bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi‐scale damping of graphene foam‐based polyurethane composites synthesized by electrostatic spraying
Authors: Idowu Adeyinka , Nautiyal Pranjal , Fontoura Luiza , Loganathan Archana , Boesl Benjamin , Agarwal Arvind
Published: December 2018

An electrostatic spraying technique was used to synthesize 3D graphene foam (GrF)‐reinforced polyurethane (PU) composites. Glass transition temperature (Tg) of PU increased from 120 to 148
°C after 3.3 vol% GrF addition. Strong interfacial bonding accounts for the improvement in Tg of PU‐GrF composites. Energy dissipation behavior is probed at multiple load scales to examine the intrinsic and structural damping characteristic. Micro‐scale damping at 1 mN and 1,000 Hz exhibited loss tangent value (tan
δ), which is 200% higher and 3 times faster than PU. Nano dynamic mechanical analysis of PU‐3.3 vol% GrF composite demonstrated up to 383% tan
δ improvement than of PU at 5
μN dynamic load. Physical mechanisms including rippling effect and weak van der Waals forces in graphene account for the high energy dissipation of PU‐GrF composite. This study suggests that PU‐GrF nanocomposites have the potential to serve as a good damping material in vibrating systems. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1862–E1870, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Plazomicin: A Next‐Generation Aminoglycoside
Authors: Shaeer Kristy M. , Zmarlicka Monika T. , Chahine Elias B. , Piccicacco Nicholas , Cho Jonathan C.
Published: December 2018

Plazomicin is a novel aminoglycoside antibiotic that binds to the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit, thus inhibiting protein synthesis in a concentration‐dependent manner. Plazomicin displays a broad spectrum of activity against aerobic gram‐negative bacteria including extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase–producing Enterobacteriaceae, carbapenem‐resistant Enterobacteriaceae, and organisms with aminoglycoside‐modifying enzymes. In a large phase III clinical trial, plazomicin was shown to be noninferior to meropenem in the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs) with respect to the coprimary efficacy end points of the microbiologically modified intent‐to‐treat composite cure rate at day 5 (plazomicin 88% [168/191 subjects] vs meropenem 91.4% [180/197]) and at the test‐of‐cure visit (plazomicin 81.7% [156/191] vs meropenem 70.1% [138/197]). In a small phase III clinical trial, plazomicin was shown to be effective in the treatment of infections caused by carbapenem‐resistant Enterobacteriaceae. It was associated with a lower all‐cause mortality or significant disease‐related complication rate (23.5% [4/17]) compared with colistin (50% [10/20]). The most common adverse reactions associated with plazomicin are decreased renal function, diarrhea, hypertension, headache, nausea, vomiting, and hypotension. As with other aminoglycosides, plazomicin may cause neuromuscular blockade, ototoxicity, and fetal harm in pregnant women. Due to limited efficacy and safety data, plazomicin is indicated for the treatment of cUTIs in adults with limited or no alternative treatment options, using a dosage regimen of 15 mg/kg intravenously every 24 hours for 4–7 days. Dosage reductions and therapeutic drug monitoring are warranted in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment. Plazomicin is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment including those receiving renal replacement therapy. With the approval of plazomicin, clinicians now have an additional option for the treatment of adults with cUTIs, particularly those caused by multidrug‐resistant gram‐negative rods.
Acceptance and commitment therapy for adults with advanced cancer (CanACT): A feasibility randomised controlled trial
Authors: Serfaty Marc , Armstrong Megan , Vickerstaff Victoria , Davis Sarah , Gola Anna , McNamee Philip , Omar Rumana Z. , King Michael , Tookman Adrian , Jones Louise , Low Joseph T.S.
Published: December 2018

Objective

To understand the feasibility of recruiting people with advanced cancer into a randomised controlled trial of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) vs a standardised talking control (TC) and delivering ACT to this population; to explore the acceptability of outcome measures and generate normative data.

Methods

This was a feasibility two‐arm randomised controlled trial. Participants were attendees with advanced cancer at one of three hospice‐based day‐therapy units in London, United Kingdom, who demonstrated low scores on the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapies—General (FACT‐G). The primary end point was 3 months.

Results

The recruitment target was 54 participants; 42 people were recruited and randomised to up to eight individual sessions of ACT (n = 20) or TC (n = 22). Eighteen out of 42 (43%) of participants completed the primary outcome at 3 months, and at least one follow‐up was available in 30/42 (71%) participants. An exploratory analysis revealed a non‐significant adjusted mean difference after 3 months in the main outcome FACT‐G of −3.41 (CI = −18.61‐11.79) with TC having better functioning. Over 6 months, the adjusted mean difference between trial arms was 2.25 (CI = −6.03‐10.52) in favour of ACT.

