bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CFD study on Taylor bubble characteristics in Carreau‐Yasuda shear thinning liquids
Authors: Sontti Somasekhara Goud , Atta Arnab
Published: July 2018

In the present study, Taylor bubble formation in two‐phase gas‐non‐Newtonian Carreau liquid flowing through a confined co‐flow microchannel is investigated. Systematic analyses are carried out to explore the influences of rheological properties, inlet velocities, and surface tension on Taylor bubble length, shape, velocity, and liquid film thickness. Aqueous solutions of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) with different mass concentrations are considered as the non‐Newtonian liquids to understand the fundamentals of flow behaviour. With increasing solution viscosity and liquid phase inlet velocity, Taylor bubble formation frequency and velocity increased; however, the bubble length was found to decrease. Velocity profiles inside the Taylor bubble and liquid slug were analyzed, and distinct velocity distributions were found for different CMC concentrations. Flow regime maps are developed based on gas and liquid velocities for Carreau liquids in the co‐flow microchannel. This study essentially provides useful guidelines in designing a non‐Newtonian microfluidic system for precise control and manipulation of Taylor bubbles.
Numerical simulation of polymer filling process by a combined finite element/discontinuous Galerkin/level set method
Authors: Gao Puyang , Ouyang Jie , Zhou Wen
Published: July 2018

The filling process in injection molding involves polymer melt and air with large density/viscosity ratios and the transient free surface. It is treated as a challenging viscoelastic‐Newtonian two‐phase flow problem especially on irregular domains. In this paper, the complex filling process for the irregular cavity is simulated using a combined finite element/discontinuous Galerkin/level set method with application to the socket with five inserts, which is rarely investigated. The rheological behaviour of the viscoelastic fluid is predicted according to the eXtended Pom‐Pom (XPP) constitutive model. The level set method proposed from prior literature is utilized to capture the moving interface because of its simplicity and efficiency. The hybrid continuous and discontinuous Galerkin method is utilized to solve the viscoelastic incompressible Navier‐Stokes equations. The second order Runge Kutta discontinuous Galerkin (RKDG) method is employed to deal with the XPP constitutive equation and the level set equation due to their hyperbolic natures. This combined algorithm is convenient to cope with the irregular cavity and avoid any stabilization terms. We first investigate the filling process of the rectangular cavity without and with a diamond insert and compare with other numerical and experimental results to illustrate the validity of the coupled method. Moreover, the cavity of the socket with five inserts is considered an application case. We analyze the influences of the inlet velocity and elasticity on physical quantities such as stresses, stretch, etc. The simulation results could provide some numerical predictions for the polymer industry.
XNA Synthesis and Reverse Transcription by Engineered Thermophilic Polymerases
Authors: Cozens Christopher , Pinheiro Vitor B.
Published: July 2018

The B‐family polymerases of hyperthermophilic archaea have proven an exceptional platform for engineering polymerases with extended substrate spectra, despite multiple mechanisms for detecting and avoiding incorporation of non‐cognate substrates. These polymerases can efficiently synthesize and reverse‐transcribe a number of xenonucleic acids (XNAs) that differ significantly from the canonical B‐form of DNA. We present here a protocol for hexitol nucleic acid (HNA) synthesis by an engineered Thermococcus gorgonarius polymerase variant, including adaptation for large‐scale synthesis and purification, and for other XNAs. We describe XNA purification and reverse transcription (with a previously reported XNA RT also based on Thermococcus gorgonarius), as well as key considerations for the characterization and optimization of XNA reactions. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Non‐linear interaction of a q‐Gaussian laser beam in a plasma channel created by the ignitor‐heater technique
Authors: Gupta Naveen
Published: July 2018

This paper presents a theoretical investigation of the propagation characteristics of a q‐Gaussian laser beam propagating through a plasma channel created by the ignitor‐heater technique. The ignitor beam creates the plasma by tunnel‐ionization of air. The heater beam heats the plasma electrons and establishes a parabolic channel. The third beam (q‐Gaussian beam) is guided in the plasma channel under the combined effects of density non‐uniformity and non‐uniform ohmic heating of the plasma channel. Numerical solutions of the non‐linear Schrodinger wave equation (NSWE) for the fields of laser beams are obtained with the help of the moment theory approach. Particular emphasis is placed on the dynamical variations of the spot size of the laser beams and the longitudinal phase shift of the guided beam with the distance of propagation.
Increasing minority employment: Are you ready to recruit?
Authors: Egan Mary Lou , Bendick Marc
Published: July 2018

To increase employment from desired race or gender groups, employers nearly always first turn to recruiting from outside their organization. But a few years after such initiatives are undertaken, diversity numbers typically remain low or even decrease, turnover among recruits from the sought‐after groups is high, and the efforts are threatened by their recurrent cost. Employers need to break this fruitless cycle by thinking more strategically. Without an inclusive organizational climate that retains and fully utilizes minority employees after hire, simply recruiting more such employees will not lead to sustainable changes in workforce demographics. Drawing on empirical research, this paper describes six “red flags” that identify workplaces not ready to recruit. Only after organizational changes address the deficiencies identified by the red flags will the time for minority recruitment be at hand. But by then special focused recruitment may not be necessary; when employers change their workplace cultures to become truly inclusive, word gets around.
Epoxidation of cyclohexene with tert‐butyl hydroperoxide catalyzed by mixed oxide V2O5–TiO2
Authors: Lahcene Driss , Choukchou‐Braham Abderrahim
Published: July 2018

