bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of anthill‐eggshell‐Ni‐Co mixed oxides composite catalyst for biodiesel production from waste frying oil
Authors: Yusuff Adeyinka S. , Adeniyi Olalekan D. , Azeez Sarafa O. , Olutoye Moses A. , Akpan Uduak G.
Published: August 2018

This study was conducted to develop a new composite heterogeneous catalyst, anthill‐eggshell‐Ni‐Co mixed oxides (AENiCo), for biodiesel production via transesterification of waste frying oil. The catalyst was synthesized using a co‐precipitation method and was characterized by Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) surface area analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray fluorescence (XRF). The effects of parameters affecting the catalytic reaction, reaction temperature (40–80°C), reaction time (1–5 h), catalyst loading (1–9 wt%), and methanol‐to‐oil ratio (3:1–15:1) were investigated. The stability of the spent catalyst was also investigated during reuse. The data obtained showed that the maximum biodiesel yield of 90.23% could be obtained at a reaction temperature of 70°C, reaction time of 2 h, with a catalyst loading of 3 wt% and methanol‐to‐oil ratio of 12:1. The stability study showed that the AENiCo catalyst could be reused for up to four cycles. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Proactive community support tailored to holistic needs: A cohort study
Authors: Snowden Austyn , Young Jenny , Savinc Jan
Published: August 2018

Background

It is increasingly internationally recognized that a cancer diagnosis impacts on people practically and financially as well as physically and psychologically. It is less clear what to do about this. This study introduces an original community service designed to mitigate this wider impact. Nonclinical “link officers” use holistic needs assessment (HNA) to help newly diagnosed people identify and quantify the severity of their physical, psychological, practical, financial, and social concerns. A care plan is then agreed, usually involving community interventions from partner agencies. Following intervention, assessment is repeated. The primary aim of this study was to establish whether there was a significant difference between initial assessment and follow‐up, postintervention. Secondary aim was to identify potential predictors of increased levels of concern at baseline and follow‐up.

Method

Pre‐ and postintervention observational cohort study. Paired t test examined the difference in mean (SD) concern severity between baseline and follow‐up. Multiple linear regression models were computed to hypothesize potential predictors of initial concern severity and severity change.

Results

The service saw 2413 people 2014‐2017. Participants identified average 5.5 (4.7) concerns, financial concerns being most frequent. Mean severity at baseline was 7.12 (out of 10) (2.50), reducing to 3.83 (3.49) post‐treatment, paired t(4454) = 64.68, P < 0.0001, reduction of 3.31 (95% CI 3.21‐3.41). Factors associated with higher initial concern included unemployment and caring responsibilities. Unemployment was also associated with a smaller reduction of concern severity at follow‐up.

Conclusion

Patient level of concern went from a level associated with specialist referral to a much more manageable level. This original finding is internationally significant because it extends Khera et al's (2017) “provocative idea” that all patients should be screened for financial problems to show that they can be helped with all their concerns. This article describes a successful, transferable model of community care.
The Way Forward for Mechanism‐Based Therapeutics in Genetically Defined Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Modi Meera E. , Sahin Mustafa
Published: August 2018

Rare genetically defined neurodevelopmental disorders with increased risk of autism have recently become an entry point for autism‐related drug discovery. Through exploration of downstream effects of the pathological mutations, specific mechanistic pathways have been identified as dysregulated. The identification of shared mechanisms across forms of autism opens the door for the development of novel “mechanism‐based therapeutics.” However, confidence in the therapeutic mechanism does not diminish the need for well‐designed clinical trials.
Structure, Activity, and Faradaic Efficiency of Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Carbon Catalysts for Direct Electrochemical Hydrogen Peroxide Production
Authors: Sun Yanyan , Li Shuang , Jovanov Zarko Petar , Bernsmeier Denis , Wang Huan , Paul Benjamin , Wang Xingli , Kühl Stefanie , Strasser Peter
Published: August 2018

Carbon materials doped with nitrogen are active catalysts for the electrochemical two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to hydrogen peroxide. Insights into the individual role of the various chemical nitrogen functionalities in the H2O2 production, however, have remained scarce. Here, we explore a catalytically very active family of nitrogen‐doped porous carbon materials, prepared by direct pyrolysis of ordered mesoporous carbon (CMK‐3) with polyethylenimine (PEI). Voltammetric rotating ring‐disk analysis in combination with chronoamperometric bulk electrolysis measurements in electrolysis cells demonstrate a pronounced effect of the applied potentials, current densities, and electrolyte pH on the H2O2 selectivity and absolute production rates. H2O2 selectivity up to 95.3 % was achieved in acidic environment, whereas the largest H2O2 production rate of 570.1 mmol g−1catalyst h−1 was observed in neutral solution. X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) analysis suggests a key mechanistic role of pyridinic‐N in the catalytic process in acid, whereas graphitic‐N groups appear to be catalytically active moieties in neutral and alkaline conditions. Our results contribute to the understanding and aid the rational design of efficient carbon‐based H2O2 production catalysts.
Integrative Photoreduction of CO2 with Subsequent Carbonylation: Photocatalysis for Reductive Functionalization of CO2
Authors: He Xing , Cao Yu , Lang Xian‐Dong , Wang Ning , He Liang‐Nian
Published: August 2018