Conclusions

It is feasible to recruit people with advanced cancer in a trial of ACT versus TC. Future research should test the effectiveness of ACT in a fully powered trial.
A method to determine the characteristic time‐scales of quasi‐isotropic surface‐layer turbulence over complex terrain: A case‐study in the Adige Valley (Italian Alps)
Authors: Falocchi Marco , Giovannini Lorenzo , de Franceschi Massimiliano , Zardi Dino
Published: December 2018

The present paper provides a method to identify the appropriate time‐scales at which turbulence components behave quasi‐isotropically. In particular, the scales are identified on the basis of an analysis of anisotropic turbulence in the spectral domain. The definition of the spectral anisotropic tensor in terms of ogive functions, rather than of (co)spectra, allows for the evaluation of the overall degree of isotropy associated with time‐scales smaller than a given one. In this way, the time‐scale separating isotropic from anisotropic turbulence is related to the frequency at which the degree of isotropy meets a threshold value, representative of quasi‐isotropic turbulence. The procedure is tested on a dataset of wind speed components and sonic temperature collected on the floor of the Adige Valley (northeastern Italian Alps), which is adopted as a case‐study. Finally, the suitability of the estimated time‐scales is assessed in the framework of the Monin–Obukhov Similarity Theory by evaluating the agreement of the dimensionless standard deviations with the similarity functions.
A symptomatic anterior mediastinal mass with a simultaneous Haemophilus influenzae infection
Authors: Hee Hui Zen , Chen Chun‐Ku , Yeh Yi‐Chen , Huang Chien‐Sheng
Published: December 2018

Surgical resection remains the treatment of choice for mature mediastinal teratoma, and the operation itself is sometimes complicated or life‐threatening, especially when it ruptures into adjacent vital structures. We describe a rare case of unanticipatedly delayed complete resection of a symptomatic teratoma with simultaneous Haemophilus influenzae infection, followed by extended rupture into the pleural space, lung, and bronchus. The clinical presentation and the microbiological and radiologic features may lead to the impression of a lung abscess until it can be proven otherwise pathologically after an initial thoracic aspiration. Accordingly, surgical intervention through a minimal approach, such as video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery, might be considered a strategy after the initial extended rupture.
Assessment of water treatment residuals as sorbent material in permeable reactive barriers: Application to a copper‐contaminated site
Authors: Walkons Chris , Mayer Alex , Datta Rupali , Sarkar Dibyendu
Published: December 2018

The objective of this study is to design a pilot‐scale permeable reactive barrier (PRB) for the removal of copper from groundwater in Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan. The reactive material selected for the barrier is drinking water treatment residuals (WTR)—the residuals of alum coagulants used in a local drinking water treatment plant. Physical and chemical properties of the WTR were determined. Synthetic precipitation leaching procedure tests indicated the concentrations of hazardous elements leached from the residuals do not exceed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency limits and, hence, can be safely recycled as PRB material. Batch reactor tests showed that equilibrium sorption of copper is high and fits a Langmuir‐type isotherm. Site characterization studies included groundwater flow direction, pore water velocity, and contaminant concentration to determine optimal dimensions and placement of the PRB. Permeameter tests were performed with various mixtures of the WTR and an inert support material (pea gravel) to determine the ideal mix to match the hydraulic conductivity of the field site. Kinetic and column experiments were conducted to understand the significance of chemical and physical mass transfer limitations. Based on the results, dimensions of a PRB to meet the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality target level of 0.031 milligrams per liter (mg/L) total Cu were calculated.
Ultrasonically and Photonically Simulatable Bi‐Ceria Nanocubes for Enhanced Catalytic Degradation of Aqueous Dyes: A Detailed Study on Optimization, Mechanism and Stability
Authors: Shanavas Shajahan , Priyadharsan Arumugam , Dharmaboopathi Kaliyannan , Ragavan Iruthayaraj , Vidya Chinnaian , Anbarasan Ponnusamy Munusamy
Published: December 2018

Ultrasonically and photonically simulatable heterogeneous Bi substituted ceria nanocubes was synthesized via a modified hydrothermal method with the series of seven different substitution concentration of Bi (1‐11 mol%). The microscopic images showed the formation of regular cubic shaped Bi substituted ceria nanocubes. The results obtained from X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed the substitution of Bi ions in ceria lattice. The optical properties of nanocubes were investigated via UV visible diffuse reflectance spectral characterization and it revealed that the nanocubes were capable of absorbing wider range of photons generated during ultrasonic cavitation effect. The sonocatalytic and photocatalytic performance of as prepared Bi substituted ceria nanocubes were examined by three different acidic/anionic and basic/cationic organic dyes. The effective condition for enhanced Bi substituted ceria nanocubes assisted sonocatalytic degradation of organic dyes was studied by altering the different initial operating parameters. The possible sonocatalytic and photocatalytic degradation reaction mechanism of Bi substituted ceria nanocubes is elucidated. The obtained experimental results show that the Bi substituted ceria nanocubes has good sonocatalytic as well as a photocatalytic ability on the degradation of both basic/cationic and acidic/anionic dyes with higher catalytic stability.
DABCO‐Catalysed One‐Pot Eco‐Friendly Synthetic Strategies for Accessing Pyranochromenone and Bis(benzochromenone) Compounds
Authors: Bagchi Sourav , Monga Aparna , Kumar Sagar , Deeksha  , Sharma Anuj
Published: December 2018

