bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expansions of key protein families in the German cockroach highlight the molecular basis of its remarkable success as a global indoor pest
Authors: Harrison Mark C. , Arning Nicolas , Kremer Lukas P. M. , Ylla Guillem , Belles Xavier , Bornberg‐Bauer Erich , Huylmans Ann Kathrin , Jongepier Evelien , Piulachs Maria‐Dolors , Richards Stephen , Schal Coby
Published: July 2018

The German cockroach,Blattella germanica, is a worldwide pest that infests buildings, including homes, restaurants, and hospitals, often living in unsanitary conditions. As a disease vector and producer of allergens, this species has major health and economic impacts on humans. Factors contributing to the success of the German cockroach include its resistance to a broad range of insecticides, immunity to many pathogens, and its ability, as an extreme generalist omnivore, to survive on most food sources. The recently published genome shows thatB. germanicahas an exceptionally high number of protein coding genes. In this study, we investigate the functions of the 93 significantly expanded gene families with the aim to better understand the success ofB. germanicaas a major pest despite such inhospitable conditions. We find major expansions in gene families with functions related to the detoxification of insecticides and allelochemicals, defense against pathogens, digestion, sensory perception, and gene regulation. These expansions might have allowedB. germanicato develop multiple resistance mechanisms to insecticides and pathogens, and enabled a broad, flexible diet, thus explaining its success in unsanitary conditions and under recurrent chemical control. The findings and resources presented here provide insights for better understanding molecular mechanisms that will facilitate more effective cockroach control.
Translational and clinical advances in JAK-STAT biology: The present and future of jakinibs
Authors: Gadina Massimo , Johnson Catrina , Schwartz Daniella , Bonelli Michael , Hasni Sarfaraz , Kanno Yuka , Changelian Paul , Laurence Arian , O’Shea John J
Published: July 2018

In this era, it is axiomatic that cytokines have critical roles in cellular development and differentiation, immune homeostasis, and host defense. Equally, dysregulation of cytokines is known to contribute to diverse inflammatory and immune-mediated disorders. In fact, the past 20 years have witnessed the rapid translation of basic discoveries in cytokine biology to multiple successful biological agents (mAbs and recombinant fusion proteins) that target cytokines. These targeted therapies have not only fundamentally changed the face of multiple immune-mediated diseases but have also unequivocally established the role of specific cytokines in human disease; cytokine biologists have many times over provided remarkable basic advances with direct clinical benefit. Numerous cytokines rely on the JAK-STAT pathway for signaling, and new, safe, and effective small molecule inhibitors have been developed for a range of disorders. In this review, we will briefly summarize basic discoveries in cytokine signaling and briefly comment on some major unresolved issues. We will review clinical data pertaining to the first generation of JAK inhibitors and their clinical indications, discuss additional opportunities for targeting this pathway, and lay out some of the challenges that lie ahead.

Review on first generation of JAK inhibitors, including opportunities for targeting this pathway and some of the challenges that lie ahead.
Introducing changes at work: How voice behavior relates to management innovation
Authors: Guzman Felipe A. , Espejo Alvaro
Published: July 2018

This multistudy research examines the unit‐level relationship between promotive voice behavior and management innovation. Study 1 utilizes multisource data from 62 work units and reports that willingness to discuss ideas mediates the unit‐level relationship between promotive voice and management innovation. The results of Study 1 also show that the unit's available resources make the relationship stronger between promotive voice and willingness to discuss ideas. Study 2 employs a scenario‐based design to constructively replicate and expand the results of Study 1, utilizing a sample of 100 working adults. The results of the second study also show that resource availability positively moderates the relationship between promotive voice and willingness to discuss ideas. Furthermore, Study 2 shows that the indirect effect of promotive voice on management innovation through willingness to discuss ideas is stronger when more resources are made available to the work units. This moderated‐mediation effect is shown to be significant using two different operationalizations of management innovation. The implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Transforming growth factor β mediates communication of co‐cultured human nucleus pulposus cells and mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Lehmann Tomasz P. , Głowacki Jakub , Harasymczuk Jerzy , Jagodziński Paweł P.
Published: July 2018

Intervertebral disc (IVD) consists of surrounding tissue annulus fibrosus and central nucleus pulposus, which are partially degenerative in scoliotic IVDs. Successful regeneration of scoliotic alterations requires cognition of critical paracrine mediators of cell‐to‐cell contact in the IVD. In this work, we hypothesized that transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) is involved in the intercellular communication of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We observed that in cultured NPCs TGF‐β1 stimulated COL1A1 expression, encoding collagen I, and in MSCs stimulated COL1A1 and SOX9 expressions. We subsequently co‐cultured NPCs and MSCs together using direct and indirect transwell systems. The expression of miR‐140 and miR‐145 were decreased in co‐cultured NPCs. We observed that direct co‐culture system stronger than the indirect system decreased expression of three miRNA. The expression of COL1A1, ACAN, encoding aggrecan, and SOX9 genes was increased in MSCs co‐cultured with NPCs. Co‐cultures were incubated with two inhibitors of TGF‐β type I receptor: SB‐431542 and SB‐525334. In co‐cultured NPCs, SB‐431542 and SB‐525334 annulated downregulation of miR‐140 and miR‐145. In MSCs these inhibitors diminished stimulation of COL1A1, ACAN, and SOX9. We concluded that stimulation of COL1A1, ACAN, and SOX9 in co‐cultured MSCs and regulation of miR‐140 and miR‐145 in NPCs were TGF‐β‐dependent and TGF‐β is involved in the communication of NPCs and MSCs in co‐culture. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:3023–3032, 2018.
Feeding During Phases of Altered Mitochondrial Activity: A Theory
Authors: McKeever Liam , Bonini Marcelo , Braunschweig Carol
Published: July 2018