Efficient conversion of CO2 into fuels and chemicals with solar energy would be promising, but also faces great challenge. In this context, we describe the photoreductive functionalization of CO2 to construct new C−C, C−N, and C−O bonds through the respective Pd‐catalyzed Suzuki carbonylation, aminocarbonylation, and alkoxycarbonylation of aryl iodides with CO in situ generated through the photoreduction of CO2. This protocol opens up an alternative avenue for CO2 utilization by harnessing solar energy.
What does the grey matter decrease in the medial prefrontal cortex reflect in people with chronic pain?
Authors: Kang David , McAuley James H. , Kassem Mustafa S. , Gatt Justine M. , Gustin Sylvia M.
Published: August 2018

Background and Objective

Alterations in the grey matter volume of several brain regions have been reported in people with chronic pain. The most consistent observation is a decrease in grey matter volume in the medial prefrontal cortex. These findings are important as the medial prefrontal cortex plays a critical role in emotional and cognitive processing in chronic pain. Although a logical cause of grey matter volume decrease may be neurodegeneration, this is not supported by the current evidence. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to evaluate the existing literature to unravel what the decrease in medial prefrontal cortex grey matter volume in people with chronic pain may represent on a biochemical and cellular level.

Databases and Data Treatment

A literature search for this topical review was conducted using PubMed and SCOPUS library. Search terms included chronic pain, pain, medial prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, grey matter, neurochemistry, spectroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, dendrite, neurodegeneration, glia, astrocyte, microglia, neurotransmitter, glutamate, GABA and different combinations of these terms.

Results

Adopting a stress model of chronic pain, two major pathways are proposed that contribute to grey matter volume decrease in the medial prefrontal cortex: (a) changes in dendritic morphology as a result of hypothalamic‐pituitary axis dysfunction and (b) neurotransmitter dysregulation, specifically glutamate and γ‐Aminobutyric acid, which affects local microvasculature.

Conclusion

Our model proposes new mechanisms in chronic pain pathophysiology responsible for mPFC grey matter loss as alternatives to neurodegeneration.

Significance

It is unclear what the decrease in medial prefrontal cortex grey matter volume represents in chronic pain. The most attractive reason is neurodegeneration. However, there is no evidence to support this. Our review reveals nondegenerative causes of decreased medial prefrontal grey matter to guide future research into chronic pain pathophysiology.
Preparation of Water‐in‐Oil Microemulsion from the Mixtures of Castor Oil and Sunflower Oil as Makeup Remover
Authors: Pakkang Nutthira , Uraki Yasumitsu , Koda Keiichi , Nithitanakul Manit , Charoensaeng Ampira
Published: August 2018

Cosmetics accumulated in facial skin are difficult to remove by ordinary cleansers because they normally contain highly waterproof ingredients. Therefore, development of makeup remover products is necessary for the efficient removal of cosmetics without irritation to the skin. Current commercial makeup removers are emulsions produced from mineral oil and water with surfactants sometimes cause allergies and acne. To overcome these problems, vegetable oils seem to be promising ingredients for makeup removers. In this study, such makeup removers were prepared as water‐in‐oil (w/o) microemulsion from a mixture of castor oil and sunflower oil at ratios from 1:9 to 5:5 and water with nonionic surfactants, Span®80 and Dehydol LS®TH. The remover candidates were selected with respect to transparency of emulsion and cleansing efficiency. As a result, an emulsion was prepared from a mixture of castor oil and sunflower oil with the ratio of 3:7, Dehydol LS®TH with 7 repeating units of ethylene oxide, and 7.0% (w/w) of water. It was found that the stability of transparency and a high cleansing efficiency were attributed to the hydrophilicity of the surfactant and castor oil. Dynamic light‐scattering analysis demonstrated that the emulsion consisted of nanoscale micelles, resulting in a microemulsion.
Incision and aggradation in proglacial rivers: Post‐Little Ice Age long‐profile adjustments of Southern Iceland outwash plains
Authors: Roussel Erwan , Marren Philip M. , Cossart Etienne , Toumazet Jean‐Pierre , Chenet Marie , Grancher Delphine , Jomelli Vincent
Published: August 2018

