bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using supramolecular associations to create stable cellular structures in amorphous soft polymers
Authors: Jamalpour Seifollah , Ghaffarian Seyed Reza , Goldansaz Hadi
Published: November 2017

A new strategy to foaming of Poly(methyl acrylate ‐co‐2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) as a polymer with low glass transition temperature (Tg) and strength is proposed by introducing supramolecular interactions via quadruple hydrogen bonding ureido‐pyrimidinone (UPy) units. The supramolecular polymers formed a reversible amorphous network and are foamed in a batch process inside an autoclave using supercritical N2. The thermal and dynamical behaviors of unfoamed and foamed supramolecular polymers are studied by differential scanning calorimeter and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The presence of UPy units in poly(methacrylic acid‐co‐2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) forms a reversible amorphous network and slows down the chains dynamics and leads to increase in the glass transition temperature as well as elastic modulus before and after foaming. The cellular structures, obtained in different foaming temperature, saturation pressure, and UPy content, were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. The higher density of UPy units induced more stability and higher elastic modulus and developed the more stable, closed, and homogenous cell structure with higher expansion ratio and cell. The obtained results show that the supramolecular polymer can be foamed with appropriate cellular structure integrity and uniform cell size distribution at 90°C, 9 MPa, and 4.5 mol% UPy content.
Tuning of surface properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphene oxide nanocomposites
Authors: de Oliveira Camila F. P. , Muñoz Pablo A.R. , dos Santos Michelle C.C. , Medeiros Gabriela S. , Simionato Amanda , Nagaoka Danilo A. , de Souza Eunézio A. T. , Domingues Sergio H. , Fechine Guilhermino J. M.
Published: November 2017

Surface properties are extremely important for materials applied in the biomedical areas such as poly(vinyl alcohol)—PVA. The precise control of the surface characteristics on these materials may adjust and expand its applications. Here, we present a new strategy to tune the surface properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphene oxide (PVA/GO) films by manipulation of GO particles (amount and level of oxidation) and also by in situ reduction of GO. Adopting a different approach from the methods currently proposed, the reduction process of GO was carried out by exposing the PVA/GO films to hydrazine vapor to maintain the degree of particle dispersion. Raman spectroscopy, contact angle (surface energy), X‐ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy were used to evaluate the interaction between PVA and GO particles and also to characterize graphene polymer composites properties at the surface of the films. The results indicated that there is a strong interaction between the GO particles and polar PVA groups mainly at a very specific stoichiometric ratio. Consequently, the surface properties of the PVA/GO films may be tuned by altering the concentration of the particles, their level of oxidation as well as by the exposure to hydrazine vapor. The impact of these affirmations is extremely important for improving the suitability of PVA in applications such as biomaterial, membranes, packaging, and others that need a rigorous control of surface properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E312–E320, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
On the photophysical model for polyenes: Experimental evidence of the 1,8‐diphenylocta‐1,3,5,7‐tetraene molecule dissolved in n‐octane, cyclooctane, and 2,2,4‐trimethylpentane
Authors: Catalán Javier
Published: November 2017

Spectroscopic evidence recorded in solutions of diphenyloctatetraene in n‐octane, cyclooctane, and 2,2,4‐trimethylpentane by sudden immersion of the sample at 77 K or by changing the solution temperature slowly between 293 and 77 K allow us to conclude that the distinct spectroscopic behavior of the polyene compounds, on extending its polyene chain, does not lie in the existence of a ghost state 21Ag, as first excited electronic state of the system, but resides in a structural problem that influences whether its first electronic transition for absorption can be monitored or not at its lowest vibrational levels.
Effect of fetal and infant growth on respiratory symptoms in preterm‐born children
Authors: Lowe John , Kotecha Sarah J. , Watkins William J. , Kotecha Sailesh
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Fetal growth and rapid postnatal weight gain are associated with adverse respiratory outcomes in childhood. However, the preterm‐born population is less well studied. We assessed if the increased respiratory symptoms associated with altered fetal growth and infant weight gain were mediated by early factors.

Study Design

We used data from our cohort of preterm‐ and term‐born (n = 4284 and 2865) children, aged 1‐10 years. Respiratory outcomes obtained from a respiratory questionnaire were regressed on measures of fetal growth and infant weight gain, defined as >0.67 SD change in fetal measurement or weight between birth and nine months of age, then adjusted for covariates. We used mediation analysis to investigate which variables were effect modifiers.

Results

Accelerated fetal growth between the 1st trimester and birth (OR 2.01; 95%CI 1.25, 2.32), and between the 2nd trimester and birth (1.60; 1.15, 2.22) was associated with increased wheeze‐ever in preterm‐born children. Rapid infant weight gain was associated with increased wheeze‐ever (1.22; 1.02, 1.45); children born ≤32 weeks’ gestation exhibiting rapid weight gain had fivefold higher risk of wheeze‐ever compared to term‐born without weight gain. Current maternal smoking and gestational age were identified as candidate mediating effects.