Decisions surrounding the timing and dosing of nutrition support are made for thousands of ICU patients daily and yet remain a topic of controversy. Nutrition support designed to replenish resting energy expenditure (REE) early in critical illness has led to worse clinical outcomes in at least three recent prospective randomized clinical trials. Producing sufficient energy from nutrient substrates requires use of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC). This process is functionally linked to the creation of a tightly regulated series of chemical messengers known as reactive oxygen species (ROS). In health, ROS are kept at low levels by a system of mitochondrial/cellular enzymes and antioxidants, allowing ROS to act as a signal for the redox health of the cell. In inflammatory conditions, however, this system is altered, leading to changes in the physiologic function of the ETC such that its usage produces greater ROS per unit of substrate. This increased ROS is capable of deactivating antioxidant systems, as well as activating further ROS‐producing pathways and stimulating localized inflammatory activity. We propose that exacerbation of this process at this time by the forced influx of exogenously acquired nutrient substrates leads to mitochondrial damage, amplified ROS production, increased inflammation, decreased ATP‐productive capacity, and, eventually, the death of the cell by either apoptosis or necrosis. Knowledge of this process is vital to determining the safe dosing and timing of nutrition support in the ICU. It is possible that the physiologic cost of meeting the REE under these conditions of mitochondrial stress may simply be too high. This paper details the proposed process by which inappropriately timed feeding in critically ill patients may damage the very mitochondria required for its utilization.
Tube Feeding with a Diabetes‐Specific Enteral Formula Improves Glycemic Control in Severe Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Shao Yuan , Heng Weiwei , Li Shanshan , Xu Yun , Hu Gang
Published: July 2018

Background

Glycemic control is essential for managing acute stroke. This study evaluated the impact of a diabetes‐specific formula (DSF) on glycemic control in severe acute ischemic stroke patients.

Methods

A randomized, prospective controlled trial was conducted in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. Acute ischemic stroke patients who scored > 10 on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale as well as had swallowing problems were randomized to group A, which received a diabetes‐specific enteral formula, and group B, which received a standard formula. Glycemic parameters were assessed at baseline and 7 days after admission.

Results

One hundred four patients were enrolled in the study (group A, 53; group B, 51). Postprandial glucose parameters, including capillary glucose concentration from 8 hours to 16 hours after enteral nutrition (EN) consumption, incremental areas under the curve (iAUC0‐16 h), peak value, and mean glucose concentration, were significantly lower in group A than in group B following a 7‐day intervention period. Moreover, changes in HOMAIR after the 7‐day treatment were significantly higher in group A than in group B. No significant difference in the incidence of hypoglycemia, glycemic variability parameters, or nutrition parameters was found between the 2 groups, either at baseline or after treatment. There were no serious adverse events observed during the study.

Conclusion

A diabetes‐specific formula may improve acute‐term glycemic control in severe acute ischemic stroke patients.
Labially impacted maxillary canines after the closed eruption technique and orthodontic traction: A split‐mouth comparison of periodontal recession
Authors: Lee Ji Yeon , Choi Yoon Jeong , Choi Seong‐Ho , Chung Chooryung J. , Yu Hyung‐Seog , Kim Kyung‐Ho
Published: July 2018

Background

Labially impacted maxillary canines may lack periodontal tissue after orthodontic traction. This study evaluated the periodontal status of labially impacted maxillary canines after the closed eruption technique followed by orthodontic traction and investigated pretreatment variables affecting periodontal changes.

Methods

Patients with one labially impacted maxillary canine (impaction group) and one contralateral normal canine (control group) were selected retrospectively. Maxillary canine pretreatment variables (angle, depth, sector, and Nolla stage) were determined from initial panoramic radiography. Periodontal outcomes including sulcus probing depth, bone probing depth, keratinized gingiva width (KGW), attached gingiva width (AGW), clinical crown length (CCL), cemento‐enamel junction to alveolar crest (CEJ‐AC) distance, root length, and bone support were measured from radiographic and clinical examinations after treatment and compared between the two groups. Pretreatment variables affecting the periodontal outcomes were determined using linear regression analyses.