TiO2 and 20 wt% V2O5–TiO2 catalysts were prepared by the sol–gel route and calcined at 500 °C. The mixed oxide presented the crystalline structures of TiO2 anatase and V2O5 Shcherbinaite phases, with a BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) surface area of 19 m2/g. The catalytic material was tested for the epoxidation of cyclohexene by tert‐butyl hydroperoxide at 80 °C. The activity and selectivity were investigated as a function of the reaction time as well as the amounts of the catalyst and solvent. The reaction followed second‐order kinetics, and the best catalytic performance was observed after 6 hr of reaction time, with 150 mg of catalyst in n‐heptane solvent. The epoxidation selectivity reached 76% at 48% conversion. The catalyst remained stable after two cycles.
Characterization of nonsegregated C17Si3 heterofullerenic isomers using density functional theory method
Authors: Soleimani‐Amiri Somayeh , Koohi Maryam , Azizi Zahra
Published: July 2018

Geometry, stability, and electronic properties of nine C17Si3 heterofullerenic isomers (C17Si3‐1 to C17Si3‐9) are investigated at M062X/6–311++G**, B3LYP/AUG‐cc‐pVTZ, B3LYP/6–311++G**, B3LYP/6–311 + G*, and B3PW91/6–311++G** levels of theory. Vibrational frequency calculations show that all designed isomers are true minima. Exploring the nanocage structures shows the contraction of C=C double bonds to compensate for the longer carbon–silicon bonds. Energy, frequency, geometry, charge, polarity, aromaticity, ΔELUMO–HOMO, and heat of atomization of these heterofullerenes seem strongly dependent on the topology of the incorporated silicon heteroatoms. While Si substitution increases the conductivity of C17Si3‐3, and C17Si3‐7 by decreasing their ΔELUMO–HOMO, Si doping enhances the kinetic stability of C17Si3‐1 against electronic excitations via increasing its ΔELUMO–HOMO and makes them optically active by increasing their hyperpolarizability. The molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) maps indicate that the negative potential sites are on carbon atoms whereas the positive potential sites are around the silicon atoms. High charge transfer on the surfaces of C17Si3‐2 to C17Si3‐9 heterofullerenes provokes further investigations on their possible application for hydrogen storage. The nucleus‐independent chemical shift (NICS) values show that C17Si3‐1 with three silicon atoms in the equatorial position is the most aromatic isomer.
Current approaches to waste polymer utilization and minimization: a review
Authors: Okan Meltem , Aydin Halil Murat , Barsbay Murat
Published: July 2018

The mass production of polymer products, in particular plastics, and their widespread use depending on the inherent advantages they have, make these materials ironically a threat to life on Earth. Polymer recycling is being considered as one of the most widely accepted remedies to the threat of growing amounts of plastic waste by both the public and scientists. In practice, recycling is associated with many difficulties, such as problems related to separation, sorting and cleaning operations, lack of fiscal subsidies, instability of selective garbage separation programs, high transport and electricity costs, etc. Still, a large section of society and the authorities agree on the necessity and importance of recycling to protect the environment, and natural habitats and resources for future generations in a balanced manner to conserve raw materials, and to reduce energy consumption, municipal solid waste production and greenhouse gas emission. The recycling effort is almost endless in itself and includes a variety of approaches such as refurbishing, mechanically reshaping, chemically treating, thermally utilizing, etc. Some novel approaches such as application in carbon capture or synthesis of carbon nanostructures from the plastic waste are among the new process technologies of recycling. From traditional and promising polymer waste utilization approaches, this review will highlight sustainable methods to reduce impacts of plastic waste on the environment. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Preclinical alveolar ridge preservation using small‐sized particles of bone replacement graft in combination with a gelatin cryogel scaffold
Authors: Chang Po‐Chun , Chang Hao‐Chieh , Lin Tzu‐Chiao , Tai Wei‐Chiu
Published: July 2018

Background

Particulate anorganic bovine bone matrix (ABBM) is extensively used for alveolar ridge preservation (ARP). This study evaluates the potential of ABBM/gelatin cryogel scaffold of regular (250 to 1,000 μm) and small (50 to 100 μm) particles for ARP.

Methods

ABBM was either condensed in a gypsum ring to simulate filling of ABBM in a defect or incorporated into a gelatin cryogel scaffold to disperse ABBM. Condensed regular‐sized or small‐sized ABBM (rABBM or sABBM) (± bone morphogenetic protein [BMP]‐2) were subcutaneously implanted in rats to evaluate biocompatibility and osteogenic potential. Experimental extraction sockets were surgically created on the maxillary ridges of rats and were unfilled (control), filled with rABBM/gelatin, or sABBM/gelatin cryogel scaffold. The socket fill and dimensional changes of the ridge were evaluated by microcomputed tomography imaging and histology.

Results

Condensed sABBM showed acceptable biocompatibility but significantly lower interparticle distance (IPD) and porosity (P < 0.001) compared with rABBM, whereas rABBM/gelatin and sABBM/gelatin cryogel scaffold showed similar IPD and porosity. Osteogenesis took place in rABBM/gelatin and sABBM/gelatin‐treated extraction sockets showed osteogenesis at 8 weeks and had increased ridge width and reduced ridge discrepancy compared with the control sites. sABBM/gelatin scaffold significantly increased socket fill and reduced ridge discrepancy at 4 weeks, increased ridge width at 8 weeks, and reduced buccal ridge height resorption at both 4 and 8 weeks (P < 0.05 for all).