Conclusions

Our study suggested that antenatal and postnatal growth rates are important for future respiratory health in preterm‐born children, and that their effects may be mediated by modifiable factors. Minimizing exposure to environmental pollutants, especially maternal tobacco smoking, may improve outcomes.
Robotic Strong's procedure for the treatment of superior mesenteric artery syndrome. Description of surgical technique on occasion of the first reported case in the literature
Authors: Konstantinidis Harilaos , Charisis Christos , Kottos Panagiotis
Published: November 2017

Backround

Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS) is a rare disorder caused by compression of the third portion of the duodenum by the SMA. Once a conservative approach fails, usual surgical strategies include Duodenojejunostomy and Strong's procedure. The latter avoids potential anastomotic risks and complications. Robotic Strong's procedure (RSP) combines both the benefits of a minimal invasive approach and also enchased robotic accuracy and efficacy.

Methods

For a young girl who was unsuccessfully treated conservatively, the paper describes the RSP surgical technique. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report in the literature.

Results

Minimal blood loss, short operative time, short hospital stay and early recovery were the short‐term benefits. Significant weight gain was achieved three months after the surgery.

Conclusion

Based on primary experience, it is suggested that RSP is a very effective alternative in treating SMAS.
ToF‐SIMS characterization of glyoxal surface oxidation products by hydrogen peroxide: A comparison between dry and liquid samples
Authors: Sui Xiao , Zhou Yufan , Zhang Fei , Zhang Yanyan , Chen Jianmin , Zhu Zihua , Yu Xiao‐Ying
Published: November 2017

As one of the simplest volatile organic compounds, glyoxal and its oxidation products were considered to be important precursors to aqueous secondary organic aerosol formation. Herein, we analyzed products from glyoxal oxidation by hydrogen peroxide in dry and liquid samples using time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS). ToF‐SIMS spectra and spectral principal component analysis (PCA) were used to investigate surface oxidation products. Dry samples were prepared on clean silicon wafers. Liquid samples consisting of glyoxal and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were introduced to a vacuum compatible microfluidic reactor prior to UV illumination or dark aging followed by in situ liquid SIMS analysis. A number of reaction products were observed in both dry and liquid samples; different oligomers and carboxylic acids could be formed depending on reaction conditions. In addition, hydrolyzed products were observed in the liquid samples, but not in the dry samples. Although dry samples reveal some products of the aqueous process, they are not fully representative as results from those of the aqueous samples. Our findings suggest that the ability to characterize the liquid surface reaction products provides more realistic information of the reaction products associated with aqueous secondary organic aerosol formation in the atmosphere. Meanwhile, the high mass resolution spectra from the dry sample SIMS measurement are helpful to identify oxidation products in the liquid samples.
In Vivo MR Imaging of Glioma Recruitment of Adoptive T‐Cells Labeled with NaGdF4‐TAT Nanoprobes
Authors: Zhang Hua , Wu Yue , Wang Jing , Tang Zhongmin , Ren Yan , Ni Dalong , Gao Hongbo , Song Ruixue , Jin Teng , Li Qiao , Bu Wenbo , Yao Zhenwei
Published: November 2017

Adoptive T lymphocyte immunotherapy is one of the most promising methods to treat residual lesions after glioma surgery. However, the fate of the adoptively transferred T‐cells in vivo is unclear, hampering the understanding of this emerging therapy. Thus, it is highly desirable to develop noninvasive and quantitative in vivo tracking of these T‐cells to glioma for better identification of the migratory fate and to provide objective evaluation of outcomes of adoptive T‐cell immunotherapy targeting glioma. In this work, ultrasmall T1 MR‐based nanoprobes, NaGdF4‐TAT, as molecular probes with high longitudinal relaxivity (8.93 mm−1 s−1) are designed. By means of HIV‐1 transactivator (TAT) peptides, nearly 95% of the adoptive T‐cells are labeled with the NaGdF4‐TAT nanoprobes without any measurable side effects on the labeled T‐cells, which is remarkably superior to that of the control fluorescein isothiocyanate‐NaGdF4 concerning labeling efficacy. Labeled adoptive T‐cell clusters can be sensitively tracked in an orthotopic GL261‐glioma model 24 h after intravenous infusion of 107 labeled T‐cells by T1‐weighted MR imaging. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments show that the NaGdF4‐TAT nanoprobes labeling of T‐cells may be a promising method to track adoptive T‐cells to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology in adoptive immunotherapy for gliomas.
Surface operators, chiral rings and localization in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ =2 gauge theories
Authors: Ashok S. K. , Billò M. , Dell’Aquila E. , Frau M. , Gupta V. , John R. R. , Lerda A.
Published: November 2017