Results

Fifty‐four patients (21 males and 33 females; mean age, 12.85 years) were enrolled. The KGW, AGW, and root length were shorter; the CCL and CEJ‐AC distance were longer; and the bone support on the interproximal sides was less in the impaction group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The root length was shorter with higher Nolla stages and the distal alveolar crest was lower with deep and mesially angulated impaction (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

After the closed eruption technique, impacted canines exhibited slight but clinically insignificant periodontal recession compared with the contralateral normal tooth. The root developmental stage and pretreatment depth and angle may influence periodontal recession.
Lignite‐derived humic substances modulate pepper and soil‐biota growth under water deficit stress
Authors: Qin Kuan , Leskovar Daniel I.
Published: July 2018

Organic matter‐derived soil amendments containing humic substances (HS) have a functional role to improve plant growth and soil quality, but their response to water deficit stress is less reported, particularly in vegetable crops. This study assessed the impact of lignite‐derived HS on biota growth and evaluated their potential mitigative effects under water deficit stress in growth chamber and greenhouse environments. Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Revolution) plants were grown in sandy and clay soil previously mixed with lignite‐derived HS and subjected to four irrigation levels (20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%) based on soil water‐holding capacity. Plant growth traits, soil chemical properties, and microbial populations were measured and analyzed. HS increased plant root development and soil bacteria population in moderate and no stress conditions (60%, 80%). Physiologically, HS rapidly decreased leaf stomatal conductance and transpiration after imposing severe or mild stress (20%, 40%). The results indicate that HS transiently ameliorated plants exposed to water stress by reducing moisture loss. In addition, due to their capacity to improve plant root growth, soil nutrient cycling and microbial activity, application of HS might have long‐term benefits in agricultural systems.
Influence of ring‐opening reactions on the kinetics of cottonseed oil epoxidation
Authors: Cai Xiaoshuang , Zheng Jun Liu , Aguilera Adriana Freites , Vernières‐Hassimi Lamiae , Tolvanen Pasi , Salmi Tapio , Leveneur Sébastien
Published: July 2018

Production of epoxidized vegetable oils becomes more and more important because they are renewable, nontoxic, and biodegradable chemicals. At the industrial scale, the Prileschajew oxidation is used to produce epoxidized vegetable oils from the corresponding vegetable oils. This oxidation uses an oxygen carrier, which is a percarboxylic acid produced in situ in the aqueous phase, to epoxidize the unsaturated groups on the vegetable oils. One of the main drawbacks of this method is the presence of side reactions: ring‐opening reactions of the epoxide group. To minimize the ring‐opening reactions and to find the most suitable reactor configuration, it is essential to investigate deeply the different ring‐opening reactions.

For this work, epoxidation of cottonseed oil by peracetic acid in a batch reactor was studied. By developing a suitable modeling strategy, the kinetic constants for the ring‐opening reactions by water, hydrogen peroxide and acetic and peracetic acids were estimated. It was found that ring opening by acetic and peracetic acids was faster than by water and hydrogen peroxide. Based on this model, it was found that a semibatch reactor where hydrogen peroxide and sulfuric acid were added is the most suitable configuration.
Bifurcation properties for a class of fractional Laplacian equations in
Authors: Alves Claudianor O. , de Lima Romildo N. , Nóbrega Alânnio B.
Published: July 2018

This paper concerns with the study of some bifurcation properties for the following class of nonlocal problems

urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201700284:mana201700284-math-0003where , , , is a positive continuous function, is a bounded continuous function and is the fractional Laplacian. The main tools used are the Leray–Shauder degree theory and the global bifurcation result due to Rabinowitz.
Injectable Enzymatically Cross‐linked Hydrogels with Light‐Controlled Degradation Profile
Authors: Cheng Yilong , He Chaoliang , Ren Kaixuan , Rong Yan , Xiao Chunsheng , Ding Jianxun , Zhuang Xiuli , Chen Xuesi
Published: July 2018

An advanced hydrogel that features facile formation and injectability as well as light‐controlled degradation profile is reported here. By modifying 4‐arm poly(ethylene glycol) (4‐arm PEG) with 2‐nitrobenzyl (NB) and phenol, the 4‐arm PEG precursor solutions could form enzymatically cross‐linked hydrogels in the presence of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The gelation time, mechanical strength, and porous structure could be simply tuned by the concentration of HRP and H2O2. Moreover, the hydrogels underwent controlled degradation under UV light irradiation via photo‐cleavage reaction of the NB ester bond. The hydrogels exhibited negligible cytotoxicity toward mouse fibroblast L929 cells in vitro and can be manipulated through injection in vivo.
Nasal high‐frequency oscillatory ventilation and CO2 removal: A randomized controlled crossover trial
Authors: Bottino Roberto , Pontiggia Federica , Ricci Cinzia , Gambacorta Alessandro , Paladini Angela , Chijenas Vladimiras , Liubsys Arunas , Navikiene Jurate , Pliauckiene Ausrine , Mercadante Domenica , Colnaghi Mariarosa , Tana Milena , Tirone Chiara , Lio Alessandra , Aurilia Claudia , Pastorino Roberta , Purcaro Velia , Maffei Gianfranco , Liberatore Pio , Consigli Chiara , Haass Cristina , Lista Gianluca , Agosti Massimo , Mosca Fabio , Vento Giovanni
Published: July 2018

Objective

To compare short‐term application of nasal high‐frequency oscillatory ventilation (nHFOV) with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP).

Working Hypothesis

nHFOV improves CO2 removal with respect to nCPAP in preterm infants needing noninvasive respiratory support and persistent oxygen supply after the first 72 h of life.

Study Design

Multicenter non‐blinded prospective randomized crossover study.

