bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of thermal analysis in the development of high-iron-content kaolinite-based photocatalysts
Authors: Vágvölgyi Veronika , Győrfi Katalin , Zsirka Balázs , Horváth Erzsébet , Kristóf János
Published: February 2020

Dynamic and controlled-rate thermogravimetric analyses have been carried out on acid-treated (11 and 5.8 M HCl), high-iron-content kaolinites as potential photocatalysts. The mineral contaminants were determined by XRD, while the defect sites of reduced coordination number obtained by surface treatments were identified with 27Al MAS NMR spectroscopy. Upon heating, water is evolved from the surface-treated samples in three main stages: (1) removal of adsorbed water up to ~ 200 °C, (2) goethite dehydroxylation between 200 and 350 °C and (3) dehydroxylation of the clay in the 300–700 °C temperature range. Identification of water released from the above mass loss steps is difficult due to the significant overlap of steps 2 and 3, as well as to the presence of coordinated water at broken edges and defect sites (–OH2+
groups). As a result, the thermal behavior of surface-treated kaolinites should be taken into account both in the preparation of hybrids/composites and in the acid–base characterization of the catalytic surface.
Whom should we ask? A systematic literature review of the arguments regarding the most accurate source of information for valuation of health states
Authors: Helgesson Gert , Ernstsson Olivia , Åström Mimmi , Burström Kristina
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To determine and critically evaluate the arguments in the published literature regarding the most accurate source of information for valuation of health states: values based on experienced health states (patient values) or values based on described health states (general public values).
Why are there so few ethnic minorities in ecology and evolutionary biology? Challenges to inclusion and the role of sense of belonging
Authors: O’Brien Laurie T. , Bart Henry L. , Garcia Donna M.
Published: February 2020

African Americans and other ethnic minorities are severely underrepresented in both graduate education and among the professoriate in ecology and evolutionary biology (EEB). In the present research, we take a social psychological approach to studying inclusion by examining interrelationships among challenges to inclusion, the sense of belonging, and interest in pursuing graduate education in EEB. We conducted a survey of African American (N = 360), Latino/a/Hispanic (N = 313), White (N = 709), and Asian/Asian American (N = 524) college undergraduates majoring in science, technology, engineering, and math fields and used the results to test several interrelated hypotheses derived from our theoretical model. Compared to Whites, ethnic minorities were more likely to experience challenges to inclusion in EEB (e.g., less exposure to ecology, fewer same-race role models, discomfort in outdoor environments). Challenges to inclusion were associated with a decreased sense of belonging in EEB educational contexts. Finally, experiencing a low sense of belonging in EEB educational contexts was associated with lower interest in pursuing graduate education in EEB. Sense of belonging in EEB was especially low among African Americans relative to Whites. We discuss the implications of the study results for educational interventions.
Set-Valued Means
Authors: Nikodem Kazimierz
Published: February 2020

The notion of set-valued means is introduced. Set-valued counterparts of the arithmetic, quasi-arithmetic and Lagrangian means are investigated and various properties of them are presented.
Should I Stay or Should I Go: Partially Sedentary Populations Can Outperform Fully Dispersing Populations in Response to Climate-Induced Range Shifts
Authors: Cobbold Christina A. , Stana Remus
Published: February 2020

Global mean temperatures have increased by 0.72 $$^\circ $$∘C since the 1950s, and climate warming is resulting in geographical shifts in the range limits of many species. Climate velocity is estimated to be 0.42 km/year, and if a species fails to adapt to the new climate, it must track the location of its climatically constrained niche in order to survive. Dispersal has an important role to play in enabling a population to shift is geographical range limits, but many species are partially sedentary, with only a fraction of the population dispersing each year. We ask, can partially sedentary populations keep pace with climate or will such populations be more vulnerable to extinction? Through the development of a moving-habitat integrodifference equation model, we show that, provided climate velocity is not too large, partially sedentary populations can outperform fully dispersing populations in one of two ways: (i) by persisting at climate speeds where a fully dispersing population cannot, and (ii) exhibiting higher population densities. Moreover, we find that positive density-dependent dispersal can further improve the likelihood a population can persist. Our results highlight the positive role that non-dispersers may play in mitigating the effects of overdispersal and facilitating population persistence in a warming world.
Exercise to Reduce Mobility Disability and Prevent Falls After Fall-Related Leg or Pelvic Fracture: RESTORE Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sherrington Catherine , Fairhall Nicola , Kirkham Catherine , Clemson Lindy , Tiedemann Anne , Vogler Constance , Close Jacqueline C. T. , O’Rourke Sandra , Moseley Anne M. , Cameron Ian D. , Mak Jenson C. S. , Lord Stephen R.
Published: February 2020

Background

Disability and falls are common following fall-related lower limb and pelvic fractures.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of an exercise self-management intervention on mobility-related disability and falls after lower limb or pelvic fracture.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Participants

Three hundred thirty-six community dwellers aged 60+ years within 2 years of lower limb or pelvic fracture recruited from hospitals and community advertising.

