 2018

Sida tuberculata R.E.Fr. (Malvaceae) is a medicinal plant widely found in Southern Brazil, and popularly used for inflammatory disorders and to pain relief. A phytochemical analysis followed by an investigation about antinociceptive potential and mechanism of action were performed with leaves and roots extracts. Methanolic extracts, designated as S. tuberculata leaves extract (STLE) and S. tuberculata roots extract, were analyzed both by UHPLC–MS. The in vivo antinociceptive potential of STLE (10–300 mg kg−1) was assessed in mice subjected to the acetic acid‐induced abdominal writhes and formalin model. Agonist/antagonist tests and computational docking suggest the involvement of opioid and adenosinergic systems. The main chemical class detected on extracts was the ecdysteroids, and 20‐hydoxyecdysone (20HE) was confirmed as the major phytoconstituent. The pretreatment with STLE (100 mg kg−1) reduced more than 70% abdominal contortions induced by acetic acid model and produced significant inhibition on formalin‐induced licking response. The mechanism of action study revealed STLE might act through opioid and adenosine systems. Molecular docking suggested kaempferol derivative and 20HE might interacting with μ‐opioid receptor. Thus, the results suggest the existence of antinociceptive potential from S. tuberculata extracts being in accordance to the traditional use.
A Bayesian regularized mediation analysis with multiple exposures
Authors: Wang Yu‐Bo , Chen Zhen , Goldstein Jill M. , Buck Louis Germaine M. , Gilman Stephen E.
Published: October 2018

Mediation analysis assesses the effect of study exposures on an outcome both through and around specific mediators. While mediation analysis involving multiple mediators has been addressed in recent literature, the case of multiple exposures has received little attention. With the presence of multiple exposures, we consider regularizations that allow simultaneous effect selection and estimation while stabilizing model fit and accounting for model selection uncertainty. In the framework of linear structural‐equation models, we analytically show that a two‐stage approach regularizing regression coefficients does not guarantee a unimodal posterior distribution and that a product‐of‐coefficient approach regularizing direct and indirect effects tends to penalize excessively. We propose a regularized difference‐of‐coefficient approach that bypasses these limitations. Using the connection between regularizations and Bayesian hierarchical models with Laplace prior, we develop an efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm for posterior estimation and inference. Through simulations, we show that the proposed approach has better empirical performances compared to some alternatives. The methodology is illustrated using data from two epidemiological studies in human reproduction.
A Mild and Efficient One‐Pot Preparation of 1,2,4‐Oxadiazoles from Nitriles and Carboxylic Acids Using Vilsmeier Reagent
Authors: Zarei Maaroof
Published: October 2018

A one‐pot synthesis of 1,2,4‐oxadiazoles has been achieved from the corresponding amidoximes and carboxylic acids or from nitriles, hydroxylamine and carboxylic acids, employing the OH activation property of the Vilsmeier reagent. The precursor O‐acylamidoxime could be derived in situ which underwent an intramolecular cyclization in the presence of Vilsmeier reagent to afford 1,2,4‐oxadiazole. The products were simply obtained in good to excellent yields under mild condition and compatible with a range of functional groups. Utilization of easy workup and purification of products make it very interesting.
Efficient Synthesis of α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones from Primary Alcohols and Ketones over Mg2+‐Modified NiGa Hydrotalcites
Authors: Zhai Shaoyan , Zhou Weiyou , Dai Xuan , Yang Song , Qian Junfeng , Sun Fu'an , He Mingyang , Chen Qun
Published: October 2018

A series of Mg2+ modified NiGa hydrotalcites have been prepared and systematically characterized, and investigated in the aerobic oxidation/ aldol condensation tandem reactions between alcohols and ketones. The results indicated that Mg2+ in the structure could effectively enhance the surface basicity of the NiGa hydrotalcites, and significantly accelerate the aerobic oxidation/ condensation tandem reactions between aromatic alcohols and ketones. Effects of reaction conditions have been discussed, and the catalytic system exhibited good tolerance for various substrates. A series of controlled experiments proved bifunctional roles of the NiMgGa hydrotalcites in the tandem reaction.
Novel Palladium‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Addition of Aryl Bromides to Aldehydes as Key to the Synthesis of 3,3‐Dimethylchroman‐4‐ones and 3,3‐Dimethylchroman‐4‐ols
Authors: Viana Hugo , Marques Carolina S. , Correia Camille A. , Gilmore Kerry , Galvão Luís , Vieira Letícia , Seeberger Peter H. , Burke Anthony J.
Published: October 2018