Patient Selection

Thirty premature infants from eight tertiary neonatal intensive care units, of mean ± SD 26.4 ± 1.8 weeks of gestational age and 921 ± 177 g of birth weight.

Methodology

Infants were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive a starting treatment mode of either nCPAP or nHFOV delivered by the ventilator CNO (Medin, Germany), using short binasal prongs of appropriate size. A crossover design with four 1‐h treatment periods was used, such that each infant received both treatments twice. The primary outcome was the mean transcutaneous partial pressure of CO2 (TcCO2) value during the 2‐h cumulative period of nHFOV compared with the 2‐h cumulative period of nCPAP.

Results

Significantly lower TcCO2 values were observed during nHFOV compared with nCPAP: 47.5 ± 7.6 versus 49.9 ± 7.2 mmHg, respectively, P = 0.0007. A different TcCO2 behavior was found according to the random sequence: in patients starting on nCPAP, TcCO2 significantly decreased from 50.0 ± 8.0 to 46.6 ± 7.5 mmHg during nHFOV (P = 0.001). In patients starting on nHFOV, TcCO2 slightly increased from 48.5 ± 7.8 to 49.9 ± 6.7 mmHg during nCPAP (P = 0.13).

Conclusions

nHFOV delivered through nasal prongs is more effective than nCPAP in improving the elimination of CO2.
Volatile organic compounds produced by castor bean cake incorporated into the soil exhibit toxic activity against Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Pedroso Luma A , Campos Vicente P , Pedroso Marcio P , Barros Aline F , Freire Eduardo S , Resende Franciely MP
Published: July 2018

Background

This study showed, for the first time, the effect of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by castor bean cake added to soil on the plant‐parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Identification of nematotoxic volatiles increases the chance of identifying molecules for use in commercial nematicides.

Results

VOCs produced after the incorporation of castor bean cake in the soil resulted in immobility (>97.3%) and death (>96.9%) of M. incognita second‐stage juveniles (J2) and reduction in M. incognita egg‐hatch (>74.3%) at all concentrations of cake tested (1.5–6.0%). A similar reduction in M. incognita infectivity and reproduction was observed when nematodes were exposed to these VOCs and inoculated into tomato plants or exposed directly upon contact with the soil. We identified 32 VOCs produced by castor bean cake when incorporated into soil by using solid phase micro‐extraction gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (SPME‐GC‐MS). Four of the most intense peaks in the chromatogram represented the compounds phenol, 4‐methylphenol, γ‐decalactone, and skatole. When M. incognita J2 were exposed to these compounds, all of the compounds demonstrated nematicidal activity with low median lethal concentration (LC50) values.

Conclusion

Castor bean cake incorporated into the soil produces volatile compounds which are toxic to M. incognita. These substances show potential for application in the nematicide‐producing industry. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Cover Image, Volume 74, Issue 8
Authors: Skaljac Marisa , Kirfel Phillipp , Grotmann Jens , Vilcinskas Andreas
Published: July 2018

The cover image, by Marisa Skaljac et al., is based on the Research Article Fitness costs of infection with Serratia symbiotica are associated with greater susceptibility to insecticides in the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum, DOI: 10.1002/ps.4881. Image Credit: Marisa Skaljac.

image
Shockley‐Read‐Hall and Auger Recombination in Blue InGaN Tunnel‐Junction Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Chang Jih‐Yuan , Shih Ya‐Hsuan , Huang Man‐Fang , Chen Fang‐Ming , Kuo Yen‐Kuang
Published: July 2018

In this study, performance and characteristics of blue InGaN tunnel‐junction light‐emitting diode (TJ LED) are investigated theoretically. Simulation results show that, dissimilar to the single LED, Shockley‐Read‐Hall (SRH) and Auger recombination are critical issues influencing the output performance of blue TJ LEDs in both low and high current regions. In realizing high‐performance TJ LEDs, to pursue the advantages of both satisfactory crystalline quality and suppressed SRH recombination loss, a simplified structure with single quantum well and without electron‐blocking layer is proposed as the unit LED structure that is utilized to stack the TJ LED. Simulation results indicate that the TJ LED with simplified unit LED structure possesses good performance at high output power, which provides a practical and cost‐effective way for the fabrication of TJ LEDs, especially when more unit LEDs need to be cascaded.
Assemblage of Perovskite LaNiO3 Connected With In Situ Grown Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes as High‐Performance Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Chen Jiaye , Wu Jian , Liu Yongqiang , Hu Xun , Geng Dongsheng
Published: July 2018

In this study, the synthesis of nano‐sized phase‐pure perovskite LaNiO3 with in‐situ grown nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) is reported. The heterogenous material acts as highly active and durable electrocatalyst toward oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline solution. The LaNiO3 nanoparticles prepared by the conventional method require an overpotential of 490 mV, while the one synthesized by the proposed polyol method in this work requires only 410 mV, and the value can be further decreased to merely 390 mV for the as‐prepared LaNiO3‐NCNTs at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. The high performance of this composite material could be due to the exposure of more active sites existing on the surface of LaNiO3 nanoparticles and the connected NCNTs, which improve the charge transfer from the active LaNiO3 surface to the electrode substrate and therefore outperforms the electrocatalytic activity in comparison to commercial RuO2 catalyst. The synthesis method reported here opens a new way to design advanced perovskite oxides for OER even other applications.
Tracheobronchial involvement of mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Tong Lin , Gan Guixiang , Xu Chen , Yuan Ling , Li Zhuozhe , Li Huayin
Published: July 2018