Conclusions

Osteoconductivity was suppressed in condensed sABBM, even after adding BMP‐2. By dispersing sABBM in a gelatin cryogel scaffold, sABBM/gelatin showed a greater potential in promoting socket fill, reducing buccal ridge atrophy, and providing equivalent ridge stability compared with rABBM/gelatin.
How does land management contribute to the resilience of Mediterranean forests and rangelands? A participatory assessment
Authors: Jucker Riva Matteo , Baeza Jaime , Bautista Susana , Christoforou Michalakis , Daliakopoulos Ioannis N. , Hadjimitsis Diofantos , Keizer Jan Jacob , Liniger Hanspeter , Quaranta Giovanni , Ribeiro Cristina , Salvia Rosanna , Tsanis Ioannis K. , Urgeghe Anna M. , Valdecantos Alejandro , Schwilch Gudrun
Published: July 2018

In Mediterranean forests and rangelands, the supply of important ecosystem services can decrease or cease as a consequence of disturbances and climatic oscillations. Land managers can sometimes prevent or mitigate the negative effects of disturbances through appropriate land management choices. In this study, we assess the contribution of land management practices (LMPs) to the resilience of eight Mediterranean forests and rangelands to multiple disturbances. The study uses a transdisciplinary approach, involving scientists, land managers, and local administrators. Data about disturbances, ecosystem services, the role of LMPs, and the resistance of LMPs to disturbances are combined using a semiquantitative index and analysed to evaluate how the LMPs implemented are suited to the disturbances affecting each study site. Our results indicate that the practices analysed are particularly effective in improving resilience of ecosystems against wildfires and torrential rainfalls. However, droughts are more difficult to address, and the examined practices were heavily affected by their occurrence. Tree planting appears to be highly affected by disturbances. Practices that selectively reduce the amount of vegetation appear to be beneficial in fostering recovery of ecosystems. Our assessment also suggests that it is particularly difficult to increase resilience to droughts and fires simultaneously. Practices that aimed to mitigate the impact of land use did not always prove valuable in terms of resilience. Finally, study sites that included efforts to address disturbances in their management objectives also displayed practices making the biggest contribution to resilience.
Letter Specific Dysgraphia: A Silent Stutter
Authors: Prasad Shweta , Pal Pramod Kumar
Published: July 2018

View Supplementary Video 1
Foot measures in patients with pes cavus with and without charcot–marie–tooth disease: A pilot study
Authors: Stino Amro M. , Atway Said , Anthony Michael , Kline David , Kissel John T.
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Pes cavus often signals the presence of Charcot–Marie‐Tooth (CMT) in adult patients, although its prevalence in the general population makes it a finding of unclear significance.

Methods

We undertook a pilot double cohort study to investigate the feasibility of comparing preselected bedside and radiographic foot measures in pes cavus patients with and without CMT.

Results

A total of 16 CMT and 11 non‐CMT patients were recruited. Although no findings consistently met statistical significance, recruitment was highly limiting.

Conclusions

Formalized foot measurement comparisons of CMT and non‐CMT pes cavus are feasible. Larger studies will be necessary to determine if there are differences in foot structure based on the presence of a hereditary neuropathy. Muscle Nerve 59:122–125, 2019
A genome‐wide analysis of colorectal cancer in a child with Noonan syndrome
Authors: Prasad Rahul M. , Mody Rajen J. , Myers George , Mullins Melisa , Naji Zaher , Geiger James D.
Published: July 2018

Noonan syndrome (NS) is a developmental syndrome caused by germline mutations in the Ras signaling pathway. No association has been shown between NS and pediatric colorectal cancer (CRC). We report the case of CRC in a pediatric patient with NS. The patient underwent whole genome sequencing. A germline SOS1 mutation c.1310T>C (p. Ile437Thr) confirmed NS diagnosis. No known hereditary cancer syndromes were identified. Tumor analysis revealed two mutations: a TP53 missense mutation c.481G>A (p. Ala161Tyr) and NCOR1 nonsense mutation c.6052C>T (p. Arg2018*). This report highlights the complexity of Ras signaling and the interplay between developmental syndromes and cancer.
Reactive Plasticizers Covalently Linked to Glycidyl Azide Polymer via Catalyst‐Free Huisgen Azide‐Alkyne Cycloaddition
Authors: Fareghi‐Alamdari Reza , Jafari Najmeh , Shahidzadeh Mansour , Zekri Negar
Published: July 2018

Reactive plasticizers (RPs) used in glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) were studied. These compounds consisted of an activated terminal alkyne group expected to give rise to Huisgen azide‐alkyne 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition, which couldprevent the migration of plasticizers. FTIR, 13C and 1H NMR analyses were implemented to confirm that the connection was made properly. The properties GAP/RPs were investigated by DSC analyses, a viscometer, and heat of combustion. The RPs could effectively reduce the viscosity of the GAP from 5.5 Pa.s to 2.5 and 3.8 Pa.s when 40 % (w/w) of the reactive plasticizers are respectively added. Also, the glass transition temperature of GAP reduced from (−38) °C to −41 and −47.7 °C. The heats of combustion were measured by a calorimetric method. A significant difference in the heats of combustion was observed between the reactive plasticizers and reactive energetic plasticizers (from 17.31 kJ/g to 21.42 kJ/g).
A group‐based, individualized physiotherapy intervention for people with multiple sclerosis—A qualitative study
Authors: Lahelle Andreas Falck , Øberg Gunn Kristin , Normann Britt
Published: July 2018

