bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tribological characterisation of plant oil derived fatty acid esters of higher polyols: Comparative experimental study
Authors: Nowicki Janusz , Drabik Jolanta , Woszczyński Piotr , Gębura Katarzyna , Nowakowska‐Bogdan Ewa , Kozdrach Rafal
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we present the study on the synthesis, physico‐chemical, and tribological characterisation of selected plant‐derived fatty acids esters of higher polyols. We described here more effective method synthesis of desired esters with high yields and high selectivities. In our novel and improved synthesis protocol, we applied homogeneous Sn catalysts. Physico‐chemical characterisation and lubricating properties of synthesised esters have been determined and discussed. Our results showed that the synthesised esters are characterised by excellent viscosity, good low temperature, and lubrication properties. High thermal resistance is the main benefit of synthesised esters. For fatty acid esters of trimethylolpropane dimer, onset temperatures are around 400°C and decomposition temperatures above 460°C, which makes these esters applicable in higher temperature.
Proteomic characterization and discrimination of Aeromonas species recovered from meat and water samples with a spotlight on the antimicrobial resistance of Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Elbehiry Ayman , Marzouk Eman , Abdeen Eman , Al‐Dubaib Musaad , Alsayeqh Abdullah , Ibrahem Mai , Hamada Mohamed , Alenzi Afrah , Moussa Ihab , Hemeg Hassan A.
Published: January 2019

Aeromonas is recognized as a human pathogen following ingestion of contaminated food and water. One major problem in Aeromonas identification is that certain species are phenotypically very similar. The antimicrobial resistance is another significant challenge worldwide. We therefore aimed to use mass spectrometry technology for identification and discrimination of Aeromonas species and to screen the antimicrobial resistance of Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila). A total of 150 chicken meat and water samples were cultured, and then, the isolates were identified biochemically by the Vitek® 2 Compact system. Proteomic identification was performed by MALDI‐TOF MS and confirmed by a microchannel fluidics electrophoresis assay. Principal component analysis (PCA) and single‐peak analysis created by MALDI were also used to discriminate the Aeromonas species. The antimicrobial resistance of the A. hydrophila isolates was determined by Vitek® 2 AST cards. In total, 43 samples were positive for Aeromonas and comprised 22 A. hydrophila, 12 Aeromonas caviae (A. caviae), and 9 Aeromonas sobria (A. sobria) isolates. Thirty‐nine out of 43 (90.69%) Aeromonas isolates were identified by the Vitek® 2 Compact system, whereas 100% of the Aeromonas isolates were correctly identified by MALDI‐TOF MS with a score value ≥2.00. PCA successfully separated A. hydrophila, A. caviae and A. sobria isolates into two groups. Single‐peak analysis revealed four discriminating peaks that separated A. hydrophila from A. caviae and A. sobria isolates. The resistance of A. hydrophila to antibiotics was 95.46% for ampicillin, 50% for cefotaxime, 45.45% for norfloxacin and pefloxacin, 36.36% for ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin, 31.81% for ofloxacin and 27.27% for nalidixic acid and tobramycin. In conclusion, chicken meat and water were tainted with Aeromonas spp., with a high occurrence of A. hydrophila. MALDI‐TOF MS is a powerful technique for characterizing aeromonads at the genus and species levels. Future studies should investigate the resistance of A. hydrophila to various antimicrobial agents.
Treatment response with sirolimus for a pediatric patient with an EBV‐associated smooth‐muscle tumor after bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Penney Scott W. , Bishop Bradie N. , Howell Della L.
Published: January 2019

Epstein–Barr virus–associated smooth‐muscle tumors (EBV‐SMTs) are unique and rare neoplasms described in immunocompromised patients. The case describes a nine‐year‐old female with a history of acute lymphoblastic leukemia with relapse and subsequent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation who presented with multiple EBV‐SMTs of the liver. EBV utilizes the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway for tumor growth, and sirolimus, a mTOR inhibitor, has shown to result in a short‐term response. We now report an extended treatment response with sirolimus in a pediatric patient with an EBV‐SMT.
Antimicrobial anilinium polymers: The properties of poly(N,N‐dimethylaminophenylene methacrylamide) in solution and as coatings
Authors: Chen Ao , Er Gerald , Zhang Cheng , Tang Joyce , Alam Mahbub , T. Ta Hang , Elliott Alysha G. , Cooper Matthew A. , Perera Janesha , Swift Simon , Blakey Idriss , Whittaker Andrew K. , Peng Hui
Published: January 2019

Antimicrobial polymers have been widely reported to exert strong biocidal effects against bacteria. In contrast with antimicrobial polymers with aliphatic ammonium groups, polymers with anilinium groups have been rarely studied and applied as biocidal materials. In this study, a representative polymer with aniline side functional groups, poly(N,N‐dimethylaminophenylene methacrylamide) (PDMAPMA), was explored as a novel antimicrobial polymer. PDMAPMA was synthesized and its physicochemical properties evaluated. The methyl iodide‐quaternized polymer was tested against the Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 16–32 and 64–128 μg mL−1, respectively. Against the Gram‐negative Escherichia coli, the MIC and MBC were both 64–128 μg mL−1. To broaden the range of applications, PDMAPMA was coated on substrates via crosslinking to endow the surface with contact‐kill functionality. The effect of charge density of the coatings on the antimicrobial behavior was then investigated, and stronger biocidal performance was observed for films with higher charge density. This study of the biocidal behavior of PDMAPMA both in solution and as coatings is expected to broaden the application of polymers containing aniline side groups and provide more information on the antimicrobial behavior of such materials. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1908–1921
Health risk behaviors, violence exposure, and current asthma among adolescents in the United States
Authors: Han Yueh‐Ying , Forno Erick , Celedón Juan C.
Published: January 2019