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare type of B‐cell non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma that commonly affects extranodal sites; however, tracheobronchial involvement is rare. We report the case of a 65‐year‐old male who presented with cough and dyspnoea. A chest computed tomography (CT) revealed irregular wall thickening of the trachea and bilateral bronchi and bilateral bronchiectasis. A bronchoscopy revealed a diffuse irregular surface of the tracheal and bilateral bronchial mucosa and polyposis‐like lesions. He was diagnosed with MCL based on an endobronchial biopsy, and then, the diagnosis was confirmed with a biopsy of the fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)‐avid nasal mucosal soft tissue.
Use of low‐cost three‐dimensional printer to simulate grasping of bronchial foreign body
Authors: Nakayama Masayuki , Yamamoto Shinichi , Kaneko Naoki , Mato Naoko , Suzuki Takuji , Hagiwara Koichi
Published: July 2018

An 89‐year‐old man was hospitalized with severe pneumonia. Chest computed tomography showed a foreign body in the left main bronchus. We moulded a three‐dimensional (3D) model of the foreign body with a low‐cost 3D printer and found it had the shape of a tooth. We simulated grasping the model with several forceps and succeeded in grasping it with a retrieval net and shark‐tooth forceps. Bronchoscopy was performed after his respiratory condition improved. We found a dental foreign body that had accidentally moved and become stuck in the right upper bronchus. We scraped it out with a retrieval net and grasped the recess site of the foreign body with a shark‐tooth forceps as performed in the simulation. Removal was successful, and the total bronchoscopy time was 9 min. The bronchial foreign body was safely grasped and removed in a short time after simulation with several forceps using a low‐cost 3D printer.
Build Community of Care program from the ground up
Authors: Ortiz Jeanne
Published: July 2018

During the last several years, colleges and universities have seen an increase in the number and severity of cases being addressed through Behavioral Intervention Teams or CARE teams. Managing the growing number, complexity, and coordination of students with obstacles that stand in the way of academic and personal success has become challenging, given limited financial and human resources. From depression, chronic illnesses, and hospitalizations to homelessness, food insecurity, financial problems, and potential threats to self and others, campuses have found themselves struggling to help the many students in need.
Did college have duty to respond to student's accommodations requests?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: July 2018

Carleton College conducted a disciplinary hearing in 2011 to resolve claims by first‐year student Elizabeth Shank that she had been raped in her residence hall room by a male student who lived in her residence hall. The hearing panel decided the accused student had violated Carleton's sexual assault policy. However, Shank claimed the only sanction was an order prohibiting him from contacting her. She also maintained the male student had violated the order with little response from Carleton.
Lead students to success through difficulties, change
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: July 2018

As a single mother working full time in student affairs while pursuing her doctorate, Judy K. Sakaki noticed that administrators didn't usually have student success at the forefront when they made policy decisions. She also observed that many administrators didn't know what it was like to navigate college life while encountering the difficulties unique to first‐generation college students like herself.
All‐Organic Dual Spin Valves with Well‐Resolved Four Resistive‐States
Authors: Banerjee Arnab , Pal Amlan J.
Published: July 2018

The formation of all‐organic dual spin valves (DSVs) with three organic spin‐selective layers, that is, spin‐injection, spin‐detection, and an additional spin‐filtering layer at the intermediate, is reported. As spin‐selective layers, manganese‐ and cobalt phthalocyanines, which are well‐known single‐molecule magnets, are used in their immobilized forms, so that all‐organic DSVs can be prefabricated for characterization. The three spin‐selective layers have provided four configurations with at most two spin‐flip interfaces enforcing spin‐flipping at the two nonmagnetic organic spacer layers, for which copper phthalocyanine is used. Since a couple of the four configurations have exhibited similar resistivities, the degeneracy in the resistive‐states is broken through asymmetric spin‐injection and spin‐detection layers and also through asymmetric thickness of the nonmagnetic spacer layers. When both the spin‐flip interfaces are made operative independently, a 2‐bit logic with four distinct resistive states can be achieved.
Playing Outside the Lines: Contemporary Legal Issues in College Sports
Authors: Gayles Joy Gaston , Blanchard Joy
Published: July 2018

This chapter provides an overview of current legal issues in college sports and offers implications for supporting student‐athletes and the academic mission of higher education institutions.
Mathematical Models for Prediction of Water Evaporation and Thermal Degradation Kinetics of Potato Starch Nanoparticles Obtained by Nanoprecipitation
Authors: Caicedo Chacon Wilson Daniel , Ayala Valencia Germán , Aparicio Rojas Gladis Miriam , Agudelo Henao Ana Cecilia
Published: July 2018