Background and purpose

Group‐based interventions for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have gained increased attention in the field of physiotherapy research. However, no studies have investigated whether or how the prevailing principle of individualization is embedded in such interventions. The purpose of this study was to investigate how professional actions and interactions affect individualized exercise adaptations in a group intervention for people with MS.

Methods

This study had a qualitative design and investigated and analysed the actions and interactions of six different physiotherapists (PTs) with expertise in neurology and 40 patients (27 female and 13 male, mean age 52.2 years, mean Expanded Disability Status Scale 2.45) in a group‐based exercise intervention (GroupCoreDIST) for people with MS. We performed nonparticipatory video observations of 13 group exercise sessions, each consisting of three patients, followed by 13 semistructured in‐depth interviews with the PTs. Systematic text condensation analysis was conducted within an enactive theoretical framework.

Results

The results of our study indicated that the extent of embodied interaction and patient participation affect the possibilities and challenges regarding individualization within a group intervention. Handling, facilitation, emphasis on movement quality, and PTs who invited their patients to play an active role in the encounter enriched the reasoning and decision‐making processes and yielded opportunities to adapt exercises to the specific patient's impairments. However, the combination of individuality and collectivity within a group context brings forth challenges in which the PTs are obligated to both preserve the benefits of being in a group and simultaneously attend to individual patients.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that despite challenges, the PTs' integration of embodied interaction and mutual participation enables the patients to concurrently benefit from individualization and being in a group. These findings contribute to the question regarding the significance of individual adaptations in group interventions and point toward a need for future effect studies that compare standardized and individualized exercise protocols.
Enhancing RNAi by using concatemerized double‐stranded RNA
Authors: Sharath Chandra Gaddelapati , Asokan Ramaswamy , Manamohan Maligeppagol , Krishna Kumar Nallur
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

RNA interference (RNAi) is a potential tool for functional characterization of genes and also in the management of insect pests. Accumulated literature reveals that the RNAi efficiency varies among insect species and is reported to be less efficient in lepidopteran insects.

RESULTS

We attempted to enhance RNAi efficiency by concatemerizing short double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) sequence. Then the effectiveness of concatemerized dsRNAs (C‐dsRNAs) was compared with non‐concatemerized long dsRNA (NCL‐dsRNA) in silencing of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera), a major pest on cruciferous vegetables. Results revealed that the C‐dsRNAs enhanced the RNAi efficiency in terms of higher target gene silencing and consequently resulted in lower larval weight gain and higher mortality compared to the NCL‐dsRNA treatment. Even the lower concentration (0.5 µg) of C‐dsRNAs had a relatively similar effect to that of higher concentrations (2 µg) of NCL‐dsRNA. The enhanced RNAi efficiency with C‐dsRNAs was plausibly due to the higher expression of core RNAi pathway genes, Dicer‐2 and Argonaute‐2 (Ago‐2), which are known to govern the efficiency of RNAi.

CONCLUSION

Overall, C‐dsRNA enhanced the RNAi activity over routinely used long dsRNA in P. xylostella and this strategy may be applied for effective management of insect pests. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
On the Electropolishing Mechanism of Nickel Titanium in Methanolic Sulfuric acid − An Electrochemical Impedance Study
Authors: Fushimi Koji , Neelakantan Lakshman , Eggeler Gunther , Hassel Achim Walter
Published: July 2018

Electropolishing of NiTi shape memory alloys is possible in methanolic 3 m H2SO4. The electro‐dissolution behavior of NiTi in methanolic 3 m H2SO4 is ascertained in terms of Nyquist plots using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) under limiting current flow (mass transfer control) condition. The electro‐dissolution behavior is studied under convective conditions using a rotating disc electrode. The influence of changes in rotation rate, applied potential, and temperature are determined. This study demonstrates that electro‐dissolution under mass transfer condition follows a compact salt‐film mechanism. In order to quantitatively characterize the salt film formed during electropolishing, EIS is performed under stationary conditions. The increase in applied voltage causes an increase in polarization resistance and decrease in capacitance of the interface film.
Anomalous Behavior During Nano‐Compression Superelastic Tests on Cu‐Al‐Ni Shape Memory Alloy Micro Pillars
Authors: Gómez‐Cortés Jose F. , Nó Maria L. , López‐Echarri Angel , Ruiz‐Larrea Isabel , Breczewski Tomasz , San Juan Jose M.
Published: July 2018