An easy, facile and mild approach of liquid assisted grinding for the synthesis of novel dihydrobenzo[f]pyrano[3,2‐c]chromenone derivatives using multicomponent cascade is herein described. The advantages of this protocol is one pot strategy, high reaction throughput, excellent yields, diversified scope, excellent score of green matrices. In addition, synthesis of bis(benzo[f]chromen‐3‐one) derivatives under microwave irradiation have also been established. The current methods utilize DABCO as a catalyst in forging these bioactive molecules. Also, all the final products are obtained by mere filtration, and the reaction conditions do not require any harsh reagents or typical work up.
Grammar engineering for multiple front‐ends for Python
Authors: Malloy Brian A. , Power James F.
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we describe our experience in grammar engineering to construct multiple parsers and front ends for the Python language. We present a metrics‐based study of the evolution of the Python grammars through the multiple versions of the language in an effort to distinguish and measure grammar evolution and to provide a basis of comparison with related research in grammar engineering. To conduct this research, we have built a toolkit, pygrat, which builds on tools developed in other research. We use pygrat to build a system that automates much of the process needed to translate the Python grammars from EBNF to a formalism acceptable to the bison parser generator. We exploit the suite of Python test cases, used by the Python developers, to validate our parser generation. Finally, we describe our use of the menhir parser generator to facilitate the parser and front‐end construction, eliminating some of the transformations and providing practical support for grammar modularisation.
The Crystallographic Textures and Anisotropy in 2507 Super Duplex Stainless Steel
Authors: Gao Zhijun , Li Jingyuan , Wang Yide
Published: December 2018

In this work, the annealing textures in different thickness layers and the Lankford parameter (r‐value) in 2507 duplex stainless steel (DSS) are studied via tensile testing, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The results show that 2507 DSS has poor formability, especially poor deep drawability and noticeable planar anisotropy after cold‐rolling with an average r‐value of 0.86, a planar anisotropy △r of −0.38, and an earring ratio of 7.43. The orientation distribution functions (ODFs) from the different thickness layers show that the texture mainly exists in the ferrite (α) phase, and there is a significant texture gradient in the thickness direction. The texture of the α phase has a strong α‐fiber texture (<110>//RD) and an undeveloped γ‐fiber recrystallization texture (<111>∥ND). The texture intensity of the austenite (γ) phase is weak and is mainly composed of Copper {112}<111>, Brass {110}<112>, Goss {110}<001>, and S {123} <634>. The {001}<110> texture component is highly intense in the α phase and is the dominant reason for the low Lankford parameter (r‐value), whereas the {112}<110> orientation is the main factor for the high planar anisotropy (Δr). The results of the grain orientations after tensile deformation in different directions show that the maximum volume fraction ratios for the {001} and {111} orientations are the root cause of the largest r‐value in the 45° direction.
Review of Mold Fluxes for Continuous Casting of High‐Alloy (Al, Mn, Ti) Steels
Authors: He Shengping , Li Zhirong , Chen Zhuo , Wu Ting , Wang Qian
Published: December 2018

During continuous casting of high‐alloy (Al, Mn, Ti) steels, the operational issues and quality problems caused by interfacial reaction or peritectic features need to be solved by applying suitable mold fluxes. Intensive efforts have been made to optimize properties, and hereby, several types of mold fluxes, including mold fluxes with high basicity and high glassy property (dual‐high mold fluxes), mold fluxes with strong oxidizing components to protect SiO2 from reduction, mold fluxes with high SiO2 content to decrease the viscosity and basicity, mold fluxes with low SiO2 content for the purpose of attenuated reactivity, and molten mold fluxes to increase consumption, have been developed. Significant efforts have been made to study the theoretical basis and practical application of these mold fluxes. To summarize, the most potential solution of mold fluxes for high‐alloy (Al, Mn, Ti) steel continuous casting is to further optimize the nonreactive mold fluxes systematically to achieve a coordinated control of lubrication and heat transfer.
Valorization of Food and Agricultural Waste: A Step towards Greener Future
Authors: Rao Priyanka , Rathod Virendra
Published: December 2018

With the progress in technology and population, an enormous amount of agricultural and food waste is being generated throughout the world. In the past, food and agro‐wastes were either burnt off or allowed to rot in fields, but this can be potentially hazardous to the environment. Therefore, approaches with respect to their utilization, reuse, and processing need to be developed to enable the sustainable utilization of feedstock and reduce pollution. Agricultural wastes mainly comprise of cellulosic fibres possessing high fixed carbon content and multifunctional groups. Agricultural waste shows considerable applicability due to its high strength, environmentally benign nature, low cost, and ease of availability and reusability. All these characteristics have been researched upon in the past, in the sector of waste water management for the removal of heavy metals and dyes. Similarly, a variety of food and agro‐waste has been adopted as sources for new drug leads or important phytochemicals with different therapeutic benefits. Agro‐waste can also be employed for enzyme immobilization after proper modification. Apart from this waste cooking oil comes under the category of food waste and can be processed to prepare alternate energy source such as biodiesel. This personal account summarizes the development, processing, and application of food and agro‐waste in the production of biodiesel, environmental remediation, curative medicine, and in the development of biocatalysts, by researchers in our laboratory.
Practical and Scalable Organic Reactions with Flow Microwave Apparatus
Authors: Egami Hiromichi , Hamashima Yoshitaka
Published: December 2018