The aim of this research is to study the thermal degradation kinetics and some physicochemical properties of starch nanoparticles (SNPs) produced from potato starch (PS) by nanoprecipitation. Native PS is used as a control. The powder samples are analyzed by means of light and transmission electron microscopies, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, and thermogravimetric analysis. PS shows oval and spherical granular shaped with a diameter between 6 and 18 µm, whereas SNPs display spherical and elliptical shapes with particle sizes between 50 and 150 nm. The relative crystallinity is 25.4% to PS, and it decreases to approximately 23.5% for SNPs. Activation energy (E) associated to the water evaporation and thermal degradation is calculated using the Newton model as well Ozawa‐Flynn‐Wall (OFW) and Kissinger‐Akahira‐Sunose (KAS) models, respectively. The E values using the Newton model increase from 43.7 kJ mol−1 (PS) to 84.1 kJ mol−1 (SNPs). The E values using the OFW and KAS models vary between 165 and 227 kJ mol−1 for PS, and between 180 and 400 kJ mol−1 for SNPs. Modifications in E values are associated with the increase in surface area in SNPs. This research reports new information of the thermal properties of SNPs.
Teachers’ and Students’ Perceptions of Excellence in Teaching in Colombia
Authors: Ripoll‐Núñez Karen J. , Mojica‐Ospina Iván Enrique , Torres‐Riveros Andrés Camilo , Castellanos‐Tous María Silvana
Published: July 2018

Using the TBC, we compared students’ and teachers’ perceptions of excellent teaching in different disciplines at a private university in Colombia. Faculty and students in all fields rated being respectful and being a good communicator as the two most important qualities of excellent teachers. Differences in students’ and faculty's perceptions across disciplines related to teachers’ attributes associated with both the caring and supportive and professional competency subscales.
A security review of local government using NIST CSF: a case study
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed , Valli Craig , McAteer Ian , Chaudhry Junaid
Published: July 2018

Evaluating cyber security risk is a challenging task regardless of an organisation’s nature of business or size, however, an essential activity. This paper uses the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cyber security framework (CSF) to assess the cyber security posture of a local government organisation in Western Australia. Our approach enabled the quantification of risks for specific NIST CSF core functions and respective categories and allowed making recommendations to address the gaps discovered to attain the desired level of compliance. This has led the organisation to strategically target areas related to their people, processes, and technologies, thus mitigating current and future threats.
U.S. Foreign Policy and the Governance of Finance
Authors: Lavelle Kathryn C.
Published: July 2018

What factors explain U.S. participation in multilateral forums that govern finance? Current literature misses the key features of the Federal Reserve, Treasury, and Congress that result in their distinct manners of support for various multilateral arrangements. I revisit the archival record and apply a new understanding to American participation in the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) as the financial regime has evolved since the collapse of fixed parity in the IMF after 1971. I thus explain the puzzle of American ambivalence through an exploration of the fragmented U.S. regulatory system, which inhibits the United States from acting as a unitary, lead actor of multilateral negotiations. Hence, American coordination must take place both domestically and internationally for an agreement to emerge.
Long-Term Outcomes in the Management of Central Neuropathic Pain Syndromes: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Staudt Michael D. , Clark Alexander John , Gordon Allan S. , Lynch Mary E. , Morley-Forster Pat K. , Nathan Howard , Smyth Catherine , Stitt Larry W. , Toth Cory , Ware Mark A. , Moulin Dwight E.
Published: July 2018

Background:Central neuropathic pain syndromes are a result of central nervous system injury, most commonly related to stroke, traumatic spinal cord injury, or multiple sclerosis. These syndromes are distinctly less common than peripheral neuropathic pain, and less is known regarding the underlying pathophysiology, appropriate pharmacotherapy, and long-term outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the long-term clinical effectiveness of the management of central neuropathic pain relative to peripheral neuropathic pain at tertiary pain centers.Methods:Patients diagnosed with central (n=79) and peripheral (n=710) neuropathic pain were identified for analysis from a prospective observational cohort study of patients with chronic neuropathic pain recruited from seven Canadian tertiary pain centers. Data regarding patient characteristics, analgesic use, and patient-reported outcomes were collected at baseline and 12-month follow-up. The primary outcome measure was the composite of a reduction in average pain intensity and pain interference. Secondary outcome measures included assessments of function, mood, quality of life, catastrophizing, and patient satisfaction.Results:At 12-month follow-up, 13.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.6-25.8) of patients with central neuropathic pain and complete data sets (n=52) achieved a ≥30% reduction in pain, whereas 38.5% (95% CI, 25.3-53.0) achieved a reduction of at least 1 point on the Pain Interference Scale. The proportion of patients with central neuropathic pain achieving both these measures, and thus the primary outcome, was 9.6% (95% CI, 3.2-21.0). Patients with peripheral neuropathic pain and complete data sets (n=463) were more likely to achieve this primary outcome at 12 months (25.3% of patients; 95% CI, 21.4-29.5) (p=0.012).Conclusion:Patients with central neuropathic pain syndromes managed in tertiary care centers were less likely to achieve a meaningful improvement in pain and function compared with patients with peripheral neuropathic pain at 12-month follow-up.
Flat plate impact on water
Authors: Mayer Hans C. , Krechetnikov Rouslan
Published: July 2018