Interventions

RESTORE (Recovery Exercises and STepping On afteR fracturE) intervention (individualized, physiotherapist-prescribed home program of weight-bearing balance and strength exercises, fall prevention advice) versus usual care.

Main Measures

Primary outcomes were mobility-related disability and rate of falls.

Key Results

Primary outcomes were available for 80% of randomized participants. There were no significant between-group differences in mobility-related disability at 12 months measured by (a) Short Physical Performance Battery (continuous version, baseline-adjusted between-group difference 0.08, 95% CI − 0.01 to 0.17, p = 0.08, n = 273); (b) Activity Measure Post Acute Care score (0.18, 95% CI − 2.89 to 3.26, p = 0.91, n = 270); (c) Late Life Disability Instrument (1.37, 95% CI − 2.56 to 5.32, p = 0.49, n = 273); or in rate of falls over the 12-month study period (incidence rate ratio 0.96, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.34, n = 336, p = 0.83). Between-group differences favoring the intervention group were evident in some secondary outcomes: balance and mobility, fall risk (Physiological Profile Assessment tool), physical activity, mood, health and community outings, but these should be interpreted with caution due to risk of chance findings from multiple analyses.

Conclusions

No statistically significant intervention impacts on mobility-related disability and falls were detected, but benefits were seen for secondary measures of balance and mobility, fall risk, physical activity, mood, health, and community outings.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12610000805077
Size Effects of Hardness and Strain Rate Sensitivity in Amorphous Silicon Measured by Nanoindentation
Authors: Jarząbek Dariusz M. , Milczarek Michał , Nosewicz Szymon , Bazarnik Piotr , Schift Helmut
Published: February 2020

In this work, dynamic mechanical properties of amorphous silicon and scale effects were investigated by the means of nanoindentation. An amorphous silicon sample was prepared by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). Next, two sets of the samples were investigated: as-deposited and annealed in 500 °C for 1 hour. A three-sided pyramidal diamond Berkovich’s indenter was used for the nanoindentation tests. In order to determine the strain rate sensitivity (SRS), indentations with different loading rates were performed: 0.1, 1, 10, 100 mN/min. Size effects were studied by application of maximum indentation loads in the range from 1 up to 5 mN (penetrating up to approximately one-third of the amorphous layer). The value of hardness was determined by the Oliver–Pharr method. An increase of hardness with decrease of the indentation depth was observed for both samples. Furthermore, the significant dependence of hardness on the strain rate has been reported. Finally, for the annealed samples at low strain rates a characteristic “elbow” during unloading was observed on the force-indentation depth curves. It could be attributed to the transformation of (β-Sn)-Si to the PI (pressure-induced) a-Si end phase.
Elective Impairment Minus Elective Disability: The Social Model of Disability and Body Integrity Identity Disorder
Authors: Gibson Richard B.
Published: February 2020

Individuals with body integrity identity disorder (BIID) seek to address a non-delusional incongruity between their body image and their physical embodiment, sometimes via the surgical amputation of healthy body parts. Opponents to the provision of therapeutic healthy-limb amputation in cases of BIID make appeals to the envisioned harms that such an intervention would cause, harms such as the creation of a lifelong physical disability where none existed before. However, this concept of harm is often based on a normative biomedical model of health and disability, a model which conflates amputation with impairment, and impairment with a disability. This article challenges the prima facie harms assumed to be inherent in limb amputation and argues in favour of a potential treatment option for those with BIID. To do this, it employs the social model of disability as a means to separate the concept of impairment and disability and thereby separate the acute and chronic harms of the practice of therapeutic healthy-limb amputation. It will then argue that provided sufficient measures are put in place to ensure that those with atypical bodily constructions are not disadvantaged, the chronic harms of elective amputation would cease to be.
Wenn CPAP nicht genutzt oder nicht vertragen wird – Vorschlag für eine standardisierte Terminologie
Authors: Fietze Ingo , Ficker Joachim H. , Heiser Clemens , Hofauer Benedikt , Schädlich Steffen , Warmuth Ralf , Stuck Boris A.
Published: February 2020

Hintergrund

Die Standardtherapie einer obstruktiven Schlafapnoe (OSA) ist die nächtliche positive Überdruckbeatmung (PAP). Sie ist in der Regel nebenwirkungsarm und stellt eine Langzeittherapie dar. Doch nicht jeder Patient toleriert oder akzeptiert die Therapie oder möchte sie fortführen. Andere müssen sie aus objektiven Gründen beenden.

Fragestellung

Klare Begrifflichkeiten für eine Nicht-Anwendung der PAP-Therapie sind bisher nicht in den Leitlinien definiert. Ziel dieses Beitrags ist es, einheitliche Definitionen einzuführen, die eine Vorlage für klinisches Handeln und wissenschaftliche Ansätze sein können.