The retreat of glaciers in response to climate warming leads to substantial changes in meltwater and sediment yield. Glacial shrinkage also induces the emergence and growth of proglacial margin landforms, which strongly affect water and sedimentary transfers from the glacier to the outwash plains. On a decadal timescale, field observations show that outwash plains of retreating glaciers typically exhibit proximal incision, which decreases in magnitude downstream and stops at an inflection point where aggradation begins. Nevertheless, there is a lack of knowledge about the rates and magnitude of this fluvial adjustment and the effects of the proglacial margin configuration on the temperance or the aggravation of this fluvial adjustment to glacier retreat. This paper investigates the proglacial rivers of 14 retreating glaciers in south‐east Iceland over a post‐Little Ice Age timescale, combining fluvial deposits mapping, lichenometric dating, and long‐profile measurements of proglacial fluvial terraces. Our results demonstrate that (a) proximal incision, associated with distal aggradation and downstream migration of the inflection point, is the dominant pattern of proglacial river response to post‐Little Ice Age glacier retreat in Iceland; (b) estimated mean rates of downstream migration of the inflection point range between 5 and 46 m·a−1; and (c) the downstream migration rate of the inflection point is positively correlated with the proportion of proglacial lakes within the glacier foreland. These findings suggest that proglacial margins dominated by proglacial lakes intensify the rates of proximal incision and inflection point migration.
Measuring blood velocity using 4D‐DSA: A feasibility study
Authors: Shaughnessy Gabe , Schafer Sebastian , Speidel Michael A. , Strother Charles M. , Mistretta Charles A.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Four‐dimensional (4D) DSA reconstruction provides three‐dimensional (3D) time‐resolved visualization of contrast bolus passage through arterial vasculature in the interventional setting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using these data in measuring blood velocity and flow.

Methods

The pulsatile signals in the time concentration curves (TCCs) measured at different points along a vessel are markers of the movement of a contrast bolus and thus of blood flow. When combined with the spatial content, that is, geometry of the vasculature, this information then provides the data required to determine blood velocity. A Fourier‐based algorithm was used to identify and follow the pulsatility signal. A Side Band Ratio (SBR) metric was used to reduce uncertainty in identifying the pulsatility in regions where the signal was weak. We tested this method using 4D‐DSA reconstructions from vascular phantoms as well as from human studies.

Results

In five studies using 3D printed patient‐specific cerebrovascular phantoms, velocities calculated from the 4D‐DSAs were found to be within 10% of velocities measured with a flow meter. Calculated velocity and flow values from three human studies were within the range of those reported in the literature.

Conclusions

4D‐DSA provides temporal and spatial information about blood flow and vascular geometry. This information is obtained using conventional rotational angiographic systems. In this small feasibility study, these data allowed calculations of velocity values that correlated well with measured values. The availability of velocity and blood flow information in the interventional setting would support a more quantitative approach to diagnosis, treatment planning and post‐treatment evaluations of a variety of cerebrovascular diseases.
Spectrochemical Properties and Solvatochromism of Tetradentate Schiff Base Complex with Nickel: Calculations and Experiments
Authors: Gonciarz Agnieszka , Żuber Marian , Zwoździak Jerzy
Published: August 2018

Invited for this month's cover picture is Dr. Agnieszka Gonciarz and her team. The team′s cooperation began recently when they met at the Military University of Land Forces (MULF) in Wrocław (Poland). Previously, each team member had various experience, in which chemistry played a major role. Dr. A. Gonciarz conducted spectroscopic research on coordination compounds, Prof. J. Zwoździak is a well‐known expert in the field of environmental protection, and Prof. M. Żuber is an expert in the application of chemistry in security sciences. When they met at MULF, the idea of cooperation arose and their research interest was directed toward the possibility of practical application of Schiff bases and their complexes in various areas. Read the full text of their Full Paper at 10.1002/open.201800100.
Re‐evaluating the Utility of Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis in the Critically Ill Patient: A Clinical Scenario‐Based Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Reynolds Paul M. , MacLaren Robert
Published: August 2018

Study Objective

Because recent studies have challenged the efficacy of stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) in the critically ill patient, our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of SUP with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine2‐receptor antagonists (H2RAs) against placebo, control, no therapy, or enteral nutrition alone in critically ill adults.

Design

Meta‐analysis with trial sequential analysis (TSA) of 34 randomized controlled trials.

Patients

A total of 3220 critically ill adults who received PPIs or H2RAs versus placebo, control, no therapy, or enteral nutrition.

Measurements and Main Results

A systematic review was performed using a random effects meta‐analysis with TSA according to a predefined protocol. Randomized controlled trials comparing PPIs or H2RAs with either placebo, control, no therapy, or enteral nutrition alone were identified through a comprehensive search of the literature. Two blinded reviewers independently assessed studies for inclusion, risk of bias, and extracted data using Cochrane Collaborative methodology. The predefined primary outcomes were clinically important, overt, and any (clinically important plus overt) gastrointestinal bleeding. Secondary outcomes included pneumonia, Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea (CDAD), and mortality. Subgroup analyses were conducted for the primary outcome by PPI or H2RA use, intensive care unit (ICU) subtype, studies published after early goal‐directed therapy (EGDT), the presence of risk factors for stress ulceration, and enteral nutrition use. Of the 34 trials included, 33 were judged as high risk of bias and 1 was judged as low risk. Use of SUP significantly reduced clinically important bleeding (risk ratio [RR] 0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37–0.76, p<0.001; I2 = 0%), overt bleeding (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.39–0.76, p=0.0003; I2 = 53%), and any bleeding (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.41–0.71, p<0.00001; I2 = 58%). TSA confirmed these findings. No significant differences in pneumonia, CDAD, or mortality were noted. Subgroup analyses revealed significant reductions in clinically important bleeding with SUP in neurosurgical patients (RR 0.37, p<0.05) but not in surgery/trauma or medical ICU patients with risk factors. SUP provided no benefit in studies published after EGDT. SUP significantly reduced clinically important bleeding regardless of the use of enteral nutrition (p<0.05).