Abstract

We study half-BPS surface operators in supersymmetric gauge theories in four and five dimensions following two different approaches. In the first approach we analyze the chiral ring equations for certain quiver theories in two and three dimensions, coupled respectively to four- and five-dimensional gauge theories. The chiral ring equations, which arise from extremizing a twisted chiral superpotential, are solved as power series in the infrared scales of the quiver theories. In the second approach we use equivariant localization and obtain the twisted chiral superpotential as a function of the Coulomb moduli of the four- and five-dimensional gauge theories, and find a perfect match with the results obtained from the chiral ring equations. In the five-dimensional case this match is achieved after solving a number of subtleties in the localization formulas which amounts to choosing a particular residue prescription in the integrals that yield the Nekrasov-like partition functions for ramified instantons. We also comment on the necessity of including Chern-Simons terms in order to match the superpotentials obtained from dual quiver descriptions of a given surface operator.
A complete basis of helicity operators for subleading factorization
Authors: Feige Ilya , Kolodrubetz Daniel W. , Moult Ian , Stewart Iain W.
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Factorization theorems underly our ability to make predictions for many processes involving the strong interaction. Although typically formulated at leading power, the study of factorization at subleading power is of interest both for improving the precision of calculations, as well as for understanding the all orders structure of QCD. We use the SCET helicity operator formalism to construct a complete power suppressed basis of hard scattering operators for e
+
e
− → dijets, e
−
p → e
− jet, and constrained Drell-Yan, including the first two subleading orders in the amplitude level power expansion. We analyze the field content of the jet and soft function contributions to the power suppressed cross section for e
+
e
− → dijet event shapes, and give results for the lowest order matching to the contributing operators. These results will be useful for studies of power corrections both in fixed order and resummed perturbation theory.
Chiral anomalies in six dimensions from harmonic superspace
Authors: Kuzenko Sergei M. , Novak Joseph , Samsonov Igor B.
Published: November 2017

Abstract

We develop a superfield approach to compute chiral anomalies in general

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= (1,0) supersymmetric gauge theories in six dimensions. Within the harmonic-superspace formulation for these gauge theories, the anomalous contributions to the effective action only come from matter and ghost hypermultiplets. By studying the short-distance behaviour of the propagator for the hypermultiplet coupled to a background vector multiplet, we compute the covariant and consistent chiral anomalies. We also provide a superform formulation for the non-abelian anomalous current multiplet in general

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= (1, 0) supersymmetric gauge theories.
Daily variation of NTBC and its relation to succinylacetone in tyrosinemia type 1 patients comparing a single dose to two doses a day
Authors: Kienstra Nienke S. , van Reemst Hannah E. , van Ginkel Willem G. , Daly Anne , van Dam Esther , MacDonald Anita , Burgerhof Johannes G. M. , de Blaauw Pim , McKiernan Patrick J. , Heiner‐Fokkema M. Rebecca , van Spronsen Francjan J.
Published: November 2017

Introduction

In hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1) patients, the dose of NTBC that leads to the absence of toxic metabolites such as succinylacetone (SA) is still unknown. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the variation and concentrations of 2‐(2‐nitro‐4‐trifluormethyl‐benzyl)‐1,3‐cyclohexanedione (NTBC) during the day in relation to the detection of SA, while comparing different dosing regimens.

Methods

All patients were treated with NTBC (mean 1.08 ± 0.34 mg/kg/day) and a low phenylalanine‐tyrosine diet. Thirteen patients received a single dose of NTBC and five patients twice daily. Home bloodspots were collected four times daily for three consecutive days measuring NTBC and SA concentrations. Statistical analyses were performed by using mixed model analyses and generalized linear mixed model analyses to study variation and differences in NTBC concentrations and the correlation with SA, respectively.

Results

NTBC concentrations varied significantly during the day especially if NTBC was taken at breakfast only (p = 0.026), although no significant difference in NTBC concentrations between different dosing regimens could be found (p = 0.289). Momentary NTBC concentrations were negatively correlated with SA (p < 0.001). Quantitatively detectable SA was only found in subjects with once daily administration of NTBC and associated with momentary NTBC concentrations <44.3 μmol/l.

Discussion

NTBC could be less stable than previously considered, thus dosing NTBC once daily and lower concentrations may be less adequate. Further research including more data is necessary to establish the optimal dosing of NTBC.
Health Care Workers’ Use and Cleaning of X‐Ray Aprons and Thyroid Shields
Authors: Honigsberg Hope , Speroni Karen Gabel , Fishback Anna , Stafford Amy
Published: November 2017

We evaluated the use and cleaning of x‐ray aprons and thyroid shields by surveying rural hospital system health care workers who wear x‐ray aprons and thyroid shields. One hundred fifty‐five of the 173 respondents were RNs (89.6%), and 94 respondents were from inpatient or outpatient surgical settings (54.3%). One hundred thirty‐five respondents (78.0%) reported soiled x‐ray aprons or thyroid shields, and 52 (30.1%) reported shield odors. Eighty‐three participants (48.0%) indicated they never spot cleaned. Standard department cleaning never occurred for 37 x‐ray aprons or thyroid shields (21.4%); and 114 x‐ray aprons or thyroid shields (65.9%) contacted a patient or patient item 1 to 10 times per shift. Twenty‐six participants (15%) specified there were policies and procedures for cleaning x‐ray aprons and thyroid shields. Use of evidence‐based cleaning guidelines and manufacturer's requirements for effective spot and standard cleaning of the protective aprons and thyroid shields are warranted.
Case series of ante-grade biliary stenting: An option during bile duct exploration
Authors: Jalal Qaiser , Forouzanfar Amir , Bhatt Anand , Al-Mukhtar Ahmed , Gardner-Thorpe James , Majeed Ali Waqar
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Background:

Managing choledochotomy after bile duct clearance is an ongoing debate. T-tube insertion is not without complication and morbidity, requires significant post-operative care. Primary closure alone can result in a high pressure biliary system and bile leak. The placement of an ante-grade stent through the choledochotomy prior to primary closure is an option for ensuring biliary drainage after bile duct exploration. We reviewed our series of open bile duct explorations, where an ante-grade stent was placed when managing choledochotomy.