Material und Methode

Ein Expertengremium hat sich intensiv mit der Literatur, Definitionen und Hintergrundinformationen hinsichtlich des Themas befasst. Es wurden verschiedene Möglichkeiten der PAP-Nicht-Nutzung bzw. der Beendigung der Therapie betrachtet und dementsprechend Kategorien und Definitionen zusammengestellt.

Ergebnisse

Dies sind die vom Expertengremium vorgeschlagenen Kategorien für eine PAP-Nichtbenutzung: PAP-Inakzeptanz, PAP-Unverträglichkeit, PAP-Intoleranz, PAP-Versagen und PAP-Abbruch.

Diskussion

Diese Kategorien inklusive Definition können die Grundlage für ein einheitliches Management bei Patienten/Patientinnen mit obstruktiver Schlafapnoe (OSA) sein, die auf eine PAP-Therapie eingestellt werden bzw. wurden.
Children’s perception of structures when determining cardinality of sets—results of an eye-tracking study with 5-year-old children
Authors: Sprenger Priska , Benz Christiane
Published: February 2020

The ability to perceive structures in sets and to use them to determine cardinality is one important basis for arithmetical learning. This study is based on a theoretical model that distinguishes between the two processes of perception and determination. A total of 95 5-year-old children were interviewed individually to find out whether and how children of this age perceive structures in a visually presented set and whether and how they use these structures to determine the cardinality of the set. To gain insights into the invisible process of perception, eye-tracking was used. Known structures, such as the pattern of a dice-four, seem to play a role in these processes. With the help of an analyzing process consisting of three different types of data, final interpretations were generated that suggest that 5-year-old children can already perceive structures and use them to determine cardinalities. There also seem to be children who are already aware of a structure, but cannot use it to determine the cardinality. This leads to the conclusion that perception and use of structures are possible elements for early mathematical education at this age.
Diet and Kidney Function: a Literature Review
Authors: van Westing A. C. , Küpers L. K. , Geleijnse J. M.
Published: February 2020

Purpose of Review

The burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing worldwide. For CKD prevention, it is important to gain insight in commonly consumed foods and beverages in relation to kidney function.

Recent Findings

We included 21 papers of prospective cohort studies with 3–24 years of follow-up. We focused on meat, fish, dairy, vegetables, fruit, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and dietary patterns. There was convincing evidence that a healthy dietary pattern may lower CKD risk. Plant-based foods, coffee, and dairy may be beneficial. Unhealthy diets and their components, such as red (processed) meat and sugar-sweetened beverages, may promote kidney function loss. For other foods and beverages, associations with CKD were neutral and/or the number of studies was too limited to draw conclusions.

Healthy dietary patterns are associated with a lower risk of CKD. More research is needed into the effects of specific food groups and beverages on kidney function.
Tumour-infiltrating cytotoxic T lymphocytes in somatotroph pituitary neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: Iacovazzo Donato , Chiloiro Sabrina , Carlsen Eivind , Bianchi Antonio , Giampietro Antonella , Tartaglione Tommaso , Bima Chiara , Bracaccia Maria Elena , Lugli Francesca , Lauretti Liverana , Anile Carmelo , Gessi Marco , Colosimo Cesare , Rindi Guido , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Korbonits Márta , De Marinis Laura
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Somatotroph pituitary tumours are often resistant to first-generation somatostatin analogues and can invade the surrounding structures, limiting the chances of curative surgery. Recent studies suggested that the immune microenvironment and pro-angiogenic factors can influence neuroendocrine tumour prognosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic role of immune cell-specific markers and endocan, a proteoglycan involved in neoangiogenesis and cell adhesion, in a cohort of acromegaly patients who underwent pituitary surgery as first-line treatment.

Subjects and methods

Sixty four eligible subjects were identified. CD4+, CD8+ and CD68+ cells and endocan expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and results correlated with clinical and neuroradiological findings. Responsiveness to somatostatin analogues was assessed in patients with persistent disease following surgery.

Results

The number of CD8+ lymphocytes was significantly lower in tumours with cavernous sinus invasion (median 0.2/HPF, IQR: 2.2) compared with those without cavernous sinus invasion (median 2.4/HPF, IQR: 2.3; P = 0.04). Tumours resistant to first-generation somatostatin analogues had lower CD8+ lymphocytes (median 1/HPF, IQR: 2.4) compared with responders (median 2.4/HPF, IQR: 2.9; P = 0.005). CD4+ lymphocytes were observed sporadically. The number of CD68+ macrophages and the endothelial or tumour cell endocan expression did not differ based on tumour size, cavernous sinus invasion or treatment responsiveness.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that a lower number of CD8+ lymphocytes is associated with cavernous sinus invasion and resistance to treatment with first-generation somatostatin analogues in acromegaly patients. These results highlight a potential role of the tumour immune microenvironment in determining the prognosis of somatotroph pituitary tumours.
Neuroepithelial Structures of the Oral Soft Tissues Including the Juxtaoral Organ of Chievitz: A Literature Review and Audit of Diagnosed Cases
Authors: Kennedy Robert
Published: February 2020