Many benzofused cyclic chiral alcohols are biologically active and a variety of synthetic methods has been developed to access these structures. Palladium‐catalyzed intramolecular nucleophilic addition reactions of aryl boron and aryl halide compounds to carbonyls are useful, but control over the cyclization to give a single product has to‐date proven challenging. Here, we describe the first controlled intramolecular nucleophilic addition of aryl bromides to aldehydes, providing the corresponding cycloalkanol or cyclic ketone derivatives simply by changing the base or the ligand. Ten new 3,3‐dimethylchroman‐4‐ol derivatives and six new 3,3‐dimethylchroman‐4‐ones were prepared (with up to 91% conversion and 46% ee).
Optofluidic Modular Blocks for On‐Demand and Open‐Source Prototyping of Microfluidic Systems
Authors: Lee Yujin , Kim Byeongyeon , Oh Insung , Choi Sungyoung
Published: October 2018

Rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices has advanced greatly, along with the development of 3D printing and micromachining technologies. However, peripheral systems for microfluidics still rely on conventional equipment, such as bench‐top microscopy and syringe pumps, which limit system modification and further improvements. Herein, optofluidic modular blocks are presented as discrete elements to modularize peripheral optical and fluidic systems and are used for on‐demand and open‐source prototyping of whole microfluidic systems. Each modular block is fabricated by embedding optical or fluidic devices into the corresponding 3D‐printed housing. The self‐interlocking structure of the modular blocks enables easy assembly and reconfiguration of the blocks in an intuitive manner, while also providing precise optical and fluidic alignment between the blocks. With the library of standardized modular blocks developed here, how the blocks can be easily assembled to build whole microfluidic systems for blood compatibility testing, droplet microfluidics, and cell migration assays is demonstrated. Based on the simplicity of assembling the optofluidic blocks, the prototyping platform can be easily used for open‐source sharing of digital design files, assembly and operation instructions, and block specifications, thereby making it easy for nonexperts to implement microfluidic ideas as physical systems.
A Nonpresodiate Sodium‐Ion Capacitor with High Performance
Authors: Li Shaohui , Chen Jingwei , Gong Xuefei , Wang Jiangxin , Lee Pooi See
Published: October 2018

Sodium‐ion capacitors (SICs) have received intensive attention due to their high energy density, high power density, long cycle life, and low cost of sodium. However, the lack of high‐performance anode materials and the tedious presodiation process hinders the practical applications of SICs. A simple and effective strategy is reported to fabricate a high‐performance SIC using Fe1−xS as the anode material and an ether‐based electrolyte. The Fe1−xS electrode is found to undergo a reversible intercalation reaction after the first cycle, resulting in fast kinetics and excellent reversibility. The Fe1−xS electrode delivers a high capacity of 340 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1, 179 mAh g−1 at high current of 5 A g−1 and an ultralong cycling performance with 95% capacity retention after 7000 cycles. Coupled with a carbon‐based cathode, a high‐performance SIC without the presodiation process is successfully fabricated. The hybrid device demonstrates an excellent energy density of 88 Wh kg−1 and superior power density of 11 500 W kg−1, as well as an ultralong lifetime of 9000 cycles with over 93% capacity retention. An innovative and efficient way to fabricate SICs with both high energy and power density utilizing ether‐based electrolytes can be realized to eliminate the presodiation process.
Inorganic CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells: The Progress and Perspective
Authors: Zeng Qingsen , Zhang Xiaoyu , Liu Chongming , Feng Tanglue , Chen Zhaolai , Zhang Wei , Zheng Weitao , Zhang Hao , Yang Bai
Published: October 2018