Shape memory alloys are one of the most important families of functional materials due to superelasticity and shape memory properties. In particular Cu‐Al‐Ni alloys exhibit these properties at nanoscale, becoming potentially useful to design new smart MEMS. In this work, an anomalous behavior observed during nano‐compression superelastic tests on Cu‐Al‐Ni shape memory alloy micro pillars is reported. The study is approached by nano‐compression tests on micro and nano pillars milled by focused ion beam. The anomalous behavior on the superelastic effect is manifested by a sudden stabilization of the stress‐induced martensite, which does not undergo the reverse transformation. A transition, from superelastic to pseudoelastic‐twinning behavior, takes place during the nano‐compression tests, and is evaluated through the load‐depth curves and quantified by the mechanical damping coefficient η, which undergoes a sharp change from ultra‐high damping, η > 0.1, down to η ≈ 0.01. The stabilization of the martensite occurs under two different experimental conditions, along cycling and by applying a very high stress during superelastic tests. In both cases, a further recovery of the initial superelastic behavior is registered. The mechanisms responsible for the observed stabilization and recovery are discussed, together with the implications and further requirements for technological applications in MEMS.
Personal mobility and climate change
Authors: Barr Stewart
Published: July 2018

Changing personal mobility behavior in response to climate change represents a major challenge for social scientists and practitioners, given the embedded nature of mobility in daily life. Attempts to understand, govern, and promote more sustainable mobility have tended to focus on individual decision making and incremental shifts in behavior, such as reduced car use and increased walking, cycling, and public transport use. Indeed, these are progressively being woven into narratives of “smart” travel and the use of technology to enhance individual decision making. In this review, I respond to these developments by arguing that researchers and practitioners need to reframe their understanding of personal mobility to consider how travel can also be understood as an embedded form of practice, intimately connected to historic, economic, and cultural influences. In so doing, I propose that researchers need to focus their attention on two major challenges that constitute underpinning obstacles for promoting long‐term shifts in personal mobility: the ways in which cities are governed, designed, and regulated to promote hypermobility rather than dwelling; and the formidable problem of reducing personal carbon emissions from a growing international tourism industry. In addressing these two challenges, I argue for a new intellectual agenda that places personal well‐being at the center of efforts to promote shifts toward low carbon mobility practices. Such (radical) shifts include reducing the demand for travel, an emphasis on dwelling, and the promotion of “active” travel and “slow tourism.” In short, I ask why we travel so much, and why we don't travel well.

This article is categorized under:

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Behavior Change and Responses
Circuit complexity for free fermions
Authors: Hackl Lucas , Myers Robert C.
Published: July 2018

Abstract

We study circuit complexity for free fermionic field theories and Gaussian states. Our definition of circuit complexity is based on the notion of geodesic distance on the Lie group of special orthogonal transformations equipped with a right-invariant metric. After analyzing the differences and similarities to bosonic circuit complexity, we develop a comprehensive mathematical framework to compute circuit complexity between arbitrary fermionic Gaussian states. We apply this framework to the free Dirac field in four dimensions where we compute the circuit complexity of the Dirac ground state with respect to several classes of spatially unentangled reference states. Moreover, we show that our methods can also be applied to compute the complexity of excited energy eigenstates of the free Dirac field. Finally, we discuss the relation of our results to alternative approaches based on the Fubini-Study metric, the relevance to holography and possible extensions.
$$ \mathcal{N}=\left(3,3\right) $$ holography on AdS3 × (S3 × S3 × S1)/ℤ2
Authors: Eberhardt Lorenz , Zadeh Ida G.
Published: July 2018

Abstract

We consider string theory on AdS3
× (S3
× S3
× S1)/ℤ2, a background supporting

$$ \mathcal{N}=\left(3,3\right) $$

N
=

3
3

spacetime supersymmetry. We propose that string theory on this background is dual to the symmetric product orbifold of

$$ {\mathcal{S}}_0/{\mathbb{Z}}_2 $$

S
0

/

ℤ
2

where

$$ {\mathcal{S}}_0 $$

S
0

is a theory of four free fermions and one free boson. We show that the BPS spectra of the two sides of the duality match precisely. Furthermore, we compute the elliptic genus of the dual CFT and that of the supergravity limit of string theory and demonstrate that they match, hence providing non-trivial support for the holographic proposal.
Erbliche spastische Spinalparalysen: aktuelle Erkenntnisse und Entwicklungen
Authors: Beetz Christian , Khundadze Mukhran , Goldberg Lisa V. , Hübner Christian A.
Published: July 2018

Die erblichen spastischen Spinalparalysen („hereditary spastic paraplegias“, HSPs) sind Bewegungsstörungen, die aus der Degeneration der Axone oberer Motoneuronen resultieren. Sie sind klinisch und genetisch sehr heterogen. Der vorliegende Übersichtsartikel fasst aktuelle Strategien zur genetischen Diagnostik der HSPs zusammen, erörtert mögliche Mutationsmechanismen, diskutiert Erklärungen für die klinische Variabilität innerhalb ausgewählter Formen und verweist auf noch ungeklärte und zum Teil wenig beachtete Phänomene. Außerdem wird die Notwendigkeit eines tieferen Verständnisses der zellulären und molekularen Mechanismen für die Entwicklung neuer Therapien dargestellt.
A Systems Biology Approach for Studying Heterotopic Ossification: Proteomic Analysis of Clinical Serum and Tissue Samples
Authors: Crowgey Erin L. , Wyffels Jennifer T. , Osborn Patrick M. , Wood Thomas T. , Edsberg Laura E.
Published: July 2018