Background

Asthma may worsen during adolescence, due to both health risk behaviors and psychosocial stressors commonly encountered during this life stage.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study of 24 612 high school students who participated in the 2009 and 2011 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the relation between self‐reported health risk behaviors or psychosocial stressors and current asthma. Mediation analysis was performed to assess whether depressive symptoms or suicidal behavior contribute to the link between psychosocial stressors and asthma.

Results

Current asthma was reported by 13.1% of the study participants. In a multivariable analysis, female sex, obesity, shorter sleep duration, frequent soda/pop consumption, and marijuana use were each significantly associated with 14‐36% increased odds of asthma. Any violent behavior (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02‐1.24), any victimization (OR = 1.43, 95%CI = 1.29–1.58), any suicidal behavior (OR = 1.41, 95%CI = 1.22‐1.64) and having felt sad or hopeless in the past year (OR = 1.57, 95%CI = 1.40‐1.75) were each associated with current asthma. In a mediation analyses, having felt sad/hopeless and suicidal behaviors accounted for 21% and 14%, respectively, of the victimization‐asthma association.

Conclusion

Potentially modifiable risk factors, including obesity, short sleep duration, frequent soda/pop consumption, and psychosocial stressors are associated with asthma in US adolescents. Promoting healthier lifestyles, as well as screening for violence exposure and treating depressive symptoms, could help reduce asthma burden in this population.
Children with poorly controlled asthma: Randomized controlled trial of a home‐based environmental control intervention
Authors: Butz Arlene Manns , Bollinger Mary E. , Ogborn Jean , Morphew Tricia , Mudd Shawna S. , Kub Joan E. , Bellin Melissa H. , Lewis‐Land Cassia , DePriest Kelli , Tsoukleris Mona
Published: January 2019

Background

Few trials have tested targeted environmental control (EC) interventions based on biomarkers of second hand smoke (SHS) exposure and allergen sensitization in reducing asthma emergency department (ED) visits in children with poorly controlled asthma.

Methods

Overall, 222 children with poorly controlled asthma were randomized into a home‐based EC intervention (INT) or control (CON) group and followed for ED visits over 12 months. All children received allergen‐specific IgE serologic testing and SHS exposure biomarker testing to inform the EC intervention. Pharmacy data was examined for asthma medication fills. Cox proportional hazards and multivariate regression models were performed to examine factors associated with repeat ED visits.

Results

There was no difference in increased risk of >1 ED visit at 12 months between INT and CON groups. Most children (75%) had moderate/severe persistent asthma. Over half (56%) had SHS exposure and 83% tested positive for >1 allergen sensitization. Among children without SHS exposure, the median time to first recurrent ED visit differed by group (CON: 195; INT: >365 days) after adjusting for child age, allergic sensitization, medication fills prior to baseline, controller medication use, and the interaction between group status and SHS exposure. Children who had positive allergic sensitizations, younger, had increased controller medication use and randomized to the CON group and had no SHS exposure had increased risk for a repeat ED visit over 12 months.

Conclusions

In this study, a home‐based EC intervention was not successful in reducing asthma ED revisits in children with poorly controlled asthma with SHS exposure. Allergic sensitization, young age, and increased controller medication use were important predictors of asthma ED visits.
Identification of targets for prostate cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Papanicolau‐Sengos Antonios , Yang Yuanquan , Pabla Sarabjot , Lenzo Felicia L. , Kato Shumei , Kurzrock Razelle , DePietro Paul , Nesline Mary , Conroy Jeffrey , Glenn Sean , Chatta Gurkamal , Morrison Carl
Published: January 2019

Background

We performed profiling of the immune microenvironment of castration‐resistant (CRPC) and castration‐sensitive (CSPC) prostate cancer (PC) in order to identify novel targets for immunotherapy.

Methods

PD‐L1 and CD3/CD8 immunohistochemistry, PD‐L1/2 fluorescent in situ hybridization, tumor mutation burden, microsatellite instability, and RNA‐seq of 395 immune‐related genes were performed in 19 CRPC and CSPC. Targeted genomic sequencing and fusion analysis were performed in 17 of these specimens.

Results

CD276, PVR, and NECTIN2 were highly expressed in PC. Comparison of CRPC versus CSPC and primary versus metastatic tissue revealed the differential expression of immunostimulatory, immunosuppressive, and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related genes. Unsupervised clustering of differentially expressed genes yielded two final clusters best segregated by CRPC and CSPC status.