Microwave irradiation has been used for accelerating organic reactions as a heating method and has been proven to be useful in laboratory scale organic synthesis. The major drawback of microwave chemistry is the difficulty in scaling up, mainly because of the low penetration depth of microwaves. The combination of microwave chemistry and flow chemistry is considered to overcome the problem in scaling up of microwave‐assisted organic reactions, and some flow microwave systems have been developed in both academic and industrial communities. In this context, we have demonstrated the scale‐up of fundamental organic reactions using a novel flow microwave system developed by the academic‐industrial alliance between the University of Shizuoka, Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, and SAIDA FDS. In this Personal Account, we summarize the recent progress of our scalable microwave‐assisted continuous synthesis using the SAIDA flow microwave apparatus.
Molecular and Device Design Strategies for Ideal Performance White Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Wang Zhiheng , Su Shi‐Jian
Published: December 2018

The progress of white organic light‐emitting diodes (WOLEDs) via adopting fluorescent and phosphorescent organic materials have attracted commercial interest for their broad range of visible spectrum and potential of 100 % internal quantum efficiency. In this account, smart molecular designs for developing efficient phosphorescent host and good color purity blue fluorescent emitters are prepared to be discussed, especially donor‐acceptor modification to regulate their triplet states and bipolar transport properties. Rational device configuration design strategies were also introduced by cooperating with efficient conventional fluorescent and thermally activated delayed fluorescent emitting molecules to achieve full exciton utilization and simplified device structures, further suggesting perspectives of potentially low‐cost, ideal performance and promoted operational lifetime in WOLED devices.
State of the science review of the health effects of inorganic arsenic: Perspectives for future research
Authors: Tchounwou Paul B. , Yedjou Clement G. , Udensi Udensi K. , Pacurari Maricica , Stevens Jacqueline J. , Patlolla Anita K. , Noubissi Felicite , Kumar Sanjay
Published: December 2018

Human exposure to inorganic arsenic (iAs) is a global health issue. Although there is strong evidence for iAs‐induced toxicity at higher levels of exposure, many epidemiological studies evaluating its effects at low exposure levels have reported mixed results. We comprehensively reviewed the literature and evaluated the scientific knowledge on human exposure to arsenic, mechanisms of action, systemic and carcinogenic effects, risk characterization, and regulatory guidelines. We identified areas where additional research is needed. These priority areas include: (1) further development of animal models of iAs carcinogenicity to identify molecular events involved in iAs carcinogenicity; (2) characterization of underlying mechanisms of iAs toxicity; (3) assessment of gender‐specific susceptibilities and other factors that modulate arsenic metabolism; (4) sufficiently powered epidemiological studies to ascertain relationship between iAs exposure and reproductive/developmental effects; (5) evaluation of genetic/epigenetic determinants of iAs effects in children; and (6) epidemiological studies of people chronically exposed to low iAs concentrations.
Trailing edge serrations effects on the aerodynamic performance of a NACA 643418
Authors: Llorente Elena , Ragni Daniele
Published: December 2018

A study of the aerodynamic performance of a NACA 643418 airfoil with trailing edge serrations is presented. For the prediction of the changes in lift due to the serration installation, an empirical law is derived that can be extended to typical cambered airfoils for wind turbine applications. The law is deduced from 2D and 3D Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes simulations (RANS) of the flow over the airfoil. Lift and drag together with the changes in the wake flow due to the presence of the serrated edges are investigated. An additional study of the sensitivity of the results at Rec = 3·106 with respect to the turbulence modeling is carried out by using three different RANS models: Spalart–Allmaras, k‐omega SST, and Transition SST. Results show that the changes in lift due to trailing‐edge extensions are approximated by the effect of a split plate with reduced length.
First-in-human phase 1 study of novel dUTPase inhibitor TAS-114 in combination with S-1 in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Doi Toshihiko , Yoh Kiyotaka , Shitara Kohei , Takahashi Hideaki , Ueno Makoto , Kobayashi Satoshi , Morimoto Manabu , Okusaka Takuji , Ueno Hideki , Morizane Chigusa , Okano Naohiro , Nagashima Fumio , Furuse Junji
Published: December 2018

Background This first-in-human phase 1 study assessed the safety of TAS-114, a novel deoxyuridine triphosphatase inhibitor, combined with S-1 to determine its maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended dose (RD). Methods In this dose-escalation study with a 3 + 3 design, TAS-114 and S-1 were concurrently administered orally under fasting conditions at 5–240 mg/m2 and 30–36 mg/m2, respectively, in patients with advanced solid tumors. Safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics (PK) were evaluated. Results Seventy-six patients were enrolled. The MTD and RD were TAS-114 200 mg/m2 plus S-1 36 mg/m2 and TAS-114 240 mg/m2 plus S-1 30 mg/m2, respectively. Common treatment-related adverse events were anemia, lymphocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, decreased appetite, rash, nausea, and pigmentation disorder. Partial response (PR) was observed in 10 patients (non-small cell lung cancer [NSCLC], n = 5; pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, n = 2; gastric cancer, n = 2; gallbladder cancer, n = 1). Of these, four patients achieved PR despite prior treatment history with S-1. Patients administered TAS-114 exhibited linear PK and CYP3A4 induction, with no effect on the PK of S-1. Conclusion TAS-114 plus S-1 showed tolerable, safe, and potentially effective results. To confirm safety and efficacy, two phase 2 studies are ongoing in NSCLC and gastric cancer patients. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01610479) .
Dietary changes and cognition over 2 years within a multidomain intervention trial—The Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER)
Authors: Lehtisalo Jenni , Levälahti Esko , Lindström Jaana , Hänninen Tuomo , Paajanen Teemu , Peltonen Markku , Antikainen Riitta , Laatikainen Tiina , Strandberg Timo , Soininen Hilkka , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Kivipelto Miia , Ngandu Tiia
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Association between healthy diet and better cognition is well established, but evidence is limited to evaluate the effect of dietary changes adopted in older age.