Cesium‐based all‐inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs), especially for CsPbI2Br component‐based devices, have attracted increasing attention due to its advantage of superior thermal and phase stability. Since the pioneering study reported in 2016, more than 30 papers have been published, reporting the rapid boost in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs to 14.81%. The CsPbI2Br PSC is one of the most remarkable research hotspots in the field of perovskite photovoltaics. In this progress report, the recent advances in CsPbI2Br PSCs are systematically reviewed, which in turn introduces the basic property and stability of active layers, and the performance improvements in these devices. The challenges as well as the possible solutions toward better‐performing CsPbI2Br PSCs are also discussed. The theoretical calculation results point out that there is much room for further device performance enhancement, particularly in open‐circuit voltages. This progress report focuses on CsPbI2Br material properties and summarizes recent strategies to improve the corresponding device's PCE, in order to open new perspectives toward commercial utility of PSCs.
Evaluating the environmental impacts of recycling wind turbines
Authors: Jensen Jonas Pagh
Published: October 2018

Wind power is one of the fastest growing renewable energy sources. The wind turbines have an expected design lifetime in the range of 20 to 25 years after which decommissioning is expected. The trend in the wind turbine industry is that the turbines increase in size—especially when considering offshore wind turbines in the 7 to 8 MW size range. Life cycle assessments show that the materials used for manufacturing the turbines accounts for 70 to 80% of the environmental impact, so ensuring optimal recycling at the end‐of‐service‐life is of economic and environmental interest and in line with the principles of transitioning towards a circular economy. The decommissioning and recycling process is analysed in this paper, with special considerations given to the environmental aspects of a theoretical 100% recyclability scenario. This includes cradle‐to‐gate life‐cycle inventory analysis of the materials, embedded energy, and CO2‐equivalent emissions. The findings show that established recycling methods are present for most of the materials and that recycling of a 60 MW wind park at end‐of‐service‐life provides environmental benefits as well as lowering the natural resource use and securing resources for use in the future. The saved energy is estimated to approximately 81 TJ. The reduction in emissions related to the recycling of wind turbine material totals approximately 7351 ton CO2.
Developing the Oxidation Kinetic Model for Magnetite Pellet
Authors: Sandeep Kumar T. K. , Viswanathan N. N. , Ahmed H. , Dahlin A. , Andersson C. , Bjorkman B.
Published: October 2018

Oxidation is a vital phenomenon for magnetite pellets in their excursion through the furnace during induration. One of the pre-requisites for magnetite pellets to achieve homogeneously structured good quality pellets is to have complete oxidation before sintering begins. Partially oxidized magnetite pellets, upon sintering, might result in inhomogeneous structured pellets which could be detrimental to pellet quality. It is necessary to understand the mechanisms responsible for magnetite oxidation, and hence, it is intended in this study to investigate experimentally as well as develop a mathematical model based on oxidation kinetics. Oxidation of pellets is largely influenced by the oxidation kinetics of particles and hence should be studied at particle as well as at pellet scale. The principles of the Grain Model have been adopted to develop the Oxidation Model at pellet scale, whereas the particles’ oxidation follows the Avrami Kinetic Model. Isothermal oxidation experiments performed Thermogravimetric Analyzer showed that oxidation rate of magnetite at pellet scale contained two peaks. They were complemented well by oxidation rates predicted from the model. Further, the pellet was investigated microstructurally at pellet and particle scale to substantiate the findings from the experiments and the model. The oxidation model developed is used to predict the progression of oxidation in the magnetite pellet with respect to the reaction time at three different temperatures (873 K, 973 K, and 1073 K (600 °C, 700 °C, and 800 °C)) and at four levels of oxygen (0.21, 0.30, 0.60, and 1.00 atm) in the oxidizing gas.
Cognition and functionality in delusional disorder
Authors: Díaz-Caneja Covadonga M. , Cervilla Jorge A. , Haro Josep M. , Arango Celso , Portugal Enrique de
Published: October 2018

Background:

Even if neurocognition is known to affect functional outcomes in schizophrenia, no previous study has explored the impact of cognition on functionality in delusional disorder (DD). We aimed to assess the effect of clinical characteristics, symptom dimensions and neuropsychological performance on psychosocial functioning and self-perceived functional impairment in DD.

Methods:

Seventy-five patients with a SCID-I confirmed diagnosis of DD underwent neurocognitive testing using a neuropsychological battery examining verbal memory, attention, working memory and executive functions. We assessed psychotic symptoms with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, and calculated factor scores for four clinical dimensions: Paranoid, Cognitive, Affective and Schizoid. We conducted hierarchical linear regression models to identify predictors of psychosocial functioning, as measured with the Global Assessment of Functioning scale, and self-perceived functional impairment, as measured with the Sheehan’s Disability Inventory.