Methods:

Patients who had ante-grade stent placement, all performed by same senior hepatobiliary surgeon, were identified retrospectively. Case note review was used to gather demographic, complication, length of stay, post-operative clinic visits and readmission data.

Results:

22 (M:F, 7:15) patients with a median age of 64 years (22–82). The indication for surgical stone clearance was failed ERCP in 20.2 patients were not suitable for ERCP. The median post-operative stay was 8 days (379) with the abdominal drain remaining for a median of 4 days (137). 16 (73%) patients had no complications. 4 (18%) had bile leaks, 5 (22%) wound infections, 1 (5%) cholangitis and 1 (5%) pancreatitis. All complications were Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or less.

Conclusion:

In situations where primary CBD closure is not safe due to concern over high pressure in the biliary tree the placement of ante-grade stent may be preferred to T-tube placement.

Highlights:
Rights and Guarantees of Children in the Context of Migration and/or in need of International Protection (Inter-Am. Ct. H.R.)
Authors: Contesse Jorge
Published: November 2017

On August 19, 2014, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (the Court) issued its Advisory Opinion on the “Rights and Guarantees of Children in the Context of Migration and/or in need of International Protection” (the Opinion). This key Opinion is the first time that the Court has addressed states’ obligations to protect the rights of migrant children, in response to a joint submission by four members of the Organization of American States (OAS).
J. N. v. Staatssecretaris voor Veiligheid en Justitie (C.J.E.U.)
Authors: Slingenberg Lieneke
Published: November 2017

On February 15, 2016, the Grand Chamber of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU or the Court) delivered its preliminary ruling in a case about the detention of Mr. N. Mr. N. was detained pending the examination of his (fourth) asylum application and claimed that his detention was in violation of Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Since his detention was provided for in relevant EU legislation, the question referred to the CJEU was about the validity of this EU legislation.
United Nations Security Council Resolution 2339
Authors: Horowitz Jonathan
Published: November 2017

On January 27, 2017, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2339 to extend by one year the mandate of a sanctions regime to address protracted violence, insecurity, and political turmoil in the Central African Republic (CAR). Three years after the Council first imposed the regime under Resolution 2127 (2013), the Council's adoption of Resolution 2339 made it clear that the situation in CAR continued to require a robust sanctions regime, that sexual violence in CAR needed heightened political attention, and that states should improve the ways they enforce the sanctions regime's travel ban. Similar to its predecessor resolutions, Resolution 2339 included certain limitations aimed at making the sanctions targeted and humane. But, as has been the case with sanctions regimes aimed at other countries, this one suffered from a lack of due process guarantees for ensuring the protection of the human rights of the people and entities that were punished for noncompliance.
Belhaj v. Straw & Rahmatullah (NO 1) v. Ministry of Defence (U.K. Sup. Ct.)
Authors: Simonsen Natasha
Published: November 2017

In Belhaj & Rahmatullah (No 1) v. Straw & Ors, the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom cleared the way for claims against British forces for complicity in acts of rendition and torture abroad to proceed to trial. The judgment in Belhaj was one of a trio of important judgments handed down on January 17, 2017, the other two concerning the doctrine of Crown act of state and the right to detain in noninternational armed conflicts. This Note considers only Belhaj, in which the Supreme Court rejected the arguments that the doctrines of state immunity and/or foreign act of state precluded U.K. courts from hearing the claims.
Magnigondolella, a new conodont genus from the Triassic of North America
Authors: Golding Martyn L. , Orchard Michael J.
Published: November 2017

The new conodont genusMagnigondolellais recognized based on specimens recovered from the Anisian (Middle Triassic) of British Columbia in Canada, and Nevada in the USA. This new genus encompasses problematic specimens with high carinas, which have recently been collectively referred to asNeogondolellaex gr.regalisMosher. Ten species from North America are herein assigned toMagnigondolellan. gen., including the eight new speciesM.alexanderi,M.cyri,M.julii,M.nebuchadnezzari,M.salomae,M. n. sp. A,M. n. sp. B, andM. n. sp. C, as well as the two existing speciesM.regalis(Mosher) andM.dilacerata(Golding and Orchard). Other species from the Tethys region are also tentatively assigned toMagnigondolellan. gen. Based on published records, the genus appears to range from the Spathian to the upper Anisian in North America. The recognition of eight new species from the Anisian significantly increases the conodont biodiversity of this period, which has previously been regarded as a time of low diversity. Although some of the species included withinMagnigondolellan. sp. have relatively long stratigraphic ranges, many have been identified in both British Columbia and Nevada, and therefore show potential for biostratigraphic correlation on a regional scale.
DHA supplementation during pregnancy as phospholipids or TAG produces different placental uptake but similar fetal brain accretion in neonatal piglets
Authors: Gázquez Antonio , Ruíz-Palacios María , Larqué Elvira
Published: November 2017