Heterotopic ossification (HO) refers to the abnormal formation of bone in soft tissue. Although some of the underlying processes of HO have been described, there are currently no clinical tests using validated biomarkers for predicting HO formation. As such, the diagnosis is made radiographically after HO has formed. To identify potential and novel biomarkers for HO, we used isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) and high-throughput antibody arrays to produce a semi-quantitative proteomics survey of serum and tissue from subjects with (HO+) and without (HO−) heterotopic ossification. The resulting data were then analyzed using a systems biology approach. We found that serum samples from subjects experiencing traumatic injuries with resulting HO have a different proteomic expression profile compared to those from the matched controls. Subsequent quantitative ELISA identified five blood serum proteins that were differentially regulated between the HO+ and HO− groups. Compared to HO− samples, the amount of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF1) was up-regulated in HO+ samples, whereas a lower amount of osteopontin (OPN), myeloperoxidase (MPO), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and growth differentiation factor 2 or bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP-9) was found in HO+ samples (Welch two sample t-test; P < 0.05). These proteins, in combination with potential serum biomarkers previously reported, are key candidates for a serum diagnostic panel that may enable early detection of HO prior to radiographic and clinical manifestations.
Fatty oil from Securidaca inappendiculata exerted therapeutic effects on adjuvant‐induced arthritis in mice via suppression on fibroblast‐like synoviocyte
Authors: Jiang Hui , Ji Cong‐Lan , Yang Kui , Zhang Wen , Zuo Jian
Published: July 2018

Securidaca inappendiculata Hassk. (SI) is a medicinal plant used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in South China. A substantial amount of fatty oil was isolated from SI (SIF), however little knowledge about its chemical composition and medicinal potentials was obtained. In this study, we analyzed its chemical composition with methyl esterification based GC–MS method, and investigated the therapeutic potentials on adjuvant‐induced arthritis (AA) in mice. MTT and western‐blot methods were employed to investigate its effects on proliferation rate and protein expressions in MH7A cells, respectively. It was revealed SIF was mainly comprised of saturated and monosaturated fatty acids, and the two predominant compounds were palmitic acid (36.89%) and oleic acid (31.12%). Treatment with SIF at 100 mg/kg resulted in significant alleviation of AA severity in mice, together with reduced synovial hyperplasia and inflammatory infiltration in joints, and decreased levels of sialic acid, malondialdehyde and alkaline phosphatase in serum. Results from immunohistochemical assays hinted the protective effects of SIF on joints were associated to the inhibition on production of some pathological factors in synovium, including IL‐1β, TNF‐α and MMP‐9. SIF inhibited the proliferation of MH7A cells in a concentration dependent manner, and abrogated phosphorylation of p65 in vitro. These evidences collectively suggested SIF could suppress the pathological functions of fibroblast‐like synoviocyte, and protect joints from destruction under AA conditions.
Immediate Effects of Counterforce Forearm Brace on Grip Strength and Wrist Extension Force in Patients with Lateral Epicondylosis
Authors: Shamsoddini Alireza , Hollisaz Mohammad Taghi , Hafezi Rahmatollah , Amanellahi Asadollah
Published: July 2018

Objective

Although the effectiveness of counterforce braces has been reported in patients with lateral epicondylosis over the elbow, its immediate effect is limited. This research was to study the immediate effects of counterforce forearm brace on grip strength and wrist extension force in patients.

Methods

Fifteen patients (9 women and 6 men) with lateral epicondylosis (M ± SD, 8.1 ± 1.1 weeks) on their dominant arm participated in this study. We tested grip strength, wrist extension muscle force and range of motion (ROM) wrist extension immediately after application of counterforce forearm brace in the affected and unaffected arms.

Results

Among the variables, significant differences were found in grip strength (p =.02) and wrist extension muscle force (p =.001), but changes in ROM of wrist extension were not statistically significant (p = .98).

Conclusion

Using the counterforce forearm brace increased the rate of grip strength and wrist extension muscle force in patients with lateral epicondylosis. However, our findings did not support the use of the counterforce brace in increasing ROM in wrist extension.
A Psychometric Study of the Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool (Mohost)
Authors: Kielhofner Gary , Fan Chia-Wei , Morley Mary , Garnham Mike , Heasman David , Forsyth Kirsty , Lee Sun Wook , Taylor Renée R.
Published: July 2018

Objective

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool (MOHOST) using item response theory and classical test theory approaches for clients with psychiatric disorders.

Methods

Data, including demographic variables and scores on the MOHOST and a version of the Health of the Nation Outcomes Scale, were retrieved from case records of 1039 adult psychiatric service users.

Results

Participants ranged in age from 18 to 102 and 57% were female and 43% were male. Most (94%) were unemployed, retired, or receiving other education or training. The items that make up each of the MOHOST subscales demonstrated good discriminant validity and excellent goodness of fit showing that the items measured the MOHO constructs unidimensionally. All subscales were able to distinguish clients into at least three statistically distinct strata and showed convergence with an independent measure of functioning.

Conclusion

Findings from this study must take into account implicit limitations associated with the use of Rasch analysis and classical test theory. At the same time, results did support use of the MOHOST for research and clinical purposes. The MOHOST demonstrated good construct validity, item separation reliability, and concurrent validity. As a measure of occupational participation, the MOHOST offers practitioners and researchers a valid and reliable measure of volition, habituation, communication/interaction skills, process skills, motor skills, and environmental influences on participation.
Evaluation of a Horticultural Activity Programme for Persons with Psychiatric Illness
Authors: Kam Michael C.Y. , Siu Andrew M.H.
Published: July 2018

Objective

To investigate the effect of applying horticulture activity on stress, work performance and quality of life in persons with psychiatric illness.