While the classical problem of a flat plate impact on a water surface at zero dead-rise angle has been studied for a long time both theoretically and experimentally, it still presents a number of challenges and unsolved questions. Hitherto, the details of the flow field – especially at early times and close to the plate edge, where the classical inviscid theory predicts a singularity in the velocity field and thus in the free surface deflection, so-called ejecta – have not been studied experimentally, which led to mutually contradicting suppositions in the literature. On one hand, it motivated Yakimov’s self-similar scaling near the plate edge. On the other hand, a removal of the singularity was previously suggested with the help of the Kutta–Joukowsky condition at the plate edge, i.e. enforcing the free surface to depart tangentially to the plate. In the present experimental study we were able to overcome challenges with optical access and investigate, for moderate Reynolds ($0.5<Re<25\,000$) and Weber ($1<We<800$) numbers, both the flow fields and the free surface dynamics at the early stage of the water impact, when the penetration depth is small compared to the plate size, thus allowing us to compare to the classical water impact theory valid in the short time limit. This, in particular, enabled us to uncover the effects of viscosity and surface tension on the velocity field and ejecta evolution usually neglected in theoretical studies. While we were able to confirm the far-field inviscid and the near-edge Stokes theoretical scalings of the free surface profiles, Yakimov’s scaling of the velocity field proved to be inapplicable and the Kutta–Joukowsky condition not satisfied universally in the studied range of Reynolds and Weber numbers. Since the local near-edge phenomena cannot be considered independently of the complete water impact event, the experiments were also set up to study the entirety of the water impact phenomena under realistic conditions – presence of air phase and finite depth of penetration. This allowed us to obtain insights also into other key aspects of the water impact phenomena such as air entrapment and pocketing at the later stage when the impactor bottoms out. In our experiments the volume of trapped air proved not to decrease necessarily with the impact speed, an effect that has not been reported before. The observed fast initial retraction of the trapped air film along the plate bottom turned out to be a consequence of a negative pressure impulse generated upon the abrupt deceleration of the plate. This abrupt deceleration is also the cause of the subsequent air pocketing. Quantitative measurements are complemented with basic scaling models explaining the nature of both retraction of the trapped air and air pocket formation.
Source and boundary condition effects on unconfined and confined vertically distributed turbulent plumes
Authors: Kaye N. B. , Cooper P.
Published: July 2018

Plumes generated by vertically distributed sources of buoyancy have been observed to have substantially lower entrainment coefficients than their equivalent-geometry constant buoyancy flux plumes. Two differences between distributed and localized sources of buoyancy are the presence of a wall shear stress at the source and that non-ideal source conditions are distributed over the whole height of the enclosure for a vertically distributed source. Herein the impact of non-ideal source and boundary conditions on vertically distributed plumes is analysed. It is shown that, at small heights, the plume volume flow rate is significantly influenced by the wall-source volume flux. At larger heights the wall-source buoyancy is greater than the mean plume buoyancy, creating a non-self-similar horizontal buoyancy distribution within the plume. Recent experiments into the behaviour of a vertically distributed source of buoyancy in a confined region have also shown that the plume partially detrains in the stratified region of the enclosure. This detrainment has not been observed for constant buoyancy flux plumes in a confined region. Although models have been proposed to quantify the detrainment process, it is still unclear why vertically distributed buoyancy sources detrain while constant buoyancy flux plumes do not in the same physical geometry. The impact of source and boundary effects on previously published experiments on vertically distributed plumes are reviewed and the possible implications for plume entrainment and detrainment are discussed.
Effect of transverse temperature gradient on the migration of a deformable droplet in a Poiseuille flow
Authors: Das Sayan , Mandal Shubhadeep , Chakraborty Suman
Published: July 2018

Intricate manipulation of droplets in fluidic confinements may turn out to be critically important for achieving their controlled transverse distributions. Here, we study the migration characteristics of a suspended deformable droplet in a parallel plate channel under the combined influence of a constant temperature gradient in the transverse direction and an imposed pressure driven flow. An outstanding question concerning the resultant non-trivial dynamical features that we address here pertains to the nonlinearity that results as a consequence of the shape deformation, which does not permit us to analyse the combined transport as a mere linear superposition of the results for the thermocapillary and imposed flow driven droplet migration in an effort to obtain the final solution. For the analytical solution, an asymptotic approach is used, where we neglect any effect of inertia or thermal convection of the fluid in either of the phases. To obtain a numerical solution, we use the conservative level set method. We perform numerical simulations over a wide range of governing parameters and obtain the dependence of the transverse steady position of the droplet on different parameters. In order to address practical microfluidic set-ups, the influence of a bounding wall as well as the effect of thermal convection and finite shape deformation on the cross-stream migration of the droplet is investigated through numerical simulations. Increase in the thermal Marangoni stress shifts the steady-state transverse position of the droplet further away from the channel centreline, for any particular value of the capillary number (which signifies the ratio of the viscous force to the surface tension force). The confinement ratio, which is the ratio of the droplet radius to the channel height, plays an important role in predicting the transverse position of the droplet and thus has immense consequences for the design of droplet-based microfluidic devices with enhanced functionalities. A large confinement ratio drives the droplet towards the channel centre, whereas a smaller confinement ratio causes the droplet to move towards the wall. Moreover, for a fixed droplet radius and constant imposed temperature gradient, an increase in the channel height results in an increase in the time required for the droplet to reach the steady-state position. However, the final steady-state position of the droplet is independent of its initial position but at the same time dependent on the droplet phase thermal conductivity. A larger droplet thermal conductivity compared with the carrier phase results in a steady-state droplet position closer to the channel centreline. A higher fluid inertia, on the other hand, shifts the steady-state position towards the channel wall.
OSL and AMS 14C Age of the Most Complete Mammoth Fossil Skeleton from Northeastern China and its Paleoclimate Significance
Authors: Zhang Hucai , Chang Fengqin , Li Huayong , Peng Guoqing , Duan Lizeng , Meng Hongwei , Yang Xiujuan , Wei Zhenyi
Published: July 2018