Methods

We investigated the role of dietary changes in the Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) with 1260 at‐risk participants (60–77 years) who were randomized to intensive multidomain intervention (including dietary counseling) or regular health advice for 2 years. Parallel process latent growth curves of adherence to dietary recommendations and cognitive performance were analyzed.

Results

Adherence to healthy diet at baseline predicted improvement in global cognition, regardless of intervention allocation (P = .003). Dietary improvement was associated with beneficial changes in executive function, especially in the intervention group (P = .008; P = .051 for groups combined).

Discussion

Dietary changes initiated during the intervention were related to changes in executive function in 2 years. Long‐term diet appeared more influential for global cognition.
Variability in Prices for Erectile Dysfunction Medications—Are All Pharmacies the Same?
Authors: Mishra Kirtishri , Bukavina Laura , Mahran Amr , Bobrow Aidan , Buzzy Christina A. , Jain Nishant , Gnessin Ehud , Loeb Aram , Ponsky Lee E.
Published: December 2018

Background

Variability in prices of medications is a well-known phenomenon; however, this variability has not been quantified in the realm of erectile dysfunction (ED) medications. ED medications are ideal for this quantification, because they are often not covered by insurances; therefore, the cost is the most direct reflection of price variability among pharmacies as they affect the patients.

Aim

To evaluate the variability in cash prices for phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDEIs) for ED. We also evaluated whether certain types of pharmacies consistently offer better pricing than others, and whether there was any correlation with demographic factors.

Methods

331 pharmacies were contacted within a 25-mile radius of our institution to obtain the cash price for 4 commonly used ED medications with prespecified doses. After exclusion, 323 pharmacies were categorized as chain, independent, wholesale, or hospital-associated. Cash prices for the specified medications were evaluated. In addition, we identified demographic and socioeconomic factors to determine if these had an impact on median drug pricing within each zip code.

Main Outcome Measure

The main outcome was the cost for patients to fill each prescription.

Results

Independent pharmacies provided the lowest cost for 3 of 4 of the PDEIs. The largest price difference for 10 tablets of 100 mg sildenafil between all pharmacies was 38,000%. The median cost difference between independent pharmacies and chain pharmacies for sildenafil was >900%, and >1,100% for independent pharmacies vs hospital-associated pharmacies. Demographic and socioeconomic factors had no impact on the cost.

Clinical Implications

Our goal is to promote patient counseling among practitioners and to empower patients to shop for the best prices for their medications.

Strength and Limitations

A strength of the study is the large cohort that was surveyed; however, a weakness is that the large majority of the cohort was comprised of chain pharmacies. Mail pharmacies could not be evaluated as they required a valid prescription before offering prices.

Conclusion

The drastic differences in cash prices for the PDEIs give us an insight into the variability and cost-inflation of medications in the United States. These patterns hold true for other essential medications as well, and improved transparency will allow patients to make informed decisions when choosing where to purchase their medications. It may also encourage certain pharmacies to provide medications at more affordable prices.
Fundamental equations for primary fluid recovery from porous media
Authors: Jin Yan , Chen Kang Ping
Published: December 2018

Primary fluid recovery from a porous medium is driven by the volumetric expansion of thein situfluid. For production from a petroleum reservoir, primary recovery accounts for more than half of the total amount of recovered hydrocarbon. The primary recovery process is studied here at the pore scale and the macroscopic scale. The pore-scale flow is first analysed using the compressible Navier–Stokes equations and the mathematical theory for low-Mach-number flow developed by Klainerman & Majda (Commun. Pure Appl. Maths, vol. 34 (4), 1981, pp. 481–524; vol. 35 (5), 1982, pp. 629–651). An asymptotic analysis shows that the pore-scale flow is governed by the self-diffusion of the fluid and it exhibits a slip-like mass flow rate, even though the velocity satisfies the no-slip condition on the pore wall. The pore-scale density equation is then upscaled to a macroscopic diffusion equation for the density which possesses a diffusion coefficient proportional to the fluid’s kinematic viscosity. Darcy’s law is shown to be inapplicable to primary fluid recovery and it should be replaced by a new mass flux equation which depends on the porosity but not on the permeability. This is in stark contrast to the classical result and it can have important implications for hydrocarbon recovery as well as other applications.
CGRP in a gene–environment interaction model for depression: effects of antidepressant treatment
Authors: Angelucci Francesco , Ellenbroek Bart A , El Khoury Aram , Mathé Aleksander A.
Published: December 2018

Objective

Genetic and environmental factors interact in the development of major depressive disorder (MDD). While neurobiological correlates have only partially been elucidated, altered levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-like immunoreactivity (LI) in animal models and in the cerebrospinal fluid of depressed patients were reported, suggesting that CGRP may be involved in the pathophysiology and/or be a trait marker of MDD. However, changes in CGRP brain levels resulting from interactions between genetic and environmental risk factors and the response to antidepressant treatment have not been explored.