Conclusion

CD276 and the alternative checkpoint inhibition PVR/NECTIN2/CD226/TIGIT pathway emerged as relevant to PC checkpoint inhibition target development.
Neuroendocrine differentiation markers guide treatment sequence selection in metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Fan Liancheng , Yang Yan , Chi Chenfei , Ma Xiaowei , Wang Rui , Gong Yiming , Zheng Hongying , Pan Jiahua , Zhu Yinjie , Dong Baijun , Xue Wei
Published: January 2019

Background

To evaluate the value of the serum neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) markers in helping to select the best treatment sequence of abiraterone acetate (AA) and docetaxel‐prednisone (DP) in mCRPC.

Methods

Eighty‐eight mCRPC patients were identified (42 in the DP‐to‐AA group and 46 in the AA‐to‐DP group). The serum levels of NED markers were measured before the first‐line treatment in 88 patients and also before and after DP therapy in 38 patients. We determined their impact on OS, radiographic progression‐free survival (rPFS), and PSA‐PFS.

Results

In men with an elevation of at least one NED marker (n = 46) before the first‐line treatment, those who received AA and then DP had significantly better worse OS (21.7 months [95% CI 21.0‐22.4] vs 19.9 months (95% CI 15.3‐24.5); P = 0.023. In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, treatment sequencing selection (selecting DP‐AA rather than AA‐DP) independently predicted OS (HR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2‐0.9, P = 0.035) in patients with an elevation of at least one NED marker. However, in the subgroup without NED marker elevation, there was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between AA‐DP and DP‐AA groups (all P > 0.05). In the group with continued NED marker evaluation during DP treatment, patients with higher baseline NED markers and obtaining PSA response to DP were more inclined to experience NED markers decline.

Conclusions

Elevated pretreatment serum NED markers might indicate mCRPC patients would get better clinical outcomes from DP‐AA than AA‐DP. In contrast, those without NED marker elevation had similar outcomes regardless of which agent was chosen first. mCRPC patients with elevated NED markers and chemotherapy response were more inclined to obtain NED markers decline during DP therapy, which could account for this phenomenon.
The interplay between vitamin D and viral infections
Authors: Teymoori‐Rad Majid , Shokri Fazel , Salimi Vahid , Marashi Sayed Mahdi
Published: January 2019

The pleiotropic role of vitamin D has been explored over the past decades and there is compelling evidence for an epidemiological association between poor vitamin D status and a variety of diseases. While the potential anti‐viral effect of vitamin D has recently been described, the underlying mechanisms by which vitamin D deficiency could contribute to viral disease development remain poorly understood. The possible interactions between viral infections and vitamin D appear to be more complex than previously thought. Recent findings indicate a complex interplay between viral infections and vitamin D, including the induction of anti‐viral state, functional immunoregulatory features, interaction with cellular and viral factors, induction of autophagy and apoptosis, and genetic and epigenetic alterations. While crosstalk between vitamin D and intracellular signalling pathways may provide an essential modulatory effect on viral gene transcription, the immunomodulatory effect of vitamin D on viral infections appears to be transient. The interplay between viral infections and vitamin D remains an intriguing concept, and the global imprint that vitamin D can have on the immune signature in the context of viral infections is an area of growing interest.
Cadmium induces actin cytoskeleton alterations and dysfunction in Neuro‐2a cells
Authors: Ge Yaming , Song Xiaochao , Chen Lingli , Hu Dongfang , Hua Liushuai , Cui Yunli , Liu Junwei , An Zhixing , Yin Zhihong , Ning Hongmei
Published: January 2019

Cadmium (Cd) is considered a possible etiological factor in neurodegenerative diseases. However, the exact mechanism by which Cd induces neurotoxicity is not well elucidated. In this study, Neuro‐2a cells were treated with 0, 10, 20, and 40 μM cadmium chloride for 24 hours to investigate the effects of Cd on the cytoskeleton of nerve cells. MTT assay and ELISA assay were used to examine cell viability and release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from cells, respectively. Results showed that Cd reduced cell viability and increased the release of LDH in a dose‐dependent manner (P < 0.05). The morphology of treated cell was damaged as indicated by cell collapse and dimensionality reduction. Moreover, the axonal spines and normal features of Cd‐treated neurons disappeared. We checked the ultrastructure of Neuro‐2a cells and found that Cd‐induced swelling, membrane damage, overflow of cytoplasm contents, and cell fragmentation. Damaged mitochondria, expanded endoplasmic reticulum, and abnormal microfilaments were found in Cd‐treated cells rather than in untreated cells. Compared with the control group, the relative release of glutamate in the supernatant after Cd treatment was reduced, indicating that Cd exposure could reduce the release of glutamate by inhibiting the function of nerve‐2a cells. Cd decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels of cytoskeletal proteins including DBN, SYP, and TAU, which might promote cytoskeleton alterations in Cd‐treated cells. In conclusion, Cd‐induced actin cytoskeleton alterations and dysfunction of cultured neurons. The results of the present study provide new insights for the investigation of Cd‐induced neurotoxicity.
Menetrier's disease (protein-losing gastropathy) in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Fouda Ashraf , Kamath Binita , Chung Catherine , Punnett Angela
Published: January 2019