Results:

In the final linear regression models, higher scores in the Paranoid (β= 0.471, p <.001, r2 = 0.273) and Cognitive (β = 0.325, p <.001, r2 = 0.180) symptomatic dimensions and lower scores in verbal memory (β = −0.273, p <.05, r2 = 0.075) were significantly associated with poorer psychosocial functioning in patients with DD. Lower scores in verbal memory (β= −0.337, p <.01, r2 = 0.158) and executive functions (β= −0.323, p <.01, r2 = 0.094) were significantly associated with higher self-perceived disability.

Conclusions:

Impaired verbal memory and cognitive symptoms seem to affect functionality in DD, above and beyond the severity of the paranoid idea. This suggests a potential role for cognitive interventions in the management of DD.
Poor clinical outcomes associated with community-onset urinary tract infections due to extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Anesi Judith A. , Lautenbach Ebbing , Nachamkin Irving , Garrigan Charles , Bilker Warren B. , Omorogbe Jacqueline , Dankwa Lois , Wheeler Mary K. , Tolomeo Pam , Han Jennifer H. ,   for the CDC Prevention Epicenters Program
Published: October 2018

Objective

Resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESC) among Enterobacteriaceae (EB) is increasingly prevalent. We sought to determine the clinical outcomes associated with community-onset ESC-resistant (ESC-R) EB urinary tract infections (UTIs) in a US health system.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Patients

All patients presenting to the emergency departments (EDs) or outpatient practices with EB UTIs between 2010 and 2013 were included. Exposed patients had ESC-R EB UTIs. Unexposed patients had ESC-susceptible EB UTIs and were matched to exposed subjects 1:1 on study year. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between ESC-R EB UTI and the outcomes of clinical failure and inappropriate initial antibiotic therapy (IIAT).

Results

A total of 302 patients with community-onset EB UTI were included, with 151 exposed and unexposed. On multivariable analyses, UTI due to an ESC-R EB was significantly associated with clinical failure (odds ratio [OR], 7.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.16–15.82; P<.01). Other independent risk factors for clinical failure included infection with Citrobacter spp and need for hemodialysis. UTI due to an ESC-R EB was also significantly associated with IIAT (OR, 4.40; 95% CI, 2.64–7.33; P<.01).

Conclusions

Community-onset UTI due to an ESC-R EB organism is significantly associated with clinical failure, which may be due in part to IIAT. Further studies are needed to determine which patients in the community are at high risk for drug-resistant infection to help inform prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic prescribing for ESC-R EB.
Arc-related high-K magmatism in the Ceuta Peninsula (Internal Rif, Spain): discovery and consequences
Authors: Homonnay Emmanuelle , Lardeaux Jean-Marc , Corsini Michel , El Bakili Asmae , Bosch Delphine , Bruguier Olivier , Ouazzani-Touhami Mohamed
Published: October 2018

We document the occurrence of micro-diorite magmatic sills, with magmatic enclaves, in the Ceuta Peninsula within metapelites from the Lower Sebtides units (Internal Rif). All magmatic rocks show a primary magmatic mineralogy and geochemical signature diagnostic for high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic island arc magmatism. Moreover, these rocks are significantly affected by secondary metamorphic transformations under greenschist- to amphibolite-facies conditions, regionally dated atc. 21 Ma. Geometric relationships between the sills and the main regional foliation, developed under intermediate-pressure granulite-facies conditions atc. 28 Ma, demonstrate that the sills emplaced during the late stage of this main tectonic event. New U–Pbin situanalyses of monazite performed on the micro-diorite sills provide an age of 20.64 ± 0.19 Ma, coherent with this chronological framework and interpreted as the age of greenschist-facies re-equilibration. The discovery of pre-Miocene high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic arc-related magmatism is clearly consistent with the subduction context proposed for the Alboran Basin evolution, according to geophysical investigations. In this framework, the Lower Sebtides units could be considered as part of the upper plate of the subduction system, while the Upper Sebtides must be regarded as the lower subducted plate.
LUSTERNIK–SCHNIRELMANN CATEGORY BASED ON THE DISCRETE CONLEY INDEX THEORY
Authors: YOKOI KATSUYA
Published: October 2018