The juxtaoral organ of Chievitz (JOOC) is a part of microanatomy composed of bland epithelial islands closely associated with small nerves and usually described within the soft tissue on the lingual aspect of the posterior mandible. Similar structures are documented in the posterior tongue. There is a risk of misinterpretation as carcinoma showing perineural invasion. An audit was undertaken of diagnosed cases of the JOOC and similar neuroepithelial structures identified within the oral soft tissues of surgical specimens. Nineteen cases were identified. Epithelial islands ranged < 0.5–4 mm in maximum dimension and lay in close association with small nerves. Epithelial cells showed a squamoid appearance but were without keratinisation. There was no atypia and mitotic figures were not seen. In 53% of cases the epithelial cells showed cytoplasmic clearing, in 26% of cases there was brown pigment and in 11% of cases there were calcifications. In 53% of cases, these neuroepithelial structures lay within the soft tissue lingual to the mandible in the retromolar area, 26% of the structures were placed buccal to the mandible, 11% of the structures lay adjacent to the maxillary tuberosity and 11% of the structures were within the posterior tongue.
Dietary requirements of individual nectar foragers, and colony-level pollen and nectar consumption: a review to support pesticide exposure assessment for honey bees
Authors: Rodney Sara , Purdy John
Published: February 2020

Exposure to pesticides is a potential concern for pollinators that may forage on plants containing residues. A key element of estimating dietary risk to pollinators is to determine the nature and amount of food consumed by individuals. Recent efforts have focused on honey bees (Apis mellifera), of which nectar foragers are thought to be at greatest risk of dietary exposure due to their foraging behavior and high energy requirements for the flight-foraging activities. At upper tiers of pesticide risk assessment for honey bees, field studies with whole colonies are carried out to gauge effects of expected exposures; however, without knowing how much nectar and pollen is being consumed by colonies and the potential variability in these parameters, it is difficult to accurately assess risk under other untested exposure scenarios. The objective of this review was to collate available data from the literature regarding (1) the quantity of nectar required by nectar foragers and (2) the quantities of nectar, pollen, and supplements that are consumed by colonies; the purposes being to develop a database that can be used to improve exposure and risk assessments, and to identify data gaps for further research. A number of studies investigating honey bee energetics have been identified that can be used to estimate sugar requirements for foragers under different conditions (e.g., resting, flying). A few more recent studies have been able to quantify the amount of time foragers spend outside the hive. Factors requiring further investigation include levels of energy expenditure while outside the hive, and the sugar content of available nectars, which may also affect foraging behavior. At the colony level, data on food consumption are sparse and primarily anecdotal. Colony size, management, and location seem to be major factors contributing to differences in nectar foraging and honey production. Further research is needed to better quantify and predict colony use and storage of food resources.
Students’ perceptions of learning environment and their leisure-time exercise in medical school: Does sport background matter?
Authors: Babenko Oksana , Mosewich Amber , Sloychuk Janelle
Published: February 2020

Introduction The effectiveness of medical school efforts in addressing suboptimal student wellbeing rests, in part, on how students perceive their learning environment. The study aim was to determine whether students’ sport background was a contributing factor in students’ perceptions of the medical program as supportive of their basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. We also examined the relationship between sport background and students’ leisure-time exercise in medical school.

Methods Using an online questionnaire, quantitative data were collected from students enrolled in the 4‑year medical program at a large Canadian university. Two hundred (n = 200) students had complete responses on the measures used in the study. Analysis of variance and correlational analysis were used to examine the relationships between students’ sport background, their perceptions of the learning environment, and leisure-time exercise in medical school.

Results Compared with students with no sport background, students with a team sport background perceived their need for relatedness to be satisfied to a greater degree in the medical program. Students who pursued sports at higher levels of involvement (competitively) perceived the medical program as more autonomy-supportive than students who pursued sports at lower levels of involvement (recreationally). Irrespective of their sport background, students’ involvement in leisure-time exercise decreased over the years in the medical program. However, students with a sport background engaged in leisure-time exercise in medical school to a greater extent than students with no sport background.
The Effect of Thermal Processing and Chemical Composition on Secondary Carbide Precipitation and Hardness in High-Chromium Cast Irons
Authors: Guitar M. Agustina , Nayak U. Pranav , Britz Dominik , Mücklich Frank
Published: February 2020

The excellent abrasion resistance of high-chromium cast irons (HCCIs) is given by an optimal combination of hard eutectic and secondary carbides (SC) and a supporting matrix. The tailoring of the microstructure is performed by heat treatments (HTs), with the aim to adjust the final properties (such as hardness and abrasion resistance). In this work, the influence of chemical composition on the microstructure and hardness of HCCI_26%Cr is evaluated. An increase in the matrix hardness was detected after HTs resulting from combining precipitation of M23C6 SC during destabilization, and austenite/martensite transformation during quenching. Kinetic calculations of the destabilization process showed that M7C3 secondary carbides are the first to precipitate during heating, reaching a maximum at 850 °C. During subsequent heating up to 980 °C and holding at this temperature, they transformed completely to M23C6. According to the MatCalc simulations, further precipitation of M23C6 occurred during cooling, in the temperature range 980–750 °C. Both phenomena were related to experimental observations in samples quenched after 0-, 30-, 60- and 90-min destabilization, where M23C6 SC were detected together with very fine SC precipitated in areas close to eutectic carbides.
Effect of Calcination Temperature on the Structure of Chitosan-Modified Montmorillonites and their Adsorption of Aflatoxin B1
Authors: Lian Chi , Wang Gaofeng , Lv WenQiang , Sun Zhiming , Zheng Shuilin
Published: February 2020