A 3-year-old boy with high-risk precursor-B ALL presented with abdominal pain, vomiting, and hypo- albuminemia just before his second scheduled course of high-dose methotrexate in interim maintenance. Examination was significant for epigastric tenderness and periorbital edema. Abdominal imaging revealed a circumferential thickening of the stomach with an increased mucosal enhancement and a mild circumferential thickening of segments of small bowel loops. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) of the patient, determined by PCR, in blood was positive with a low titer and was subsequently negative. Upper endoscopy revealed hypertrophic rugae and folds in the stomach and duodenum, and biopsy showed giant gastric folds and foveolar hyperplasia but was negative for CMV. He received supportive care and a 2-week course of ganciclovir and Cytogam with clinical improvement. We report a case of Menetrier's disease (Protein-losing gastropathy), which was diagnosed in a child with acute leukemia. Menetrier's disease should be considered in any patient with symptoms referable to the gastrointestinal tract and thickened stomach and bowel loops detected by radiologic imaging.
Updated Evidence of Association Between Periodontal Disease and Incident Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Zhou X. , Cao F. , Lin Z. , Wu D.
Published: January 2019

Introduction

The relationship between periodontal disease (PD) and erectile dysfunction (ED) is still conflicting.

Aim

To investigate whether a link between PD and ED exists, and if so, the degree to which it is significant.

Methods

The search strategy included using electronic databases and hand searching works published up to June 2018. MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, Proceedings Web of Science, and Current Contents Connect were searched by 2 independent reviewers. Case-control, cohort, or cross-sectional studies including patients with measures of periodontitis and ED were included in the analysis. Quality assessments and sensitivity analysis of selected studies were performed.

Main Outcome Measure

The strength of the association between PD and the prevalence of ED was evaluated.

Results

5 case-control studies with 213,076 participants met the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Patients with PD were 2.85-fold more likely to be diagnosed with ED (OR = 2.85, 95% CI = [1.83, 4.46]). Asian men were reported to be 3.07 times more likely to be at greater risk for the prevalence of ED. Moreover, studies with high quality and case-control design showed 2 times higher risk for ED in PD (OR = 2.44, 95% CI = [1.44, 4.14]). However, the present evidence was not robust enough owing to the high heterogeneity and instability in sensitivity analysis.

Clinical Implications

Patients with PD may have increased risk of ED, suggesting that dental hygiene should be of concern to clinicians when managing patients with ED.

Strength & Limitations

This article includes a large literature search to confirm the evidence that PD increases the occurrence of ED. However, there are several confounders, such as age and the type of ED, that failed to be adjusted and that generate bias and affect the correlation between the incidence of ED and PD.

Conclusion

This system review and meta-analysis strengthens the evidence that PD might have important clinical implications for risk stratification of ED.
Older Adults’ Coping Strategies With Changes in Sexual Functioning: Results From Qualitative Research
Authors: Ayalon L. , Gewirtz-Meydan A. , Levkovich I.
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Research has consistently documented changes in sexual functioning as people age.

Aim

To examine the ways older men and women cope with changes in sexual functioning.

Methods

In-depth interviews with 47 Israelis over the age of 60 were conducted and analyzed thematically.

Main Outcome Measure

The main outcomes of interest in this study were the coping strategies employed by older men and women to address changes in their sexuality.

Results

7 coping strategies that were differentially employed by men and women were identified. These strategies were classified along a continuum of internal (involving only the person being affected by the change) vs external (involving others) strategies. External strategies involved other people and services, such as a primary care provider or a counselor, whereas internal strategies were confined to intrapsychic experiences, such as an acceptance of the fact that sex was no longer part of life. Other strategies, such as sexual fantasies about having an affair or the use of pornography to stimulate desire, were classified along the 2 poles. Most individuals used >1 strategy. Differences by gender are noted.

Clinical Implications

The techniques identified reflect to some degree the medicalization and marketization of sexuality among older adults, but potentially also allude to somewhat more liberal views of sexuality in contemporary society.

Strength & Limitations

The subjective nature of this study and the open-ended perspective employed in the analysis allow for better appreciation of the coping strategies used by older adults. There is potentially a selection bias with those individuals who feel more comfortable discussing sexuality, participating in the study, and others refraining from such a discussion.

Conclusion

The older adults interviewed in this study tended to equate sexual functioning with sexual intercourse.
The Creation of Elusive Investor Responsibility
Authors: Ho Jean
Published: January 2019

The issue of investor responsibility reveals a stubborn bias within international investment law. That law addresses mistreatment by host states of foreign investors but consistently fails to address investor misconduct in host states. The traditional emphasis on state responsibility in this context has allowed abusive, pollutive, and corrupt investor behavior to thrive. International investment law is the current object of scrutiny, criticism, and reform in large part because many see it as overprotecting investors. However, scholars and reformers have focused on state responsibility, tinkering with the legal and institutional conditions that determine the international wrongfulness of state conduct. Unless and until investor responsibility is integrated into international investment law reform, the overprotection of investors owing to an accountability gap will continue to undermine its legitimacy. This essay posits that the first step to integration is understanding why investor responsibility scrabbles to find purchase in international investment law. I argue that elusive investor responsibility was created by omission, with injurious consequences that highlight the need to alter, rather than accept, the status quo.
The “Invisible” Local Communities: Foreign Investor Obligations, Inclusiveness, and the International Investment Regime
Authors: Perrone Nicolás M.
Published: January 2019