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis demonstrated that SUP use was associated with significant reductions in bleeding but not mortality. SUP should not be abandoned until large randomized trials demonstrate the futility of this intervention.
Carbon‐Encapsulated Tube‐Wire Co3O4/MnO2 Heterostructure Nanofibers as Anode Material for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Wenming , Yue Ziwei , Miao Wenfang , Liu Sichen , Fu Chaochao , Li Ling , Zhang Zisheng , Wang Hong
Published: August 2018

This study presents a general approach for the synthesis of carbon‐encapsulated wire‐in‐tube Co3O4/MnO2 heterostructure nanofibers (Co3O4/MnO2@C) via electrospinning followed by calcination. The as‐synthesized Co3O4/MnO2@C is investigated as the sodium‐ion batteries anode material, which not only exhibits a high reversible capacity of 306 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 over 200 cycles, but also shows a cycling stability of 126 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at a high current density of 800 mA g−1. The excellent electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the contribution from carbon‐encapsulated outer‐tube Co3O4 and inner‐wire MnO2 heterostructures, which offer a large internal space and good electrical conductivity. The present work can be helpful in providing new insights into heterostructures for sodium‐ion batteries and other applications.
Role of Prior Martensite in a 2.0 GPa Multiple Phase Steel
Authors: Cui Xixi , Northwood Derek O. , Liu Cheng
Published: August 2018

A 55Mn2SiCr steel is developed by a novel multiple‐step process, which involves austenitizing at 900 °C for 30 min, rapid quenching to 210 °C, then holding at 170 °C for 5 min, and isothermally holding at 250 °C for different times, and finally cooling in air. The mixed microstructure consists of lenticular prior martensite (PM), fine needle bainitic ferrite (BF), and filmy retained austenite (RA). The results show that the highest tensile strength of 2030 MPa with a bending strength of 4000 MPa is achieved at 250 °C for 120 min. This is attributed to a synergistic multi‐phase strengthening effect. The presence of martensite formed during the quenching process prior to the isothermal treatment, accelerates the kinetics of subsequent nano‐scaled super bainitic transformation by bainitic laths nucleating quickly at the martensite‐austenite interfaces. The product of austenite fraction and its carbon content is found to be another important factor for controlling the strength. In addition, the phase evolution as well as carbon partitioning mechanism during isothermal treatment is discussed.
Incidental Gallbladder Cancer: How Residual Disease Affects Outcome in Two Referral HPB Centers from South America
Authors: Gil Luis , de Aretxabala Xabier , Lendoire Javier , Duek Fernando , Hepp Juan , Imventarza Oscar
Published: August 2018

Background

Residual disease (RD) has been described as one of the most relevant prognostic factors after radical surgical resection for incidental gallbladder cancer (IGC). The purpose of the present study was to analyze patterns of RD and determinant prognostic factors in patients undergoing re‐resection for IGC.

Methods

Patients undergoing re‐exploration due to IGC between 1990 and 2014 were identified in two referral centers from different South‐American countries. Patients submitted to a radical definitive operation were included in the study. Demographics and tumor‐treated related variables were analyzed in correlation with RD and survival. The site of RD, local (gallbladder bed) or regional (lymph nodes and bile duct) was correlated with disease‐specific survival (DSS).

Results

Of 265 patients with IGC submitted to surgery, 168 underwent a radical re‐resection and RD was found in 58 (34.5%). Demographic, clinical and surgical variables were compared between both centers showing differences in type of resection, laparoscopic approach, T stages and disease stage. Location of RD was regional in 34 (20.2%) and local in 24 (14.3%), and no residual disease was found in 110 (65.5%) patients. T stage (T1b = 20%, T2 = 23.8%, T3 = 71.7%, p < 0.001) and disease stage (p < 0.001) were independent predictors of RD. Finding RD at any location reduced the DSS in comparison with non‐RD patients (19.6 months vs. 62.7 months p < 0.001). No differences in DSS according to the location of RD were found, and all anatomic sites were equally poor (p = 0.27). RD at any site predicted DSS (p < 0.001), independently of all other IGC variables.

Conclusions

IGC presented similar clinical parameters in two different countries of South America. RD was demonstrated as the most critical prognostic variable in patients with IGC treated by a radical resection. The presence of RD was associated with poor outcome, independently of any anatomic location. Future studies incorporating neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with prognostic factors for RD are required to improve survival in this entity.
Patient and Surgeon Expectations Prior to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Khair Mahmoud Michael , Ghomrawi Hassan , Wilson Sean , Marx Robert G.
Published: August 2018

Background

When discussing potential treatment with patients choosing to undergo surgery for disruption of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and their families, surgeons spend considerable time discussing expectations of the short- and long-term health of the knee. Most of the research examining patient expectations in orthopedic surgery has focused largely on arthroplasty.