Chitosan (CTS) modified montmorillonite (Mnt) composites (CTS-Mnt), which have been widely reported for the adsorption of heavy-metal ions and biological dyes, have not been applied to the field of mycotoxin adsorption. The current study was focused on the preparation of CTS-Mnt by calcination as a mycotoxin adsorbent for the efficient removal of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). The CTS-Mnt samples obtained were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis. The CTS-Mnt samples prepared at various calcination temperatures exhibited varying structural configurations, surface hydrophobicities, and texture properties. The results revealed that stable CTS-Mnt speciments, obtained at <350°C, displayed superior adsorption capacity for AFB1 from a simulated gastrointestinal tract, increasing from 0.51 mg/g of raw Mnt to 4.97 mg/g. With increased calcination temperature, the effect of pH on the adsorption process of AFB1 becomes negligible. This study demonstrates that the novel CTS-Mnt has tremendous potential as an AFB1 adsorbent.
The Geography of Emerging Global South Climate Change Litigation
Authors: Osofsky Hari M.
Published: February 2020

Jacqueline Peel and Jolene Lin make an important contribution to the climate change litigation literature through their analysis of emerging climate change litigation in the Global South. Their article provides insights into patterns in that litigation and implications for how the cases may fit into transnational climate change governance. As Peel and Lin discuss, context matters greatly in establishing pathways for climate change litigation and determining regulatory impact. They acknowledge that the countries that they study as a group have significant differences among them and that these differences influence how this litigation is emerging. However, their article largely focuses on differences in legal systems and available legal mechanisms. This essay builds upon their article by considering how the geography of climate change interacts with this emerging litigation.
Contestation in Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives: Enhancing the Democratic Quality of Transnational Governance
Authors: Arenas Daniel , Albareda Laura , Goodman Jennifer
Published: February 2020

This article studies multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) as spaces for both deliberation and contestation between constituencies with competing discourses and disputed values, beliefs, and preferences. We review different theoretical perspectives on MSIs, which see them mainly as spaces to find solutions to market problems (economic approach), as spaces of conflict and bargaining (political approach), or as spaces of consensus (deliberative approach). In contrast, we build on a contestatory deliberative perspective, which gives equal value to both contestation and consensus. We identify four types of internal contestation which can be present in MSIs—procedural, inclusiveness, epistemic, and ultimate-goal—and argue that embracing contestation and engaging in ongoing revision of provisional agreements, criteria, and goals can enhance the democratic quality of MSIs. Finally, we explore the implications of this perspective for theorizing about the democratic quality in MSIs and about the role of corporations in transnational governance.
The Commensurability Problem: Conceptual Difficulties in Estimating the Effect of Behavior on Behavior
Authors: BUENO DE MESQUITA ETHAN , TYSON SCOTT A.
Published: February 2020

We pose thecommensurability problem: When do the estimates generated by actual research designs correspond to quantities of theoretical interest? We study this question in settings where both treatment and outcome are behavior and the treatment effect of interest is decomposable into direct and informational channels. We establish two results. First, the quantity estimated by an actual research design is only commensurate with the total effect in the ideal experiment if treatment status in the research design is a sufficient statistic for the decision-makers’ information. Second, a research design corresponding to a nonideal experiment isolates just the direct effect in the ideal experiment if two conditions hold: (i) there is no information effect in the nonideal experiment and (ii) the decision-maker’s response function is additively separable in treatment and information. We apply our results to three substantive literatures: the efficacy of protest, the empowerment of female candidates, and indiscriminate violence in counterinsurgency.
Microbial dysbiosis-induced obesity: role of gut microbiota in homoeostasis of energy metabolism
Authors: Amabebe Emmanuel , Robert Faith O. , Agbalalah Tarimoboere , Orubu Ebiowei S. F.
Published: February 2020