We study Lusternik–Schnirelmann type categories for isolated invariant sets by the use of the discrete Conley index.
CONFIDENCE IN BELIEFS AND RATIONAL DECISION MAKING
Authors: Hill Brian
Published: October 2018

The standard, Bayesian account of rational belief and decision is often argued to be unable to cope properly with severe uncertainty, of the sort ubiquitous in some areas of policy making. This paper tackles the question of what should replace it as a guide for rational decision making. It defends a recent proposal, which reserves a role for the decision maker’s confidence in beliefs. Beyond being able to cope with severe uncertainty, the account has strong normative credentials on the main fronts typically evoked as relevant for rational belief and decision. It fares particularly well, we argue, in comparison to other prominent non-Bayesian models in the literature.
IN PURSUIT OF SOCIAL PROGRESS
Authors: Adler Matthew , Fleurbaey Marc
Published: October 2018

In 2014, the New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof wrote: ‘Some of the smartest thinkers on problems at home and around the world are university professors, but most of them just don't matter in today's great debates … I write this in sorrow, for I considered an academic career and deeply admire the wisdom found on university campuses. So, professors, don't cloister yourselves like medieval monks – we need you!’ At that time, a group of academics were working to launch the International Panel on Social Progress, with the aim of preparing a report analysing the current prospects for improving our societies.1 It gathered about 300 researchers from more than 40 countries and from all disciplines of the social sciences, law and philosophy.
THE WORK CALLED CONGESTA AND FIFTEENTH-CENTURY ENGLISH THEOLOGY
Authors: WENZEL SIEGFRIED
Published: October 2018

Congesta, written about the middle of the fifteenth century in England and only partially preserved, is a massive sermon commentary, originally in five volumes, covering the Sundays of the church year, some feast days and common sermons for saints, and two special occasions (“In Time of Persecution” and “For Religious”). Of the entire cycle only forty-six sermons are extant in two manuscripts (Oxford, Magdalen College MSS 96 and 212). The commentary deals at great length with the Epistle or Gospel lection of the respective Mass. Its anonymous author, probably an English Carthusian, excerpted long passages from over 130 named authors and anonymous works, including Petrus Berchorius, Saint Brigid of Sweden, and the Imitatio Christi. The sermons, which are basically moral postillation of the lections and show much concern with the qualities of a good pastor, can be seen as part of the reforming tendencies in the English church marked especially by Thomas Gascoigne. The article describes and discusses the sermon cycle, analyzes the sermon for 23 Trinity, and discusses the structure of the sermons and some of the authors of the later Middle Ages that are quoted or excerpted. An appendix lists the authors and anonymous works quoted in alphabetical order.
Diagnosing Zygosity in Giant Panda Twins Using Short Tandem Repeats
Authors: Qiao Maiju , Zhou Yingmin , Connor Thomas , Li Rengui , Tang Dan , Zhang Hemin , Ran Jianghong
Published: October 2018