Questions/Purposes

The purpose of this study was to quantitatively assess the differences between the patient's and the surgeon's expectations before primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Methods

In this case series, we prospectively enrolled 93 patients scheduled for primary ACLR between 2011 and 2014. Expectations were measured using the Hospital for Special Surgery 23-item Knee Expectations Survey; scores were calculated for each subject.

Results

In all but six categories, patients had expectations that either aligned with their surgeons’ or were lower. The largest discordance between surgeon and patient expectations in which the patient had lower expectations was employment; 75% of patients had similar expectations to the surgeon when asked if the knee would be “back to the way it was before the problem started,” less than 1% had higher expectations, and 17% had lower expectations.

Conclusion

In general, patient expectations align well with surgeon expectations. Patients who are older, have a lower activity level, and who have selected allograft over autograft for ACLR could also be at risk for greater discordance. Understanding these differences, and their predictors, will help guide physicians when they are counseling patients about ACLR and also help them interact with patients after surgery as they assess outcomes.
Recession of Milam Glacier, Kumaun Himalaya, Observed via Lichenometric Dating of Moraines
Authors: Bisht Kapil , Joshi Yogesh , Upadhyay Shashi , Metha Poonam
Published: August 2018

Glaciers being very sensitive to climate change have been identified as one of the best indicators of climate change and evidences have proved that most of the Himalayan glaciers have receded with an increased rate during the recent past under the influence of global warming. Lichenometric study was carried out on the moraines of Milam glacier (located in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand) with the help of lichen species Dimelaena oreina having an average annual growth rate of 1.31 mm. The study revealed that Milam glacier has receded 1450 m in last 69.37 years with an average recession rate of 20.90 m/year. Since lichenometric studies are cost effective and ecofriendly in comparison to carbon dating, satellite and remote sensing based studies and also reliable, hence, it should be promoted in Himalaya which is an abode of glaciers.
Geochemical Signatures of Karlad Lake Sediments, North Kerala: Source Area Weathering and Provenance
Authors: Babeesh C. , Achyuthan Hema , Sajeesh T. P.
Published: August 2018

In the present study, the lake floor sediments of the Karlad lake, located at higher elevation in Wayanad region of north Kerala, were analyzed for textural characteristics, organic matter, calcium carbonate, major oxides and trace elements. This study was carried out to infer the chemical composition, provenance and intensity of chemical weathering of the source rocks in the lake catchment area. Textural studies signify that lake floor sediments are predominantly as clays (38.75%) followed by sand (36.36%) and silt (25.19%) fractions. The C/N ratio of the lake sediments signify that the sediments are both autochthonous and allochthonous in origin. The major oxides average content reveals the order of abundance as follows; SiO2 > Al2O3 > Fe2O3 > TiO2 > MgO > CaO > K2O > P2O5 > Na2O > MnO. Moreover, the various weathering indices such as Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA-Avg. 93.5%), PlagioclaseIndex of Alteration (PIA-Avg. 95.6%) and Chemical Index of Weathering (CIW-Avg. 95.76%) suggest an intense chemical weathering of the source area. The A-CN-K diagram is also corroborating the same. Various provenance discrimination diagrams reveal that the sediments are derived from the mafic source rocks.
Carcinogenic and Non-carcinogenic Risk Assessment of Metals in Groundwater via Ingestion and Dermal Absorption Pathways for Children and Adults in Malwa Region of Punjab
Authors: Duggal Vikas , Rani Asha
Published: August 2018

The concentration of trace metals was measured in groundwater samples collected from Malwa region of Punjab, India. The samples were analyzed by using high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS). The results were compared with permissible limits prescribed by various health and environmental protection agencies. The concentrations of trace metals such as Mn, Se, Mo, Cd, Sb and Pb were higher than their respective permissible limits at some sampling sites. The total hazard index (HItotal) (summing the hazard index through ingestion and dermal routes) at all the sampling sites exceeded or nearing unity, indicating the presence of non-carcinogenic health effects from ingestion of groundwater and dermal contact with groundwater. The results reveal that the total excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCRtotal) of metals exposure was in accordance with the acceptable lifetime risks for carcinogens in drinking water.
POINTWISE CONVERGENCE OF SCHRÖDINGER SOLUTIONS AND MULTILINEAR REFINED STRICHARTZ ESTIMATES
Authors: DU XIUMIN , GUTH LARRY , LI XIAOCHUN , ZHANG RUIXIANG
Published: August 2018

We obtain partial improvement toward the pointwise convergence problem of Schrödinger solutions, in the general setting of fractal measure. In particular, we show that, for $n\geqslant 3$, $\lim _{t\rightarrow 0}e^{it\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E5}}f(x)$$=f(x)$ almost everywhere with respect to Lebesgue measure for all $f\in H^{s}(\mathbb{R}^{n})$ provided that $s>(n+1)/2(n+2)$. The proof uses linear refined Strichartz estimates. We also prove a multilinear refined Strichartz using decoupling and multilinear Kakeya.
ESTABLISHING A MILITARY PRESENCE IN A DISPUTED TERRITORY: INTERPRETATION OF ARTICLE 2(3) AND (4) OF THE UN CHARTER
Authors: Mikanagi Tomohiro
Published: August 2018