International investment law is relational. It is about how we define and govern the relationship between the actors involved in and affected by foreign investment projects. Most international investment law literature confirms the relational nature of this field. The scholarship has analyzed the resolution of specific disputes and the regulatory relationship between foreign investors and host states. As could be expected, some of the key issues that have emerged include states’ right to regulate, the risk of regulatory chill, and how to review state regulation. There is, however, an important blind spot in this relational approach. A look at many foreign investment disputes, particularly in the natural resource extraction sector, shows that local communities are also central protagonists of foreign investment projects. These communities have a lot at stake but have remained almost invisible to the international investment regime. Apart from the ability to submit amicus curiae briefs, they have neither rights nor remedies in this regime. This essay discusses international investment law from an inclusive relational perspective, and shows how, contrary to this perspective, recent awards in investor-state dispute settlement continue to render invisible local communities and their rightful aspirations.
Investor Responsibility as Familiar Frontier
Authors: Kern Jackson Shaw
Published: January 2019

This essay suggests that amidst the various criticisms of investor-state arbitration, the most potent is the present inadequacy of this mechanism to establish a reciprocal responsibility of foreign investors. The founders of the modern era of international investment arbitration never intended to build a one-way street. In this sense, to seek a regime of investor responsibility may not be to reach toward a new frontier so much as to return to one that is familiar, though underexplored.
Transnational Corporate Responsibility in Domestic Courts: Still Out of Reach?
Authors: Sanger Andrew
Published: January 2019

Despite some modest progress, corporate responsibility for human rights abuses in domestic courts remains elusive. In U.S. federal courts, Alien Tort Statute (ATS) litigation is now more precarious than ever before. While there have been some potentially important developments in English courts, judges are reluctant to extend responsibility to parent corporations for harm caused by the operations of foreign subsidiaries. Although U.S. and English courts have been concerned with distinct doctrinal issues, the overall picture appears to be one of deference to the corporation and its anatomized form, and to the goal of promoting investment abroad.
SPACES OF SPECIAL QUADRILATERALS
Authors: GONZÁLEZ AHTZIRI , LÓPEZ-LÓPEZ JORGE L.
Published: January 2019

We describe the parameter spaces of some families of quadrilaterals, such as parallelograms, rectangles, rhombuses, cyclic quadrilaterals and trapezoids. For this purpose, we prove that the closed $n$-disc $\mathbb{D}^{n}$ is the unique topological $n$-manifold (with boundary) whose boundary and interior are homeomorphic to $\mathbb{S}^{n-1}$ and $\mathbb{R}^{n}$, respectively. Roughly speaking, our main result states that the natural compactifications of the parameter spaces of cyclic quadrilaterals and of trapezoids, modulo similarity, are both homeomorphic to $\mathbb{D}^{3}$.
A CHARACTERISATION OF TRACIALLY NUCLEAR C*-ALGEBRAS
Authors: HADWIN DON , LI WEIHUA , LIU WENJING , SHEN JUNHAO
Published: January 2019

We give two characterisations of tracially nuclear C*-algebras. The first is that the finite summand of the second dual is hyperfinite. The second is in terms of a variant of the weak* uniqueness property. The necessary condition holds for all tracially nuclear C*-algebras. When the algebra is separable, we prove the sufficiency.
Direct construction of optimized stellarator shapes. Part 2. Numerical quasisymmetric solutions
Authors: Landreman Matt , Sengupta Wrick , Plunk Gabriel G.
Published: January 2019

Quasisymmetric stellarators are appealing intellectually and as fusion reactor candidates since the guiding-centre particle trajectories and neoclassical transport are isomorphic to those in a tokamak, implying good confinement. Previously, quasisymmetric magnetic fields have been identified by applying black-box optimization algorithms to minimize symmetry-breaking Fourier modes of the field strength $B$. Here, instead, we directly construct magnetic fields in cylindrical coordinates that are quasisymmetric to leading order in the distance from the magnetic axis, without using optimization. The method involves solution of a one-dimensional nonlinear ordinary differential equation, originally derived by Garren & Boozer (Phys. Fluids B, vol. 3, 1991, p. 2805). We demonstrate the usefulness and accuracy of this optimization-free approach by providing the results of this construction as input to the codes VMEC and BOOZ_XFORM, confirming the purity and scaling of the magnetic spectrum. The space of magnetic fields that are quasisymmetric to this order is parameterized by the magnetic axis shape along with three other real numbers, one of which reflects the on-axis toroidal current density, and another one of which is zero for stellarator symmetry. The method here could be used to generate good initial conditions for conventional optimization, and its speed enables exhaustive searches of parameter space.
Why Do Students Enroll in Political Science Courses?
Authors: Bunte Jonas B.
Published: January 2019

Why do students enroll in political science courses? I conducted an experiment designed to test the appeal of three possible motivations: students might hope to develop valuable skills, look for a better grasp of current events, or expect a deeper understanding of how the world works and their place within it. The experiment involved visiting several sections of Introduction to American Government courses. In each section, I advertised a political science course offered in the following semester. However, I varied the way in which the course was described and subsequently tracked whether students enrolled in it. I find that highlighting opportunities to develop skills does not have a significant effect on enrollment. In contrast, emphasizing “how the world works” is most effective at increasing enrollment. Qualitative evidence suggests that students are attracted to this type of course because it offers the opportunity for personal development and growth.
Contribution of fat, sugar and salt to diets in the Pacific Islands: a systematic review
Authors: Santos Joseph Alvin , McKenzie Briar , Trieu Kathy , Farnbach Sara , Johnson Claire , Schultz Jimaima , Thow Anne Marie , Snowdon Wendy , Bell Colin , Webster Jacqui
Published: January 2019

Objective

Pacific Island countries are experiencing a high burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases; and consumption of fat, sugar and salt are important modifiable risk factors contributing to this. The present study systematically reviewed and summarized available literature on dietary intakes of fat, sugar and salt in the Pacific Islands.