Methods

We therefore superimposed maternal separation (MS) onto a genetic rat model (Flinders-sensitive and -resistant lines, FSL/FRL) of depression, treated these rats with antidepressants (escitalopram and nortriptyline) and measured CGRP-LI in selected brain regions.

Results

CGRP was elevated in the frontal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala (but not in the hypothalamus) of FSL rats. However, MS did not significantly alter levels of this peptide. Likewise, there were no significant interactions between the genetic and environmental factors. Most importantly, neither escitalopram nor nortriptyline significantly altered brain CGRP levels.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that increased brain levels of CGRP are present in a well-established rat model of depression. Given that antidepressants have virtually no effect on the brain level of this peptide, our study indicates that further research is needed to evaluate the functional role of CGRP in the FSL model for depression.
How to pronounce a low tone: A lesson from Kaifeng Mandarin
Authors: Wang Lei , Gussenhoven Carlos , Liang Jie
Published: December 2018

A multi-speaker acoustic study on citation tones in Kaifeng Mandarin, referred to as LH, HL, H and L, shows that L is realized as three different subtypes by different speakers, i.e. dipping, falling and falling with lengthening, while generally being longer than the other three tones and frequently spoken with creaky voice in part of the vowel. This inter-speaker variation is reflected in the different transcriptions of Kaifeng L that have been given in the literature. We argue that a L-tone is intrinsically less salient than a H-tone, due to a lack of phonetic space in the low pitch range as well as to a potential ambiguity between contextual low pitch around f0 peaks and low pitch due to L-tones, and thus more likely to be enhanced.
Seasonal variations in proximate and fatty acid composition of sobaity sea bream (Sparidentex hasta) in Kuwait waters
Authors: Hossain M. A. , Al-Abdul-Elah K. , Yaseen S. B.
Published: December 2018

The objective of the study was to investigate the seasonal variations in proximate and fatty acid composition of wild sobaity (Sparidentex hasta) for a one-year period during (i) pre-spawning (October–December), (ii) spawning (January–March), (iii) post-spawning (April–June) and summer (July–September). Five male and five female fish were collected from market each month and used for the study. Skinless fillets from both sides of sobaity were taken, chopped, minced, frozen and freeze dried. Freeze-dried ground male and female fish samples were pooled separately and homogenized for proximate composition and fatty acid analysis. The results of the investigation showed that the muscle proximate composition and fatty acid profile of sobaity differed significantly (P < 0.05) among different seasons with the highest muscle lipid during the pre-spawning and spawning season. Palmitic acid (C16:0) was the most dominant muscle fatty acid followed by oleic acid (C18:1n-9). The muscle docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3) levels in pre-spawning and spawning seasons were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those in other seasons. A good n-3/n-6 ratio (2.26–3.11) and the higher DHA levels (10.16–11.47%) observed in muscles during the pre-spawning and spawning season indicated a better nutritional value of sobaity at this time of the year.
CRUEL JOKES AND NORMATIVE COMPETENCE
Authors: Shoemaker David
Published: December 2018

Some moral responsibility theorists think that certain agents (like psychopaths) can be morally responsible—and morally criticizable—for their actions and attitudes even though they lack any competence in grasping or responding to moral norms (a blindness to moral reasons that is typically called “normative incompetence” or, more accurately, “moral incompetence”). In this essay, I provide a new argument against these theorists by exploring the intersection between two normative domains, the funny and the moral. There are, it turns out, interesting and significant ways that properties from each domain bear on reasons to respond in the other, and so there are interesting and significant ways in which people’s responses to cruel jokes or insult humor may be criticizable. I then survey various personality and psychological impairments that seem to undercut criticizability in this intersecting domain. Learning about these people and their impairments yields a wealth of information about what true normative competence actually requires, as well as why competence of the specifically moral variety really is required for moral criticizability.
SOCIAL NORMS OF COORDINATION AND COOPERATION
Authors: Mackie Gerry
Published: December 2018

The scholarly discourse on social norms in the tradition of Thomas Schelling (1960) often makes a sharp distinction between social norms and social conventions. In attempting to apply that distinction to actual practices and to teach it to practitioners and students I encountered frequent difficulties and confusions, and finally concluded that it is untenable. I recommend a return to some version of Ullman-Margalit’s (1977) distinction between social norms of cooperation and social norms of coordination. Social norms, I say, are distinguished by beliefs in a relevant group that the rule is typical among them and approved of among them. I describe four ways that social norms of coordination, including conventions of social meaning, are influenced by social approval and disapproval. I contend that the effort by Southwood and Eriksson (2011) to show that social conventions and social norms are essentially different breaks down because their conception of social norms is overly moralized. I present a more social conception of social norms that does without the regnant distinction between “social norm” and “social convention” and instead allows for social norms of cooperation, social norms of coordination, and other kinds of social norms.
RETRACTED – Determination of geometrical margins in external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Bencheikh Mohamed , Maghnouj Abdelmajid , Tajmouati Jaouad , Dadouch Ahmed , Benjelloun Zakariae
Published: December 2018

Introduction

The focus of this study is to find the optimal clinical tumour volume (CTV) to planning tumour volume (PTV) margins for precise radiotherapy treatment of prostate cancer. The geometrical shape of the target volume posses challenges in accurately identifying the CTV to PTV margins, especially when the organ affected by cancer demonstrates anatomical variations and the surrounding organs have high radio-sensitivity, in comparison to the organ of origin of the cancer.