In its 2015 judgment in the Costa Rica v Nicaragua case, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) found that Nicaragua's establishment of a military presence in disputed territory violated the territorial sovereignty of Costa Rica. Two judges considered that Nicaragua's actions had constituted a breach of Article 2(4) of the United Nations (UN) Charter, but the majority of the judges chose not to pronounce on the issue. Whilst it has been clarified that the prohibition of the use of force applies to a disputed territory, it seems less clear as to whether such force has to be violent in nature, causing injury to human beings or damage to property, for it to be in breach of Article 2(4). The ICJ's Advisory Opinion on the Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory case strongly indicated that the construction of the wall breached Article 2(4). If a State establishes a military presence to change the status quo in a disputed territory, it would not be regarded as a ‘peaceful’ means of settling the territorial dispute. Therefore, such behaviour would violate Article 2(3), under which States shall settle their international disputes ‘exclusively’ by peaceful means. Furthermore, to constitute an unlawful use of force under Article 2(4), the establishment of a military presence in a disputed territory does not have to be violent but should involve coercion that makes it materially impossible for other claimants to restore the status quo ante without risking human injury or damage to property.
Removal of external ear canal exostoses by piezo surgery: a novel technique
Authors: Puttasiddaiah P M , Browning S T
Published: August 2018

Background

External auditory canal exostoses are known to occur in patients who engage in cold-water sports. Although the majority of patients with exostosis remain asymptomatic, larger lesions can cause wax impaction, conductive hearing loss and predispose to recurrent otitis externa.

Objective

A novel technique is described of using a piezo saw to excise exostoses that are symptomatic. The piezo saw is used to perform various procedures, but its use in removing exostoses has not been described in the literature.

Conclusion

Excision of exostoses of the ear canal using a piezo saw is a safe technique and patients have a speedy recovery. This paper describes a new technique for removing exostoses.
Ending the US Embargo of Cuba: International Law in Dispute
Authors: White Nigel D.
Published: August 2018

The announcement by Presidents Obama and Castro in December 2014 of a major step towards normalisation of inter-state relations was part of what is primarily a political process, but normalisation implies a return to peaceful inter-state relations based on respect for fundamental principles of international law. This commentary explores the role that those principles have played in helping shape the confrontation between the United States and Cuba since the revolution of 1959, which has been underpinned by an economic, commercial and financial embargo of Cuba by the United States. This commentary argues that, from being an integral part of the bilateral dispute, international law can, at key moments, shift to form part of a solution. The changing political landscape raises the prospects of the parties turning to international law as a means of restoring normal relations between them resulting in, amongst other changes, the demise of the embargo.
Heart Rate Variability Moderates Challenge and Threat Reactivity to	Sexism Among Women in STEM
Authors: Casad Bettina J. , Petzel Zachary W.
Published: August 2018

Abstract. Using a biopsychosocial model of challenge and threat, we tested resting heart rate variability (HRV) as a moderator of physiological reactivity after experiencing sexism. Women science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors participated in a mock interview in which the male interviewer made a sexist or neutral comment. Resting HRV moderated physiological stress reactivity among women in the sexism condition, but not control, indicating lower resting HRV predicted greater physiological threat than challenge and higher resting HRV predicted greater physiological challenge than threat during the interview. These findings support the emotion regulation properties of HRV as applied to a biopsychosocial model of challenge and threat. Higher resting HRV may be adaptive for women experiencing sexism in male-dominated contexts like STEM.
Extrachromosomal circular elements targeted by CRISPR-Cas in Dehalococcoides mccartyi are linked to mobilization of reductive dehalogenase genes
Authors: Molenda Olivia , Tang Shuiquan , Lomheim Line , Gautam Vasu K , Lemak Sofia , Yakunin Alexander F , Maxwell Karen L , Edwards Elizabeth A
Published: August 2018

Dehalococcoides mccartyi are obligate organohalide-respiring bacteria that play an important detoxifying role in the environment. They have small genomes (~1.4 Mb) with a core region interrupted by two high plasticity regions (HPRs) containing dozens of genes encoding reductive dehalogenases involved in organohalide respiration. The genomes of eight new strains of D. mccartyi were closed from metagenomic data from a related set of enrichment cultures, bringing the total number of genomes to 24. Two of the newly sequenced strains and three previously sequenced strains contain CRISPR-Cas systems. These D. mccartyi CRISPR-Cas systems were found to primarily target prophages and genomic islands. The genomic islands were identified either as integrated into D. mccartyi genomes or as circular extrachromosomal elements. We observed active circularization of the integrated genomic island containing vcrABC operon encoding the dehalogenase (VcrA) responsible for the transformation of vinyl chloride to non-toxic ethene. We interrogated archived DNA from established enrichment cultures and found that the CRISPR array acquired three new spacers in 11 years. These data provide a glimpse into dynamic processes operating on the genomes distinct to D. mccartyi strains found in enrichment cultures and provide the first insights into possible mechanisms of lateral DNA exchange in D. mccartyi.
Tdp-25 Routing to Autophagy and Proteasome Ameliorates its Aggregation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Target Cells
Authors: Cicardi Maria Elena , Cristofani Riccardo , Rusmini Paola , Meroni Marco , Ferrari Veronica , Vezzoli Giulia , Tedesco Barbara , Piccolella Margherita , Messi Elio , Galbiati Mariarita , Boncoraglio Alessandra , Carra Serena , Crippa Valeria , Poletti Angelo
Published: August 2018