Methods

This study was a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Using convenience sampling, 24 participants with psychiatric illness were recruited to participate in a horticultural programme and were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Two participants dropped out from experimental groups after assignment. Ten participants in the experimental group attended 10 horticultural sessions within 2 weeks, while 12 participants in the control group continued to receive conventional sheltered workshop training. Participants were assessed before and after programme using Chinese version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21) and the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI-C), and the Work Behavior Assessment.

Results

There was a significant difference in change scores of the DASS21 (p=.01) between experimental and control group. There were no significant differences in change scores of the PWI-C between the two groups.

Conclusion

Horticultural therapy is effective in decreasing the levels of anxiety, depression and stress among participants in this pilot study, but the impact of the programme on work behavior and quality of life will need further exploration.
Evidence-based Research in Community Rehabilitation: Design Issues and Strategies
Authors: Siu Andrew M.H. , Shek Daniel T.L. , Poon Peter K.K.
Published: July 2018

This review highlights a number of methodological issues that arise when a randomised controlled trial (RCT) is conducted on community rehabilitation programmes. These methodological issues are discussed with reference to examples of evidence-based studies conducted with the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation. In conducting RCTs of community rehabilitation programmes, we recommend using randomisation, a control or comparison group, at least single-blinding, and objective outcome measures. We also discuss strategies used to control inter-subject differences, the importance of pilot testing, and follow-up assessments. Qualitative evaluation and process evaluation can provide important evidence for enhancing the quality of programmes and examining why and how programmes either work or do not work. In view of the resources available to community rehabilitation settings, we recommend a combination of four strategies in community trials: (a) quantitative evaluation using experimental or quasi-experimental designs, (b) subjective outcome evaluation, (c) qualitative evaluation, and (d) process outcome evaluation.
CALAKMUL AS A CENTRAL PLACE: ISOTOPIC INSIGHTS ON URBAN MAYA MOBILITY AND DIET DURING THE FIRST MILLENNIUM AD
Authors: Price T. Douglas , Tiesler Vera , Folan William J. , Tykot Robert H.
Published: July 2018

Isotopic investigations of human burials from excavations of the Autonomous University of Campeche (CIHS) at the prehispanic Maya capital of Calakmul in southeastern Mexico, near the border with Guatemala, include determination of radiocarbon dates; carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in collagen; and strontium, carbon, and oxygen isotope ratios in tooth enamel. A total of 22 human and 5 faunal samples analyzed for strontium isotopes reveal a narrow range of variation in values, pointing to the likely local origin of over two-thirds of the central population of Calakmul, including two of its rulers. Carbon and nitrogen data confirm a typical Classic Maya diet at the site and identify a diet high in meat consumption for one dynastic individual. Interpreted jointly, the isotopic information offers new perspectives on the provenience and lifestyles of the residents of Calakmul, including a potential place of origin for the royal occupant of chamber tomb Burial VII-1.
Absence of recurrence in Fourier–Fourier transformed Vlasov–Poisson simulations
Authors: Klimas Alexander J. , Viñas Adolfo. F.
Published: July 2018

It is known that the filtered, doubly Fourier transformed, Eulerian Vlasov–Poisson simulation method does not exhibit any effects of recurrence. It has not been understood why this is so. It is shown that there is only one boundary in this simulation method where user input is allowed and that the appearance or not of recurrence depends on the character of the boundary data that are imposed. Examples are given that show that the choice of boundary data that leads to recurrence-free simulations does not degrade the accuracy of Landau damping simulations.
Crystal structure of terazosin hydrochloride dihydrate (Hytrin®), C19H26N5O4Cl(H2O)2
Authors: Wheatley Austin M. , Kaduk James A. , Vickers Martin , Gindhart Amy M. , Sunzeri Joseph G. , Blanton Thomas N.
Published: July 2018

The crystal structure of terazosin hydrochloride dihydrate has been solved and refined using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data, and optimized using density functional techniques. Terazosin hydrochloride dihydrate crystallizes in space groupP-1(#2) witha= 10.01402(4),b= 10.89995(4),c= 11.85357(4) Å,α= 89.5030(3),β= 71.8503(3),γ= 66.5632(2)°,V= 1118.143(8) Å3, andZ= 2. The terazosin cation occurs in an extended conformation. The crystal structure is dominated by hydrogen bonds. The most notable are the O–H···Cl from the water molecules to the chloride anion and N–H···Cl from the protonated ring nitrogen to the chloride. The amino group donates protons to each of the two water molecules. The powder pattern has been submitted to ICDD®for inclusion in the Powder Diffraction File™.
A response of the imbibed dormant red rice caryopsis to biotic challenges involves extracellular pH increase to elicit superoxide production
Authors: Ghotbzadeh Sepideh , Gianinetti Alberto
Published: July 2018