The great variety ofn-3 long-chain PUFA sources raises the question of the most adequate for using as a DHA supplement during pregnancy. Placental and fetal availability of different DHA sources remains unclear. We investigated DHA availability in maternal lipoproteins, placenta and fetal tissues in pregnant sows fed DHA as phospholipid (PL) or TAG to identify the best DHA source during this period. Pregnant Iberian sows were fed diets containing 0·8 % DHA of total fatty acids as PL from egg yolk or TAG from algae oil during the last third of gestation (40 d). Maternal tissues, placentas and fetal tissues were obtained at delivery and DHA quantified by GC. Major Facilitator Superfamily Domain Containing 2a (MFSD2a) carrier expression was analysed in both placenta and fetal brain by Western blotting. Sows fed the DHA–PL diet showed higher DHA incorporation in plasma LDL but not in plasma total lipids. No differences were found in DHA content between groups in maternal liver, adipose tissue or brain. Placental tissue incorporated more DHA in both total lipids and PL fraction in sows fed DHA–PL. However, this did not lead to an enhanced DHA accretion either in fetal plasma, fetal liver or fetal brain. MFSD2a expression was similar between both experimental groups. Maternal DHA supplementation during pregnancy in sow either as PL or TAG produces similar DHA accretion in fetal tissues but not in placenta. Both fat sources are equally available for fetal brain.
Determination of the efficiency of diets for larval development in mass rearing Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Gunathilaka P.A.D.H.N. , Uduwawala U.M.H.U. , Udayanga N.W.B.A.L. , Ranathunge R.M.T.B. , Amarasinghe L.D. , Abeyewickreme W.
Published: November 2017

Larval diet quality and rearing conditions have a direct and irreversible effect on adult traits. Therefore, the current study was carried out to optimize the larval diet for mass rearing of Aedes aegypti, for Sterile Insect Technique (SIT)-based applications in Sri Lanka. Five batches of 750 first instar larvae (L1) of Ae. aegypti were exposed to five different concentrations (2–10%) of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recommended the larval diet. Morphological development parameters of larva, pupa, and adult were detected at 24 h intervals along with selected growth parameters. Each experiment was replicated five times. General Linear Modeling along with Pearson's correlation analysis were used for statistical treatments. Significant differences (P < 0.05) among the larvae treated with different concentrations were found using General Linear Modeling in all the stages namely: total body length and the thoracic length of larvae; cephalothoracic length and width of pupae; thoracic length, thoracic width, abdominal length and the wing length of adults; along with pupation rate and success, sex ratio, adult success, fecundity and hatching rate of Ae. aegypti. The best quality adults can be produced at larval diet concentration of 10%. However, the 8% larval diet concentration was most suitable for adult male survival.
‘Justice Must Prevail’: The Presbyterian Review and Scottish Views of Slavery, 1831–1848
Authors: RITCHIE DANIEL
Published: November 2017

ThePresbyterian Review(1831–48) was one of the most important sources for Evangelical thought within the Church of Scotland before the Disruption of 1843, and for Free Church opinion after the schism. However, its views concerning slavery have yet to be subjected to critical evaluation by historians. Initially, it reflected the radicalism of the Evangelical leader, Andrew Thomson, especially in its demand for the immediate, uncompensated abolition of West Indian slavery. It also used slavery as part of its polemics against High Church Anglicans and Tractarians over the legacy of William Wilberforce and in its disputes with the Scottish Voluntaries. Subsequently, during the ‘Send back the money’ controversy, its position moved closer to the moderation of Thomas Chalmers.
Reproductive strategy of Brachidontes rodriguezii (Bivalvia: Mytiloida) in the South-western Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Torroglosa María Eugenia , Giménez Juliana
Published: November 2017

This study consisted in the characterization of reproductive aspects such as oocytes morphology, temporal variation in size and frequency of oocytes and the reproductive cycle of the mussel Brachidontes rodriguezii. This species dominates the rocky intertidal coast of Buenos Aires province, Argentine and is a prey item of several exploited species; however, due to the introduction of piers and seawalls, as a consequence of anthropogenic activities, the species also inhabits sandy coasts. Mussels were collected from May 2011 to May 2013. Gonad tissue samples were processed according to standard histological procedures. Four gonadal development stages were described for males and females. According to the significant decrease in the frequency of mature oocytes, the spawning events were detected between February and May. However, some evacuation events were recorded in June–July. This study reports the first record of two modalities of hermaphrodites in this species; individuals with male and female gonads and individuals with both types of gametes within a gonad.
State-of-the-art for food taxes to promote public health
Authors: Jensen J. D. , Smed S.
Published: November 2017

The use of taxes to promote healthy nutritional behaviour has gained ground in the past decade. The present paper reviews existing applications of fiscal instruments in nutrition policy and derives some perspectives and recommendations from the experiences gained with these instruments. Many countries in different parts of the world have experiences with the taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages, in some cases in combination with taxes on unhealthy food commodities such as confectionery or high-fat foods. These tax schemes have many similarities, but also differ in their definitions of tax objects and in the applied tax rates. Denmark has been the only country in the world to operate a tax on saturated fat content in foods, from 2011 to 2012. Most of the existing food tax schemes have been introduced from fiscal motivations, with health promotion as a secondary objective, but a few have been introduced with health promotion as the primary objective. The diversity in experiences from existing tax schemes can provide valuable insights for future use of fiscal instruments to promote healthy nutrition, in terms of designing effective and efficient tax or subsidy instruments, and in terms of smooth and politically viable implementation of the instruments.
The effect of pause location on perceived fluency
Authors: KAHNG JIMIN
Published: November 2017