The global obesity epidemic has necessitated the search for better intervention strategies including the exploitation of the health benefits of some gut microbiota and their metabolic products. Therefore, we examined the gut microbial composition and mechanisms of interaction with the host in relation to homoeostatic energy metabolism and pathophysiology of dysbiosis-induced metabolic inflammation and obesity. We also discussed the eubiotic, health-promoting effects of probiotics and prebiotics as well as epigenetic modifications associated with gut microbial dysbiosis and risk of obesity. High-fat/carbohydrate diet programmes the gut microbiota to one predominated by Firmicutes (Clostridium), Prevotella and Methanobrevibacter but deficient in beneficial genera/species such as Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Akkermansia. Altered gut microbiota is associated with decreased expression of SCFA that maintain intestinal epithelial barrier integrity, reduce bacterial translocation and inflammation and increase expression of hunger-suppressing hormones. Reduced amounts of beneficial micro-organisms also inhibit fasting-induced adipocyte factor expression leading to dyslipidaemia. A low-grade chronic inflammation (metabolic endotoxaemia) ensues which culminates in obesity and its co-morbidities. The synergy of high-fat diet and dysbiotic gut microbiota initiates a recipe that epigenetically programmes the host for increased adiposity and poor glycaemic control. Interestingly, these obesogenic mechanistic pathways that are transmittable from one generation to another can be modulated through the administration of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics. Though the influence of gut microbiota on the risk of obesity and several intervention strategies have been extensively demonstrated in animal models, application in humans still requires further robust investigation.
GAPS BETWEEN CONSECUTIVE UNTWISTING NUMBERS
Authors: MCCOY DUNCAN
Published: February 2020

For p ≥ 1, one can define a generalisation of the unknotting number tup called the pth untwisting number, which counts the number of null-homologous twists on at most 2p strands required to convert the knot to the unknot. We show that for any p ≥ 2 the difference between the consecutive untwisting numbers tup–1 and tup can be arbitrarily large. We also show that torus knots exhibit arbitrarily large gaps between tu1 and tu2.
Non-State Armed Groups and the Power to Detain in Non-International Armed Conflict
Authors: Niyo Joshua Joseph
Published: February 2020

The restriction of personal liberty is a critical feature in all conflicts, whether they are of an international character or not. With the increased prevalence of non-international armed conflict and the drastic proliferation of non-state armed groups, it is critical to explore whether such groups can legally detain or intern persons during conflict. This article proposes that there exists a power and a legal basis for armed groups to intern persons for imperative security reasons while engaged in armed conflict. It is suggested that this authorisation exists in the frameworks of both international humanitarian law and international human rights law, as it does for states engaged in such conflicts. It is proposed that such power and legal basis are particularly strong for armed groups in control of territory, and can be gleaned from certain customary law claims, treaty law, as well as some case law on international humanitarian law and human rights. Certain case law of the European Court of Human Rights on detention by de facto non-state entities conceivably reflects a change in traditional thinking on ‘legal’ detention by armed groups.
A comparative study of extraction techniques for maximum recovery of β-galactosidase from the yogurt bacterium Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus
Authors: Gyawali Rabin , Oyeniran Ayowole , Zimmerman Tahl , Aljaloud Sulaiman O. , Krastanov Albert , Ibrahim Salam A.
Published: February 2020

The study reported in this research communication evaluates the chemical (solvents) and mechanical (sonication, bead-beater) extraction methods to determine the maximum recovery of β-galactosidase from L. bulgaricus spp. Among all extraction techniques, sonication-assisted extraction yielded the highest amounts of enzyme activity (between 1892–2156 Miller Units) in cell-free extract (supernatant). Interestingly, solvent extracted enzyme activities were found to be very low (between 83–153 Miller Units) in supernatant. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the total protein determination showed that mechanical methods can completely lyse the cells. Our results thus demonstrated that the mechanical extraction method of sonication is the best one for recovering the maximum amount of lactase from L. bulgaricus strains.
Reassessment of an introduced cheetah Acinonyx jubatus population in Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe
Authors: van der Meer Esther , Sousa Lara L. , Loveridge Andrew J.
Published: February 2020

Translocations are used to mitigate human–wildlife conflict, secure population viability of isolated populations and introduce or reintroduce populations in former or new range. With wild species increasingly confined to small patches of habitat embedded in human-dominated landscapes, the use of translocations is likely to increase. The cheetah Acinonyx jubatus is a large carnivore species with a long history of translocations. As for other species, evaluation of the success of cheetah translocations is complicated by a scarcity of published results, especially of failed attempts. Yet, such information is crucial to improve future translocations. A relatively well documented case is the translocation of alleged problem cheetahs into Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe, in the early 1990s. In this study we used a combination of survey methods to reassess the status of Matusadona's cheetah population and model current occupancy in relation to densities of competing carnivores and altitude. Our findings indicate this cheetah population has effectively been extirpated, highlighting the importance of thorough planning and standardized long-term monitoring of translocated populations for the understanding of the factors that affect translocation success.
Tracking foraging green turtles in the Republic of the Congo: insights into spatial ecology from a data poor region
Authors: Metcalfe Kristian , Bréheret Nathalie , Bal Gaëlle , Chauvet Eva , Doherty Philip D. , Formia Angela , Girard Alexandre , Mavoungou Jean-Gabriel , Parnell Richard J. , Pikesley Stephen K. , Godley Brendan J.
Published: February 2020