Design

Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect and GlobalHealth) were searched from 2005 to January 2018. Grey literature was also searched and key stakeholders were consulted for additional information. Study eligibility was assessed by two authors and quality was evaluated using a modified tool for assessing dietary intake studies.

Results

Thirty-one studies were included, twenty-two contained information on fat, seventeen on sugar and fourteen on salt. Dietary assessment methods varied widely and six different outcome measures for fat, sugar and salt intake – absolute intake, household expenditure, percentage contribution to energy intake, sources, availability and dietary behaviours – were used. Absolute intake of fat ranged from 25·4 g/d in Solomon Islands to 98·9 g/d in Guam, while salt intake ranged from 5·6 g/d in Kiribati to 10·3 g/d in Fiji. Only Guam reported on absolute sugar intake (47·3 g/d). Peer-reviewed research studies used higher-quality dietary assessment methods, while reports from national surveys had better participation rates but mostly utilized indirect methods to quantify intake.

Conclusions

Despite the established and growing crisis of diet-related diseases in the Pacific, there is inadequate evidence about what Pacific Islanders are eating. Pacific Island countries need nutrition monitoring systems to fully understand the changing diets of Pacific Islanders and inform effective policy interventions.
MarsLux: HI‐Resolution Illumination Maps Generator for Mars
Authors: Spagnuolo M. G. , Carballo F. D. , Marco Figuera R. , Rossi A. P.
Published: January 2019

Illumination simulation codes for the Moon's surface have been thoroughly developed during the last years. Despite works done for the Moon, no studies have investigated the relation between sunlight illumination and the Martian surface applying those codes done for the Moon to Mars. The objective of this work is to describe the development of a surface illumination simulation code, called MarsLux, which allows users to make a detailed investigation of the illumination conditions on Mars, based on its topography and the relative position of the Sun. Our code can derive accurate illumination maps, form topographic data, showing areas that are fully illuminated, areas in total shadow, and areas with partial shade, in short computational times. Although the code does not take into account any atmospheric effect, the results proved to be of high accuracy. The maps generated are useful for geomorphological studies, to study gullies, thermal weathering, or mass wasting processes as well as for producing energy budget maps for future exploration missions.
Evaluation of Four Sky View Factor Algorithms Using Digital Surface and Elevation Model Data
Authors: Jiao Zhong‐Hu , Ren Huazhong , Mu Xihan , Zhao Jing , Wang Tianxing , Dong Jiaji
Published: January 2019

The sky view factor (SVF) is a crucial variable widely used to quantify the characteristics of surface structures and estimate surface radiation budget. Many SVF models based on raster data have been developed but not yet evaluated in a more quantitative and uniform manner. In this paper, four typical SVF models (Dozier‐Frew (D‐F), Manners, Lindberg‐Grimmond (L‐G), and Helbig_h) are evaluated using the SVF derived from simulated fisheye images based on the digital surface model (DSM) and digital elevation model data. The SVF calculated by D‐F method using DSM data has the best accuracy, with a mean bias error of −0.007, root‐mean‐square error of 0.069, and coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.914. For the SVF value derived from digital elevation model data, L‐G method shows good performance, with an mean bias error of 0.013, root‐mean‐square error of 0.032, and R2 of 0.897. The pixels near the edges of buildings, within the valley or along ridgelines, have higher SVF deviations. In addition, the slope angle calculated using DSM data has some artificial defects that make the significant impact on the SVF biases due to their calculation method and the discontinuous surface in urban areas. Thus, L‐G and Helbig_h methods are more applicable for the DSM data due to the difficulty in defining slope and aspect angles. Moreover, the high accordance of SVFs between Helbig_h and L‐G methods implies that the Helbig_h method is an alternative in virtue of its simpler form and lower computation cost than L‐G method.
Quantifying Degradative Loss of Terrigenous Organic Carbon in Surface Sediments Across the Laptev and East Siberian Sea
Authors: Bröder Lisa , Andersson August , Tesi Tommaso , Semiletov Igor , Gustafsson Örjan
Published: January 2019