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects motoneurons, while non-neuronal cells may contribute to disease onset and progression. Most ALS cases are characterized by the mislocalization and aggregation of the TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) in affected cells. TDP-43 aggregates contain C-terminal TDP-43 fragments of 35 kDa (TDP-35) and 25 kDa (TDP-25) and have been mainly studied in motoneurons, while little is currently known about their rate of accumulation and clearance in myoblasts. Here, we performed a comparative study in immortalized motoneuronal like (NSC34; i-motoneurons) cells and stabilized myoblasts (C2C12; s-myoblasts) to evaluate if these two cell types differentially accumulate and clear TDP forms. The most aggregating specie in i-motoneurons is the TDP-25 fragment, mainly constituted by the “prion-like” domain of TDP-43. To a lower extent, TDP-25 also aggregates in s-myoblasts. In both cell types, all TDP species are cleared by proteasome, but TDP-25 impairs autophagy. Interestingly, the routing of TDP-25 fragment to proteasome, by overexpressing BAG1, or to autophagy, by overexpressing HSPB8 or BAG3 decreased its accumulation in both cell types. These results demonstrate that promoting the chaperone-assisted clearance of ALS-linked proteins is beneficial not only in motoneurons but also in myoblasts.
Genetics, personality and wellbeing. A twin study of traits, facets and life satisfaction
Authors: Røysamb Espen , Nes Ragnhild B. , Czajkowski Nikolai O. , Vassend Olav
Published: August 2018

Human wellbeing is influenced by personality traits, in particular neuroticism and extraversion. Little is known about which facets that drive these associations, and the role of genes and environments. Our aim was to identify personality facets that are important for life satisfaction, and to estimate the contribution of genetic and environmental factors in the association between personality and life satisfaction. Norwegian twins (N = 1,516, age 50–65, response rate 71%) responded to a personality instrument (NEO-PI-R) and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). Regression analyses and biometric modeling were used to examine influences from personality traits and facets, and to estimate genetic and environmental contributions. Neuroticism and extraversion explained 24%, and personality facets accounted for 32% of the variance in life satisfaction. Four facets were particularly important; anxiety and depression in the neuroticism domain, and activity and positive emotions within extraversion. Heritability of life satisfaction was 0.31 (0.22–0.40), of which 65% was explained by personality-related genetic influences. The remaining genetic variance was unique to life satisfaction. The association between personality and life satisfaction is driven mainly by four, predominantly emotional, personality facets. Genetic factors play an important role in these associations, but influence life satisfaction also beyond the effects of personality.
Characterization of the β-defensin genes in giant panda
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Yi , Zhang He-Min , Li De-Sheng , Xiong Tie-Yi , Fang Sheng-Guo
Published: August 2018

β-Defensins are small antimicrobial proteins expressed in various organisms and have great potential for improving animal health and selective breeding programs. Giant pandas have a distinctive lineage in Carnivora, and it is unclear whether β-defensin genes have experienced different selective pressures during giant panda evolution. We therefore characterized the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) β-defensin gene family through gap filling, TBLASTN, and HMM searches. Among 36 β-defensins identified, gastrointestinal disease may induce the expression of theDEFB1andDEFB139genes in the digestive system. Moreover, forDEFB139, a significant positive selection different from that of its homologs was revealed through branch model comparisons. A Pro-to-Arg mutation in the giant panda DEFB139 mature peptide may have enhanced the peptide’s antimicrobial potency by increasing its stability, isoelectric point, surface charge and surface hydrophobicity, and by stabilizing its second β-sheet. Broth microdilution tests showed that the increase in net charge caused by the Pro-to-Arg mutation has enhanced the peptide’s potency againstStaphylococcus aureus, although the increase was minor. We expect that additional gene function and expression studies of the giant pandaDEFB139gene could improve the existing conservation strategies for the giant panda.
Predictive ability of genome-assisted statistical models under various forms of gene action
Authors: Momen Mehdi , Mehrgardi Ahmad Ayatollahi , Sheikhi Ayyub , Kranis Andreas , Tusell Llibertat , Morota Gota , Rosa Guilherme J. M. , Gianola Daniel
Published: August 2018