Globally, marine turtles are considered threatened throughout their range, and therefore conservation practitioners are increasingly investing resources in marine protected areas to protect key life history stages and critical habitats, including foraging grounds, nesting beaches and inter-nesting areas. Empirical data on the distribution of these habitats and/or the spatial ecology and behaviour of individuals of many marine turtle populations are often lacking, undermining conservation efforts, particularly along the Atlantic coast of Africa. Here we contribute to the knowledge base in this region by describing patterns of habitat use for nine green turtles Chelonia mydas tagged with satellite platform transmitter terminals at a foraging ground in Loango Bay, Republic of the Congo, one of only a few documented mainland foraging grounds for marine turtles in Central Africa. Analyses of these data revealed that core areas of habitat use and occupancy for a wide range of size/age classes were restricted to shallow waters adjacent to Pointe Indienne in Loango Bay, with most individuals showing periods of high fidelity to this area. These data are timely given the Congolese government recently announced its intention to create a marine conservation zone to protect marine turtles in Loango Bay. Despite the small sample size of this study, these data exemplify the need for comprehensive strategies that span national jurisdictions, as we provide the first documented evidence of linkages between green turtle foraging sites in Central Africa (Loango Bay, Republic of the Congo) and Southern Africa (Mussulo Bay, Angola).
Posttraumatic stress disorder symptom trajectories within the first year following emergency department admissions: pooled results from the International Consortium to predict PTSD
Authors: Lowe Sarah R. , Ratanatharathorn Andrew , Lai Betty S. , van der Mei Willem , Barbano Anna C. , Bryant Richard A. , Delahanty Douglas L. , Matsuoka Yutaka J. , Olff Miranda , Schnyder Ulrich , Laska Eugene , Koenen Karestan C. , Shalev Arieh Y. , Kessler Ronald C.
Published: February 2020

Background

Research exploring the longitudinal course of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms has documented four modal trajectories (low, remitting, high, and delayed), with proportions varying across studies. Heterogeneity could be due to differences in trauma types and patient demographic characteristics.

Methods

This analysis pooled data from six longitudinal studies of adult survivors of civilian-related injuries admitted to general hospital emergency departments (EDs) in six countries (pooled N = 3083). Each study included at least three assessments of the clinician-administered PTSD scale in the first post-trauma year. Latent class growth analysis determined the proportion of participants exhibiting various PTSD symptom trajectories within and across the datasets. Multinomial logistic regression analyses examined demographic characteristics, type of event leading to the injury, and trauma history as predictors of trajectories differentiated by their initial severity and course.

Results

Five trajectories were found across the datasets: Low (64.5%), Remitting (16.9%), Moderate (6.7%), High (6.5%), and Delayed (5.5%). Female gender, non-white race, prior interpersonal trauma, and assaultive injuries were associated with increased risk for initial PTSD reactions. Female gender and assaultive injuries were associated with risk for membership in the Delayed (v. Low) trajectory, and lower education, prior interpersonal trauma, and assaultive injuries with risk for membership in the High (v. Remitting) trajectory.

Conclusions

The results suggest that over 30% of civilian-related injury survivors admitted to EDs experience moderate-to-high levels of PTSD symptoms within the first post-trauma year, with those reporting assaultive violence at increased risk of both immediate and longer-term symptoms.
Moral motivation and the evil-god challenge
Authors: WILSON LUKE
Published: February 2020

The evil-god challenge holds that theism is highly symmetrical to the evil-god hypothesis and thus it is not more reasonable to accept one rather than the other. But, since it is not reasonable to accept the evil-god hypothesis, it is not reasonable to accept theism. This article will primarily focus on defending the challenge from two recent objections which hold that it follows from the nature of moral motivation that theism is intrinsically much more likely to be true than the evil-god hypothesis. However, I will also argue that there is a different intrinsic asymmetry between the hypotheses which favours theism.
Arch intervention following stage 1 palliation in hypoplastic left heart syndrome is associated with slower feed advancement: a report from the National Pediatric Quality Cardiology Improvement Collaborative
Authors: Chaves Alicia H. , Baker-Smith Carissa M. , Rosenthal Geoffrey L.
Published: February 2020

Introduction:

Infants undergoing stage 1 palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome may have post-operative feeding difficulties. Although the cause of feeding difficulties in these patients is multi-factorial, residual arch obstruction may affect gut perfusion, contributing to feeding intolerance. We hypothesised that undergoing arch reintervention following stage 1 palliation would be associated with post-operative feeding difficulties.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study. We analysed data from the National Pediatric Cardiology Quality Improvement Collaborative, which maintains a multicentre registry for infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome discharged home following stage 1 palliation. Patients who underwent arch reintervention (percutaneous or surgical) prior to discharge following stage 1 palliation were compared with those who underwent non-aortic arch interventions after stage 1 palliation and those who underwent no intervention. Median post-operative days to full enteral feeds and weight for age z-scores were compared. Predictors of post-operative days to full feeds were identified.

Results:

Among patients who underwent arch reintervention, post-operative days to full enteral feeds were greater than for those who underwent non-aortic arch interventions (25 versus 16, p = 0.003) or no intervention (median days 25 versus 12, p < 0.001). Arch intervention, multiple interventions, gestational age, and the presence of a gastrointestinal anomaly were predictors of days to full feeds.