Seeds often survive in the soil in a dormant state, but their persistence is endangered by micro-organisms that could feed on them. Seed–microbe interactions in the soil are, however, poorly understood. We used dormant caryopses of red rice to study the defence response induced by pronase, a mixture of proteases secreted byStreptomyces griseus, a non-pathogenic bacterium. Pronase was shown to activate the plant immune reaction, indicating that its activity was recognized as a potential microbial attack. The defence reaction included extracellular alkalinization and superoxide production, and the former was necessary to activate the latter, since buffering at pH 6 inhibited the oxidative burst. Alkalinization was sufficient to trigger the oxidative burst, as superoxide production increased when caryopses were incubated in buffered solutions of increasing pH without pronase. Release of proanthocyanidins was observed, with or without pronase. These diverse mechanisms are hypothesized to cooperate in reinforcing seed protection. Finally, time profiles of superoxide production by dormant and non-dormant red rice caryopses during imbibition did not support a relationship between extracellular superoxide and dormancy breaking or germination. Thus, the role of this reactive oxygen species in red rice imbibed caryopses appears to be essentially aimed at defence against attacks by challenging micro-organisms.
Variation in care for infants undergoing the Stage II palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Authors: Eckhauser Aaron , Pasquali Sara K. , Ravishankar Chitra , Lambert Linda M. , Newburger Jane W. , Atz Andrew M. , Ghanayem Nancy , Schwartz Steven M. , Zhang Chong , Jacobs Jeffery P. , Minich L. LuAnn
Published: July 2018

Background

The Single Ventricle Reconstruction trial randomised neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome to a systemic-to-pulmonary-artery shunt strategy. Patients received care according to usual institutional practice. We analysed practice variation at the Stage II surgery to attempt to identify areas for decreased variation and process control improvement.

Methods

Prospectively collected data were available in the Single Ventricle Reconstruction public-use database. Practice variation across 14 centres was described for 397 patients who underwent Stage II surgery. Data are centre-level specific and reported as interquartile ranges across all centres, unless otherwise specified.

Results

Preoperative Stage II median age and weight across centres were 5.4 months (interquartile range 4.9–5.7) and 5.7 kg (5.5–6.1), with 70% performed electively. Most patients had pre-Stage-II cardiac catheterisation (98.5–100%). Digoxin was used by 11/14 centres in 25% of patients (23–31%), and 81% had some oral feeds (68–84%). The majority of the centres (86%) performed a bidirectional Glenn versus hemi-Fontan. Median cardiopulmonary bypass time was 96 minutes (75–113). In aggregate, 26% of patients had deep hypothermic circulatory arrest >10 minutes. In 13/14 centres using deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, 12.5% of patients exceeded 10 minutes (8–32%). Seven centres extubated 5% of patients (2–40) in the operating room. Postoperatively, ICU length of stay was 4.8 days (4.0–5.3) and total length of stay was 7.5 days (6–10).

Conclusions

In the Single Ventricle Reconstruction Trial, practice varied widely among centres for nearly all perioperative factors surrounding Stage II. Further analysis may facilitate establishing best practices by identifying the impact of practice variation.
Acute anterior myocardial infarction in a 22-year-old male nephrotic patient along with familial hyperlipidaemia
Authors: Zeng Junzhong , Li Jinhua , Zhang Jiyu
Published: July 2018

We report a case of acute myocardial infarction in a nephrotic male patient. A 22-year-old man with a 1-year history of nephrotic syndrome due to membranous nephropathy presented with acute chest pain and was admitted to our emergency room. An electrocardiogram showed ST elevation in leads consistent with anterior and inferior myocardial infarction. Subsequent cardiac catheterisation showed evidence of thrombotic occlusion of the anterior descending coronary artery. The patient had no long history of hypercholesterolaemia or hypertriglyceridaemia. The case suggests that young patients with a short-term nephrotic syndrome may be at an increased risk for acute coronary syndrome owing to hypercoagulability state.
Voting in the aftermath of a pension reform: the role of financial literacy
Authors: FORNERO ELSA , LO PRETE ANNA
Published: July 2018

This study documents that the electoral cost of major pension reforms is lower in countries where the level of financial literacy is higher. The evidence from data on legislative elections held between 1990 and 2010 in 21 advanced countries is robust when we control for macroeconomic, demographic, and political conditions. Interestingly, these findings are not robust when we use less specific indicators of human capital as general schooling, supporting the view that knowledge of basic economic and financial concepts has distinctive features that may help reduce the electoral cost of reforms having a relevant impact on the life cycle of individuals.
“KNEADING POLITICS”: COOKERY AND THE AMERICAN WOMAN SUFFRAGE MOVEMENT
Authors: Derleth Jessica
Published: July 2018

During the American woman suffrage movement, opponents described suffragists as abnormal, unsexed, non-mothers who desired to leave the home and family en masse, levying “war against the very foundation of society.” This charge ultimately compelled suffragists around the nation to respond by embracing expediency arguments, insisting the women's votes would bring morality, cleanliness, and order to the public sphere. This article charts how suffragists capitalized on movements for home economics, municipal housekeeping, and pure food to argue for the compatibility of politics and womanhood. In particular, this article examines suffrage cookbooks, recipes, and bazaars as key campaign tactics. More than a colorful historiographical side note, this cookery rhetoric was a purposeful political tactic meant to combat perennial images of suffragists as “unwomanly women.” And suffragists ultimately employed the practice and language of cookery to build a feminine persona that softened the image of their political participation and made women's suffrage more palatable to politicians, male voters, potential activists, and the general public.