Recent work has suggested that the performance of prediction models for complex traits may depend on the architecture of the target traits. Here we compared several prediction models with respect to their ability of predicting phenotypes under various statistical architectures of gene action: (1) purely additive, (2) additive and dominance, (3) additive, dominance, and two-locus epistasis, and (4) purely epistatic settings. Simulation and a real chicken dataset were used. Fourteen prediction models were compared: BayesA, BayesB, BayesC, Bayesian LASSO, Bayesian ridge regression, elastic net, genomic best linear unbiased prediction, a Gaussian process, LASSO, random forests, reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces regression, ridge regression (best linear unbiased prediction), relevance vector machines, and support vector machines. When the trait was under additive gene action, the parametric prediction models outperformed non-parametric ones. Conversely, when the trait was under epistatic gene action, the non-parametric prediction models provided more accurate predictions. Thus, prediction models must be selected according to the most probably underlying architecture of traits. In the chicken dataset examined, most models had similar prediction performance. Our results corroborate the view that there is no universally best prediction models, and that the development of robust prediction models is an important research objective.
Immuno-impedimetric Biosensor for Onsite Monitoring of Ascospores and Forecasting of Sclerotinia Stem Rot of Canola
Authors: Shoute Lian C. T. , Anwar Afreen , MacKay Scott , Abdelrasoul Gaser N. , Lin Donghai , Yan Zhimin , Nguyen Anh H. , McDermott Mark T. , Shah Manzoor A. , Yang Jian , Chen Jie , Li Xiujie S.
Published: August 2018

Sclerotinia stem rot, caused by the fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a destructive disease of canola and many other broadleaf crops. The primary inoculum responsible for initiating Sclerotinia epidemics is airborne ascospores released from the apothecia of sclerotia. Timely detection of the presence of airborne ascospores can serve as an early-warning system for forecasting and management of the disease. A major challenge is to develop a portable and automated device which can be deployed onsite to detect and quantify the presence of minute quantities of ascospores in the air and serves as a unit in a network of systems for forecasting of the epidemic. In this communication, we present the development of an impedimetric non-Faradaic biosensor based on anti-S. sclerotiorum polyclonal antibodies as probes to selectively capture the ascospores and sense their binding by an impedance based interdigitated electrode which was found to directly and unambiguously correlate the number of ascospores on sensor surface with the impedance response.
Improving precision for detecting change in the shape of the cornea in patients with keratoconus
Authors: Brunner Matthias , Czanner Gabriela , Vinciguerra Riccardo , Romano Vito , Ahmad Sajjad , Batterbury Mark , Britten Claire , Willoughby Colin E. , Kaye Stephen B.
Published: August 2018

To investigate a method for precision analysis to discriminate true corneal change from measurement imprecision in keratoconus (KC). Thirty patients with KC and 30 healthy controls were included. Coefficients of repeatability and limits of agreement (LOA) were compared using multiple measurements for inter-observer and inter-device agreement with the Pentacam HR, Orbscan IIz, and Tomey Casia SS-1000. Correlation of repeated measurements was evaluated using a linear mixed effect model (also called random effect model). A formula was derived for the theoretical expected change in precision and compared with measured change. Correlation between measurements from the same eye was small (R = 0.13). The 99.73% LOA (3 SD) of the mean of three measurements, provided better precision than 95% LOA (2 SD) of single cut-off values as expected from statistical theory for uncorrelated measurements for evidence of a significant change in corneal shape in patients with keratoconus. This enabled the determination of cut-off values for the detection of true change in corneal shape. The mean of three repeated measurements will provide better precision when there is minimal correlation. Three (rather than two) standard deviations provides a precise estimate of the LOA within or between observers and can be used as a reliable measure for identifying stage-independent corneal shape changes (progression) in keratoconus.
Membrane-Modulating Drugs can Affect the Size of Amyloid-β25–35 Aggregates in Anionic Membranes
Authors: Khondker Adree , Alsop Richard J. , Himbert Sebastian , Tang Jennifer , Shi An-Chang , Hitchcock Adam P. , Rheinstädter Maikel C.
Published: August 2018

The formation of amyloid-βplaques is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. The presence of an amphiphatic cell membrane can accelerate the formation of amyloid-βaggregates, making it a potential druggable target to delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. We have prepared unsaturated anionic membranes made of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine (DMPS) and added the trans-membrane segment Aβ25–35. Peptide plaques spontaneously form in these membranes at high peptide concentrations of 20 mol%, which show the characteristic cross-βmotif (concentrations are relative to the number of membrane lipids and indicate the peptide-to-lipid ratio). We used atomic force microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, x-ray microscopy, x-ray diffraction, UV-vis spectroscopy and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations to study three membrane-active molecules which have been speculated to have an effect in Alzheimer’s disease: melatonin, acetylsalicyclic acid (ASA) and curcumin at concentrations of 5 mol% (drug-to-peptide ratio). Melatonin did not change the structural parameters of the membranes and did not impact the size or extent of peptide clusters. While ASA led to a membrane thickening and stiffening, curcumin made membranes softer and thinner. As a result, ASA was found to lead to the formation of larger peptide aggregates, whereas curcumin reduced the volume fraction of cross-βsheets by ~70%. We speculate that the interface between membrane and peptide cluster becomes less favorable in thick and stiff membranes, which favors the formation of larger aggregates, while the corresponding energy mismatch is reduced in soft and thin membranes. Our results present evidence that cross-βsheets of Aβ25–35in anionic unsaturated lipid membranes can be re-dissolved by changing membrane properties to reduce domain mismatch.