The giant panda, native to mountains of south-west China, is one of the world's rarest bear species and is subject to considerable conservation effort. In captivity, the proportion of twins accounts for 54% of the total number of births. To date, little is known about zygosity in panda populations — specifically, the proportion of monozygotic and dizygotic twins. In this study, we used 10 microsatellite markers for reliable zygosity testing, and the probability of monozygotic twins was 99.963% when all 10 markers were concordant. Out of 43 studied twin pairs, no MZ twins were found, indicating that there may be no identical panda twins (or the incidence is very low). We speculate that the fertilized eggs of giant pandas do not have the capability to split into two identical embryos, or that this ability is very poor, which is likely due to delayed implantation that is common in bear species. The results of this study deepen our understanding of giant panda breeding, yield insight into panda twins’ likely mechanism of formation, and reduce the uncertainty of individual identity in wild population surveys.
Suicide Attempters, Suicide Ideators, and Non-Ideators
Authors: Teismann Tobias , Paashaus Laura , Siegmann Paula , Nyhuis Peter , Wolter Marcus , Willutzki Ulrike
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Background: Suicide ideation is a prerequisite for suicide attempts. However, the majority of ideators will never act on their thoughts. It is therefore crucial to understand factors that differentiate those who consider suicide from those who make suicide attempts. Aim: Our aim was to investigate the role of protective factors in differentiating non-ideators, suicide ideators, and suicide attempters. Method: Inpatients without suicide ideation ( n = 32) were compared with inpatients with current suicide ideation ( n = 37) and with inpatients with current suicide ideation and a lifetime history of suicide attempts ( n = 26) regarding positive mental health, self-esteem, trust in higher guidance, social support, and reasons for living. Results: Non-ideators reported more positive mental health, social support, reasons for living, and self-esteem than suicide ideators and suicide attempters did. No group differences were found regarding trust in higher guidance. Suicide ideators and suicide attempters did not differ regarding any of the study variables. Limitations: Results stem from a cross-sectional study of suicide attempts; thus, neither directionality nor generalizability to fatal suicide attempts can be determined. Conclusion: Various protective factors are best characterized to distinguish ideators from nonsuicidal inpatients. However, the same variables seem to offer no information about the difference between ideators and attempters.
Subclinical hypothyroidism and depression: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao T. , Chen B. M. , Zhao X. M. , Shan Z. Y.
Published: October 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and depression. We also analysed the effect of levothyroxine (L-T4) on depression in SCH patients. We found an insignificant difference for the composite endpoint: standard mean difference (SMD) of 0.23 (95% confidence interval (CI) −0.03, 0.48, P = 0.08, I2 = 73.6%). The odds ratio (OR) for depressive patients was 1.75 (95% CI 0.97, 3.17 P = 0.064, I2 = 64.6%). Furthermore, sub-group analysis according to age found that SCH was related to depression in younger patients (<60 years old), as defined by the diagnosis of depression: OR of 3.8 (95% CI 1.02, 14.18, P = 0.047, I2 = 0.0%) or an increase on the depressive scale: SMD of 0.42 (95% CI 0.03, 0.82, P = 0.036, I2 = 66.6%). Meanwhile, SCH did not associate with depression in older patients (≥60 years old), as defined by the diagnosis of depression: OR of 1.53 (95% CI 0.81, 2.90, P = 0.193, I2 = 71.3%) or an increase on the depressive scale: SMD of 0.03 (95%CI −0.31, 0.37, P = 0.857, I2 = 79.8%). We also found an insignificant difference in the composite endpoint between the L-T4 supplementation group and placebo group in SCH patients. The estimated SMD was 0.26 (95% CI −0.09, 0.62, P = 0.143, I2 = 52.9%). This meta-analysis demonstrates that SCH is not connected to depression. However, sub-group analysis according to age found that SCH is related to depression in younger patients, but not in older patients. Furthermore, we failed to find an effect of L-T4 supplementation treatment for SCH on depression.
Changes in human footprint drive changes in species extinction risk
Authors: Di Marco Moreno , Venter Oscar , Possingham Hugh P. , Watson James E. M.
Published: October 2018

Predicting how species respond to human pressure is essential to anticipate their decline and identify appropriate conservation strategies. Both human pressure and extinction risk change over time, but their inter-relationship is rarely considered in extinction risk modelling. Here we measure the relationship between the change in terrestrial human footprint (HFP)—representing cumulative human pressure on the environment—and the change in extinction risk of the world’s terrestrial mammals. We find the values of HFP across space, and its change over time, are significantly correlated to trends in species extinction risk, with higher predictive importance than environmental or life-history variables. The anthropogenic conversion of areas with low pressure values (HFP < 3 out of 50) is the most significant predictor of change in extinction risk, but there are biogeographical variations. Our framework, calibrated on past extinction risk trends, can be used to predict the impact of increasing human pressure on biodiversity.
Author Correction: Biologically driven DOC release from peatlands during recovery from acidification
Authors: Kang Hojeong , Kwon Min Jung , Kim Sunghyun , Lee Seunghoon , Jones Timothy G. , Johncock Anna C. , Haraguchi Akira , Freeman Chris
Published: October 2018

The original version of this Article contained an error in the Acknowledgements, which incorrectly omitted from the end the following: ‘In particular, we thank the staff of the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (including A. Burden, N. Ostle and C. Evans) in relation to a NERC grant involving CF & TJ (NE/E011748/1; 2007–2010), which established the sites from which the UK samples were subsequently collected.’ This has been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Role of noise and parametric variation in the dynamics of gene regulatory circuits
Authors: Kohar Vivek , Lu Mingyang
Published: October 2018