Conclusions:

Repeat arch intervention is associated with a longer time to achieve full enteral feeding in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome after stage 1 palliation. Further investigation of this association is needed to understand the role of arch obstruction in feeding problems in these patients.
The Risk of Cancer from CT Scans and Other Sources of Low-Dose Radiation: A Critical Appraisal of Methodologic Quality
Authors: Schultz Carl H. , Fairley Romeo , Murphy Linda Suk-Ling , Doss Mohan
Published: February 2020

Introduction:

Concern exists that radiation exposure from computerized tomography (CT) will cause thousands of malignancies. Other experts share the same perspective regarding the risk from additional sources of low-dose ionizing radiation, such as the releases from Three Mile Island (1979; Pennsylvania USA) and Fukushima (2011; Okuma, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan) nuclear power plant disasters. If this premise is false, the fear of cancer leading patients and physicians to avoid CT scans and disaster responders to initiate forced evacuations is unfounded.

Study Objective:

This investigation provides a quantitative evaluation of the methodologic quality of studies to determine the evidentiary strength supporting or refuting a causal relationship between low-dose radiation and cancer. It will assess the number of higher quality studies that support or question the role of low-dose radiation in oncogenesis.

Methods:

This investigation is a systematic, methodologic review of articles published from 1975–2017 examining cancer risk from external low-dose x-ray and gamma radiation, defined as less than 200 millisievert (mSv). Following the PRISMA guidelines, the authors performed a search of the PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Methodologies of selected articles were scored using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) and a tool identifying 11 lower quality indicators. Manuscript methodologies were ranked as higher quality if they scored no lower than seven out of nine on the NOS and contained no more than two lower quality indicators. Investigators then characterized articles as supporting or not supporting a causal relationship between low-dose radiation and cancer.

Results:

Investigators identified 4,382 articles for initial review. A total of 62 articles met all inclusion/exclusion criteria and were evaluated in this study. Quantitative evaluation of the manuscripts’ methodologic strengths found 25 studies met higher quality criteria while 37 studies met lower quality criteria. Of the 25 studies with higher quality methods, 21 out of 25 did not support cancer induction by low-dose radiation (P = .0003).

Conclusions:

A clear preponderance of articles with higher quality methods found no increased risk of cancer from low-dose radiation. The evidence suggests that exposure to multiple CT scans and other sources of low-dose radiation with a cumulative dose up to 100 mSv (approximately 10 scans), and possibly as high as 200 mSv (approximately 20 scans), does not increase cancer risk.
Exploring differences between private and public prices in the English care homes market
Authors: Allan Stephen , Gousia Katerina , Forder Julien
Published: February 2020

This work quantitatively assesses the potential reasons behind the difference in prices paid by care home residents in England. Evidence suggests that the price paid by private payers is higher than that paid for publicly supported residents, and this is often attributed to the market power wielded by local authorities as the dominant purchaser in local markets. Estimations of private prices at the local authority level are used to assess the difference in price paid between private and public prices, the fees gap, using data from 2008 to 2010. Controlling for local area and average care home characteristics, the results indicate that both care home and local authority market power play a role in the price determination of the market.
Particle drift potential of glyphosate plus 2,4-D choline pre-mixture formulation in a low-speed wind tunnel
Authors: Vieira Bruno C. , Butts Thomas R. , Rodrigues Andre O. , Schleier Jerome J. , Fritz Bradley K. , Kruger Greg R.
Published: February 2020

The introduction of 2,4-D–resistant soybean and cotton provided growers a new POST active ingredient to include in weed management programs. The technology raises concerns regarding potential 2,4-D off-target movement to sensitive vegetation, and spray droplet size is the primary management factor focused on to reduce spray particle drift. The objective of this study was to investigate the droplet size distribution, droplet velocity, and particle drift potential of glyphosate plus 2,4-D choline pre-mixture (Enlist Duo®) applications with two commonly used venturi nozzles in a low-speed wind tunnel. Applications with the TDXL11004 nozzle had larger DV0.1 (291 µm), DV0.5 (544 µm), and DV0.9 (825 µm) values compared with the AIXR11004 nozzle (250, 464, and 709 µm, respectively), and slower average droplet velocity (8.1 m s−1) compared with the AIXR11004 nozzle (9.1 m s−1). Nozzle type had no influence on drift deposition (P = 0.65), drift coverage (P = 0.84), and soybean biomass reduction (P = 0.76). Although the TDXL11004 nozzle had larger spray droplet size, the slower spray droplet velocity could have influenced the nozzle particle drift potential. As a result, both TDXL11004 and AIXR11004 nozzles had similar spray drift potential. Further studies are necessary to understand the impact of droplet velocity on drift potential at field scale and test how different tank solutions, sprayer configurations, and environmental conditions could influence the droplet size and velocity dynamics and consequent drift potential in pesticide applications.