Materials and methods

The geometrical margins of CTV to PTV are investigated using portal imaging, in three directions. This study is carried out on 20 patients treated by the external photon beam radiotherapy of prostate cancer using standard accelerator without stereotaxic and without prostate markers.

Results and discussion

Based on previous studies and the findings of our work, we propose CTV to PTV margin of 5·84 mm in the lateral direction, of 5·1 mm in the cranio-spinal direction and of 7·3 mm in the antero-posterior direction for external photon beam radiotherapy of prostate cancer.

Conclusion

The proposed CTV to PTV margins ensure high radiotherapy treatment precision of prostate cancer.
Enhancing Resilience and Justice in Climate Adaptation Laws
Authors: Wenta Joseph , McDonald Jan , McGee Jeffrey S.
Published: December 2018

Resilience thinking – an approach for understanding and managing change – is increasingly central to climate change adaptation law and policy. Yet the influence of adaptation law and policy on the distribution of climate impacts is often overlooked in studies of socio-ecological resilience to climate change. This article demonstrates how environmental justice scholarship helps to address this gap in the literature relating to adaptation law and resilience. Drawing on existing literature, the article identifies four principles to promote resilience and justice through climate adaptation laws. Climate adaptation laws must (i) prepare for, and respond to, change; (ii) address the distributive effects of climate change and adaptation; (iii) promote participation in adaptation processes; and (iv) cross sectors and scales. Each criterion can be implemented in part through existing legal processes, but might also be further supported by incremental law reform. Developing both resilience and justice dimensions will enhance the effectiveness of adaptation laws in addressing climate impacts.
Business experience of floods and drought-related water and electricity supply disruption in three cities in sub-Saharan Africa during the 2015/2016 El Niño
Authors: Gannon Kate Elizabeth , Conway Declan , Pardoe Joanna , Ndiyoi Mukelabai , Batisani Nnyaladzi , Odada Eric , Olago Daniel , Opere Alfred , Kgosietsile Sinah , Nyambe Mubita , Omukuti Jessica , Siderius Christian
Published: December 2018

Non-technical summary

The El Niño event in 2015/2016 was one of the strongest since at least 1950. Through surveys and interviews with key informants, we found businesses in the capital cities of Zambia, Botswana and Kenya experienced major disruption to their activities from El Niño related hydroelectric load shedding, water supply disruption and flooding, respectively. Yet, during the 2015/2016 El Niño, fluctuations in precipitation were not extreme considering the strength of the El Niño event. Results therefore highlight that even fairly moderate precipitation anomalies can contribute to major disruption to economic activity. Addressing the risk of disruption – and supporting the private sector to adapt – is a development priority.
In Situ Observations of Ice Particle Losses in a Young Persistent Contrail
Authors: Kleine J. , Voigt C. , Sauer D. , Schlager H. , Scheibe M. , Jurkat‐Witschas T. , Kaufmann S. , Kärcher B. , Anderson B. E.
Published: December 2018

We describe results of in situ observations of a 1‐ to 2‐min‐old contrail in the vortex phase generated from soot‐rich exhaust (>1015 emitted soot particles per kilogram of fuel burned). Simultaneous measurements of soot (EIsoot) and apparent ice (AEIice) particle number emission indices show a pronounced anticorrelation in the vertical contrail profile. AEIice decrease by about 75% with increasing distance below the contrail‐producing aircraft, while EIsoot increase by an equivalent relative fraction, therefore strongly suggesting ice particle formation to be soot‐controlled and losses to be caused by sublimation. Quantifying these losses in measurements helps to validate and improve contrail parameterizations used to estimate the climate impact of contrails and contrail cirrus. Our study further demonstrates the challenges in the performance and interpretation of particle measurements in young contrails and lends itself to suggestions for improving contrail data evaluation.
The Complexity of the 2018 Mw 6.4 Hualien Earthquake in East Taiwan
Authors: Huang Mong‐Han , Huang Hsin‐Hua
Published: December 2018

We use seismic and geodetic measurements to optimize the fault geometry as well as coseismic slip distribution from the 2018 Mw 6.4 Hualien earthquake. We find that at least three faults were involved in the earthquake. The earthquake initiated from a south‐dipping fault in offshore Hualien, and slip transferred into the main west‐dipping oblique fault. The slip finally triggered movement of the east‐dipping Milun fault at shallower depth and caused surface rupture. Although there is no offshore data constraints, our inverted slip distribution shows that the majority of slip occurred between 5‐ and 10‐km depth on the main west‐dipping fault, and 1‐ to 3‐m slip on the shallower part of the Milun fault. Additionally, we process 5 months of postseismic deformation time series and find more than 5‐cm postseismic displacement occurred along the Milun fault but is insignificant near the Coastal Range located south of the Hualien City.
Assessing the Catchment Storage Function Through a Dual‐Storage Concept
Authors: Carrer Gwenael E. , Klaus Julian , Pfister Laurent
Published: December 2018