Speech disfluency in first language (L1) and second language (L2) is not only quantitatively different (e.g., number and length of pauses) but also qualitatively different (e.g., distribution of pauses); however, how pause distributions in L1 and L2 affect judgments of perceived fluency is unclear. The study examined the relationship between pause phenomena and perceived fluency using two experiments. Experiment 1 investigated the relative contributions of frequency, length, and distribution of silent pauses to perceived fluency of L2 speech. Experiment 2 tested causal effects of pause location on perceived fluency of L1 and L2 speech using phonetic manipulations. Findings suggest a significant role of pause location in perceived fluency. In Experiment 1, silent pause rate within a clause demonstrated the strongest correlation with L2 fluency ratings, and in Experiment 2, perceived fluency of L1 and L2 speech was influenced by pause location. The findings suggest that listeners seem to be sensitive to pause location and to understand that pauses within clauses tend to reflect reduced cognitive fluency.
ENTITLEMENT THEORY OF JUSTICE AND END-STATE FAIRNESS IN THE ALLOCATION OF GOODS
Authors: Ju Biung-Ghi , Moreno-Ternero Juan D.
Published: November 2017

Robert Nozick allegedly introduced his liberal theory of private ownership as an objection to theories of end-state justice. Nevertheless, we show that, in a stylized framework for the allocation of goods in joint ventures, both approaches can be seen as complementary. More precisely, in such a context, self-ownership (the basis for Nozick’s entitlement theory of justice) followed by voluntary transfer (Nozick’s principle of just transfer) can lead to end-state fairness (as well as Pareto efficiency). Furthermore, under a certain solidarity condition, the only way to achieve end-state fairness, following Nozick’s procedure, is to endorse an egalitarian rule for the initial assignment of rights.
Drivers of measles mortality: the historic fatality burden of famine in Bangladesh
Authors: MAHMUD A. S. , ALAM N. , METCALF C. J. E.
Published: November 2017

Measles is a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in many parts of the world. Estimates of the case-fatality rate (CFR) of measles have varied widely from place to place, as well as in the same location over time. Amongst populations that have experienced famine or armed conflict, measles CFR can be especially high, although past work has mostly focused on refugee populations. Here, we estimate measles CFR between 1970 and 1991 in a rural region of Bangladesh, which experienced civil war and famine in the 1970s. We use historical measles mortality data and a mechanistic model of measles transmission to estimate the CFR of measles. We first demonstrate the ability of this model to recover the CFR in the absence of incidence data, using simulated mortality data. Our method produces CFR estimates that correspond closely to independent estimates from surveillance data and we can capture both the magnitude and the change in CFR suggested by these previous estimates. We use this method to quantify the sharp increase in CFR that resulted in a large number of deaths during a measles outbreak in the region in 1976. Most of the children who died during this outbreak were born during a famine in 1974, or in the 2 years preceding the famine. Our results suggest that the period of turmoil during and after the 1971 war and the sustained effects of the famine, is likely to have contributed to the high fatality burden of the 1976 measles outbreak in Matlab.
Detection of HEV-specific antibodies in four non-human primate species, including great apes, from different zoos in Germany
Authors: SPAHR C. , KNAUF-WITZENS T. , DÄHNERT L. , ENDERS M. , MÜLLER M. , JOHNE R. , ULRICH R. G.
Published: November 2017

The hepatitis E virus (HEV) has been described in humans and various animal species in different regions of the world. However, the knowledge on natural HEV infection in non-human primates and the corresponding risk of zoonotic transmission is scarce. To determine whether primates in captivity are affected by HEV infection, we investigated 259 individual sera of clinically healthy non-human primates of 14 species from nine German zoos. Using a commercial double-antigen-sandwich ELISA and a commercial IgG ELISA, 10 animals (3·9%) reacted positive in at least one assay. Three ape species and one Old World monkey species were among the seropositive animals: bonobo (Pan paniscus), gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), lar gibbon (Hylobates lar) and drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus). Testing for anti-HEV-IgM antibodies by commercial ELISA and for viral RNA by reverse-transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction resulted in negative results for all animals indicating the absence of acute HEV infections. In the past, no clinical signs of hepatitis were recorded for the seropositive animals. The results suggest that non-human primates in zoos can get naturally and subclinically infected with HEV or related hepeviruses. Future studies should evaluate potential sources and transmission routes of these infections and their impact on human health.
How do childhood intelligence and early psychosocial adversity influence income attainment among adult extremely low birth weight survivors? A test of the cognitive reserve hypothesis
Authors: Dobson Kathleen G. , Ferro Mark A. , Boyle Michael H. , Schmidt Louis A. , Saigal Saroj , Van Lieshout Ryan J.
Published: November 2017