Applying radiocarbon (14C) dating using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) to the skeleton of a mammoth and the associated plant remains have been dated. The fossil of Zhalai Nur mammoth was dated to 43,500 +1000/–900 14C yr BP. The results of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, which show that a fluvially deposited gravel layer, from that the mammoth fossils were excavated, formed between 51,300±2100 and 26,600±1200 yr BP, place the new AMS 14C dates in a well-developed chronological framework. Through this study, it can be summarized that, firstly, using suitable sample material, it is possible to obtain reliable AMS 14C results, even when the ages of the target materials approach the upper limits of the method. Second, it reveals that a depositional hiatus exists during the Late Pleistocene, between ca. 26,000 yr BP and ca. 13,000 yr BP. Finally, large rivers and widely distributed areas of alluvial-fluvial deposits existed in this present-day desert area between ca. 51,000 and 26,000 yr BP. These results may shed new light on the study of the Mammuthus-Colelodonta-Bubalus fauna, the most important and fully developed fauna during the Late Pleistocene in northeastern China. They also deepen our understanding about the eco-environments of the region.
A NOTE ON THE DIOPHANTINE EQUATION
Authors: DENG MOU-JIE , GUO JIN , XU AI-JUAN
Published: July 2018

Let $c\geq 2$ be a positive integer. Terai [‘A note on the Diophantine equation $x^{2}+q^{m}=c^{n}$’, Bull. Aust. Math. Soc.90 (2014), 20–27] conjectured that the exponential Diophantine equation $x^{2}+(2c-1)^{m}=c^{n}$ has only the positive integer solution $(x,m,n)=(c-1,1,2)$. He proved his conjecture under various conditions on $c$ and $2c-1$. In this paper, we prove Terai’s conjecture under a wider range of conditions on $c$ and $2c-1$. In particular, we show that the conjecture is true if $c\equiv 3\hspace{0.6em}({\rm mod}\hspace{0.2em}4)$ and $3\leq c\leq 499$.
Do children undergoing bilateral myringotomy with placement of ventilating tubes benefit from pre-operative analgesia? A double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: McHale B , Badenhorst C D , Low C , Blundell D
Published: July 2018

Objective

A double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to determine whether routine pre-operative analgesia is beneficial in reducing post-operative ear pain following bilateral myringotomy and tube placement.

Methods

Forty-five children (aged 3–15 years) were randomised to receive either pre-operative analgesics (paracetamol and ibuprofen) (n = 21) or placebo (n = 24). All children underwent sevoflurane gas induction with intranasal fentanyl (2 mcg/kg) to reduce the incidence of emergence agitation. Post-operative pain scores were measured using the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale. Median pain scores taken 90 minutes post-surgery, and the highest pain score recorded prior to 90 minutes, were analysed.

Results

There were no statistical differences between the median pain scores at 90 minutes or subsequent need for rescue analgesia. Emergence agitation did not occur in any child. Inadvertent ear trauma, use of an intravenous cannula or airway adjunct did not affect pain scores.

Conclusion

Routine pre-operative analgesia does not reduce pain scores in the early post-operative period. Simple analgesics are effective for rescue analgesia in the minority of cases.
Internal carotid artery aneurysm in skull base osteomyelitis: does the pattern of cranial nerve involvement matter?
Authors: Hassannia F , Carr S D , Yu E , Rutka J A
Published: July 2018

Objective

Carotid artery aneurysm is a potentially fatal complication of skull base osteomyelitis. It is important to know the warning signs for this complication, as early diagnosis is of great importance. This report aimed to determine whether the pattern of cranial nerve involvement may predict the occurrence of aneurysm involving the internal carotid artery in skull base osteomyelitis.

Methods

Two diabetic patients with skull base osteomyelitis were incidentally diagnosed with pseudo-aneurysm of the petrous internal carotid artery on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging. They presented with lower cranial nerve palsy; however, facial nerve function was almost preserved in both cases. Computed tomography angiography confirmed aneurysms at the junction of the horizontal and vertical segments of the petrous carotid artery.

Results

Internal carotid artery trapping was conducted using coil embolisation. Post-coiling magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated no procedure-related complications. Regular follow up has demonstrated that patients’ symptoms are improving.

Conclusion

One should be mindful of this potentially fatal complication in skull base osteomyelitis patients with lower cranial nerve palsies, with or without facial nerve involvement, especially in the presence of intracranial thromboembolic events or Horner's syndrome.