Catchment storage controls most ecohydrological processes by modulating, among other things, the hydrological connectivity between landscape units. However, little is known about the internal dynamics of storage and its feedback with hydraulic connectivity. Here we evaluate the capability of a combined lumped approach (i.e., combining catchment water balance and recession analysis) to partition total dynamic storage (from the water balance) into hydraulically connected (the part feeding stream estimated from recession analysis) and hydraulically disconnected components (i.e., the remaining storage driven by precipitation and evapotranspiration). Results from our combined approach were compared to a point measurement‐based estimation (using wells and soil moisture data) from the experimental Weierbach catchment in Luxembourg (0.45 km2). We found good agreement for the hydraulically connected storage but contrasted results for the hydraulically disconnected storage. During wet periods, the latter were characterized by opposite dynamics and our lumped approach showed step‐by‐step deviations. Overall, these results indicated a good capability of our approach to partition storage, as well as its sensitivity to systematic and random deviations. Considering these possible deviations, this new conceptualization of storage provides relevant and quantifiable information about catchment state (i.e., storage dominated or release dominated). This is further highlighted when represented in a dual‐storage plot (hydraulically disconnected vs. connected storage). Compared to classic storage‐discharge relationships, it allows catchment efficiency (capacity of the catchment to convert storage into streamflow) to be assessed without the need for additional data. We expect that this mechanistic conceptualization of the storage function will provide new opportunities for assessing catchment functioning and catchment classification.
Genetic data and cognitively defined late-onset Alzheimer’s disease subgroups
Authors:   EPAD Study Group, Mukherjee Shubhabrata ,   Investigators from ACT,   Investigators from ROS,   Investigators from MAP,   Investigators from ADNI,   Investigators from the University of Pittsburgh ADRC, Mez Jesse , Trittschuh Emily H. , Saykin Andrew J. , Gibbons Laura E. , Fardo David W. , Wessels Madeline , Bauman Julianna , Moore Mackenzie , Choi Seo-Eun , Gross Alden L. , Rich Joanne , Louden Diana K. N. , Sanders R. Elizabeth , Grabowski Thomas J. , Bird Thomas D. , McCurry Susan M. , Snitz Beth E. , Kamboh M. Ilyas , Lopez Oscar L. , De Jager Philip L. , Bennett David A. , Keene C. Dirk , Larson Eric B. , Crane Paul K.
Published: December 2018

Categorizing people with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease into biologically coherent subgroups is important for personalized medicine. We evaluated data from five studies (total n = 4050, of whom 2431 had genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data). We assigned people to cognitively defined subgroups on the basis of relative performance in memory, executive functioning, visuospatial functioning, and language at the time of Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. We compared genotype frequencies for each subgroup to those from cognitively normal elderly controls. We focused on APOE and on SNPs with p < 10−5 and odds ratios more extreme than those previously reported for Alzheimer’s disease (<0.77 or >1.30). There was substantial variation across studies in the proportions of people in each subgroup. In each study, higher proportions of people with isolated substantial relative memory impairment had ≥1 APOE ε4 allele than any other subgroup (overall p = 1.5 × 10−27). Across subgroups, there were 33 novel suggestive loci across the genome with p < 10−5 and an extreme OR compared to controls, of which none had statistical evidence of heterogeneity and 30 had ORs in the same direction across all datasets. These data support the biological coherence of cognitively defined subgroups and nominate novel genetic loci.
Performance metrics and enabling technologies for nanoplasmonic biosensors
Authors: Oh Sang-Hyun , Altug Hatice
Published: December 2018

Nanoplasmonic structures can tightly confine light onto a material’s surface to probe biomolecular interactions not easily accessed by other sensing techniques. New and exciting developments in nanofabrication processes, nano-optical trapping, graphene devices, mid-infrared spectroscopy, and metasurfaces will greatly empower the performance and functionalities of nanoplasmonic sensors.
Synchronization of speed, sound and iridescent color in a hummingbird aerial courtship dive
Authors: Hogan Benedict G. , Stoddard Mary Caswell
Published: December 2018

Many animal signals are complex, often combining multimodal components with dynamic motion. To understand the function and evolution of these displays, it is vital to appreciate their spatiotemporal organization. Male broad-tailed hummingbirds (Selasphorus platycercus) perform dramatic U-shaped courtship dives over females, appearing to combine rapid movement and dive-specific mechanical noises with visual signals from their iridescent gorgets. To understand how motion, sound and color interact in these spectacular displays, we obtained video and audio recordings of dives performed by wild hummingbirds. We then applied a multi-angle imaging technique to estimate how a female would perceive the male’s iridescent gorget throughout the dive. We show that the key physical, acoustic and visual aspects of the dive are remarkably synchronized—all occurring within 300 milliseconds. Our results highlight the critical importance of accounting for motion and orientation when investigating animal displays: speed and trajectory affect how multisensory signals are produced and perceived.