Stochasticity in gene expression impacts the dynamics and functions of gene regulatory circuits. Intrinsic noises, including those that are caused by low copy number of molecules and transcriptional bursting, are usually studied by stochastic simulations. However, the role of extrinsic factors, such as cell-to-cell variability and heterogeneity in the microenvironment, is still elusive. To evaluate the effects of both the intrinsic and extrinsic noises, we develop a method, named sRACIPE, by integrating stochastic analysis with random circuit perturbation (RACIPE) method. RACIPE uniquely generates and analyzes an ensemble of models with random kinetic parameters. Previously, we have shown that the gene expression from random models form robust and functionally related clusters. In sRACIPE we further develop two stochastic simulation schemes, aiming to reduce the computational cost without sacrificing the convergence of statistics. One scheme uses constant noise to capture the basins of attraction, and the other one uses simulated annealing to detect the stability of states. By testing the methods on several synthetic gene regulatory circuits and an epithelial–mesenchymal transition network in squamous cell carcinoma, we demonstrate that sRACIPE can interpret the experimental observations from single-cell gene expression data. We observe that parametric variation (the spread of parameters around a median value) increases the spread of the gene expression clusters, whereas high noise merges the states. Our approach quantifies the robustness of a gene circuit in the presence of noise and sheds light on a new mechanism of noise-induced hybrid states. We have implemented sRACIPE as an R package.
Coevolution of Environmental Perception and Cooperative Behavior in Evacuation Crowd
Authors: Dong Zehua , Chen Maoyin , Cheng Yuan , Zheng Xiaoping
Published: October 2018

For the evacuation crowd of social agents, environment plays a big effect on the behavior and decision of the agents. When facing the uncertain environment, the behavior and decision of agents depend heavily on the perception of environment. Therefore, the cooperation between agents and their perception of environment may coexist during evacuation. Here we establish a mechanism to analyze the coevolution between the cooperation of agents and the perception of environment. In detail, we use a regular square lattice with periodic boundaries, where two payoff matrices are used to describe two kinds of games between neighbors in the safe and dangerous environments. For individual agent, its perception can be adjusted by interacting with neighboring agents. When the environment is generally considered dangerous, the fraction of cooperative agents keeps at a high level, even if the value of b is very large. When all the agents think that the environment is safe, the fraction of cooperation will decrease as the value of b increases.
Proteomic landscape of seminal plasma associated with dairy bull fertility
Authors: Viana A. G. A. , Martins A. M. A. , Pontes A. H. , Fontes W. , Castro M. S. , Ricart C. A. O. , Sousa M. V. , Kaya A. , Topper E. , Memili E. , Moura A. A.
Published: October 2018

Male fertility is the ability of sperm to fertilize the egg and sustain embryo development. Several factors determine the fertilizing capacity of mammalian sperm, including those intrinsic to sperm and components of the seminal plasma. The present study analyzed the seminal fluid proteome ofBos taurusand potential associations between proteins and fertility scores. Mass spectrometry coupled with nano HPLC allowed the identification of 1,159 proteins in the dairy bull seminal plasma. There were 50 and 29 seminal proteins more abundant in high (HF) low fertility (LF) bulls, respectively. Based on multivariate analysis, C-type natriuretic peptide, TIMP-2, BSP5 and sulfhydryl oxidase indicated relationship with HF bulls. Clusterin, tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2, galectin-3-binding protein and 5′-nucleotidase were associated with LF bulls. Abundance of NAD(P)(+)-arginine ADP-ribosyltransferase, prosaposin and transmembrane protein 2 proteins had the highest positive correlations with fertility ranking. Quantities of vitamin D-binding protein, nucleotide exchange factor SIL1 and galectin-3-binding protein showed the highest negative correlations with fertility ranking. A fertility ranking score was calculated and the relationship with these proteins was significant (Spearman’s rho = 0.94). The present findings represent a major and novel contribution to the study of bovine seminal proteins. Indicators of fertility can be used to improve reproductive biotechnologies.
Angstrom Thick ZnO Passivation Layer to Improve the Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Performance of a TiO2 Nanowire Photoanode: The Role of Deposition Temperature
Authors: Ghobadi Amir , Ghobadi Turkan Gamze Ulusoy , Karadas Ferdi , Ozbay Ekmel
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we demonstrate that angstrom thick single atomic layer deposited (ALD) ZnO passivation can significantly improve the photoelectrochemical (PEC) activity of hydrothermally grown TiO2 NWs. It is found that this ultrathin ZnO coating can passivate the TiO2 surface defect states without hampering the carrier’s transfer dynamics. Moreover, a substantial improvement can be acquired by changing the deposition temperature of the ZnO layer (80 °C, and 250 °C) and named as 80 °C TiO2-ZnO, and 250 °C TiO2-ZnO. It was found that the deposition of this single layer in lower temperatures can lead to higher PEC activity compared to that deposited in higher ones. As a result of our PEC characterizations, it is proved that photoconversion efficiency of bare TiO2 NWs can be improved by a factor of 1.5 upon coating it with a single ZnO layer at 80 °C. Moreover, considering the fact that this layer is a passivating coating rather than a continuous layer, it also keeps the PEC stability of the design while this feature cannot be obtained in a thick shell layer case. This paper proposes a bottom up approach to control the electron transfer dynamics in a heterojunction design and it can be applied to other metal oxide combinations.
UV light assisted antibiotics for eradication of in vitro biofilms
Authors: Argyraki Aikaterini , Markvart Merete , Stavnsbjerg Camilla , Kragh Kasper Nørskov , Ou Yiyu , Bjørndal Lars , Bjarnsholt Thomas , Petersen Paul Michael
Published: October 2018