Perinatal and later postnatal adversities have been shown to adversely affect socioeconomic trajectories, while enhanced early cognitive abilities improve them. However, little is known about the combined influence of these exposures on social mobility. In this study, we examined if childhood IQ moderated the association between four different types of postnatal adversity (childhood socioeconomic disadvantage, childhood sexual abuse, lifetime psychiatric disorder, and trait neuroticism) and annual earnings at 30–35 years of age in a sample of 88 extremely low birth weight survivors. Our results suggested that higher childhood IQ was associated with greater personal income at age 30–35. Extremely low birth weight survivors who did not face psychological adversities and who had higher childhood IQ reported higher income in adulthood. However, those who faced psychological adversity and had higher childhood IQ generally reported lower income in adulthood. Our findings suggest that cognitive reserve may not protect preterm survivors against the complex web of risk factors affecting their later socioeconomic attainment.
A first qualitative snapshot: cardiac surgery and recovery in 10 children in the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa (2011–2016)
Authors: Vivian Lauraine , Comitis George , Naidu Claudia , Hunter Cynthia , Lawrenson John
Published: November 2017

This article describes our qualitative research on the follow-up of 10 children, 5 years into recovery after cardiac surgery. The research was driven by a multi-disciplinary team of medical anthropologists, cardiologists, and an intensive care specialist and was based at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital where they underwent surgeries. The research sought to answer two questions; first, could we successfully maintain contact with and follow up the children; the second – which will be answered in future papers – asked what life was like for them and their families during surgery and later recovery. The results are presented as a discussion on the themes that arose in our engagement and analysis and not as clinical evidence. These showed that elective surgery although significantly delayed was successful, and all children were followed up at their medical appointments. The researchers, however, were unable to establish follow-up with all families over the duration of the study. In the final round of interviews in the respondents’ homes, of 10 children, we remained in contact with seven. The discussion argues that effective communication and access to these children was often compromised by their coming from the poorer communities in the Cape Town metropolitan region, making them even more vulnerable during their recovery periods.
The coding of perfect meaning in African, Asian and Caribbean Englishes
Authors: SUÁREZ-GÓMEZ CRISTINA
Published: November 2017

The perfect in World Englishes has attracted much attention recently, especially from a semasiological perspective, in which the analytichave+ participle is analysed in comparison with the synthetic preterite. This article intends to achieve a more holistic picture of the expression of perfect meaning in World Englishes, which allows us to identify how perfect meaning is expressed in all pragmatic contexts. In this study, all the occurrences of ten high-frequency verbs are examined in order to single out those expressing perfect meaning. The corpus (8.8m words in total) includes ten components of theInternational Corpus of English: eight Outer Circle varieties from Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, and two reference varieties: British and American English. The relevant examples are tabulated across variables such as presence of adverbials, type of perfect meaning, lexical verb, mode, text type and evolutionary stage. The results show that the envelope of variation is much wider than the one traditionally acknowledged in current grammars of English, and that type of meaning, lexical verb or text type are crucial determiners in the choice of particular forms to express perfect meaning. By contrast, mode or evolutionary stage does not seem to have a bearing on the differences between varieties.
Need for Closure, Torture, and Punishment Motivations
Authors: Giacomantonio Mauro , Pierro Antonio , Baldner Conrad , Kruglanski Arie
Published: November 2017

Abstract. When considering how criminals should be punished, most individuals prefer retributive (i.e., punishment compensating for the harm caused by the perpetrator) over utilitarian justice (i.e., punishment with the intent to deter future crime). However, past research has found that individuals with a high (vs. low) need for cognitive closure (NCC) are more likely to endorse utilitarian punishment. In three studies, we replicated past research on the association between need for closure and utilitarian justice (Study 1), and found that this relationship is mediated by moral concerns pertaining to group unity and cohesion (Study 2). In Study 3 we examine another instance of utilitarian policy: torture. Our data provide evidence that preference for utilitarian punishment is rooted in basic moral concerns.
Well Self-Regulated People Use Mental Contrasting
Authors: Sevincer A. Timur , Mehl Philipp J. , Oettingen Gabriele
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Mentally contrasting a desired future with reality is a self-regulation strategy helping people manage their life by promoting selective goal pursuit: people pursue feasible futures and disengage from unfeasible ones. We investigated whether participants who effectively regulate their academic and everyday life spontaneously use mental contrasting. Indeed, students who were good self-regulators in the academic domain, as indicated by their high self-reported academic self-regulation skills, high need for achievement, and above-average grades mentally contrasted when writing about an important achievement-related wish (Study 1). So did participants who were good self-regulators in everyday life as indicated by their high self-reported generalized self-regulation skills and high need for cognition (Study 2). Results indicate that successful self-regulation is linked to spontaneous mental contrasting.
How Earth’s Orbit Affected Ice Sheets Millions of Years Ago
Authors: Underwood Emily
Published: November 2017

A new study of the late Pliocene era could help scientists predict future sea level rise.
Correction: Author Correction: A dynamic code for economic object valuation in prefrontal cortex neurons
Authors: Tsutsui Ken-Ichiro , Grabenhorst Fabian , Kobayashi Shunsuke , Schultz Wolfram
Published: November 2017

Nature Communications 7: Article number: 12554 (2016); Published: 13 September 2016; Updated: 23 November 2017. The previously published version of this Article contained an error in Figure 1. In panel b the x and y axis labels of the scatter graph were inadvertently inverted. This error has been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Minimal residual disease by either flow cytometry or cytogenetics prior to an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant is associated with poor outcome in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Norkin Maxim , Katragadda Lakshmikanth , Zou Fei , Xiong Sican , Chang Myron , Dai Yunfeng , Hsu Jack W. , Moreb Jan S. , Leather Helen , Murthy Hemant S. , Farhadfar Nosha , Li Ying , Hromas Robert , Brown Randy A. , Cogle Christopher R. , Wingard John R.
Published: November 2017

Relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a significant challenge after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). Multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC), conventional cytogenetics (CG), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) are routinely performed on bone marrow specimens prior to HCT to assess disease status. We questioned the extent by which pre-HCT evidence of minimal residual disease (MRD) detected by these standard assays, corresponded with post-HCT relapse. We conducted a single center, retrospective study of 166 AML patients who underwent HCT. Thirty-eight of one hundred sixty-six (23%) patients in complete remission (CR) or CR with incomplete count recovery (CRi) had MRD detectable by MFC, CG, or FISH. MRD was more frequently seen in patients with poor risk karyotype at diagnosis (P = 0.011). MRD-negative patients (MRDneg) had significantly longer overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival than patients who were MRD positive (MRDpos) (P = 0.002 and 0.013, respectively). In patients with MRDpos prior to HCT, the presence of acute graft vs. host disease (GVHD) (grade ≥ 2) or chronic GVHD significantly improved progression free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.053 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01–0.279), P = 0.0005) and OS (HR = 0.211 (95% CI: 0.081–0.547), P = 0.0014).
Notch transactivates Rheb to maintain the multipotency of TSC-null cells
Authors: Cho Jun-Hung , Patel Bhaumik , Bonala Santosh , Manne Sasikanth , Zhou Yan , Vadrevu Surya K. , Patel Jalpa , Peronaci Marco , Ghouse Shanawaz , Henske Elizabeth P. , Roegiers Fabrice , Giannikou Krinio , Kwiatkowski David J. , Mansouri Hossein , Markiewski Maciej M. , White Brandon , Karbowniczek Magdalena
Published: November 2017

Differentiation abnormalities are a hallmark of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) manifestations; however, the genesis of these abnormalities remains unclear. Here we report on mechanisms controlling the multi-lineage, early neuronal progenitor and neural stem-like cell characteristics of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) and angiomyolipoma cells. These mechanisms include the activation of a previously unreported Rheb-Notch-Rheb regulatory loop, in which the cyclic binding of Notch1 to the Notch-responsive elements (NREs) on the Rheb promoter is a key event. This binding induces the transactivation of Rheb. The identified NRE2 and NRE3 on the Rheb promoter are important to Notch-dependent promoter activity. Notch cooperates with Rheb to block cell differentiation via similar mechanisms in mouse models of TSC. Cell-specific loss of Tsc1 within nestin-expressing cells in adult mice leads to the formation of kidney cysts, renal intraepithelial neoplasia, and invasive papillary renal carcinoma.
Giant barocaloric effects over a wide temperature range in superionic conductor AgI
Authors: Aznar Araceli , Lloveras Pol , Romanini Michela , Barrio María , Tamarit Josep-Lluís , Cazorla Claudio , Errandonea Daniel , Mathur Neil D. , Planes Antoni , Moya Xavier , Mañosa Lluís
Published: November 2017

Current interest in barocaloric effects has been stimulated by the discovery that these pressure-driven thermal changes can be giant near ferroic phase transitions in materials that display magnetic or electrical order. Here we demonstrate giant inverse barocaloric effects in the solid electrolyte AgI, near its superionic phase transition at ~420 K. Over a wide range of temperatures, hydrostatic pressure changes of 2.5 kbar yield large and reversible barocaloric effects, resulting in large values of refrigerant capacity. Moreover, the peak values of isothermal entropy change (60 J K−1 kg−1 or 0.34 J K−1 cm−3) and adiabatic temperature changes (18 K), which we identify for a starting temperature of 390 K, exceed all values previously recorded for barocaloric materials. Our work should therefore inspire the study of barocaloric effects in a wide range of solid electrolytes, as well as the parallel development of cooling devices.
Generation of gene-edited rats by delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 protein and donor DNA into intact zygotes using electroporation
Authors: Remy Séverine , Chenouard Vanessa , Tesson Laurent , Usal Claire , Ménoret Séverine , Brusselle Lucas , Heslan Jean-Marie , Nguyen Tuan Huan , Bellien Jeremy , Merot Jean , De Cian Anne , Giovannangeli Carine , Concordet Jean-Paul , Anegon Ignacio
Published: November 2017

The generation of gene-edited animals using the CRISPRs/Cas9 system is based on microinjection into zygotes which is inefficient, time consuming and demands high technical skills. We report the optimization of an electroporation method for intact rat zygotes using sgRNAs and Cas9 protein in combination or not with ssODNs (~100 nt). This resulted in high frequency of knockouts, between 15 and 50% of analyzed animals. Importantly, using ssODNs as donor template resulted in precise knock-in mutations in 25–100% of analyzed animals, comparable to microinjection. Electroporation of long ssDNA or dsDNA donors successfully used in microinjection in the past did not allow generation of genome-edited animals despite dsDNA visualization within zygotes. Thus, simultaneous electroporation of a large number of intact rat zygotes is a rapid, simple, and efficient method for the generation of a variety of genome-edited rats.