Ongoing permafrost thaw in the Arctic may remobilize large amounts of old organic matter. Upon transport to the Siberian shelf seas, this material may be degraded and released to the atmosphere, exported off‐shelf, or buried in the sediments. While our understanding of the fate of permafrost‐derived organic matter in shelf waters is improving, poor constraints remain regarding degradation in sediments. Here we use an extensive data set of organic carbon concentrations and isotopes (n = 109) to inventory terrigenous organic carbon (terrOC) in surficial sediments of the Laptev and East Siberian Seas (LS + ESS). Of these ~2.7 Tg terrOC about 55% appear resistant to degradation on a millennial timescale. A first‐order degradation rate constant of 1.5 kyr−1 is derived by combining a previously established relationship between water depth and cross‐shelf sediment‐terrOC transport time with mineral‐associated terrOC loadings. This yields a terrOC degradation flux of ~1.7 Gg/year from surficial sediments during cross‐shelf transport, which is orders of magnitude lower than earlier estimates for degradation fluxes of dissolved and particulate terrOC in the water column of the LS + ESS. The difference is mainly due to the low degradation rate constant of sedimentary terrOC, likely caused by a combination of factors: (i) the lower availability of oxygen in the sediments compared to fully oxygenated waters, (ii) the stabilizing role of terrOC‐mineral associations, and (iii) the higher proportion of material that is intrinsically recalcitrant due to its chemical/molecular structure in sediments. Sequestration of permafrost‐released terrOC in shelf sediments may thereby attenuate the otherwise expected permafrost carbon‐climate feedback.
Large‐Scale Landscape Drivers of CO2, CH4, DOC, and DIC in Boreal River Networks
Authors: Hutchins Ryan H. S. , Prairie Yves T. , del Giorgio Paul A.
Published: January 2019

The boreal biome is characterized by extremely dense and complex fluvial networks that are closely coupled to land. Reconstructing the role that these fluvial networks play in regional carbon (C) budgets requires identifying landscape and environmental drivers of riverine C that operate at the whole network scale and that can be applied across landscapes. Here we explore drivers of CO2, CH4, and dissolved organic (DOC) and inorganic C (DIC) across 190 streams and rivers spanning 8 Strahler orders over an area of 500,000 km2 of heterogeneous boreal landscape in Québec, focusing on those drivers that can be readily obtained from remote sensing data. Each C species (except DIC) could be modeled as a function of a proximal network‐scale property, such as flow distance or elevation, but adding regional structure to these models greatly improved predictions. These modeled regional effects were similar for DOC, CO2, and CH4 and were strongly related to average regional soil organic content and especially to NPP, the latter integrating regional differences in climate and other environmental factors. These results suggest that there may be regional C baselines determined by a combination of landscape and climate features, which simultaneously influence the average CO2, DOC, and CH4 within fluvial networks, albeit through different underlying mechanisms and with varying degrees of influence on each C species. The latter two C species appear to be more sensitive to regional differences in soil, NPP, and climate than CO2 or DIC, and therefore more likely to shift under future scenarios of change in northern landscapes.
Modeling Slab Temperature: A Reevaluation of the Thermal Parameter
Authors: Maunder B. , van Hunen J. , Bouilhol P. , Magni V.
Published: January 2019

We reevaluate the effects of slab age, speed, and dip on slab temperature with numerical models. The thermal parameter Φ = t v sin θ, where t is age, v is speed, and θ is angle, is traditionally used as an indicator of slab temperature. However, we find that an empirically derived quantity, in which slab temperature T ∝  log (t−av−b) , is more accurate at depths <120 km, with the constants a and b depending on position within the slab. Shallower than the decoupling depth (~70–80 km), a~1 and b~0, that is, temperature is dependent on slab age alone. This has important implications for the early devolatilization of slabs in the hottest (youngest) cases and for shallow slab seismicity. At subarc depths (~100 km), within the slab mantle, a~1 and b~0 again. However, for the slab crust, now a~0.5 and b~1, that is, speed has the dominant effect. This is important when considering the generation of arc magmatism, and in particular, slab melting and the generation of slab‐derived melange diapirs. Moving deeper into the Earth, the original thermal parameter performs well as a temperature indicator, initially in the core of the slab (the region of interest for deep water cycling). Finally, varying the decoupling depth between 40 and 100 km has a dominant effect on slab temperatures down to 140‐km depth, but only within the slab crust. Slab mantle temperature remains primarily dependent on age.
Posteruptive Thermoelastic Deflation of Intruded Magma in Usu Volcano, Japan, 1992–2017
Authors: Wang Xiaowen , Aoki Yosuke
Published: January 2019

Secular ground subsidence at Usu volcano (Japan) has been reported around the eruption vents following the four eruptions in 1910, 1943, 1977, and 2000. However, the mechanisms accounting for the subsidence have not been well understood. In this study, we systematically investigated the posteruptive deformation at Usu volcano using interferometric synthetic aperture radar based on 111 JERS, ALOS‐1, and ALOS‐2 images acquired from 1992 to 2017. We also calculated quasi east‐west and vertical ground displacements between 2006 and 2017. Our results show three localized deformation regions from west to east of Usu volcano with their locations corresponding to the 2000, 1977, and 1943 eruption vents, respectively. All the deformation sites show patterns of east‐west contraction and subsidence. The extent and rate of posteruptive subsidence declined dramatically at the vent of the 2000 eruption site from 2006 to 2017, decreased gradually at the 1977 vent, and show a steady pattern for the 1943 site during 1992–2017. We ascribed the observed posteruptive subsidence to thermoelastic contraction of a sphere intruded at the time of the eruptions to constrain locations, depths, and volumes of heat sources with the assumption of the spherical source shapes. Thermoelastic modeling reveals that the heat sources are embedded at shallow depths not deeper than 400 m below sea level with volumes of about (8.72 ± 0.19) × 106, (132.18 ± 5.21) × 106, and (49.51 ± 2.02) × 106 m3 for the 2000, 1977, and 1943 eruption sites, respectively. The modeling also highlights the importance of underground water in assessing the thermal diffusion process and the associated posteruptive deformation.
Surface Water Temperature Heterogeneity at Subpixel Satellite Scales and Its Effect on the Surface Cooling Estimates of a Large Lake: Airborne Remote Sensing Results From Lake Geneva
Authors: Irani Rahaghi Abolfazl , Lemmin Ulrich , Barry David Andrew
Published: January 2019