The overuse of antibiotics is accelerating the bacterial resistance, and therefore there is a need to reduce the amount of antibiotics used for treatment. Here, we demonstrate in vitro that specific wavelengths in a narrow range around 296 nm are able to eradicate bacteria in the biofilm state (grown for 24 hours) more effectively, than antibiotics and the combination of irradiation and antibiotics is even better, introducing a novel concept light assisted antibiotics. The investigated wavelength range was 249 nm to 338 nm with an approximate step of 5 nm. The novel concept that consists of a UV irradiation treatment followed by a tobramycin treatment can significantly reduce the amount of antibiotics needed for eradicating mature bacterial biofilms. The efficiency of the proposed light assisted antibiotics method was compared to combinatory antibiotic treatment and highly concentrated antibiotic monotherapy. The eradication efficacies, on mature biofilms, achieved by light assisted antibiotic and by the antibiotic monotherapy at approximately 10-fold higher concentration, were equivalent. The present achievement could motivate the development of light assisted antibiotic treatments for treating infections.
Genetic analysis of endangered hog deer (Axis porcinus) reveals two distinct lineages from the Indian subcontinent
Authors: Gupta Sandeep Kumar , Kumar Ajit , Angom Sangeeta , Singh Bhim , Ghazi Mirza Ghazanfar Ullah , Tuboi Chongpi , Hussain Syed Ainul
Published: October 2018

The hog deer (Axis porcinus) is threatened by habitat alteration, fragmentation, and poaching, which have led to a drastic decline of its wild population. Two subspecies of A. porcinus have been described from its distribution range. A. p. porcinus is reported to occur from Pakistan along the Himalayan foothills through Nepal, India and Myanmar, and A. p. annamiticus is found in Thailand, Indo-China, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. However, the current distribution range of A. p. annamiticus is still unclear. We used the partial control region (CR) of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and seven microsatellite loci to investigate the intra-species structure, differentiation, and demographic history of hog deer populations from three landscapes, the Terai Arc, Northeast, and Indo-Burma (Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP), Manipur, India) landscapes. We also carried out divergence time estimation using the complete mitogenome. The level of variation was ~4%, and the time of divergence of the KLNP population and the other Indian populations was about 0.22 Mya, i.e., during the last glaciation periods of the Late Pleistocene/Early Holocene. The KLNP haplotypes of the control region were shared with the Southeast Asian subspecies, A. p. annamiticus. The results of the investigations of the microsatellite loci supported the mtDNA results unambiguously. Two genetically distinct lineages are found in India: one is found from the Terai Arc to Assam (A. p. porcinus) and the other in Manipur (A. p. annamiticus). The genetic diversity in KLNP was low and exhibited a higher degree of genetic differentiation compared with major Indian populations. The Bayesian skyline plots indicated that after a long phase of historic demographic stability, the populations of both the lineages of hog deer suffered pronounced declines during the period from ~800 years BP to 5000 years BP. In summary, our finding provided evidence that the KLNP population is probably a prime, isolated and sustaining stock of A. p. annamiticus and should be managed as evolutionarily significant units (ESUs).