The dynamics of spatial heterogeneity of lake surface water temperature (LSWT) at subpixel satellite scale O(1 m) and its effect on the surface cooling estimation at typical satellite pixel areas O(1 km2) were investigated using an airborne platform. The measurements provide maps that revealed spatial LSWT variability with unprecedented detail. The cold season data did not show significant LSWT heterogeneity and hence no surface cooling spatial variability. However, based on three selected daytime subpixel‐scale maps, LSWT patterns showed a variability of >2 °C in the spring and >3.5 °C in the summer, corresponding to a spatial surface cooling range of >20 and >40 W/m2, respectively. Due to the nonlinear relationship between turbulent surface heat fluxes and LSWT, negatively skewed LSWT distributions resulted in negatively skewed surface cooling patterns under very stable or predominantly unstable atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) conditions and positively skewed surface cooling patterns under predominantly stable ABL conditions. Implementing a mean spatial filter, the effect of area‐averaged LSWT on the surface cooling estimation up to a typical satellite pixel was assessed. The effect of the averaging filter size on the mean spatial surface cooling values was negligible, except for predominantly stable ABL conditions. In that situation, a reduction of ~3.5 W/m2 was obtained when moving from high O(1 m) to low O(1 km) pixel resolution.
Inverse Modeling the Brazil‐Malvinas Confluence
Authors: Orúe‐Echevarría Dorleta , Pelegrí Josep L. , Machín Francisco , Hernández‐Guerra Alonso , Emelianov Mikhail
Published: January 2019

The Brazil‐Malvinas Confluence arises from the frontal encountering of the subtropical Brazil Current and subantarctic Malvinas Current. It displays a complex regional circulation that is accompanied by mesoscale features and thermohaline intrusions. Here we combine altimetry and cruise data to describe the circulation pattern in the upper 2,000 m at two spatial scales encircling the frontal system. The major regional features appear south of the confluence latitude at 39–40°S: (a) a relatively weak Malvinas Current near 41°S, 56°W (28.3 ± 1.4 Sv), followed by its cyclonic retroflection; (b) an intense subtropical anticyclone (59.3 ± 10.7 Sv) that replaces the Brazil Current overshoot; and (c) a very intense subantarctic inflow (78.9 ± 13.7 Sv) near 53°W that is maintained through both an upstream (near 42°S) earlier diversion of the Malvinas Current and the cyclonic recirculation of the flow exiting east along the confluence. North of the confluence, the Brazil Current provides a net input of 30.8 ± 12.0 Sv (29.1 ± 8.3 Sv along the slope). The southern inflow splits nearly equal between barotropic and baroclinic contributions while the entire northern flow is essentially baroclinic. These northern and southern inputs add to an eastward along‐front transport of 109.7 ± 15.1 Sv, with significant contribution of highly oxygenated, relatively fresh Subantarctic Mode and Antarctic Intermediate Waters (58.7 ± 5.6 Sv). The regional circulation experiences substantial temporal variability, with southern waters flowing into the Brazil‐Malvinas Confluence through along‐slope and interior pathways and partly recirculating within the subtropical South Atlantic gyre.
Sensitivity to splicing modulation of BCL2 family genes defines cancer therapeutic strategies for splicing modulators
Authors: Aird Daniel , Teng Teng , Huang Chia-Ling , Pazolli Ermira , Banka Deepti , Cheung-Ong Kahlin , Eifert Cheryl , Furman Craig , Wu Zhenhua Jeremy , Seiler Michael , Buonamici Silvia , Fekkes Peter , Karr Craig , Palacino James , Park Eunice , Smith Peter G. , Yu Lihua , Mizui Yoshiharu , Warmuth Markus , Chicas Agustin , Corson Laura , Zhu Ping
Published: January 2019

Dysregulation of RNA splicing by spliceosome mutations or in cancer genes is increasingly recognized as a hallmark of cancer. Small molecule splicing modulators have been introduced into clinical trials to treat solid tumors or leukemia bearing recurrent spliceosome mutations. Nevertheless, further investigation of the molecular mechanisms that may enlighten therapeutic strategies for splicing modulators is highly desired. Here, using unbiased functional approaches, we report that the sensitivity to splicing modulation of the anti-apoptotic BCL2 family genes is a key mechanism underlying preferential cytotoxicity induced by the SF3b-targeting splicing modulator E7107. While BCL2A1, BCL2L2 and MCL1 are prone to splicing perturbation, BCL2L1 exhibits resistance to E7107-induced splicing modulation. Consequently, E7107 selectively induces apoptosis in BCL2A1-dependent melanoma cells and MCL1-dependent NSCLC cells. Furthermore, combination of BCLxL (BCL2L1-encoded) inhibitors and E7107 remarkably enhances cytotoxicity in cancer cells. These findings inform mechanism-based approaches to the future clinical development of splicing modulators in cancer treatment.